In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics, the manufacturing industry finds itself at a crossroads. To equip senior managers with the insights and strategies needed to steer their organisations towards success, an upcoming summit is set to be a pivotal event. The Manufacturer’s Conference Production Manager, Ashley Oulton explains
The annual Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit, tailored exclusively for leaders within the manufacturing sector, promises to delve into crucial topics that hold the key to unlocking innovation, efficiency and sustainable growth.
1) Digitalisation: Revolutionising Traditional Processes
The digital age has ushered in a paradigm shift in manufacturing. Embracing digitalisation allows companies to streamline operations, optimise supply chains and enhance product quality. Attendees will gain insights into harnessing the power of digitalisation technologies, such as IoT, AI, IT/OT integration, digital twins and cloud computing, to drive competitiveness in a fast-paced landscape.
2) Data Management and Analytics: Turning Data into Decisions
Data is the lifeblood of modern manufacturing. Effective data management and analytics empower organisations to make informed decisions. This topic will explore strategies for collecting, analysing and extracting actionable insights from the vast amounts of data generated across the production cycle.
3) Automation and Robotics: Enhancing Efficiency and Precision
Automation and robotics have redefined manufacturing processes, offering heightened efficiency, precision and consistency. The summit will delve into the integration of robotics, cobots and automated systems to optimise production lines, reduce errors and increase output.
4) Advanced Manufacturing: Pushing the Boundaries
Staying ahead in the competitive manufacturing landscape requires a focus on advanced manufacturing techniques. Attendees will discover innovative approaches such as additive manufacturing, nanotechnology, and smart materials that push the boundaries of what’s possible, enabling the creation of complex designs with unmatched efficiency.
5) Sustainability and Net Zero: Navigating Environmental Responsibility
With global concerns over environmental impact, manufacturers are under pressure to adopt sustainable practices. The summit will shed light on achieving net-zero emissions, implementing circular economy principles and incorporating eco-friendly materials into production processes.
6) Operational Management: Streamlining Processes for Success
Operational excellence is a cornerstone of manufacturing success. Experts will discuss strategies for optimising supply chain management, reducing production bottlenecks and enhancing overall organisational agility.
7) People and Skills: Empowering the Workforce
Manufacturing’s evolution demands a workforce equipped with new skills. This topic will explore upskilling strategies, fostering a culture of innovation and nurturing leadership qualities within the manufacturing ecosystem.
As the manufacturing landscape evolves, it is imperative for senior managers to grasp these vital concepts that shape the industry’s future. The summit provides a unique opportunity for participants to connect with industry leaders, learn from real-world case studies and gain practical insights that can be applied directly to their organisations.
The event’s holistic approach ensures that attendees leave with a comprehensive understanding of how digitalisation, data analytics, automation, sustainability, operational excellence and people-centric strategies can collectively propel their manufacturing enterprises forward.
Revolutionising knowledge exchange: a unique roundtable discussion format
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and ever-evolving market dynamics, the need for knowledge exchange and collaboration has never been more critical.
In response to this demand, the summit will include an upgraded roundtable discussion format that promises to redefine the summit experience. Facilitated by experts in their respective fields, this format aims to foster meaningful conversations, allowing delegates to share challenges, gain insights and network like never before.
Traditionally, conferences have followed a linear presentation model, where speakers address a passive audience. However, the Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit has a dynamic interactive format. The heart of this innovation lies in its ability to create an environment where collaboration thrives and diverse perspectives converge.
Expert facilitators: bridging the knowledge gap
At the core of the roundtable discussions are the expert facilitators who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. These facilitators are leaders in their respective fields, hailing from a spectrum of manufacturing industry sectors. Their role is to guide the discussions, ensure inclusivity and offer valuable insights when required. With their guidance, delegates can expect to dive deep into their challenges and uncover novel solutions.
Sharing challenges, shaping solutions
One of the most exciting aspects of this new format is its emphasis on delegate participation. Delegates are encouraged to share their specific challenges openly, which are then addressed collectively, allowing for a collaborative problem-solving process.
