On this episode, Bernd Hausler, Managing Director at ifm joins host Benjamin Brockman to talk about digitalization in the factory, building the factory of tomorrow and the role of workers in the future.

Other topics discussed include:

- Using digital solutions to be cost-competitive.

- Setting an internal culture that is consistent across the globe.

- Getting operators to accept digital tools as partners implemented to help them with their jobs.

- The difference between buying cloud software versus designing software internally.

- Why pay-per-use would be a good model for digital tool providers to offer.

- The rising importance of Machine Learning in the future of manufacturing.

- The importance of the connection between digitalization and sustainability.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.

#operations #manufacturing #industrialautomation

On this episode, Eberhard Wahl, Chief Executive Officer at TRUMPF, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to share some insights on standards in manufacturing automation and the difficult and expensive journey to create standards that are universally accepted.

Eberhard is also CEO of omlox, an open standard owned by a non-profit organization with more than 1,700 members.

Eberhard and Benjamin discuss:

- Achieving universal standardization for location tracking services.

- The cost of creating an accepted technology standard which is prohibitive for most small European companies.

- The vision behind Industry 4.0.

- The perceived competitive advantage of having proprietary technology.

- The importance of smaller companies combining resources to achieve universally adopted standards.

Eberhard also talks about his passion for the subject and his global effort to change the mindset in the industry.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.

Resources:

Omlox - https://omlox.com/home

TRUMPF - https://www.trumpf.com/en_US/

Benjamin Brockmann - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brockmann/

Operations1 | Website - https://operations1.com/en

Operations1 | Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/operations1/

Eberhard Wahl - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eberhard-wahl-0636783/

#operations #manufacturing #industrialautomation

On this episode, Joachim Hensch, CEO and Mentor at Joachim Hensch Consulting, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to explain what goes into making a smart factory.

Joachim has had a long history with clothing manufacture, including 25 years at Hugo Boss. He’s also spent time studying how some leaders in the smart factory space, like Siemens, build and maintain their factories. He and Benjamin discuss:

- How clothing manufacture has evolved and continues to evolve.

- Why businesses have to realize that simply improving the technology they currently have is an insufficient response.

- How team members can get activated to accept new technology if they are told the value it will add for them.

Joachim also discusses the role of iteration in creating a smart factory. There is no out-of-the-box solution. Team members have to be free to configure the technology in a way that also complements their work style and rhythms.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.

#operations #manufacturing #industrialautomation

On this episode, Catalin Barbulescu, CIO at bofrost*, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to share some insights into digital transformation.

Founded in 1966, today bofrost* serves 4.3M customers in 12 European countries. They sell and transport ice cream and frozen specialties and are committed to sustainably. They use natural resources wherever possible and engage socially with the communities they serve.

Benjamin and Catalin discuss:

• The timelines to consider when looking to upgrade processes and software.
• The importance of the endgame of any technological transformation: better customer touchpoints and a better customer experience.
• Guidelines on when to use SaaS out-of-the-box vs. paying for customization.

Catalin also points out that technology is not always the answer to every problem. Sometimes people are (still) the answer.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.

Resources:

• Catalin Barbulescu, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbulescucata/
• bofrost*, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/bofrost/
• bofrost*, Website - http://www.bofrost.de
• Benjamin Brockmann, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brockmann
• Operations1, Website - https://operations1.com/en
• Operations1, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/operations1/
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#operations #manufacturing #industrialautomation

On this episode, Jürgen Schmiezek, Chief Growth Officer at Tvarit, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to discuss how AI can help factories reduce waste.

Tvarit uses AI to analyze metal factory data in order to: 

- Identify problems in the casting process.

- Discover the reason for system failure.

- Suggest solutions for optimal casting.

By doing this, factories can reduce waste significantly, thus saving money.

According to Jürgen, most companies see an ROI within the first six months after the AI is installed and the wait is never longer than a year. He also adds that some companies have seen a 30% reduction in energy within the first three months of using AI.

Jürgen also discusses how AI technology can empower workers and how it is there to increase capacity and sustainability, not to steal jobs. AI is a great tool that humans should not be scared of but excited about.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.

Resources:

- Jürgen Schmiezek, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/juergenschmiezek/

- Tvarit, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/tvarit/

- Tvarit, Website - https://www.tvarit.com/

- Benjamin Brockmann, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brockmann

- Operations1, Website - https://operations1.com/en

- Operations1, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/operations1/

#operations #manufacturing #industrialautomation

On this episode, Engin Beken, Partner at Arthur D. Little, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to discuss challenges and solutions within the digitalization of operations.

Engin believes that although the term Industry 4.0 may have been hyped in the middle of the last decade, it will remain a big part of our lives in the years to come.

In addition to digital operations, there will be new topics that will need to be incorporated within the operations landscape. These may include digitalization planning and execution, rethinking processes, and the implementation of new technologies.

Many companies are experiencing problems getting traction within digitalization. Engin sheds light on these challenges, which include the key topics of transparency, knowledge, and people.

