Session Abstract:
The topic for this panel will go beyond a technology discussion. We will first discuss manufacturing operational hurdles from events that are both external and internal to today’s manufacturer and then a shift to feedback from the operational world of manufacturing for technology requirements. Our focus will be listening to what manufacturing executives expect from the technology vendors who are driving Operational Technology transformations that leverage advanced capabilities such as IoT, AI/ML and the cloud. We will want to discuss how technologists can connect with manufacturing executives by speaking their language to achieve a better outcome that is aligned to expectations set forth by the C suite and Board of Directors.
Speakers:
Guy Merritt is an experienced C-suite executive, Guy has 35 years engineering leadership advising and developing IoT solutions, native cloud-based systems, products and engineering & manufacturing test solutions for a wide variety of industries. He is an author of the award-winning book “Proactive Risk Management: Controlling Uncertainty in Product Development.”
Adam Vandenburg, Director, Strategic Development, Armis
Harry Grewal is the Director of Partnerships at Litmus Automation, an industrial IoT startup building an industrial edge data platform that unifies device connectivity, data intelligence and data integration in a complete Industry 4.0 solution. As an experienced supply chain and manufacturing software professional, Harry has 13 years of experience working on building and implementing information systems across global enterprises, leading pre-sales engineering and partnerships with companies of all sizes. Harry is a passionate technologist and strives to solve complex problems with the application of modern software. When his 5 year old daughter allows for some downtime, he likes to build small software apps and ride his motorcycle out in the country.
Charles Tuck, Professional Services Leader, Ndustrial
Troy Heideman is a seasoned professional serving as a Business Development Executive for IoT solutions at SAS Institute. With a deep-rooted passion for addressing real-world challenges within the industrial market segment, Troy focuses on fostering strategic partnerships and delivering innovative IoT solutions. Possessing an extensive background in manufacturing operations and new product development, Troy boasts a proven track record of driving operational excellence and optimizing processes to enhance product quality, efficiency, and productivity throughout the entire product lifecycle. Prior to joining SAS in 2022, Troy held prominent leadership positions, including the role of Global Director of Reliability Engineering at Welbilt, a renowned commercial food service appliance manufacturer. During his tenure, he spearheaded the establishment and management of the Design-for-Reliability (DfR) program across all Welbilt brands worldwide. Troy also devised and executed strategic initiatives to reduce product field issues and minimize warranty expenditures. Throughout his career, Troy has consistently demonstrated a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement, quality management, and robust product design. He has held certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Blackbelt and Certified Reliability Engineer, showcasing his expertise in process optimization, statistical analysis, and reliability engineering methodologies. Troy received a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology from Silver Lake College.
Kristi Castro has spent twenty-five years in Manufacturing and Supply-chain roles for leading CPG companies like Procter and Gamble, Coty, British America Tobacco, and most recently for Truvant. In her role as COO for Truvant, she drives the strategy and development for one of the largest pure play packaging services companies in the globe. Working with global Fortune 500 CPG companies she has the opportunity to be front-row working on the latest manufacturing and supply chain challenges. She has participated in organizations such as Society of Women Engineers, ISPE, ASCM, Awesome – Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management, and Education, and now the Supply Chain Pillar lead for the Intelligent Manufacturing Centre of Excellence.
