Andy Henderson
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Andy Henderson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hendtech LLC
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Andy Henderson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Hendtech LLC
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Sarah DePeri, South Carolina APEX Manager, South Carolina APEX Accelerator
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Jasmine Kennedy, Procurement Counselor, South Carolina APEX Accelerator
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Rob Sims, Founder & CTO, Alchemi Data Management, Inc.
SOUTHEAST Session: In today's highly competitive manufacturing landscape, operational efficiency is more critical than ever. Yet, excessive energy consumption and unplanned downtime remain major challenges, significantly impacting productivity and costs. Traditional maintenance strategies often fail to address the root causes of inefficiencies, leading to unnecessary energy waste and unexpected failures. This session explores Energy-Centered Maintenance (ECM)—a data-driven, AI-powered approach that goes beyond conventional reliability-centered maintenance by integrating energy efficiency as a key decision-making factor. By leveraging advanced IoT sensors, AI-driven analytics, and real-time machine health monitoring, manufacturers can proactively detect faults, minimize energy loss, and extend asset life. Through real-world case studies and industry insights, attendees will learn how ECM enables manufacturers to reduce operational expenses, prevent unplanned downtime, and achieve sustainability goals—all without compromising productivity. The session will also highlight how machine learning and AI-driven predictive analytics help manufacturers make smarter maintenance decisions, optimizing energy use while ensuring equipment reliability. Whether you're looking to cut energy costs, enhance machine uptime, or align with Industry 4.0 and sustainability initiatives, this session will provide practical takeaways to help you transform your maintenance strategy. Learning Objectives Understand the limitations of traditional maintenance strategies and how excessive energy waste and unexpected downtime impact manufacturing costs and efficiency. Explore the principles of Energy-Centered Maintenance (ECM) and how AI-driven predictive analytics can optimize machine performance, reduce energy waste, and prevent costly breakdowns.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: David Babcock, Director of Technical PreSales, Ashling Partners
SOUTHEAST Session: The widening skills gap in manufacturing continues to challenge educators, employers, and policymakers striving to cultivate a future-ready workforce. This session examines how strategic partnerships between education and industry can elevate experiential learning to better align student preparation with real-world workforce demands. Through the integration of hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and work-based learning opportunities, these collaborations create meaningful pathways from the classroom to the production floor. Ultimately, the session highlights how experiential learning—anchored in authentic industry collaboration—serves as a powerful catalyst for bridging the manufacturing skills gap and building a sustainable talent pipeline.
SOUTHEAST Session: This presentation showcases the successful migration of Prym Consumer USA from a local SAP ERP to the Prym Group’s global SAP platform, a transformation that redefined core manufacturing and supply chain operations. Completed in just eight months, the project modernized order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, finance, warehouse management, and returns processes while aligning with Prym’s fiscal year change. To address manufacturing challenges, advanced automation solutions, including Pick by Light and a Loose Item picking sorter were implemented to boost accuracy and efficiency in logistics. Seamless EDI integration via Seeburger connected Prym with leading U.S. retailers such as Walmart and Amazon, while Shopify integration expanded direct-to-consumer sales. Delivered on time, under budget, and with minimal disruption, this case study offers a clear roadmap for manufacturers seeking to harmonize global processes, adopt automation, and strengthen supply chain resilience in today’s competitive landscape.
SOUTHEAST Session: This fireside chat will explore the role of ecosystems in accelerating smart manufacturing. Together, Elise and Enrique will discuss how manufacturers can break down silos, connect cloud, IoT and frontline technologies, and drive meaningful value through collaboration. Drawing on Tulip's composable software and Zebra's expertise in real-time visibility and automation, the conversation will highlight practical examples and a forward-looking vision of ecosystems in action.
Speaker at SOUTHEAST: Tyler Boykin, Vice President, Orases