Manufacturing’s history includes three waves of change: the “lean” revolution of the seventies, the outsourcing phenomenon of the nineties and the automation revolution of the current decade. But there is no rest for the weary, as McKinsey consultants are currently warning American manufacturers that they must get ready now for the next big change, which they are calling “Industry 4.0.”
In our information age, virtually every company generates huge amounts of data on a daily basis. In theory, we know that data can be collected, analyzed and crunched in real-time to deliver intelligence that companies can use to boost productivity, gain a competitive edge and expand their businesses. Many companies use smart, connected devices to do just that—increasing efficiency, boosting revenue and creating new business models. However, many more are not, Colin Masson, global industry director, manufacturing at Microsoft Business Solutions told CEOs gathered for a Chief Executive roundtable discussion held in partnership with Microsoft.
Two manufacturing veterans offer their observations on game-changing technology and having the right talent.
Staying abreast of new technologies like additive printing, the Internet of Things and Machine to Machine remote monitoring is more important than ever.
As most CEOs will confirm, talented job candidates are demanding more, and it’s not just about money. The factors that attract the best people—a learning workplace with strong teamwork, a chance to make a significant contribution, a purpose-driven culture—are attributes of enduring institutions and great companies.
Method Products has opened the doors of its sustainability-oriented “South Side Soapbox” factory in the economically depressed south side of Chicago, and the move should boost the environmental chops of the “planet-friendly” brand of household, fabric and personal care products.
Every week seems to bring some new revelation of trouble for the manufacturers that once dominated the U.S. and global processed-food business: Kellogg, General Mills, Kraft, Campbell Soup, PepsiCo, ConAgra and the like. And it equally brings news of some upstart brand that is helping to reorder this massive business with some new innovation in products, packaging, marketing or all three: Annie’s, Amy’s, Plum Organics, Chobani, Lifeway cultured-yogurt drinks, and Vita Coco coconut water.
U.S. companies reshoring their operations and foreign firms investing in facilities here brought more than 60,000 manufacturing jobs to the U.S. in 2014, according to a recently released report reby The Reshoring Initiative. That’s up roughly 2% from record levels in 2013 and a fourfold increase since 2003.
Rather than a sleek, orderly assemblage of race cars champing at the starting line for a conventional sprint around an oval, the competition for the future of the automobile is beginning to resemble more of a demolition derby—lots of players just rambling around the arena trying to take out anyone they can.
The manufacturing sector is reinventing itself to remain competitive and to meet increasing customer expectations for high quality and convenient products.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
