6th - 7th October 2026, Düsseldorf
Agenda
Day 1
08:00 - 08:50
REGISTRATION
08:55 – 09:00
CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS
09:00 - 09:30
Enhancing Plant Performance through an Interactive Connected Worker Experience
- How cutting-edge solutions can transform operations
- Discovering practical applications of the platform in manufacturing settings
- Streamlining processes, enhancing productivity, and driving operational excellence
- Deploying digital solutions and fostering a culture of innovation
- Enhancing overall plant performance with connected worker platforms
- Implementing strategies for ongoing innovation and improvement
Metin Begecarslan, Chief Excellence Officer, Bodycote
09:30 - 10:00
Bavarian Speed at Scale: Ramping Up BMW’s Irlbach Straßkirchen Plant with iFactory, Virtual Commissioning and People Transformation
- This keynote shares how BMW is building up and ramping up the Irlbach Straßkirchen site by applying iFactory principles across planning, execution and operations.
- A strong focus is placed on digital methods and virtual commissioning to validate processes early, reduce risks and support a smoother transition into production.
- Beyond technology, the talk highlights what it takes to drive transformation with people: new ways of working, cross functional collaboration and change leadership to make digital approaches effective in day to day delivery.
Dr.-Ing. Dieter Geus, Head of Plant and Control Engineering, Process Methodology, and Logistics, BMW Group
10:00 - 10:30
Driving Digital Transformation with Low-Code Platforms: Enhancing Agility and Efficiency
- Leveraging low-code platforms to streamline manufacturing processes and improve operational agility
- Accelerating digital transformation through customized, scalable solutions without complex coding
- Enabling cross-functional teams to collaborate and build process automation workflows
- Integrating legacy systems with modern tools to enhance efficiency and reduce downtime
10:35 - 11:25
COFFEE BREAK
11:30 - 12:00
Enabling the Front-Line with Data and AI
- Why 47% of leading manufacturers are using AI to empower front-line workers
- How turnkey AI solutions help junior operators perform like seasoned veterans, driving operational excellence
- Gaining a competitive edge by lowering costs, improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and addressing productivity gaps caused by workforce turnover
- Showing how manufacturing benefits from AI and advanced analytics
- Understanding common pitfalls that cause AI projects to fail and strategies to ensure successful implementation
12:00 - 12:30
The Expansion of AI and Robotics in Modern Manufacturing
- Exploring the integration of robotics, AI, and automation to enhance efficiency and quality across all business areas
- Strategies for upskilling the workforce to effectively utilize advanced technologies
- Addressing challenges in implementing smart manufacturing solutions within traditional operations
- The role of data analytics in optimizing robotic and automated systems for continuous improvement
- Highlighting successful transformations through advanced robotics and automations
12:30 - 13:00
Optimizing Manufacturing Processes: Strategies to Improve Process Flow, Reduce Cycle Time, and Boost Efficiency
- Identifying bottlenecks, optimizing workflows, and streamlining the production process for enhanced efficiency
- Leveraging digital tools, IoT, and data analytics to monitor and optimize manufacturing operations in real-time, driving faster decision-making
- Improving Equipment Utilization: Strategies to enhance the utilization and uptime of critical manufacturing equipment, ensuring that production capacity is maximized
- Workforce Optimization: Aligning workforce skills and capacity with production demands, enhancing team collaboration, and reducing downtime through effective training and deployment
- Continuous Process Improvement: Establishing a culture of ongoing process evaluation and refinement to ensure long-term improvements in production efficiency
PLANNED INVESTMENT AREAS
- Continuous Improvement / OPEX
- Industry 4.0
- Lean Methodologies
- Sustainability & ESG Software
- 3D Printing for Digital Manufacturing
- Project & Resource Management
- Additive Manufacturing / Factory-as-a-Service
- Connected Factory
- Industry 5.0 Concepts
- Net Zero
- Cybersecurity
- Robotic Automation
- Digital/Software Adoption
- MES / Shop-floor Digitization
- Machine Learning
- Digital Twin
- M2M Communication
- Remote Working
- Plant / Workforce Safety
- Wireless Connectivity
- Cloud, Edge & IoT Data Management
- Asset Performance Management (APM 4.0)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Technologies
- Predictive Analytics / Condition Monitoring
- Green Manufacturing Practices & Initiatives
- Cloud Computing & Sensors
- Asset Management
- Data Analytics / Big Data / Data Management
13:00 - 13:55
LUNCH
14:00 - 14:30
The future of Lean in times of AI
- AI is a powerful enabler, but not automatically a value creator
- Lean remains essential to define problems, stabilize processes, and avoid scaling waste
- AI without Lean risks accelerating inefficiencies and creating new forms of digital waste
- Leadership and people development are critical to ensure responsible and effective AI use
- The future lies in combining Lean principles with AI capabilities to create sustainable value
14:30 - 15:00
Using Data-Driven Decision-Making to Enhance Production Processes
- Optimizing operations for competitive advantage in manufacturing?
