Future Proof Operations | Exploring Digital Manufacturing Operations, Industrial Automation

On this podcast, Marco Chacin , Lead Engineer at Airbus , joins the show to discuss the role of robotics in aerospace manufacturing and the future of AI integration. Key Takeaways: (03:06) Significant global shifts in robotics innovation over the past two decades. (04:15) The division between physically capable robots and intelligent systems. (05:28) Prediction of the convergence of robotics and A...

On this episode, Jonas Meisinger , Head of Quality and Environmental Management, Production Development and Plant Management at RINGSPANN GmbH , discusses manufacturing, quality management and the transformative power of digitalization within RINGSPANN. Key Takeaways: (02:31) Jonas' passion for data-driven problem-solving in manufacturing. (03:31) Jonas' rise from apprentice to leadership within R...

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 w...

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 manufac...

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 necess...

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 c...

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 innov...

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)...

On this episode, Manuel Peter , Group Leader Smart Factory Technologies at ITK Engineering , explores a range of topics around smart factory technologies and digitization in manufacturing.  Key Takeaways: (03:10) The transition from mechanical engineering to smart factory and Industry 4.0. (05:01) Customized software vs standard software in manufacturing companies. (09:11) The role of clear s...

We welcome back Justin Hodges , Senior AI/ML Technical Specialist (Product Management) at Siemens Digital Industries Software , for further expert insights on AI and machine learning in the manufacturing sector. Key Takeaways: (02:29) A project on anomaly detection in engines. (03:54) The goal of using AI-driven anomaly detection to replace manual checks. (04:22) Implementation of an unsupervised...

On this episode, Justin Hodges , Senior AI/ML Technical Specialist in Product Management at Siemens Digital Industries Software , joins host Benjamin Brockmann. They delve into various aspects of AI and machine learning in the manufacturing sector and its impact on roles and processes. Key Takeaways: (04:40) Explanation of AI and machine learning relationship. (05:36) Machine learning in regressio...

On this episode, Joachim Schaut , Senior Vice President of Intercontinental Supply Chain Solutions of DB Schenker , joins Benjamin Brockmann to discuss the intricacies of supply chain solutions and the role of digitization in the industry. Key Takeaways: (08:49) The significance supplier performance plays in optimizing inventory cycles. (09:09) The potential data-driven decisions hold in supply ch...

We’re joined on this episode by Chris Luecke , Podcast Host and Founder of " Manufacturing Happy Hour .” Benjamin and Chris delve into the state of manufacturing in the United States and Europe and discuss the role of digitization in the industry. Key Takeaways: (00:11) Chris Luecke’s background in manufacturing and his journey with Rockwell Automation. (00:34) Introduction to Chris’ podcast, “Man...

On this episode, Janis Bargsten , Chief Commercial Officer at SEAFAR , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - Decarbonization efforts and personnel shortage in inland shipping. - Seafar’s origin and vision for autonomous shipping. - Regulatory challenges and development of goal-based shipping standards. - Safety implications and benefits of autonomous shipping. - Enhan...

On this episode, Philipp Menz , Plant Manager at Schunk Group , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - Leadership challenges in manufacturing. - Adapting leadership styles to cater to changing workforce dynamics, including Gen Y and Gen Z preferences. - The importance of building strong team bonds and connections to the company for enhanced employee engagement and prod...

On this episode, Markus Börner , Founding Partner at Prequel Ventures , and Daniel Goldeband , Co-Founder & CEO at i-flow , join host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - The state of startups and technology adoption in Europe.  - The role of venture capital firms in boosting the startup ecosystem and supporting innovation.  - Challenges in working with big enterp...

On this episode, Alexander Burgbacher , Chief Executive Officer at Insta GmbH , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics:  - Alexander’s career and background and an overview of Insta. - Lean management and lean production. - The importance of people in a successful lean transformation. - The role that transparency plays in a lean transformation. - The major changes the l...

On this episode, Kai Dörner , Founder of DÖRNER Ingenieurbüro , an engineering office and management consultancy offering individual support in the areas of Lean management, process and production optimization, and industrial engineering, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - Lean management and production optimization. - The changes, and lack of changes in many cases...

On this episode, Gunter Beitinger , VP of Manufacturing, Head of Factory Digitalization and Head of Product Carbon Footprint at Siemens , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - How manufacturing companies should adapt and respond to different types of crises.  - The opportunities offered by the power of moving to the cloud. - Ensuring there is robustness and resil...

On this episode, Anthony Loy , VP of Industrial Digital Transformation Consulting at Schneider Electric , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - How technology used to improve athletic performance applies to manufacturing. - Making a digital transformation a disruptive change, not an incremental change. - The pros and cons of a decentralized approach to transformation...

On this episode, Ingolf Schroeder , Member of the Executive Board, EVP BU Microelectronics , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - AT&S and how it’s operating in 2023. - The evolution of AT&S from a small company in 1987 to becoming a global powerhouse with 15,000 employees. - How the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine affected Ingolf’s personal and...

On this episode, Jürgen Pfeifer , IoT and Cloud Partnermanager at WAGO , an international, standard-setting supplier of electrical interconnection and automation products and interface electronics , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - The strategy Jürgen uses for factory automation. - The differences between IT (information technology) and OT(operational technology)...

On this special episode of the Future-Proof Operations podcast, host Benjamin Brockmann is joined by Steffen Zaune , VP of Central Operations at Jungheinrich AG , and Ingrid Bras, Head of Processes and Systems at Jungheinrich AG, for an informal panel discussion where they talk about the following topics: - The challenges that new technologies bring to the factory floor. - The future of manufactur...

On this episode, Laetitia Persano , Lean Manager at STMicroelectronics , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - The three pillars of Lean: reducing waste, reducing variability and improving flexibility. - How Covid changed the operations at the factory. - The importance of maintaining a good culture after adopting new remote digital tools. - The generational difference...

On this episode, Andreas Temmen , Head of Production at ZF Group , joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: -Specific approaches to building new factories when deciding whether to go brownfield or greenfield. -The connections and challenges of raising up two new plants simultaneously in Mexico and China. -The types of decisions Andreas faces when finding a new location to...