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Automotive
Summit
2024
NOVEMBER 12 & 13, 2024
usautosummit.com
Tomorrow's Connection Today
Designing a new future for manufacturing, quality and supply chain leaders
+1-416-298-7005
info@generisgp.com
Program
Program · Day 1
November 12, 2024
* JOIN US FOR THE PRE-EVENT HAPPY HOUR on November 11, 2024 FROM 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sponsored by:
7:00 am – 8:00 am EST
Delegate Registration and Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by:
8:00 am – 8:10 am EST
Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks
Manufacturing & Operations
Ramon Kuczera
SVP, Engineering
GKN Automotive
Quality
Laura Bygrave
Chief Commercial Officer
Chartwell
Design & Engineering
Erin McDuff
VP, Global Marketing
Slip Robotics
8:10 am – 8:40 am EST
Opening Keynote
Tsutomu Wakitani
VP and Executive Chief Engineer
American Honda Motor Company
Navigating New Automotive Business Challenges with Advanced Technology
- Identifying the key challenges faced by the automotive industry in today's market
- Leveraging AI, machine learning, and IoT to address and overcome business challenges
- Streamlining operations and reducing costs through automation and data analytics
- Utilizing technology to meet environmental standards, regulatory compliance, and sustainability
- Predicting how emerging technologies will shape the future of business in the automotive sector
8:40 am – 9:10 am EST
Plenary
Wynand Stapelberg
VP, Engineering
Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, Inc.
Engineering Excellence: Achieving Optimum Asset Value Over the Complete Life Cycle
- Developed and implemented a standardized maintenance and asset care model across seven decentralized automotive plants, creating a consistent approach and shared best practices.
- Introduced an annual assessment to measure progress and a monthly global maintenance scorecard to track key KPIs, resulting in a 10% reduction in maintenance manpower and a 19% reduction in running costs. Leveraged data management solutions to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
- Ensured buy-in and commitment by involving each plant in all work packages, leading to increased technical performance and successful project outcomes.
9:10 am – 9:40 am EST
Plenary
Raja Shembekar
VP, Manufacturing & Corporate Officer, PACCAR
eMoldino Speaker
Automotive Manufacturing Excellence: Strategies for Achieving Supply Chain Resilience Through Tooling Digitalization
- Implementing a robust supplier risk management system to gain insights into supplier capacity to mitigate potential parts delays and prevent variable revenue loss
- Utilizing real-time production data to enhance collaboration between OEMs and suppliers for rapid decision making and response to changing outsource manufacturing needs
9:45 am – 11:25 am EST
Refreshments, Networking, and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings
11:30 am – 12:00 pm EST
Sessions
Manufacturing & Operations
Mark Holloway
VP, Global Supply Chain
Goodyear
Fueling Operational Success with Strategic Supply Chain Initiatives
- Adopting lean principles to eliminate waste, streamline processes, and enhance efficiency throughout the supply chain
- Creating a flexible supply chain capable of quickly adapting to market fluctuations and disruptions
- Fostering cross-functional collaboration within the organization to break down silos and improve workflow efficiency
- Utilizing advanced technologies to enhance supply chain integration, improving communication and coordination across all levels
Quality
Douglas Cantriel
Head Executive, North American Transportation and Modernization
Ford
Lauren Dunford
CEO and Co-Founder
Guidewheel
Fireside Chat: Transforming Automotive Supply Chains: Strategies for Modernization and Efficiency
- Importance and benefits of modernizing supply chain operations in the automotive industry
- Using in-depth analysis to identify and implement industry-leading software solutions
- Case study on reducing the operating budget by $60M in one year
- Developing and deploying a global last-mile delivery solution
- Integrating supply chain visibility, warehouse, transportation, and yard management systems
- Exploring future opportunities and innovations in automotive supply chain modernization
DESIGN & ENGINEERING
Florian Reichle
Global Head, Safety and Security
BorgWarner
SECURITY ENGINEERING: WHY CYBERSECURITY IS CRUCIAL TO TALENT AND AUTOMOTIVE ACTIVITIES
- Emphasizing proactive cybersecurity measures against evolving cyber threats during organizational EV, SDV, and ADAS product line transitions
- How does Cybersecurity impact Product and Functional Safety
- Enhancing employee awareness and talent upskilling programs to mitigate human error risks and strengthen cybersecurity defenses
- Collaborating with industry partners and regulatory bodies to establish cybersecurity standards and best practices for automotive activities
12:05 pm – 12:40 pm EST
Workshops
Room 1
John Banda
Connected Data Specialist
Autodesk
Connected Solutions for Comprehensive Asset Management in Automotive Manufacturing
- Exploring how the Datum360 acquisition improves data accessibility and usability within the Autodesk ecosystem
- Streamlining asset management from procurement through operations to drive operational efficiency and oversight
- Leveraging automated checklists to enhance safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce manual oversight
- Utilizing connected data solutions to foster innovation, efficiency, and safety in automotive manufacturing processes
available: Slides | Video
Room 2
Taylor Young
CSO
CoLab Software
Preventing Repeat Errors: Data-Driven Strategies to Improve Design Quality
- Explore key findings from a survey of 250 global engineering organizations on the root causes of repeat design errors and how these errors impact product quality, timelines, and rework costs.
