Roundtable Discussion Sessions

Large manufacturers face several challenges when it comes to data integration and management including Data Silos; Data Volume and Velocity; Data Variety; Data Quality and Consistency; Legacy Systems; Data Security and Privacy; Scalability and Performance; Integration of External Data; Data Governance and Compliance.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive data integration strategy, modern integration platforms, robust data governance practices, and a data-driven culture within the organization.  

Data analytics and insights are important to large manufacturers as they enable informed decision-making, improve operational efficiency, identify patterns, optimize production processes, and enhance overall business performance. 

To create a data-driven culture, manufacturers should prioritise data collection, invest in analytics tools, provide training on data analysis, encourage data-driven decision-making, and foster a collaborative environment for sharing insights.  

Imagine the ability to harness a digital superpower that could revolutionize your business. What would it be and why? This round table is an invaluable opportunity to learn from peers who have embarked on similar journeys from very different starting points. We will focus on the initial phase of transformation: assessing and planning. Through shared experiences, attendees will gain insights on how to turn their digital dreams into reality, paving the way for a successful implementation and scaling.

Key discussion points:

. Practical ways to assess your digital readiness

. Formal versus informal approaches

. How to align the company’s overall objectives

Discussion leader: Asif Moghal – Director, D&M Market & Industry Development at Autodesk

Assess Current State; Define Objectives; Set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs); Identify Technologies and Solutions; Develop a Roadmap; Secure Stakeholder Buy-in; Allocate Resources; Implement Pilot Project. 

Scale Up: Once the pilot projects demonstrate positive results, gradually scale up your digitalisation efforts across the organisation. Monitor the implementation closely, gather feedback from users, and make iterative improvements as necessary. Digitalisation is an ongoing process. Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of your digitalization initiatives. Collect and analyze data to identify further optimization opportunities and adapt your strategy accordingly. Provide training and support to employees to ensure they have the necessary skills to leverage the digital tools and technologies effectively. Implement change management strategies to facilitate a smooth transition and address any resistance to change. Measure and Celebrate Success. 

Connecting Shop Floor to Top Floor with MES in manufacturing refers to the integration of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to establish seamless communication and data exchange between production operations on the shop floor and management systems at the executive level. 

IT/OT Planning and Integration in manufacturing refers to the strategic alignment and seamless coordination of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. It aims to optimise production processes, improve efficiency, and enable effective data-driven decision-making across the entire manufacturing ecosystem. 

Manufacturers can monitor and optimize their existing IT/OT systems and platforms by implementing proactive monitoring tools to detect issues, analysing data to identify performance bottlenecks, conducting regular system audits, employing predictive analytics for maintenance planning, and leveraging automation for process optimisation. Continuous monitoring, analysis, and fine-tuning enable manufacturers to enhance systems efficiency, reliability, and security while maximising productivity and minimising downtime. 

Digital twins can assist manufacturers by providing real-time monitoring and analysis of production processes, optimizing operations and maintenance, improving product design through simulations, and enabling predictive maintenance. The main challenges in implementation include data integration and management, ensuring data security and privacy, developing accurate and reliable models, and establishing interoperability standards across different systems and platforms. 

In the complex world of Industry 4.0, how do you navigate an ever-evolving landscape of relationships with distributors, wholesalers, dealers, agents, OEMs, and other partner types? Is your outdated digital experience slowing partnerships’ growth? Is your visibility into GTM strategies cloudy and is the ROI of your marketing spend not meeting expectations? 

. How are you currently managing relationships with distributors, suppliers and other partners? 

. Has lack of coordination with partners impacted you breaking into new markets and reaching new customers? 

. How does your technology affect and drive revenue for partners? 

• For senior decision makers looking at AI for use case identification and business case development.
• Discussion to help leaders cut through hype and understand what AI tangibly means for their business
• Overview of Google’s responsible AI position and how it’s designing AI toolsets for the enterprise market

Unveiling supply chain strategies for value, collaboration and digital resilience.

Join Cognizant and SAP at the Manufacturing Leaders Summit, for an enlightening exploration of agile and resilient supply chains. This discussion will delve into topics such as value chain optimisation, fostering collaborative ecosystems and harnessing the power of digital transformation.

• The ability to create value whilst maintaining supply chain agility and resilience is crucial. Explore strategies for enhancing value creation and streamlining processes to maximise efficiencies and bolster your supply chain.
• Collaborative ecosystems have been proven to enhance supply chain agility and resilience. Delve into the strategies that drive innovation and enhance communication to amplify your manufacturing supply chain.
• Digital technologies are reshaping the landscape of manufacturing supply chains. Discover how cutting-edge technologies like IoT, AI and data analytics are revolutionising agility and resilience.

