Blog

2 | Icebreaker Session: Effects of the Geopolitical Situation on World Trade

What are the effects of geopolitical instability in regions such as the Middle East or Eastern Europe on energy supply and prices?  How does the geopolitical situation contribute to changes in global supply chains, and how is the economy affected by this?  To what extent do geopolitical developments change the competitiveness of European companies inRead more

CASE STUDY: Event-driven architectures in production: finally putting digitalisation horsepower on the road!

Many companies suffer from their historically grown IT landscape and its rigid structures. Event-driven architectures and brokers provide a new approach to networking IT and OT systems in a scalable manner. In this way, the potential of digital transformation and Industry 4.0 can finally be utilised. The technology, its use and potential will be presentedRead more

(5) CHALLENGE YOUR PEERS: Why is it worth thinking about and applying low-code solutions in SMEs?

What opportunities do low-code solutions offer to effectively digitalise production? What challenges can be solved in terms of employee motivation, transparency and speed of response and what opportunities arise from this? What advantages can a low-code approach have and why can this be a step towards integration into existing systems (cost-intensive adjustments)?Read more

3 | Icebreaker Session: How can we harness the potential of a diverse supply chain by purposefully building inclusive teams?

What specific benefits do you see in a diverse team for supply chain collaboration?  What challenges are associated with building and leading a diverse team, and how can these be effectively overcome?  What specific measures can companies take to create an inclusive work environment and promote diversity in their supply chains?Read more

CASE STUDY: Optimizing Asset and Maintenance Management with the 5S Approach – Early Equipment Management and CMMS Master Data

The presentation will address the crucial aspects of Asset & Maintenance Management within the frameworks of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0. It will explore how the 5S approach can anchor a robust Asset and Maintenance Management strategy, fostering efficiency and a culture of continuous improvement. The speaker will emphasize the importance of early equipment management,Read more

(2) World Café: How can artificial intelligence (AI) optimally support maintenance technicians in order to minimise machine downtime and increase the efficiency of maintenance teams?

Optimising information provision – What strategies can be used to provide machine-specific information to maintenance technicians in real time and how does this affect the efficiency of maintenance processes? Sharing knowledge within the team – How can the knowledge from the minds of the technicians be shared within the team, and what contribution can AIRead more

CASE STUDY: Low-Budget Digital Shopfloor Progresses – Practical Approaches for Small Units

In the realm of digital transformation, the benefits of data are well-recognized. However, capturing and utilizing this data efficiently remains a challenge, especially for small units within corporate structures. Anja Christmann, Head of Production at ZEISS Group, will discuss cost-effective strategies for digital shopfloor advancements. This talk will highlight two practical approaches: using iPads withRead more

(4) CHALLENGE YOUR PEERS: How can the digitalisation of the final assembly line in production contribute to increasing efficiency and improving quality across all sectors?

What specific challenges and opportunities do you see in the digitalisation of the final assembly line in your company? Which digital technologies and integration strategies have proven to be particularly effective in your production? How do you measure and evaluate the efficiency gains and quality improvements achieved through digitalisation?Read more

CASE STUDY: Digitalization of the Final Assembly Line: Enhancing Efficiency in Vehicle Production at Ford

In this presentation, Rene Wolf, a leading expert from Ford, will showcase the transformative journey of digitalizing a final assembly line in vehicle production. He will discuss the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the efficiency gains achieved through the use of cutting-edge digital technologies. The presentation will provide valuable insights into the practical implementationRead more

Keynote: Supply Chain Transformation – What it Takes to Succeed

In this presentation, Björn Neal Kirchner, Corporate Vice President Supply Chain Management at Henkel, will outline the key success factors for a successful supply chain transformation. The talk will highlight the strategic and operational aspects necessary to transform the supply chain in an increasingly complex and dynamic market environment. Emphasis will be placed on technologicalRead more