Management Perspectives: Executive Insights into the Future of Smart Manufacturing

Andrzej Soldaty, President of the Board at the Future Industry Platform Foundation in Poland, asks has the new normal changed the face of digital transformation forever? He and host Mike Loughran look at what manufacturers could and should be doing to continue their journey towards modernisation. This includes data analytics, people power and reducing investment risk.

Ian McGregor, Business Development Manager at Emulate3D, explains how digital twin technology has come forwards in leaps and bounds over recent years, and discusses the advantages this powerful approach can bring to your business. From operator training without the risks, through virtual commissioning anywhere in the world, and modelling scenarios without putting actual investments at risk.

Paul Haimes, VP Pre-Sales at PTC, explores how manufacturing rose to the challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing the equipment so desperately needed by health services across EMEA. Focusing on the UK’s Ventilator Challenge, he and host Mike Loughran discuss the use of augmented reality (AR) to remotely educate people on ventilator assembly and production, avoiding the need to place experts at risk with unnecessary travel. Paul also reminds listeners that, throughout the COVID-19 crisis, PTC has been offering it Vuforia Chalk remote assistance product for free to those who need it. This offer has been extended until the end of August 2020, with no obligation to buy. Don’t miss out: get started with Vuforia Chalk for free (https://www.ptc.com/en/products/augmented-reality/vuforia-chalk-free-access – until 31 August 2020).

Dr Adrian Reisch, Co-founder of aioneers, explores how an agile approach can help manufacturers meet changing global demands – both in these uncertain times and beyond. Speaking with host Mike Loughran, they cover the best approach to tackling digital transformation issues – focusing on solving key problems, executing an agile approach, with structured sprints, and securing support from top management.

Oliver Reisch, Vice Chairman of the MESA Special Interest Group for Germany, investigates some of the challenges organisations face when trying to identify value in Industry 4.0. This new industrial revolution is more than simply modernising technology – it needs to drive real business value, as well. Learn more about MESA at mesa.org.

Stefan Beyeler, Packaging Engineering Lead for Consumer at the Johnson & Johnson Centre of Excellence, discusses the challenges faced by manufacturers as they try to adapt to the future. Many companies are trying to achieve a seamless integration of emerging technologies with their traditional legacy systems. But how can they best implement innovation at scale?

Tim Figures, director of technology, sustainability and innovation at Make UK, asks if the UK is doing enough to support SMEs through digital transformation. Join him and Mike Loughran as they discuss the latest policy paper from Make UK (https://bit.ly/2BbZueC), which suggests significant improvements that will help the UK to bounce back smarter from the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tim also invites listeners to take part in Make UK’s 2020 Innovation Monitor survey (https://bit.ly/2Ya55uW).

Christoph Pressleitner, senior manager at EY, explores how the manufacturing world is evolving rapidly, with digitalisation and Industry 4.0 at the heart of it. Processes and production are key to data quality. Data analytics is thriving while blockchain is showing potential. And you must have the courage to ideate.

Rob Goossens, CEO of Technologies Added, shares important lessons learned while developing a shared smart factory in the Netherlands in this episode hosted by Mike Loughran, chief technology officer for the UK and Ireland, Rockwell Automation.

What is the status of digital transformation efforts across industry? How are firms approaching these programs with funding and implementation? Mike Loughran, chief technology officer for the UK and Ireland, Rockwell Automation, explores how executives are driving digital transformations in this discussion with Beth Parkinson, director market development, customer insight at Rockwell Automation, who shares her latest research.