This week, I had the privilege of moderating at the #Rethink! Smart Manufacturing and Industry of Things World Conference in Berlin. Here are some insights from #Ford, #Carlsberg, and #PhilipMorris:
👉 Automotive is experiencing its biggest transformation since Henry Ford’s invention of the assembly line. Despite current challenges, innovations are still making their way to the shopfloor every day. My key question to the presenter from #Ford was: How do you identify innovations that genuinely move the needle and are worth implementing? Amid rapid changes, maintaining a long-term mindset in production is essential to identify the right innovations. Factories, by default, aren't very flexible or easy to change, so it’s crucial to ensure that what you implement isn’t just a passing trend but is pivotal for future success. Also, innovations can't be managed like typical #CapEx projects—they require a different approach to budgeting and ROI.
👉 We heard from #PhilipMorris, whose transformation is nothing short of radical. Their CEO announced that they will exit tobacco-based products by 2030—just 5 years and 2 months away! They've pivoted to a hardware/consumable product company with innovations like IQOS, fundamentally changing their DNA. Beyond enjoyment, they're now focusing on offering hardware/consumables aimed at improving health.
👉 Another insightful moment was with #Carlsberg. I joked that beer might be one of the few industries that hasn’t changed much in the last 200 years. But I was wrong. The vast number of SKUs, brands, and the push for individualized packaging and flavors have presented new challenges. Carlsberg is tackling these demands with the latest automation technology to address these evolving requirements.
A key takeaway from all companies: a comprehensive #resilience strategy in these dynamic environments isn’t a luxury—it’s mandatory. It starts with holistic change control across all machines and devices. Sound familiar? #Octoplant
VP Marketing & Sales bei Daetwyler Graphics
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