Nicky Pettit
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Nicky Pettit, Account Executive, Limble
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Nicky Pettit, Account Executive, Limble
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Andy Carr, President/CEO, SCMEP
SOUTHEAST Session: This session will be held on Tuesday, October 21st from 10:00am-Noon and will begin with a keynote focused on Michelin North America’s workforce development strategies including the company’s unique Talent Campus program. The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion with workforce development leaders from the state of South Carolina, the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), and Industrial Motor Service, Inc.
SOUTHEAST Session:
SOUTHEAST Session: Unexpected breakdowns, rising costs, and limited asset visibility continue to be a challenge for manufacturers, especially as teams face mounting pressure to do more with less – fewer technicians, tighter budgets, and limited time. But with the right technology and a practical approach to reliability, lean teams can shift from fighting fires to building long-term, operational resilience into every layer of production. In this session, we’ll showcase how manufacturers are using modern CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) tools to drive higher uptime, extend asset life, and reduce reactive work – all without needing additional headcount or new equipment. We’ll demonstrate how top performing teams have digitized preventive maintenance schedules, deployed QR code-enabled work orders, and built mobile-first maintenance workflows that keep machines running and teams aligned. Whether you’re still using spreadsheets or looking to get more out of your current system, this session will provide a clear blueprint for building a smart, scalable maintenance program.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Dennis Easter, Sr. Solutions Engineer, Algorithm Inc
SOUTHEAST Session: Brought to you by SME
SOUTHEAST Session: Manufacturers today face a critical workforce challenge. An aging labor pool, persistent skills shortages, and post-pandemic attrition have created gaps that traditional hiring alone cannot solve. These pressures demand innovative approaches to sustaining productivity and competitiveness. Robotics offers a practical, scalable solution, not as a replacement for people, but as a partner that augments human capabilities. Collaborative robots (cobots) are designed to work alongside operators, taking on repetitive, physically demanding, or hazardous tasks. This partnership allows employees to focus on higher-value activities such as quality control, process improvement, and customer engagement. Studies show that human–robot teams significantly reduce idle time and improve throughput compared to all-human work environments. Real-world examples illustrate the shift. Chipotle’s “Autocado” robot automates the tedious process of cutting and coring avocados, while staff concentrate on quality and service. On manufacturing floors, cobots assist with material handling, precision assembly, and inspection; areas where ergonomics and consistency are critical. Rather than eliminating jobs, robotics transforms them, creating safer workplaces and more sustainable operations. This session, “Robotics as a Partner, Not a Replacement, for Manufacturing Jobs,” will explore how manufacturers can strategically adopt robotics to address workforce shortages without diminishing employee value. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of cobot integration, practical considerations for implementation, and the long-term potential of human–robot collaboration. The presentation emphasizes that the future of manufacturing is not a choice between people and machines, but a partnership that strengthens both.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Steve Logue, General Manager, Sensolus
SOUTHEAST Session: Pop by to learn about IoT asset tracking trends globally, and how tech can help manage your supply chain by bringing visibility and control into your most important assets!