Engin also reveals how to get employees focused on technology and digital topics in general. The key is to foster a failure culture, which means measuring success not solely based on achieving predefined milestones, but encouraging an open mindset. This is crucial for paving the way for the implementation of new ideas.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.

• Engin Beken, LinkedIn
• Engin Beken, Arthur D. Little Website
• Benjamin Brockmann, LinkedIn
• Arthur D. Little, Website
• Arthur D. Little, LinkedIn 
• Operations1, Website
• Operations1, LinkedIn

On this episode, Pascal Frembs, IT Manager at Infineon Technologies, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about digital transformations on a global scale.

Infineon Technologies' core business is producing high-quality semiconductors. The company has a clear focus on digitalization and is committed to providing the most efficient IT solutions. It brings together the most experienced process experts from across the globe to design processes from scratch.

Benjamin and Pascal discuss automation and digitalization, two cardinal topics for the company, as well as the benefits of harmonization.

Pascal shares that cost factors and overall efficiency are not the only motivation behind transforming an organization's maintenance process management system. Harmonization and standardization of processes are the basis for future growth. Additionally, complex IT structures can make it difficult to manage large-scale operations and thus, require streamlining.

Pascal also talks about how to bring together site-specific and team-specific requirements, and how it is beneficial for IT employees to keep an open mind and explore digital innovation trends. This minimizes the risk of missing important developments.

If you enjoyed today´s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today´s episode, visit operations1.com.

• Pascal Frembs, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-frembs-a46227174/

• Benjamin Brockmann, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-brockmann

• Infineon Technologies, website - https://www.infineon.com/

• Infineon Technologies, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/infineon-technologies/

• Operations1, website - https://operations1.com/en

• Operations1, LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/operations1/

On this episode of the Future-Proof Operations podcast, Jens Fath, Partner, Advisory, Operations Transformation at PwC Deutschland, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about tech transformations in smart manufacturing.

Jens helps increase factory efficiency by optimizing processes from top floor to shop floor by transitioning to fully-integrated, future-ready IT architecture. 

Industry 4.0 is as relevant as ever before, with the focus shifting from pursuing fancy projects to integrated scenarios, end-to-end operations, and IoT. 

Benjamin and Jens talk about potential obstacles to tech transformations or digitization projects. 

Sometimes, lighthouse projects are designed without the possibility to scale, which does not allow for getting the best value out of the integrated processes. Additionally, there should be a sense of urgency within the organization to help move forward the change process. 

Tech transformations can be bigger than initially expected. In these cases, it is essential to have a business process owner organization in place. Another key component for success is having a clear demand management. 

If you enjoyed today´s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today´s episode, visit operations1.com.

• Jens Fath, LinkedIn
• Benjamin Brockmann, LinkedIn
• PwC Deutschland, website
• PwC Deutschland, LinkedIn 
• Operations1, website
• Operations1, LinkedIn

On this episode of the Future-Proof Operations podcast, Michael Fuellemann, Senior Advisor at BCG, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about Industry 4.0.

In recent years, a myriad of new technologies has become available at scale and cost. Michael discusses how AI, advanced robotics, and additive manufacturing are game-changers.

Benjamin and Michael also talk about the Industry 4.0 opportunity assessment and the importance of a roadmap. This is especially relevant to legacy environments that need to change over time in an economical way.

Getting external input like model factories or technology vendors as well as out-of-house advisors will enable much faster progress.

Michael also believes in involving local management as well as the workers on the shop floor, especially with regard to finding solutions to pain points.

There are limited resources so it makes sense to stay opportunity-driven, rather than tech-driven. The focus should remain on solving problems and seeking out new ideas and opportunities.

Technology-driven change is not replacing the old ways, rather it is enhancing the status quo.

If you enjoyed today's show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today's episode, visit operations1.com.

• Michael Fuellemann, LinkedIn
• Benjamin Brockmann, LinkedIn
• BCG, website
• BCG, LinkedIn
• Operations1, website
• Operations1, LinkedIn

In this episode of Future-Proof Operations, Benjamin Brockmann chats with Sean Leyden, Director Management Consulting of KPMG Australia about the future of frontline operations.

A massive technological and cultural shift is impacting the role of frontline operators, from frontline mining and drilling specialists to utility infrastructure maintenance crews.

Overall, we will see more demand for digital capability and knowledge and, in customer-oriented areas, the capacity to provide live technical support.

As we compare where we are now to where we will be in the future, we're going to see dramatic improvements in efficiency. Developments in technology that are becoming commercially available are advancing frontline operations.

Benjamin and Sean also talk about which digital investments to focus on:

AI-enabled infrastructures will allow frontline workers to respond to and solve problems more quickly, with a lot more information readily at hand.

Digital twin process standardization, augmented reality, and next generation GIS (geographic information systems) are also among the top investments Sean mentions.

If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-Star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.

• Sean Leyden - LinkedIn
• KPMG Australia - LinkedIn
• Future of Frontline Operations | KPMG Thought Leadership Paper
• KPMG Australia