Industry-specific accelerator templates that work with Critical Manufacturing's MES solution accelerating time-to-value by deploying preconfigured MES models resulting in reduced cost of ownership. The accelerator templates consist of modeling and configuration components that provide customers with a baseline shopfloor model that can be expanded to fit their specific processes. The accelerator includes configurable integration adapters that enable customers to map inbound and outbound data (supporting a variety of data file types) using mapping tools. These accelerators provide customers with rapid MES implementations, realizing quality and cost benefits sooner, that results in a quicker ROI. These solutions are part of Athena’s digital transformation journey to position them for success in adopting their Industry 4.0 vision. Speakers: Sentil Ranganathan, CEO, Athena Technology Solutions Business focused IT Leader with over 25+ years’ experience partnering with High Technology Manufacturing companies to architect and implemented business aligned Manufacturing Execute Systems (MES), Factory Information Systems (FIS) and System integration from heterogeneous Process/Metrology equipment’s to MES, ERP & PLM. High track record in design and deliver a cost-effective high-performance information technology solution addressing complex business problems. John Ehrlich, Sr Director Industry Solutions Enterprise level solution and technical architect with over 25 years of experience in designing and implementing Manufacturing Execution Systems, supply chain and service delivery solutions for global corporations. Primary specialty in Medical Device MES implementations, semiconductor, and optical electronics industries. General go-to person for all things MES related.

In the current global scenario, manufacturing companies need to be responsive and resilient to the dynamic demand and supply environment. Real time operational intelligence, production performance and asset monitoring are table stakes for any industry today. Artificial Intelligence using the data from the machines, process and systems provides insights augmenting the production organization capabilities. It drives dynamic decisions across multitude of manufacturing functions like production planning & scheduling, process performance analysis, quality management with predictive analytics for process & assets. Achieving Predictability and Adaptability are defined at higher maturity levels 5 and 6 respectively in the Industry4.0 maturity model. AI models operating on production data drives higher manufacturing efficiencies and continuous KPI improvements of host of business functions. It accelerates response to dynamic demand, inventory optimization and data-based decision making and step towards truly connected and intelligent manufacturing. Speaker: Dr M.A Kumar, Senior Principal - Advanced Engineering Group, Infosys GV Ganesh Associate Vice President, Senior Practice Engagement Manager, Infosys

Partnering for Digital Plant of Future - Manufacturers are accelerating digital transformation using an integrated approach, applying different technologies and solutions to achieve higher levels of agility, efficiency, quality and sustainability. When it comes to Industry 4.0, there’s a stark divide between vision and reality. The vision: seamless connections, insights and workflows from the factory floor to product delivery and beyond. The reality: disconnected, dysfunctional processes with little integration between operational equipment, IT systems and business units. We’ve worked with many manufacturers to navigate the shift to Industry 4.0. We would discuss the journey taken to create smart, interconnected solutions that enables companies to compete in the next industrial era. Participants: Amel Akre, IOT Industrial Operations – Global Delivery Head, Cognizant Amol Akre leads global deliveries for Life Sciences/Retail Consumer Goods for the Manufacturing Operations Management. With industry experience of over 24 years, he has been involved in design/development/commissioning/roll-outs/Delivery Management of MOM applications in his earlier roles. In his current role, he is responsible for P&L and delivering global engagements addressing customer challenges and heling them enabling business outcomes in the area of Manufacturing IT. NS Mahadevan, Practice Lead, Northern Europe, Cognizant NS Mahadevan leads the ER&D practice for Northern Europe. With over 17 years of industry experience, NS Mahadevan has been responsible for helping customers achieve their business objectives, using technology. In his current role, he is responsible for addressing customer challenges in the area of Manufacturing IT, Product Engineering and Sustainability.

Each Manufacturing Execution System (MES) implementation is uniquely tailored to its manufacturing environment. Dive deep with us as we explore the intricacies and challenges inherent to data-driven manufacturing, focusing on the nuances of scaling MES deployments across cloud and edge environments. As manufacturing complexities surge, there's a pressing demand for a robust, scalable foundation that can handle the evolving tech needs in hybrid cloud environments, containers, and microservices to automate the full lifecycle of MES applications for faster, secure, reliable deployments .Embracing modular deployment, open architectures, and novel methods becomes critical, while sidestepping the common pitfalls inherited in operational technology today. As MES integration becomes vital for manufacturing leaders, comprehend the vision to seamless transition to the future state. Benefit from experiences, get new insights and shape your strategy. Participants: Kelly Switt Senior Director, Global Head of Intelligent Edge Business Development for Red Hat Kelly leads the Edge strategy for solutions, ecosystems and sales globally at Red Hat. She is a transformation strategist who partners with executives to drive client-centric transformation. Over the past 25 years, her focused approach has led these organizations to achieve goals from securing marketing share through new product entrance, M&A integration and operational digitization. Her work was recognized by receiving the Transformation Leader of the Year Award by the prestigious Women in IT organization. Adélio Fernandes VP of Engineering for Critical Manufacturing Adélio Fernandes holds a Computer Science degree and has eight years of experience in semiconductor, at Infineon and Qimonda. Has had several software development technical and leadership roles, including management of large-scale manufacturing integration projects for semiconductor fabs.