Moreover, by hearing how peers from different manufacturing industry sectors are tackling similar challenges, delegates gain fresh perspectives and a broader toolkit of strategies to implement in their own organisations.
Informed decision making: from insights to action
The objective of the roundtable discussions is not just to generate ideas but also to enable informed decision-making. By gaining insights into how various sectors are overcoming challenges, delegates can make well-informed choices that align with their unique organisational context. This knowledge exchange goes beyond theoretical concepts, providing real-world examples that can be adapted to drive innovation and efficiency within delegates’ companies.
Networking beyond the norm
In addition to knowledge sharing, the roundtable discussions provide a unique networking opportunity. Delegates from diverse sectors and backgrounds come together in an intimate setting, fostering connections that extend beyond the confines of the summit. This networking potential is invaluable, as it creates a collaborative network of industry professionals who can continue to support one another long after the event concludes.
As the manufacturing landscape evolves at an astonishing pace, the need for collaborative learning and idea exchange becomes ever more vital. The unique roundtable discussion format at the Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit stands as a beacon of this new era, a format that embraces inclusivity, participation and collective problem-solving.
With expert facilitators, open dialogue and networking opportunities, this summit is set to empower delegates with the knowledge, connections and inspiration they need to shape the future of manufacturing.
Manufacturing Leaders’ Summit Keynotes
Dave Holmes, Managing Director – Falcon Works, BAE Systems: Embark on a transformative journey where innovation, collaboration and concepts converge to redefine the manufacturing landscape.
This presentation unveils a new era of advanced research and technology development, where customer-centricity, collaboration and sustainability reign supreme, ensuring that the manufacturing sector remains at the forefront of progress and innovation.
- Creating an ecosystem of excellence: Developing partnerships with academia, research organisations, SMEs and national governments to foster cross-disciplinary collaboration and accelerate progress
- Cultivating talent: Harnessing the expertise of diverse British and international professionals to drive game-changing solutions
- Net-zero solutions for the future: Pioneering innovative approaches that align with global net-zero goals and reshape the manufacturing landscape
- Focusing on tomorrow and beyond: Delving into horizon scanning techniques that identify emerging capabilities and innovation initiatives to ensure sustained technological leadership
Asif Moghal, Director, D&M Market & Industry Development, Autodesk: The way we design products, make them and generate value has undergone a dramatic transformation. Industry is actively seeking ways to apply digital to their businesses but whenever they mention the ‘D’ word, they are bombarded with meaningless buzzwords and jargon.
Digital doesn’t need to be difficult, and it doesn’t start with technology. It starts with five digital superpowers that you can choose to develop. Asif Moghal of Autodesk outlines these superpowers, their impact to your business and why you don’t need to be bitten by a radioactive spider to develop them.
- The three questions to kick start your transformation
- The five digital super powers to choose from
- How to get your people behind your transformation
John McNiff, Global CoE Vice President, SAP Digital Supply Chain; Jenny Edwards, Principal Sustainability Advisor, Cognizant; Alastair Henniker-Heaton, Manufacturing Systems Solutions Architect, Johnson Matthey: As manufacturers worldwide and across industries commit to net zero emissions targets and embrace Sustainable Business Transformation initiatives (SBTi) a pressing question arises: Why, despite these commitments, are we not witnessing the anticipated surge in remarkable outcomes?
During this panel session, we will:
- Dissect the barriers and complexities hindering the seamless integration of sustainability goals into supply chain operations
- Share real-world solutions and strategies that are yielding tangible and rapid benefits to both sustainability and productivity
- Explore the potential pitfalls of stagnating on our sustainability commitments, allowing participants to comprehensively plan for sustainable supply chain excellence
Claire Aitchison, Executive Operations Leader, Baker Hughes Druck: Druck is a high mix, low volume manufacturing business that will explain how it has approached its automation and digitisation journey to improve productivity and reduce variability.
