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Colin Gilchrist

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Colin Gilchrist, Digital Systems Product Manager, Phillips Federal

The Maintenance Advantage: How Smart Teams are Moving from Reactive to AI-Ready

SOUTHEAST Session: Maintenance is one of the most powerful levers manufacturers can pull to reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in a world where reliability is everything. Yet too many organizations remain trapped in a reactive cycle, addressing equipment failures only after they occur. This presentation will explore how smart teams are moving beyond “fix it when it breaks” to build the foundation for AI-enabled maintenance. Attendees will learn how to apply predictive strategies, leverage IIoT data, and adopt mobile-first CMMS tools to unlock insights that prevent failures before they happen. We’ll cover practical change management tactics that ensure technology investments deliver results, plus real-world examples of how manufacturers are using digital workflows to streamline operations and reduce costs. Participants will leave with actionable steps to transform maintenance from a cost center into a strategic advantage — and a clear roadmap to prepare their teams for an AI-driven future in manufacturing.

From CUI to ROI: A DIY Guide to CMMC Compliance

SOUTHEAST Session: Understand the essential steps for achieving CMMC compliance in this essential session. Colin Gilchrist will provide a comprehensive guide for organizations looking to bridge the gap between cybersecurity requirements and business growth, ensuring a strong compliance foundation.

Wesley Thio

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Wesley Thio, Technical Product Marketing Manager, Lumafield

Robotics as a Partner, Not a Replacement, for Manufacturing Jobs

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.

How Lean Teams Cut Downtime and Boost Output with Smart Maintenance

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.