Future Proof Operations | Exploring Digital Manufacturing Operations, Industrial Automation Operations1

On this episode, Mathias Johansson, Chief Information Officer of Alleima, discusses manufacturing complexities, talent acquisition and retention, and the significant impact of technology integration in modernizing operations and fostering innovation in manufacturing.

Key Takeaways:

(02:22) Alleima's role in advanced materials and its integrated value chain.
(03:09) Mathias' lifelong connection with manufacturing and ERP systems.
(03:51) Critical challenges in manufacturing: talent acquisition and technological complexity.
(04:48) Talent retention issues and the concept of the "silver tsunami."
(05:13) The complexity of integrating diverse manufacturing technologies.
(06:22) Addressing the talent gap and technological integration as key challenges.
(08:01) Lowering entry barriers for new engineers through digitalization.
(09:10) The need for companies to adapt to changing workforce expectations.
(10:11) Implementing digital twins and gamification in training.
(11:10) The potential for remote training and flexible work environments in manufacturing.
(12:23) The balance between attracting talent and automating processes.
(14:29) The increasing complexity in manufacturing due to new technologies.
(17:12) Process integrity is key to addressing manufacturing complexity.
(23:17) A vision for future factories with integrated data and automation advancements.

Resources Mentioned:

Mathias Johansson -
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathias-johansson-b740414/
Alleima | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/alleima/
Alleima | Website -
https://www.alleima.com/


If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.


#Operations #Manufacturing #IndustrialAutomation

On this episode, Dave Griffith, President of Capelin Solutions and Co-Host of the Manufacturing Hub Network, joins host Benjamin Brockmann. They discuss the advancements and challenges within the manufacturing sector, with a particular focus on manufacturing execution systems (MES) and connected worker platforms.

Key Takeaways:

(02:27) Capelin Solutions was founded for problem-solving in manufacturing.
(03:09) Dave’s passion for manufacturing is an opportunity for problem-solving and innovation.
(04:57) MES versus connected worker platforms and modern technology adoption.
(05:55) MES’s role in data collection and production improvement.
(11:42) Connected worker platforms are on the rise, used for capturing and utilizing experienced workers’ knowledge.
(14:06) A successful case of a connected worker platform in a food and beverage company.
(18:08) Digitizing maintenance through connected platforms results in cost savings and efficiency.
(22:14) Predictions on the future integration of MES and connected worker platforms.
(24:07) Recommendations for CIOs on implementing connected worker platforms, including technology selection and strategic rollout.

Resources Mentioned:

Dave Griffith - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/
Capelin Solutions - https://www.linkedin.com/company/capelin/
Manufacturing Hub Network - https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-hub-podcast-network/
Dave Griffith’s Website - https://dave-griffith.com/work-together/




If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.




#Operations #Manufacturing #IndustrialAutomation

On this episode, Kenton Robbins, Group Managing Director of PFF Packaging Group,  joins Benjamin Brockmann to discuss the intersection of innovation, sustainability and leadership within the packaging industry.

Key Takeaways:

(02:20) An overview of PFF Packaging’s sites and workforce.
(03:50) PFF Packaging has diverse manufacturing processes.
(05:39) Innovation and sustainability are necessary in packaging.
(06:50) The innovative culture within PFF Packaging is driven by leadership.
(08:55) Balancing innovation with cost and return on investment.
(09:08) Leadership principles foster an innovative mindset.
(10:30) There are challenges and rewards of being innovative in the packaging industry.
(13:53) Focus on return on investment and consolidation after significant capital investment.
(14:43) Emphasis on data capture and lean manufacturing through systemization and automation.
(17:24) The vision for PFF Packaging in the next 10 years, including technology growth and innovation.

Resources Mentioned:

Kenton Robbins - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentonrobbins/
PFF Packaging Group - https://pff.uk.com/



If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.




#Operations #Manufacturing #IndustrialAutomation

On this episode, Rudolf Pospisil, Chemical Process and Innovation Specialist, joins Benjamin to discuss key insights into the chemical industry, innovation and the future of sustainability.

Key Takeaways:

(02:07) The state of the chemical industry and the concept of a dark factory.
(02:22) Explaining the history and current state of the chemical industry.
(04:02) Challenges of innovation in the chemical industry.
(05:11) Current approaches to innovation, focusing on new processes and sustainability.
(06:55) The importance of chemical engineering in the modern chemical industry.
(09:31) The role of AI and digitalization in the chemical industry's process optimization.
(11:30) The contribution of the demo/pilot plant in implementing optimizations.
(13:39) The reality and vision of automated 'dark' factories in the chemical industry.
(15:25) Sustainability in the chemical industry, its current impact and future plans.
(18:13) Rudolf's outlook on the future of the industry and sustainability challenges.




If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.





#Operations #Manufacturing #IndustrialAutomation

On this episode, Erik Wirsing, VP of Global Innovation at DB Schenker, joins Benjamin Brockmann to provide key insights into logistics and supply chain innovation. 

Key Takeaways:

(02:52) The distinction between supply chain and logistics.
(04:36) An overview of logistics industry challenges, including digitalization and personnel shortages.
(06:39) An introduction to three pillars of innovation: automation, sustainability and visibility/digitalization.
(09:10) Near-term implementation of autonomous trucks.
(11:07) Legal and technological advancements in autonomous driving.
(13:23) Accelerators in autonomous driving technology over recent years.
(15:19) The concept of remote driving and its potential impact.
(17:08) The necessity of 5G connectivity for autonomous logistics operations.
(19:03) The need for a governing body for autonomous vehicle traffic management.
(22:51) Electric versus other technology trucks for future logistics.
(26:37) Bets on electromobility and innovative charging solutions.
(28:05) The role of data in enhancing visibility and efficiency in logistics.
(30:32) The importance of real-time tracking and sensor integration for shipment quality.
(32:06) Technical challenges in achieving comprehensive logistics visibility.
(35:21) The future outlook on logistics innovation, including hyperloops and cargo drones.

Resources Mentioned:

Erik Wirsing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-wirsing/
DB Schenker - https://www.dbschenker.com/global




If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.




#Operations #Manufacturing #IndustrialAutomation

On this episode, Dr. Martin Schwemmer, Logistics Market Observer, Advisor, Mentor and former Managing Director of BVL (Bundesvereinigung Logistik), discusses trends and challenges in the logistics industry.

Key Takeaways:

(03:18) Martin’s interest in logistics, influenced by his academic journey.
(04:21) An overview of the logistics industry, including market segments and revenue models.
(07:10) Current trends and challenges in logistics, highlighting cost pressure and sustainability.
(10:04) Strategies against cost pressure in logistics, focusing on digitalization.
(14:07) The role of startups in driving innovation in the logistics sector.
(18:04) Innovation in established logistics firms and their discrete technology adoption.
(18:58) Promising technologies in logistics: supply chain visibility and urban logistics.
(22:30) Evolving workforce roles in logistics and the impact of automation on operations.
(26:43) Addressing logistics talent shortage through digitalization and automation.
(27:36) Martin’s future vision for logistics, shifting from cost to value addition.

Resources Mentioned:

Dr. Martin Schwemmer - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-schwemmer-8493ba168/
BVL - Bundesvereinigung Logistik - https://www.bvl.de/




If you enjoyed today’s show, please leave a 5-star review. For more information and links to all of the resources mentioned in today’s episode, visit operations1.com.




#Operations #Manufacturing #IndustrialAutomation