- Learn how to prevent mistakes at scale by managing lessons learned effectively—turning an often-overlooked business process into a powerful tool for error prevention across large, distributed teams.
- Discover how AI can help capture and transfer knowledge, ensuring that critical expertise from experienced engineers is preserved and shared across teams, safeguarding business continuity as the workforce evolves.
- See how to apply these error-prevention strategies to your supply chain, with 2024 data on supplier collaboration and how engaging suppliers earlier can reduce costly delays and improve overall product quality.
available: Slides | Video
Room 3
Ed Walsh
Chief Revenue Officer
Sigmetrix
How a Better Understanding of Mechanical Variation Can Drive Your Product Development
- Leveraging insights into mechanical variation to reduce failure rates and enhance overall product reliability.
- Using advanced data analytics to identify and address mechanical variations early in the product development process.
- Implementing strategies that minimize mechanical variation to decrease defects and improve production efficiency.
- Ensuring consistent product performance by mitigating the impact of mechanical variations, leading to better customer experiences.
available: Video
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm EST
Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions and Open Seating Lunch
Dave McGovern
Head, Commercial Sales - Americas
AMDT
Driving Efficiency and Resilience in Automotive Manufacturing through version control with octoplant
James Howard
Vice President
GXO Logistics
Enhancing Supply Chain Performance through Advanced Logistics
Ed Walsh
Chief Revenue Officer
Sigmetrix
Where is Your Company’s Journey Towards Developing the Digital Thread?
Doug Erwin
CEO
ChainLink SRM
Breaking the Supply Chain Visibility Barrier with B2B Collaboration
Mardi Park
CEO
eMoldino
Leveraging Tooling Digitalization for Cost Optimization in Automotive Manufacturing
Chris Brown
VP, Sales
CADDi Co., Ltd.
Enhancing Automotive Operations with Advanced Data Management
Bernardo Mendez
Director, Solutions Engineering
Rescale
From Concept to Road: Connecting Simulation, Cloud, and AI for Smarter Automotive Engineering
Dan Wilson
SVP, Global Sales
Eyelit Technologies
Accelerating Plant and Supply Chain Synchronization: Enhancing Planning, Scheduling, and Execution with AI, ML, and Digital Twin Technologies
1:50 pm – 2:20 pm EST
Sessions
Manufacturing & Operations
Ganesh Iyer
Chief Technology Officer, Head of MiNDCAN
Martinrea International
OPTIMIZING PROFITS IN AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLY CHAIN AND INDUSTRY-AGNOSTIC ENVIRONMENTS
- Exploring supply sustainability strategies for identifying, tracking, and managing cost-saving initiatives
- Thriving within an evolving economy with rising costs, supply chain constraints, and labor challenges
- Developing best practices to institutionalize a systemic, sustainable, and scalable cost-saving culture across cross-functional talent groups
- Implementing campaigns to increase real-time visibility and transparency
Quality
Rafael Larrauri
SVP, Operations - Americas
Astemo
Enhancing Manufacturing Efficiency: Integrating Robotics for Operational Excellence
- Leveraging robotics to streamline production processes and boost manufacturing efficiency
- Implementing automation to reduce human error and enhance precision in manufacturing tasks
- Overcoming challenges in integrating robotics with existing workflows and technology
- Optimizing workforce collaboration with robotic systems for greater productivity
Design & Engineering
Arnd Herwig
VP, Engineering
Brose
Driving Sustainability: Market Requirements, Waste Hierarchy, and Carbon Footprint of Polymers in Automotive Applications and their Implementation
- Exploring the latest innovations in product design and how they are reshaping the automotive landscape
- Utilizing cutting-edge engineering tools and methodologies to enhance ICE and EV product development
