The presentation delineates fundamental AI technologies such as machine learning, computer vision, predictive analytics and industrial automation. And, McNeley will explain how these technologies integrate with ERP, MES and IoT systems to facilitate more intelligent operations.

“I’ll also provide real-world examples of how these applications are being used,” McNeley says, “including predictive maintenance, quality control, demand forecasting and process optimization. And, the case studies will showcase measurable benefits such as cost savings and productivity gains.”

During this presentation, attendees will come to understand some of the common misconceptions about AI—its complexity, for example, as well as its threat to jobs or its exclusivity to large corporations, as well as concerns associated with security. In addition, McNeley will provide guidance on how manufacturers can begin their AI journeys, from assessing readiness to conducting pilot projects and effectively managing costs.

Following the opening keynote, attention turns to ERP software, with a presentation from renowned ERP expert Eric Kimberling, CEO and founder of Third Stage Consulting Group. A technology-agnostic digital-transformation expert, Kimberling will share his advice on how to select the right ERP software for your manufacturing organization.

ERP for Managing the Back Office

Before automation can drive efficiency, the back office needs structure, clarity and control. So notes the next speaker to take the stage, Jake Rohrer, manufacturing digital strategist at Wipfli LLP.

“In this session, I’ll explore the foundational ERP elements that too many manufacturers over-look—including item data and production details, costing structures and process standards,” Rohrer says. “Attendees will learn why strengthening these areas is critical to automating workflows, improving reporting accuracy and creating a more agile operation—and how small improvements can unlock outsized results.”

Next, Rohrer will examine automation from a maturity perspective, looking at what’s possible now, and what’s next. “Starting with basic workflow automation and moving through to predictive systems, we’ll break down each level with real-world examples specific to the metal forming industry,” he adds.

Designed for leaders and practitioners alike, Roher’s talk promises to leave attendees with a clear sense of where their organizations stand today and what’s required to move forward. Whether you’re working to get better control of your ERP environment or looking to build momentum with automation, this session will spark ideas, align priorities and offer a practical roadmap to a more efficient, more connected back office.

AI Strategy for Sales, Marketing and Business Analysis

Continuing the back-office theme, the next session explores how metal formers and fabricators can use AI to build a scalable growth strategy that enhances existing sales, marketing and business-analytics efforts.  The presentation, delivered by Amy Julian, a process-transformation specialist Armanino LLP, begins by focusing on creating the framework necessary to identify and assess specific opportunities for AI implementation. 

“We will evaluate potential AI use cases across the sales cycle, from intelligent lead generation and account-based marketing to enhanced customer engagement and demand forecasting,” says Julian. “By analyzing vast amounts of customer and market data, AI can segment audiences, identify key trends and create outreach that resonates with specific customer needs and behaviors. AI also can automate lead scoring to prioritize target accounts and enhance customer-relationship management, leading to higher conversion rates and better sales performance.”

Part two of Julian’s talk will explore how to use AI to leverage data and enhance decision making across operations. Attendees will learn tactics to measure the success of an AI project, she says, by defining the right key-performance indicators and analyzing key data points to predict customer behavior, inventory needs, market shifts and production demand. 

“Ultimately, adopting AI across sales, marketing and analysis helps metal formers and fabricators drive growth,” Julian says, “by improving efficiency, enabling smarter decision making and enhancing customer engagement. These tools will allow you to pinpoint the right AI opportunities at the right time to facilitate a sustainable growth model.”

Data Gathering on the Shop Floor

Turning attention to what happens on the shop floor to enable data gathering in real time, so that managers can make more-informed decisions, is a talk from Brad Beale, director of global IoT solutions at Pepperl+Fuchs. His talk focuses on how to select the right sensor the job, to provide accurate and timely data gathering. The end result: faster response times, quicker identification of any issues that might arise in production, and optimized allocation of resources to relieve bottlenecks and optimize scheduling.

Day one wraps up with a forum-style discussion on ERP technology and AI capabilities, moderated by Kimberling. He’ll lead the group of ERP-company representatives in a discussion that sets the table for day two.

Bring on the ERP Demos

Following lunch and a tour of the Amada facility, attendees will sit in on a series of ERP-system tutorials from five vendors: Aptean, ECI Software Solutions, Epicor Software, Infor, and Plex, by Rockwell Automation.

During each of these sessions you’ll come away with a keen understanding of the specific and unique capabilities of each of the five ERP systems. And, you’ll have plenty of time to network with executives and experts from each company.

Learn more and register to attend. MF

See also: Epicor Software Corp., Aptean, Plex, A Rockwell Automation Company, Infor, ECI Software Solutions, Inc.

Technologies: Management, Pressroom Automation, Quality Control

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Start receiving newsletters.