- Streamlining manufacturing operations to increase efficiency and minimize costs
- Applying lean manufacturing principles for continuous improvement
- Strengthening supply chain resilience to mitigate risks and ensure consistent product availability
- Maintaining high-quality standards while scaling operations effectively
15:00 - 15:30
Big Data and Digital Twins for effective decision making
- Converging Big Data and Digital Twins: from static models to real-time intelligence
- Building scalable data pipelines to power high-fidelity digital twins
- Leveraging AI and analytics for predictive insights and autonomous decision-making
- From simulation to optimization: driving operational efficiency and business value
- Governance, interoperability, and trust: ensuring reliable and secure twin ecosystems
Ivan Branco, Head of Information Management, AI and Analytics, Volvo Group – TTI SO&T Digital Operations
15:35 - 16:25
COFFEE BREAK
16:30 - 17:00
Optimizing Operations with ERP Solutions
- The role of industry-specific ERP solutions in optimizing production and reducing lead times
- How automation improves quality and streamlines workflows in manufacturing operations
- Achieving real-time visibility for enhanced decision-making and inventory management
- Integrating advanced technologies to modernize manufacturing processes
17:00 - 17:30
Leveraging AI for Advanced Data Protection and Cybersecurity
- Implementing AI for growth in key industries like healthcare and finance
- Optimizing complex infrastructure to support scalable AI solutions
- Leading global AI teams to deliver impactful, secure AI and cloud solutions
- Strategic partnerships to expand AI adoption across the enterprise
- Balancing AI investment with ROI through effective AI governance
PLANNED INVESTMENT AREAS
- Continuous Improvement / OPEX
- Industry 4.0
- Lean Methodologies
- Sustainability & ESG Software
- 3D Printing for Digital Manufacturing
- Project & Resource Management
- Additive Manufacturing / Factory-as-a-Service
- Connected Factory
- Industry 5.0 Concepts
- Net Zero
- Cybersecurity
- Robotic Automation
- Digital/Software Adoption
- MES / Shop-floor Digitization
- Machine Learning
- Digital Twin
- M2M Communication
- Remote Working
- Plant / Workforce Safety
- Wireless Connectivity
- Cloud, Edge & IoT Data Management
- Asset Performance Management (APM 4.0)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Technologies
- Predictive Analytics / Condition Monitoring
- Green Manufacturing Practices & Initiatives
- Cloud Computing & Sensors
- Asset Management
- Data Analytics / Big Data / Data Management
17:30 - 18:00
The best of both worlds - traditional AND Gen AI for engineering & production
- What are the fundamental differences between Traditional and Generative AI?
- Is Traditional AI now obsolete?
- What use cases to approach with Traditional AI? Which ones to tackle with Generative AI?
- What initial foundation model based PoCs were done and did they show actual value?