- Brose’s commitment to achieving sustainability goals and electrification strategies for a greener automotive industry
- Enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and user experience through innovative engineering solutions
- Building a culture of continuous improvement and excellence within engineering teams at Brose
2:25 pm – 3:00 pm EST
Workshops
Room 1
Kurt DeMaagd, Ph.D
Co-Founder & Chief AI Officer
Sight Machine
AI for Industry - A Practical Guide: Uses, Risks, and Today’s Opportunities
- Overview of how AI is different from analytics
- The best techniques to using it to our advantage
- How manufacturing is well suited for AI
available: Slides | Video
Room 2
Rachel Trombetta
Senior Executive Enterprise Architect
ServiceNow
Driving Cost Efficiency in Automotive Through Workflow Automation and GenAI
- OEMs face operational challenges due to fragmented IT systems, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs
- Automating and optimizing workflows across all functions—manufacturing, supply chain, sales, and service—can significantly reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency
- Leveraging advanced technologies such as Generative AI, virtual agents, and predictive analytics can drive substantial cost savings by improving decision-making, streamlining processes, and enhancing resource allocation
- Integrating capabilities like flexibility, agility, and real-time visibility across operations boosts productivity, reduces costs, and enhances customer satisfaction
- GenAI and other emerging technologies enable OEMs to stay competitive by automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, improving quality and reducing human intervention, ultimately cutting costs and increasing revenue opportunities
available: Slides | Video
Room 3
Michelle Phelps
Director, Sales
Authenticom
Data-Driven Success: Enhancing Automotive Operations with Advanced Data Solutions
- Streamlining data from various sources to ensure accurate and comprehensive datasets
- Improving data quality through advanced cleansing and enhancement techniques
- Utilizing clean and enriched data to create precise and effective marketing strategies
- Implementing platforms to unify and manage customer data for better insights
available: Slides | Video
3:05 pm – 4:25 pm EST
Happy Hour, Networking and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings
Sponsored by:
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm EST
Plenary
Alicia Davis
SVP, Chief Strategy Officer
Lear Corporation
Navigating A Dynamic Future: Harnessing Transformative Innovation for Operational Excellence
- Dynamic macro trends and industry forecasts present both unprecedented challenges and opportunities
- The exponential growth in advanced technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and robotics, is reshaping the landscape
- Lear Corporation’s strategic roadmap accelerates toward a future driven by innovation, digital transformation, engineering excellence, and automation
- Lear empowers employees to pioneer innovative solutions by leveraging AI, IoT, and automation technologies
- Transformative innovation is key to enhancing process efficiency, elevating quality, increasing operational flexibility, and improving employee health and safety and job satisfaction
5:00 pm – 5:45 pm EST
Panel Discussion
Hannafia Spånberg
Director, Engineering ETC
BorgWarnerAnna Schneider
SVP, Industry-Government Relations
VolkswagenGagan Mann
VP, Product Management
StellantisCarolina Pluszczynski
COO, Michigan Central
FordCheryl Thompson
CEO and Founder, Center for Automotive Diversity
Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
- What has been the most significant barrier in your career as a leader?
- How do you and your organization empower the next generation of skilled professionals?
- What is the best piece of advice you've received from leadership?
- What advice would you give to the next generation of leaders?
