How much can you learn in a day?
Day 2 of the Smart Industry conference kicked off with keynotes. Steelcase’s Steve Jones detailed his efforts, challenges and triumphs in
transforming his furniture-manufacturing enterprise into a data-driven organization. Caterpillar’s Tom Bucklar followed, exploring how the heavy-machinery manufacturer is evolving from a tractor seller to a service provider. “It’s not good enough to just give a piece of equipment,” he said. “We want to manage uptime.”
Breakout sessions in three business case tracks followed the opening sessions. Conference-goers opted between themes “Optimize Performance,” “Innovate Processes” and “Eliminate Surprises.” Experts from the fields of valve-manufacturing, the auto industry and commercial refrigeration shared insights on their unique digital transformations. Plastics fabricators, waste-processors and steel handlers shared their stories with audiences eager to steal good ideas and avoid growing pains.
Following a networking lunch, attendees gathered at roundtables focused on narrow topics,
enabling them to pick the brains of experts on issues of their choosing.
During the final formal session of the day, a panel of cybersecurity experts fielded questions on thwarting cyberattacks in this age of connectivity.
The stage then welcomed members of the first two classes of The Smart Industry 50—men and women leading the charge into Industry 4.0—to receive sparkling trophies and a round of applause from their peers.
