The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
Automation, Maintenance & Reliability Summit
Smart Manufacturing of the Future
May 2nd, 2025 | 8:00am - 1:00pm (ET)
Optional Tour: Southeastern Container | 1:00pm - 2:30pm
Smart Factory Institute at the PIE Innovation Center
2215 Parker Street NE, Cleveland, TN 37311
#SmartFactoryInstitute
About the Event
In the world of maintenance and industrial production, operations are continuing to transform as maintenance professionals are pushed to “digitally transform” and become more data driven. The ultimate goal is to execute effective condition-based maintenance, maximize asset reliability and avoid catastrophic failure, but how is this effectively accomplished? Explore how Industry 4.0 is enabling digital transformation decision-making and the role played by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), robotics, how the numerous existing sensor data can be used sensibly with connectivity, and how all of this leads to reliable control.
The Automation, Maintenance, & Reliability Summit is aimed at plant, production, and manufacturing managers, as well as safety engineers, technical specialists, automation specialists, design/development managers, and system integrators.
EVENT WILL START IN
2025 SUMMIT AGENDA
Agenda is continuously being updated.
OPENING
7:30am
Registration & Networking
8:00am
Welcome
Denise (Rice) Hall
President & CEO, Peak Performance Inc., Operators of the Smart Factory Institute
FEATURED SPEAKER
8:15am
Implementing Reliability Centered Maintenance
When it comes to asset management and equipment reliability, how do we get all of the ingredients to blend together? Learn about a strategy that brings all of the organization’s functions, people, and processes into a collective roadmap for asset management. Blending benchmarking, CMMS implementation, planning and scheduling, organizational partnerships, storerooms/materials management, procurement, management philosophies, leadership, reliability centered maintenance, and root cause analysis into an approach for your success.
Derek Kozlowski
Senior Engineering Manager, WACKER
Dr. Klaus Blache
Director of Reliability & Maintainability Center; The University of Tennessee in Knoxville
PANEL DISCUSSION I
9:00am
Integrating Training, Technology, and Total Productive Maintenance
This discussion will center on the critical role that training plays in the success of maintenance and operational strageties. The panel will adress how Mechatronic principles and TPM align to minimize downtime and optimize workforce skills. Panelist will share real world applications and success stories, and highlight best practices for driving operational excellence.
Derek Bartley
Marty Denton
Mechatronics Instructor, Peak Performance
Tyler Koitka
Founder, Blueprint Intelligence
Crystal Renner
Corporate Director, Human Resources, Miller Industries
PANEL DISCUSSION II
10:00am
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as game-changing technologies that can revolutionize maintenance practices and enhance asset reliability. This discussion focuses on leveraging AI and ML to drive efficiency, optimize operations, and avoid catastrophic failures. By harnessing the vast amounts of data generated, organizations can gain valuable insights and make data-driven decisions that lead to effective condition-based maintenance. Hear how to leverage AI and ML tools to analyze sensor data, identify patterns, and predict equipment failures before they occur.
Danny Norman
Advanced Manufacturing Consultant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Satish Vadlamani
Director of Data Science and BI, Kenco Group
Greg Sutherland
Vice President Information Technology, McKee Food Corporation
PANEL DISCUSSION III
10:30am
Smart Factory Institute Industrial Maintenance Apprenticeship Program
This session will bring together manufacturers to discuss the pivotal role of apprenticeship programs in shaping the future workforce of industrial maintenance. The panel will explore key topics such as the skills gap in the manufacturing sector, the benefits of hands-on training, and the value of collaboration between the Smart Factory Institute and industry leaders. Hear firsthand how these programs not only equip participants with essential technical skills but also foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Whether you’re an industry professional, an educator, or someone interested in workforce development, this discussion will provide valuable insights into how the Smart Factory Institute is leading the charge in preparing the next generation of maintenance professionals for the challenges of tomorrow.
Skylar Randolph
Director of Business Development, Peak Performance
Michelle Mcclure
Site Manger, Engineered Floors
Robert Kennedy
East TN Apprenticeship Director, State of TN Apprentership Department
SESSION II
11:15am
Utilizing IO-Link Connectivity for Effective Condition-Based Monitoring & Maintenance
In the age of smart manufacturing, condition-based monitoring has emerged as a critical strategy for optimizing asset reliability and performance. This session will explore modern ways in which intelligent devices and network innovations are revolutionizing the industrial space. Attendees will gain insights into practical applications of Industry 4.0 technologies, and how to increase reliability while turning streams of device data into quick, profitable business decisions.
SESSION III
11:40am
Are You Using your Maintenance KPI’s the Wrong Way?
A crucial outlook on choosing and utilizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for exceptional maintenance performance is essential. We require specific KPIs to manage our limited maintenance resources effectively and ensure plant success. While some KPIs are necessary, certain widely-used KPIs can have adverse effects and may hinder company performance. Additionally, some metrics are simply time-wasters. By consolidating and evaluating KPIs, we can identify and utilize critical KPIs effectively.
Kevin Meyers
Director of Application Development, FocustApps
LUNCH & NETWORKING
12:00 pm
Lunch & Networking
WRAP-UP
12:30pm
Closing Remarks
Denise (Rice) Hall
President & CEO, Peak Performance Inc., Operators of the Smart Factory Institute
1:00pm
Optional Tour: Southeastern Container
2:30pm
Adjourn
