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SOUTHEAST Session:
SOUTHEAST Session: Many small and medium-sized manufacturers feel overwhelmed by the hype around artificial intelligence yet struggle to see where to begin without significant disruption or cost. This talk will present a practical, proven framework that helps owners, operators, and engineering managers adopt AI in a step-by-step approach. Real case studies will be shared, including a sales order entry automation initiative that reduced manual effort by 60% through the use of a third-party AI solution, allowing employees to focus on higher-value customer service and informed decision-making. Attendees will gain a clear roadmap to identify high-impact opportunities, pilot small projects, and scale AI solutions that deliver measurable ROI and strengthen long-term competitiveness. This session provides actionable strategies and dispels common myths, demonstrating that digital transformation does not have to be complex or out of reach for smaller manufacturers ready to take the first step.
SOUTHEAST Session: "The Manufacturing Leader's Playbook for Surviving Tariffs, Taxes, and Tech Turm," explores strategies for mitigating the effects of taxes and tariffs on manufacturing businesses through the use of modern business software. It covers key financial and operational factors such as OBBA, tariffs, and technology, highlighting how these elements impact R&D credits, clean energy credits, bonus depreciation, and potential savings. The presentation also delves into the benefits of ERP software, emphasizing the need for high-quality data ingestion, cost accounting, supplier diversification, customer prioritization, and predictive analytics to enhance profitability and market share. Additionally, it provides an example of a modern ERP platform and discusses the integration of Acumatica Manufacturing ERP, which combines financials, planning, and scheduling to support diverse manufacturing strategies and deliver real-time insights.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Christian Turnipseed, US Southeast Manager, Dispel
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: David Babcock, Director of Technical PreSales, Ashling Partners
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Donnie Johnson, Strategic Solutions Executive, Stefanini, Inc.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Jasmine Kennedy, Procurement Counselor, South Carolina APEX Accelerator
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Sarah DePeri, South Carolina APEX Manager, South Carolina APEX Accelerator
SOUTHEAST Product: The ViTiny UM30 HDMI/USB 4K Digital Microscope with 12x-500x Magnification is suitable for inspection of circuitry, plants, on the production line, and more. It can be directly connected to monitors up to 4k resolution. It can also take pictures, record video, and directly connect to Windows & MacOS via USB for playback. Features: Ultra high definition 4k (3840 x 2160) resolution camera CMOS sensor Working distance of 22mm-214mm. Magnification of 13x-140x with the included 4x lens. Up to 500x with the 10x lens (sold seperately) Two output modes: USB output for Windows, MacOS & Android; HDMI output for TVs and Monitors Built-in SD card slot for direct photo and video file storage Uses the "UM Viewer" software for Windows and MacOS. Includes measurement, auto calibration, auto edge locating, magnifier, EDOF, and other functions. *Magnification is only up to 140x without the additional purchase of the 10x lens,