- Discover the unique story of Druck and how this high mix, low volume manufacturing powerhouse has revolutionised its operations through automation and digitisation
- Join Claire as she explores the challenges and strategies for implementing automation in a low-volume manufacturing environment, where precision and adaptability are key
- Uncover the secrets to harnessing and maximising the potential of data within your grasp, turning it into a powerful tool to drive productivity and reduce variability in your operations
Neil Young, Engineering and Technology Director, Babcock International: Discover the future of shipbuilding as Neil explores the game-changing impact of digital advanced manufacturing. This presentation delves into how cutting-edge technologies, such as CAD, 3D modelling, IoT and AI, are reshaping ship design and production.
Learn how this innovation streamlines processes, improves accuracy, reduces costs and accelerates project timelines. Real-world case studies showcase the tangible benefits. He will also tackle the challenges of implementation and highlight emerging trends, including autonomous ships and sustainability. Prepare to be inspired by how digital advanced manufacturing is powering up shipbuilding for a more efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly industry.
Simon Martin, Head of Global Manufacturing, Yunex Traffic: Discover how Yunex Traffic, amidst a landscape of challenges including global supply chain disruptions and rapid shifts in the electronics industry, successfully transformed its manufacturing operations to stay competitive and adapt to an ever-evolving environment. By sharing its journey, this case study offers valuable insights into addressing wider manufacturing industry issues, such as supply chain resilience, digital transformation and sustainability.
Tim Minshall, Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), University of Cambridge; Dr John C Taylor, Professor of Innovation & Head IFM: Manufacturing is a crucial component of the UK’s economy, providing the foundation for resilience, sustainability and fairness. Yet, has the narrative surrounding manufacturing’s genuine worth and significance been muddled or overlooked in recent years?
Join us for a thought-provoking keynote presentation as Professor Tim Minshall, Head of the Institute for Manufacturing (IfM), University of Cambridge, delves into the perception of manufacturing and its critical role in attracting public and private investments.
In this session, Tim will:
- Consider the risks that a lack of clarity about the real value of UK manufacturing presents and its ability to attract public and private sector investment
- Advocate for a holistic approach to manufacturing by leveraging IfM’s experience and collaborative efforts with key stakeholders to integrate technology, supply chain optimisation and skills development across critical sectors
- Showcase examples of how this integrated approach is already bearing fruit across various industries. From the automotive sector’s transformation to aerospace innovation, from sustainable food production to ground-breaking advancements in healthcare, these success stories will illustrate the potential of a more inclusive and enlightened manufacturing narrative
This keynote promises to provide a fresh perspective on the manufacturing landscape, offering insights that can reshape our understanding of its value and influence.
As manufacturers strive for sustainability, the concept of creating the ‘most sustainable smart factory’ takes centre stage. This presentation will delve into the strategies and innovations that will shape the future of eco-conscious manufacturing.
- Smart Factory Design: What design principles and technologies can be employed to create a smart factory that maximizes sustainability, from energy efficiency to waste reduction?
- Supply Chain and Circular Economy: How can smart factories contribute to sustainable supply chains, adopting circular economy practices and minimizing environmental impact?
- Engagement and Well-being: In crafting sustainable smart factories, what role do human-centric factors play, and how can we ensure the well-being of the workforce while advancing eco-conscious manufacturing?
Confirmed Roundtable Discussion Leaders
Ben Ellins, IT & Digital Director – Factory Operations, Reckitt
Ioanna Hera, Head of Improvement, Rolls Royce
Alison Beard-Gunter, Transformation Director, Thermo Fisher Scientific
David Forrest, Digital Innovation Lead, Nissan
Rhys Parkey, Digitalisation Lead Halewood, Jaguar Land Rover
Sara Halliday, Sustainability and ESG Manager, Kloeckner Metals
Mark Capell, General Manager, Lisi Aerospace
Claire Turnbull, Head of Operations, Seatriever International Holdings
Stuart Mulligan, Global Director of Manufacturing Engineering, Ultra Maritime
Natasha Lyth, Sustainability Manager, Gripple
Kallum Welch, Head of Manufacturing Engineering IS&S, Airbus
Mark your calendars for this unmissable event in Liverpool on 14-15 November, where manufacturing leaders will converge to explore the latest trends, exchange ideas and chart the course for the manufacturing industry’s prosperous future. More information can be found here.