Cozette Robinson
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Cozette Robinson, CEO, CYR Consulting, LLC
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Cozette Robinson, CEO, CYR Consulting, LLC
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.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Brandon White, Vice President of Sales, Acieta
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Robert Jacobs, Digital Growth Director, CliftonLarsonAllen
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.
Step into the shoes of a frontline operator. This immersive, hands-on experience brings continuous digital transformation to life. The Pop Up Factory showcases how Tulip’s composable ecosystem empowers manufacturers to deploy human-centric solutions.
The Corporate & Institutional Member Roundtable is an exclusive, invitation-only program bringing together leaders from manufacturing companies and universities to address one of the industry’s most urgent challenges: preparing graduates who are ready to excel in today’s manufacturing workplace.
Students and Faculty! Join SME Membership for a full day of exploration, connection, and hands-on exposure to the future of manufacturing—at no cost to you.