5:45 pm – 5:55 pm EST
Chair's closing remarks
Manufacturing & Operations
Ramon Kuczera
SVP, Engineering
GKN Automotive
Quality
Laura Bygrave
Chief Commercial Officer
Chartwell
Design & Engineering
Erin McDuff
VP, Global Marketing
Slip Robotics
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm EST
Networking drinks reception
Sponsored by:
Program · Day 2
November 13, 2024
7:00 am – 8:00 am EST
Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by:
8:00 am – 8:10 am EST
Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks
Manufacturing & Operations
Ramon Kuczera
SVP, Engineering
GKN Automotive
Quality
Laura Bygrave
Chief Commercial Officer
Chartwell
Design & Engineering
Mason Cole
Head of Sales
Slip Robotics
8:10 am – 8:40 am EST
Opening Keynote
Megan Hunter
EVP, Procurement and Supply Chain Operations
Martinrea International
Sustainable Operations: Integrating Sustainability and Supply Chain Efficiency in Automotive Production
- Incorporating eco-friendly materials into the supply chain to reduce environmental impact
- Implementing energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to minimize the carbon footprint
- Developing closed-loop systems for waste management and recycling to promote circular economy principles
- Fostering collaboration with suppliers and partners to ensure sustainability standards are upheld across the automotive supply chain
- Examples of successful integration of sustainability in automotive operations and supply chains
8:40 am – 9:10 am EST
Plenary
Peter Tadros
President, Powertrain Solutions, North America
Bosch
Future Trends in Automotive Powertrain Solutions: Challenges and Opportunities
- Examining the evolving landscape of automotive powertrain solutions and the shift towards electrification
- Addressing the challenges of transitioning from traditional combustion engines to electric and hybrid powertrains
- Strategies for developing scalable and cost-effective powertrain solutions to meet diverse market demands
- The importance of collaboration and partnerships in driving innovation and overcoming industry challenges
- Insights into Bosch's approach to pioneering powertrain technologies and maintaining a competitive edge
9:10 am – 9:40 am EST
PLENARY
Chris Brown
VP, Sales
CADDi Co., Ltd.
Leveraging AI To Drive Supply Chain Efficiency
- Exploring AI role in smoothing the collaboration between supply chain partners
- Identifying optimal suppliers while navigating geopolitical complexity
- Highlighting cost saving opportunities in engineering & procurement
- Uncovering opportunities for geo-diverse organizations
- Measuring and improving resilience and sustainability across your supply chain
9:45 am – 11:05 am EST
Refreshments, Networking, and Pre-Arranged 1-2-1 Meetings
11:10 am – 11:45 am EST
Workshops
Room 1
Kurt Spyke
Director, National Accounts and Strategic Products
Big Joe Forklifts
Alyssa Stephens
Senior Manager, Marketing and Lead Generation
Big Joe Forklifts
Fireside Chat: Elevate Your Success: Optimizing Material Handling with Advanced Solutions
- Exploring how cutting-edge lithium batteries seamlessly integrate with trucks to enhance efficiency
- Ensuring a safe work environment for employees through elimination of outdated battery solutions
- Discussing how opportunity charging and cost-effective battery solutions can keep your operations running smoothly around the clock
- Streamlining the manufacturing process through available products and fast lead times
available: Slides | Video
Room 2
Jonathan Walker
Industry Advisor, Smart Manufacturing
Fujitsu North America, Inc
REVOLUTIONIZING QUALITY CONTROL AND DEFECT DETECTION IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING FACILITIES
- Implementing cutting-edge sensor technologies to enhance defect detection and quality control in automotive manufacturing facilities
- Exploring AI-powered algorithms for real-time analysis and anomaly detection, improving accuracy and efficiency
- Discussing the integration of machine learning models to predict defects and preemptively address potential quality issues
- Showcasing innovative inspection methods, such as computer vision and spectroscopy, for comprehensive defect identification and analysis
available: Slides | Video
11:50 am – 12:20 pm EST
Sessions
Room 1
Jack Feng
VP, Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
Superior Industries
Operational Excellence: Enhancing Performance and Driving Sustainable Growth
- A comprehensive look at Operational Excellence for one of the world’s leading aluminum wheel suppliers
- Implementing breakthrough improvements to enhance profit margins and elevate customer satisfaction
- The critical role of Lean Six Sigma in fostering continuous improvement, plant operations management, and value creation
- Strategies for overcoming business challenges and achieving ambitious business goals
- Developing and coaching high-performing teams to drive transformational change across manufacturing, product engineering, and transactional processes
- Real-world case studies showcasing success in delivering tangible results
Room 2
Meredith Westafer
Director, Factory Design
Tesla
Chris Smith
CEO
Slip Robotics
Shifts & Advancements: Material Flow Automation in Automotive
- Addressing the challenges in automating highly variable parts and packaging for streamlined operations
- Streamlining material flow bottlenecks with dock automation to improve efficiency and reduce delays
- Investigating high integration versus low integration automation solutions for diverse factory environments
- Defining the business case for automated trailer unloading in high-volume, high-mix automotive operations
12:25 pm – 1:25 pm EST
Lunch & Learn Roundtable Discussions and Open Seating Lunch
Benefit from additional learning by joining a moderated roundtable discussion on pressing issues in the industry. Registration is required, and attendance for moderated roundtables on Day 2 is limited, but open and available to all.