Yves Gorat Stommel, Head of Electrical and Process Controls, Evonik Operations GmbH
18:00 - 19:00
DRINKS RECEPTION
Day 2
08:55 – 09:00
CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS
09:00 - 09:30
Lighthouse by Design: What the Global Lighthouse Network Taught Us About Building from Scratch
- How the CRISP framework (Connected, Resilient, Intelligent, Sustainable, People-Centric) guides the design of Siemens’ next-generation Electronics Works Singapore factory
- Translating Global Lighthouse Network principles into a live greenfield project — from concept to commissioning
- Digital twins, modular assembly and AI-driven cross-factory knowledge federation as enablers of future-ready manufacturing
- Building resilience through location strategy, flexible shopfloor architecture and cloud-native IT/OT convergence
- Embedding sustainability from day one: LEED Platinum ambition, net-zero design and resource efficiency
- People at the centre: DEI-certified building design, microlearning on the shopfloor and empowering a digitally native workforce
Maximilian Foehse, Global Head of Manufacturing Operations Management, Siemens AG
09:30 - 10:00
Smart Manufacturing at Scale: How Roche is taking digital twin simulations from pilot to global reality
- How Roche uses AI as a key tool for simulating and planning new production facilities
- Which use cases deliver the greatest business value
- Which practical challenges need to be managed
- What Roche’s smart manufacturing strategy looks like
Jan Wokittel, Director Smart Manufacturing, Hoffmann-La Roche
10:00 - 10:30
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Enterprise Asset Management for Enhanced Productivity
- Exploring the integration of AI-driven mobile apps to automate and enrich data for plant maintenance and frontline work
- Discovering how AI solutions can significantly boost EAM productivity and information accuracy
- Examining the impact of excessive work order times on productivity and how AI-driven mobile solutions can drastically reduce time spent on capturing work order information
- Understanding the importance of mobile asset management in turning frontline workers into knowledge workers
10:35 - 11:25
COFFEE BREAK
11:30 – 12:00
Accelerating AI Commercialization: From End-to-End Development to Scalable Impact
- Delving into AI and emerging tech from E2E development of product lifecycle
- Breaking down the business need of technical AI and how to deploy use cases
- Best practices and strategies to extract value of AI use cases for commercialization
- How to rapid scale AI and accelerate time to market
12:00 – 12:30
Accelerating Digital Transformation: Rapid Adoption in Dynamic Environments
- Identifying key factors for achieving rapid transformation across global operations
- Overcoming barriers to quick adoption of new digital technologies
- Modernizing legacy systems without disrupting business processes
- Leveraging real-time data and analytics for smarter, faster decision-making
- Implementing agile frameworks to support digital transformation at scale
12:30 – 13:00
Data-Driven Decision-Making Through Predictive and Prescriptive Analytics
- Transforming raw data into actionable, real-time insights with AI analytics
- Integrating real-time analytics across enterprise systems for operational efficiency
- Leveraging machine learning models to predict trends and optimize performance
- Ensuring data governance and quality to maximize AI-driven decision-making
- Scaling AI-powered analytics in data-rich, complex environments
PLANNED INVESTMENT AREAS
- Continuous Improvement / OPEX
- Industry 4.0
- Lean Methodologies
- Sustainability & ESG Software
- 3D Printing for Digital Manufacturing
- Project & Resource Management
- Additive Manufacturing / Factory-as-a-Service
- Connected Factory
- Industry 5.0 Concepts
- Net Zero
- Cybersecurity
- Robotic Automation
- Digital/Software Adoption
- MES / Shop-floor Digitization
- Machine Learning
- Digital Twin
- M2M Communication
- Remote Working
- Plant / Workforce Safety
- Wireless Connectivity
- Cloud, Edge & IoT Data Management
- Asset Performance Management (APM 4.0)
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Technologies
- Predictive Analytics / Condition Monitoring
- Green Manufacturing Practices & Initiatives
- Cloud Computing & Sensors
- Asset Management
- Data Analytics / Big Data / Data Management
13:05 - 13:55
LUNCH
14:00 – 14:30
Transforming Continuous Improvement: The Role of AI and Connected Worker Technology
- Predicting bottlenecks and identifying patterns with AI and Connected Worker Technology for proactive solutions
- Showcasing case studies on boosting productivity, quality, and retention through these technologies
- Integrating AI and CW technology into CI frameworks to foster continuous learning and agility
14:30 - 15:00
Maximizing Plant Performance: Driving Efficiency, Innovation, and Sustainability
- Implementing advanced workflows to optimize plant performance and streamline operations
- Scaling automation to boost efficiency while maintaining operational flexibility
- Using real-time data to monitor and drive continuous facility performance improvements
- Designing facilities for high efficiency and sustainability to meet environmental goals
- Leveraging digital tools for predictive maintenance and reducing downtime
