The Future of Manufacturing with Game Changers, Presented by SAP

The buzz: “Working alone, human researchers are incapable of processing the required amount of data... to achieve the requisite innovations fast enough – particularly given the data overload facing chemical researchers today” (Valimaki). The chemical industry is anticipating unprecedented opportunities by embracing maturing Machine Learning (ML) technology. How? ML is helping to capture, process and analyze Big Data with innovative algorithms that deliver predictive insights and a sustainable competitive advantage. Is your company still on the sidelines? The experts speak. John Santagate, IDC: “The fewer rules a coach has, the fewer rules there are for players to break” (John Madden). Ravi Joshi, EY: “Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric” (Bertrand Russell). John Harrison, SAP: “HAL 9000: ‘I’m sorry Dave, I’m afraid I can’t do that’” (2001: A Space Odyssey). Join us for Machine Learning: Disruptive Potential for the Chemical Industry.

The buzz: “...2017 M&A activity will be focused around innovation and digitization.” (Deloitte) Historically fragmented portfolios, pressure from activists, and near-flat global growth predictions are compelling chemical companies to find alternative ways to prosper in our dynamic, competitive global environment. The answer? Mergers, Acquisitions and Divestitures can accelerate transformation and pave the way to rapidly enter into new business models, emerging regions or innovative market segments. Are you ready? The experts speak. Kimberly Knickle, IDC: “The most damaging phrase in the language is ‘We’ve always done it this way!’” (Grace Hopper). David Dunn, Capgemini: “A merger is hard to pull off under any circumstances. It's harder when everybody is against you” (Carly Fiorina). Stefan Guertzgen, SAP: “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” (Napoleon Hill). Join us for Chemical Industry Mergers, Acquisitions, Divestitures: Transformational Growth.

The buzz: “Basically any material you can squeeze, melt or generate into a powder, you can print.” (HLipson) When Chuck Hull developed stereolithography, a manufacturing method aka3D printing, he predicted it wouldn’t be used in the home for 25-30 years. He was right! Thirty-one years later, due to lower costs, higher speed and a variety of materials, 3D printing is also used in multiple industries. What about chemicals and related downstream industries? The experts speak.Frank Jenner, EY: “You’ve got to start with the customer experience and work back toward the technology...” (S. Jobs). Greg Gorbach, ARC: “Hinges of history are important moments ... filled with opportunity and risk. One of the biggest risks is not being aware that one is living in such a moment” (T. May). Stefan Guertzgen, SAP: “Innovation is the market introduction of a technical or organizational novelty, not just its invention” (J.A. Schumpeter). Join us 3D Printing: Changing the Game in the Chemical Industry.

The buzz: “Both optimists and pessimists contribute to the society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute (G.B. Shaw) The aerospace and defense industry (A&D) has been at the forefront of digital transformation for years, using IoT sensors to track and assess performance and improve safety. Now, with demand for new planes and passenger capacity, some OEMs are considering not selling aircrafts and engines, but rather their performance via new products and services. Global industry leaders are gaining flexibility with an IoT approach and by upgrading technology infrastructure with AI, Machine Learning, 3D printing, cloud, analytics. Is it enough? The experts speak. John H. Schmidt, Accenture: “Show me the money” (Jerry Maguire, film). Torsten Welte, SAP: “The probability of success is difficult to estimate; but if we never search the chance of success is zero” (G. Cocconi & P. Morrison). Join us for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing: What’s Shaping the Future?

The buzz: “Technology trends coupled with consumers’ increasing power to demand personalized products are changing the face of manufacturing” (Kevin O’Marah, industryweek.com, 01/14/15). “Software is Everywhere” has begun to resonate with industrial manufacturers worldwide. There’s hardly an industrial machine, piece of equipment, or plant automation system that does not contain a significant amount of software to go along with traditional hardware. How is this mass digitalization disrupting the industrial machinery sector? The experts speak. Sabrina Bartlett, Capgemini: “Simplification is not just for beginners” (Daniel Dennett). Vijay Sundararajan, SAP: “The value of education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think” (A. Einstein). David Parrish, SAP: “A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be” (Wayne Gretzky). Join us for Mass Digitalization in Industrial Manufacturing: What’s Next?