Bernd Fritsch
Global Director, Programs and Products, Battery Systems
BorgWarner
DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE VEHICLE BATTERY AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Josefina Barajas Mercado
VP, TCS and Quality
SAS Motherson
Achieving Total Customer Satisfaction - Strategies for Delivering Quality and Value
Anil Paryani
Executive Director, Engineering
Ford
Driving Down Costs: The Impact of Reduced EV Operating Expenses on Consumer Adoption
Bridget Grewal
Director, Packaging Continuous Improvement
Magna
The Future of Automotive Packaging: Sustainable, Smart, and Scalable Solutions
How Creating a People-First Culture Empowers Employees and Drives Successful Lean Manufacturing Initiatives
Shannon Dare
North America Warranty Coverages Cost Reduction Manager
Ford
Quality 4.0: How to Embrace the Technological Change Coming to the Industry
1:25 pm – 1:55 pm EST
Sessions
Manufacturing & Operations
Raja Shembekar
VP, Manufacturing
PACCAR
Evolution of Industry 4.0 to 5.0 & Its Impact on Manufacturing
- Human-Centric focus on digital technologies
- Leveraging AI and Machine Learning to augment decision-making
- Looking forward beyond Industry 5.0
Quality
Obed Louissant
EVP, Chief People Officer
Aptiv
ATTRACTING AND HARNESSING NEW TALENT FOR AUTOMOTIVE SUCCESS
- Developing targeted recruitment strategies to attract diverse talent pools with specialized skills relevant to automotive industries
- Implementing innovative onboarding programs to integrate new hires seamlessly into automotive organizational cultures and workflows
- Providing continuous learning and development opportunities to nurture talent and foster career growth within automotive companies
- Cultivating inclusive and supportive workplace environments to retain top talent and drive long-term success in automotive sectors
Design & Engineering
Kamal Distell
VP, Data, Analytics, Platforms and Data Science
Toyota Motor Corporation
THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE COMPUTING AND MACHINE LEARNING IN AUTOMOTIVE MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCT INNOVATION
- Examining the transformative potential of cognitive computing and machine learning in revolutionizing EV, SDV, and manufacturing activities
- Discussing the utilization of advanced algorithms to optimize vehicle performance, safety systems, and user experience
- Exploring cognitive computing applications in predictive maintenance, personalized vehicle features, and ADAS
- Showcasing successful implementations of machine learning algorithms in automotive design, manufacturing, and customer service initiatives
1:55 pm – 2:25 pm EST
Plenary
Pawel Zarek
President, Americas
Motherson SAS
Sustainable and Resilient Automotive Supply Chains through Vertical Integration
- Analyzing current trends in the automotive supply chain and their implications for the industry
- Exploring how vertical integration can enhance supply chain resilience and sustainability
- Discussing the advantages, including improved control over production, reduced dependency on external suppliers, and enhanced ability to innovate
- Integrating environmentally friendly practices through vertical integration to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainability
- Examining successful examples of vertical integration in the automotive industry and the lessons learned from these implementations
- Predicting how vertical integration will shape the future of automotive supply chains and the steps companies need to take to stay ahead
2:25 pm – 3:10 pm EST
Panel Discussion
Ashley Estes
Associate Director, DEIB
Subaru of AmericaFlorencia Stanfield
Chief DE&I Officer
SchaefflerErin Dewsbury-Ribeiro
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer
BoschDeanna Lorincz
Global Director, Communications and Marketing - Lead for Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
MartinreaCheryl Thompson
CEO and Founder, Center for Automotive Diversity
Center for Automotive Diversity, Inclusion & Advancement
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
- How do you define diversity, equity and inclusion in an ever-changing work environment?
- What has influenced your thinking around DEI and motivated you to get involved in being an advocate for change?
- What success/outcomes has your organization realized from diversity initiatives or best practices?
- What next steps or call to action should the audience take to build a culture that empowers DEI?
3:10 pm – 3:20 pm EST
Chair's closing remarks and survey Prize giveaway
Manufacturing & Operations
Ramon Kuczera
SVP, Engineering
GKN Automotive
Quality
Laura Bygrave
Chief Commercial Officer
Chartwell
Design & Engineering
Mason Cole
Head of Sales
Slip Robotics