Learn from experts and peers on the insights, strategies and success stories that are shaping supply chain practices.

Manufacturers can assess and plan their journey to sustainability and Net Zero by conducting a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, setting ambitious targets for carbon emissions reduction, adopting clean energy sources, optimising resource and energy efficiency, implementing circular economy principles, investing in green technologies, engaging stakeholders, and monitoring progress through robust reporting and transparency. Collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement are key to achieving sustainability and Net Zero goals. 

To monitor and report on their journey to sustainability and Net Zero, manufacturers can set up mechanisms such as implementing robust data tracking systems, conducting regular environmental audits, engaging in stakeholder consultations, and adopting transparent reporting frameworks. Challenges they might face include data collection and verification complexities, aligning sustainability goals with operational practices, financial investments required for sustainable initiatives, and ensuring consistent progress amidst changing regulations and market dynamics. 

Reduce response times, reduce errors, enhance the customer experience, and lower costs with Field Service Automation

86% of decision-makers at companies with field service teams believe the teams are critical to growing the business. Yet all too often customer experiences are often let down by slow response times, inadequately skilled technicians, and inconsistent maintenance schedules. In this session, we’ll discuss:

·  Reduce response times through remote and superior in-person maintenance

·  Reduce errors and costs with better compliance measures and more efficient resource management.

·  Enhance the customer experience by equipping technicians with the tools and skills for success.

End of Line Automation in manufacturing refers to the use of automated systems and technologies at the final stages of production. It involves the integration of robotics, conveyors, sensors, and software to streamline tasks such as packaging, labeling, quality control, and palletizing. This automation optimises efficiency, reduces human error, and enhances productivity in the manufacturing process. 

Automation and robotics can assist manufacturers by improving productivity, efficiency, and quality through tasks such as assembly, packaging, and material handling. They can also enhance worker safety by performing hazardous or repetitive tasks. However, implementing automation and robotics requires significant investment, technological integration, and reskilling of the workforce. Ensuring compatibility with existing systems and addressing potential job displacement are major challenges in implementation. 

Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) offer several benefits for manufacturers. They can aid in product design and visualisation, facilitate immersive training programs, enhance maintenance and repair processes, and improve collaboration and communication among teams. However, challenges in implementation include high costs, limited hardware capabilities, integration with existing systems, and the need for skilled personnel to develop and deploy these technologies effectively. 

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer. It assists manufacturers by enabling rapid prototyping, reducing lead times, minimizing material waste, allowing complex designs and customisation, and enabling on-demand production. This technology revolutionises manufacturing by offering greater flexibility, cost-efficiency, and the ability to create intricate geometries that were previously challenging or impossible to produce. 

Operational excellence in manufacturing refers to the continuous improvement of processes and systems to achieve maximum efficiency, productivity, and quality. It assists manufacturers by streamlining operations, reducing waste and costs, enhancing product quality and customer satisfaction, optimizing resource allocation, and fostering innovation. Ultimately, operational excellence empowers manufacturers to achieve sustainable growth, competitive advantage, and adaptability in a dynamic market environment. 

With an energy transition driven by climate change, a near-permanent shortage of talent and AI pointing towards a future few can predict nor plan for, Manufacturing leaders are moving change and alignment at the top of their agenda. But in an ever-changing political environment, there is a need for a paradigm shift in how engineering and manufacturing businesses approach these challenges and opportunities. In this session, we will discuss how organisations can broaden innovation beyond R&D, become more effective through collaboration across functions and generations, and align their organisations to navigate the coming transformations successfully. 

. How do you tap into the innovation potential of your people? 

. What steps are you taking to make your business more attractive to future talent? 

. The problem of alignment isn’t new. What new approaches are you trying or have tried with success? 

Process redesign in manufacturing refers to the systematic restructuring and optimization of production processes to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall performance. It involves reevaluating and reconfiguring various aspects of the manufacturing process, such as workflow, resource allocation, technology integration, and quality control, with the goal of achieving greater productivity and competitiveness. 

Workforce Skills of the Future are crucial to manufacturers as they enable them to stay competitive in an evolving technological landscape. By acquiring these skills, manufacturers can enhance productivity, embrace automation and digitalisation, and adapt to emerging technologies. This ensures their ability to meet market demands, improve efficiency, and maintain a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation. 

Building digital talent is crucial for manufacturers as it enables them to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Digital talent empowers manufacturers to leverage emerging technologies like automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency, product innovation, and customer experience. By developing digital skills within their workforce, manufacturers can unlock new opportunities, stay competitive, and drive sustainable growth in the digital age.