Digital transformation of the manufacturing process is one of the most challenges organization changes which have to managed. The reasons are many and in this roundtable we will try to brainstorm and explore how to manage and mitigate these risks. Moderator: Moderator: Luca Benporath Vice President, ERS- Strategic Digital Thread Alliances, HCLTech Luca has 30 years experience in manufacturing, logistics and engineering. His career started as a functional consultant and developed to Program Management of large MES and manufacturing IT initiatives worldwide. He has worked in large Systems Integrators such as Capgemini, Atos and now HCLTech since 2017. He leads the strategic alliances team for Digital Thread and in this role he is responsible to define strategies, partnerships, collaboration and co-investments with the main ISVs providing solutions in the Digital Thread domain. Prior to this role, Luca has been Head of Global Sales for automotive vertical. Speakers: Augusto Vilarinho - Head of Global Sales and Business Development, Critical Manufacturing Christian Ratzel - Director Digital Manufacturing, Harman Kris Maes - VP ICT, Imec

This session will highlight the transformative synergy between Industry 4.0 (I4.0), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) to drive sustainable manufacturing practices. The convergence of AI in MES is creating a pivotal shift towards intelligent, data-driven manufacturing ecosystems. Integrating Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) within MES creates a robust foundation for real-time data exchange, predictive analytics, and process optimization. And by leveraging AI's analytical prowess, manufacturers can unlock insights from colossal datasets, enabling proactive decision-making and adaptive production strategies. This amalgamation facilitates the realization of a "Golden Triangle," uniting Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and MES into a harmonious orchestration which further enhances visibility across the value chain and empowers manufacturers to optimize resources, minimize waste, and uphold sustainability goals. Ultimately, the convergence of AI within MES redefines manufacturing efficiency and paves the way for an environmentally conscious, economically viable, and socially responsible approach to sustainable manufacturing. Speaker: Shankar Subramanian Senior Director, Enterprises Manufacturing Mgmt L&T Technology Services

Join us for a comprehensive roundtable discussion focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) in the context of modern manufacturing and shop-floor equipment integration. The session will delve into the intricacies of IoT, demystifying its role and significance in enhancing operational efficiencies. Gain valuable insights into leveraging IoT for real-world value and commercial considerations. We'll tackle the challenges and best practices of IoT integration, including data reliability and navigating equipment priorities. Furthermore, we'll explore the ways to mitigate these challenges through practical solutions, sound architectural decisions, and skilled resources. Our experts will shed light on the nuanced choices between coding and low-code solutions, optimal resource utilization, and the pivotal role of strategic partnerships. Participants: Lee Yi Han, Group Manager | RoviSys, Singapore As a champion of change and growth, Yi Han has thrived in the era of digital transformation, skillfully managing innovative projects across a wide range of industries. With a keen focus on MES and historian projects, Yi Han impacts at both local and global scales, leveraging his exposure to different countries and cultures. Yi Han excels in navigating industry challenges and actively engaging with stakeholders, digging deep to identify issues, unearthing opportunities, and building robust strategies. John Vargo MES Director| RoviSys, USA John heads the enterprise MES practice at RoviSys, a role drawing on his insights into manufacturing operations, business improvement, and technical solution delivery. His client-first approach has helped him gain a strong understanding of the challenges and strategies necessary to deliver transformative change to organizations. With over 20 years of experience in manufacturing operations, John's focus has consistently been on learning, problem-solving, and building high-performance teams to deliver quality process automation, analytics, and manufacturing solutions across multiple industries. His successful project delivery record provides a wealth of experience to foster collaboration, enhance communication between business partners, and streamline change management across various business workstreams. Jeff Rericha Group Manager| RoviSys, USA As an Engineering Manager and MES and Digital Transformation consultant, Jeff utilizes technology's expansive potential to steer manufacturers towards peak performance. With a nearly 15-year track record in manufacturing, he infuses each project with critical communication skills, compassion, analytical insight, and a wealth of diverse industry experience, inspiring progress and promoting mutual growth. Jeff bridges the gap between shop floor operators and back-office teams, anchoring organizational goals across all levels. His collaborations span a variety of markets, delivering substantial operational value from the base shop floor operations to the top-tier ERP. Persistently focusing on continuous improvement, process standardization, lean principles, and change management, he ensures dependable and consistent project results.