What does it take to manufacture a product by the billions?  The numbers may change, but strategies and the role of digital technologies stay the same. On today’s episode Craig Brown and Thom Singer are joined by someone who understands why and how that is possible.  Siemens Digital Industry Software Vice President of Consumer Products & Retail Strategy Suzanne Kopcha helps consumer products companies find their digital enterprise strategy.  She understands the role of simulation and the importance of the ability to quickly adapt to real time decisions in the manufacturing environment, even during a pandemic.  And as someone who genuinely loves the work she does, Suzanne shares powerful ways that anyone can improve their network connections, even in today’s virtual world. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn about:

Manufacturing challenges of consumer products 

• What does manufacturing by the billions look like? 
• Efficient operations are key no matter the size of your product. 
• Technology transfer with different equipment can be a real challenge. 
• Simulation technology and engineering challenges are present in every industry. 

 

Data science as a form of engineering

• Tracking market trends and consumer data has been available for a long time. 
• Machine learning has to be balanced by human learning when processing data. 
• Consumer products are expected to adapt to consumer demands in a matter of weeks. 
• Data analytics and machine learning are key to identifying current trends. 
• CAD design can be superior to human design with the right technologies.

 

Digitization versus digital processes 

• Creating a digital ecosystem and defining processes with digital technology is critical. 
• You should be asking ‘what can my processes be because I have digital technology?
• Transparency should be embraced in all processes. 
• The digital enterprise and employing the role of the digital twin are essential to forward thinking companies. 

 

Improving virtual connections 

• Practice what you are going to say before you say it. 
• Be vulnerable enough to allow critique from others. 
• Ask questions to be sure that the people on the other side of the screen are receiving your message. 
• Increase connections by turning on your video and asking others to as well. 
• Schedule events that force you to step away from your computer.

 

How to develop a career you love 

• Pursue work that you love to do. 
• Invest in yourself through training, education and networking. 
• Maintain a diversity of perspective and stay well informed. 
• Find quality mentors that will provide honest feedback. 
• Give back to your industry in meaningful ways. 

 

Understanding logistics during the pandemic

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Register for the Agile Leadership for Digital Transformation here.

 

Do you have an example of extraordinary efforts or innovation during these unprecedented times? We would love to hear your story and possibly interview you for an upcoming episode. Please reach out to us at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.