Skip to content

Displaying 861-870 of 1014 results for

Last 180 Days clear

Nicky Pettit

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Nicky Pettit, Account Executive, Limble

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.

Dennis Easter

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Dennis Easter, Sr. Solutions Engineer, Algorithm Inc

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.

From Hype to Hands-On: A Practical AI Playbook for Small & Medium Manufacturers

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 demand planning implementation that reduced costs and enhanced decision-making without requiring significant capital investments. 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.

Nand Shivkumar

Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Nand Shivkumar, Chief Innovation Officer, Mastercam

Empowering Manufacturing: How to Drive Compliance & Fortify Against Cyber Risks

SOUTHEAST Session: Manufacturers have unique technology needs that require both a robust and extremely stable IT infrastructure. At the EASTEC Conference, part of the Manufacturing Technology Series, CompassMSP will showcase how cutting-edge IT and cybersecurity solutions empower manufacturing businesses to stay connected, secure, and compliant. As regulatory requirements evolve and cyber threats grow, manufacturers need robust technology solutions to streamline operations and safeguard sensitive data. See how industry-specific managed IT and security services can enhance productivity, ensure compliance with industry standards, and fortify manufacturers against cyber risks. Attendees will discover how CMMC service offerings drive efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and accelerate growth and productivity, empowering manufacturers to stay competitive and secure in an evolving industry.