ManufacturingNEXT Event-Virtual

VIRTUAL EVENT
Innovate to Elevate: Integrating Continuous Improvement, AI & Automation for Operational Excellence

Join us for an engaging panel discussion where we will explore how continuous improvement, AI, automation, and data accuracy are interlinked in the pursuit of operational excellence. Participants will gain practical insights and strategies to apply within their own organizations, fostering success and innovation.

Mike Schipper is founder and CEO of InsITe Business Solutions, Inc. and Software InsITe, Inc., where he helps manufacturing leaders transform their operations through strategic technology solutions. With over two decades of IT leadership and deep roots in manufacturing and distribution technology, Mike brings unique insights to digital transformation in the industrial sector. Under his leadership, InsITe has helped hundreds of organizations leverage emerging technologies to drive growth and efficiency while delivering comprehensive IT solutions that bridge the gaps from the shop floor to the top floor.

Shawn O'Farrell is currently the Automation Subject Matter Expert at DISHER, a nationally recognized engineering, manufacturing technology, and talent solutions firm based in Zeeland, Michigan. Shawn is a versatile engineer, operations leader, trainer, and mentor with two decades of experience across several industries including: automotive, commercial products, and medical device manufacturing. He actively partners with manufacturing leaders and team members to implement lean systems, continuous improvement initiatives, and automation solutions that are tailor-made for each customer.

Sadie McKinstry is the Continuous Improvement Manager at Flexfab, LLC, where she specializes in optimizing processes, enhancing efficiency, and driving cost-saving initiatives. With 8 years of manufacturing experience and a strong background in strategic problem-solving and data analysis, she is passionate about implementing sustainable improvements that drive business success. Sadie believes that true continuous improvement happens when the people are engaged, collaborative, and feel heard. She focuses on bringing teams along through servant leadership and showing them the benefits of change and how it impacts them positively. She feels at her best when she’s helping others navigate challenges, and celebrating others’ successes.

Danielle Pretzer is a data nerd turned strategic change leader. Through her 14-year career at Steelcase, she’s held many formal roles including Software Developer, Data Management Consultant, IT Chief of Staff leading to her current assignment in Make-to-Deliver Operations. Big, hairy, problems are Danielle’s specialty. She is passionate about leading through influence and is constantly striving to grow and develop those around her. She is also deeply committed to teach her peers about the importance of accurate, reliable, and high-quality data. It is only through contextualizing data that we can transform it into actionable information that drives continuous improvement.

Moderator

Jennifer Forell is Sr VP of Engineering, Supply Chain and Quality at Flexfab LLC, responsible for teams at Flexfab’s Michigan and China Manufacturing locations. She has held technical leadership positions in Flexfab’s Engineering Organization and commercial roles in the Heavy Truck and Rail Business Units. Jennifer holds a degree in Material Science & Engineering from Michigan State University, along with an MBA.

Jennifer has a passion for bringing people together and empowering them to solve tough problems. She loves to play a part in seeing other people succeed through challenges as they grow to take on more responsibility. She has a desire to help people, especially young women, see that manufacturing and engineering can be exciting and rewarding career options.

Tickets:

Inforum Members- $25

Nonmembers/Guests- $35

CI Gratis tickets may be used for this event

Thank you to our sponsors!

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