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Digital Threads and Smart Factories: The IoT Advantage in Manufacturing

SOUTHWEST Session: As global manufacturing enters the next wave of industrial transformation, the convergence of digital threads and IoT is reshaping the way products are designed, built, and maintained. A digital thread creates a seamless flow of data across the product lifecycle — from design and engineering to production and aftermarket service. When paired with IoT-enabled smart factories, this integration unlocks unprecedented operational visibility, agility, and intelligence. This session explores how manufacturers are leveraging IoT to create connected ecosystems that power predictive maintenance, real-time quality control, autonomous operations, and closed-loop decision-making. We will discuss practical frameworks for implementing digital threads and highlight ROI-driven success stories from discrete and process manufacturing. Participants will walk away with a clear understanding of: The role of IoT sensors, edge computing, and AI in transforming factory floors Use cases that demonstrate measurable gains in OEE, sustainability, and workforce efficiency A roadmap for integrating IoT into existing manufacturing systems without disrupting operations This talk is essential for manufacturing leaders looking to accelerate their Industry 4.0 journey and future-proof their operations through connected intelligence.  

Matt Jones

Speaker at SOUTHWEST: Matt Jones, Head of GTM, NA, Augmentus Robotics

Overcoming Variability Challenges in Surface Processes with Adaptive Automation

SOUTHWEST Session: Manufacturers increasingly struggle with robotic surface finishing, treatment, and welding as production shifts toward high-mix, high-variability manufacturing. Traditional robotic systems demand time-consuming, manual programming—often taking days or weeks to accommodate complex geometries. These systems also lack adaptive capabilities, making it difficult to compensate for part variations. The result: costly manual touchups, process inefficiencies, and production delays.   Augmentus transforms robotic surface applications by combining advanced 3D scanning with automated toolpath generation. By eliminating the need for manual programming and enabling seamless adaptation to part variations, Augmentus delivers greater accuracy, reduced rework, and significantly improved operational efficiency.   This presentation explores how Augmentus overcomes key industry barriers—empowering manufacturers with precision, adaptability, and unmatched process efficiency across surface finishing, surface treatment, and welding applications.

Austin Justice

Speaker at SOUTHWEST: Austin Justice, Vice President, CMMC Compliance Guide

James Lozos

Speaker at SOUTHWEST: James Lozos, President, Systematic Quality Management Systems, Inc.

Excellence Isn’t Complicated

SOUTHWEST Session: In today’s manufacturing environment, quality systems are often weighed down by the very tools meant to improve them. Multiple databases, disconnected platforms, and redundant processes can make even the most capable teams less efficient. Yet true excellence has never been about doing more — it’s about seeing clearly. In this session, James Lozos shares insights from over three decades working with manufacturers to design, implement, and sustain ISO-based management systems across aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. Drawing on lessons from the field, he demonstrates how simplicity and integration — not complexity — drive productivity, consistency, and long-term success. Attendees will learn how to: Recognize where complexity hides in everyday processes Connect core quality functions to everyday workflow Adopt simple, best practices Align digital tools with ISO 9001’s process-based intent to achieve measurable efficiency

Nicky Pettit

Speaker at SOUTHWEST: Nicky Pettit, Account Executive, Limble

How Lean Teams Cut Downtime and Boost Output with Smart Maintenance

SOUTHWEST Session: Unexpected breakdowns, rising costs, and limited asset visibility continue to be a challenge for manufacturers, especially as teams face mounting pressure to do more with less – fewer technicians, tighter budgets, and limited time. But with the right technology and a practical approach to reliability, lean teams can shift from fighting fires to building long-term, operational resilience into every layer of production. In this session, we’ll showcase how manufacturers are using modern CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) tools to drive higher uptime, extend asset life, and reduce reactive work – all without needing additional headcount or new equipment. We’ll demonstrate how top performing teams have digitized preventive maintenance schedules, deployed QR code-enabled work orders, and built mobile-first maintenance workflows that keep machines running and teams aligned. Whether you’re still using spreadsheets or looking to get more out of your current system, this session will provide a clear blueprint for building a smart, scalable maintenance program.

Billy Bogue

Speaker at SOUTHWEST: Billy Bogue, President, Matsuura Machinery USA

Flip the Script: Discussion of Primary Concerns of US Manufacturers and the Impact of Technology

SOUTHWEST Session: Moderated by: Jamie Goettler, BTX Precision Rather than start with a discussion of all the technologies available in the industrial marketplace, this panel session will start by outlining the primary concerns of manufacturing businesses. By first appealing to what the audience (machining businesses) cares about most at the start, the panel will logically ease into a discussion of how available technologies can help achieve greater outcomes for these businesses…in other words, solutions to the preeminent problems. Among the concerns highlighted at the outset will be improving competitiveness (domestically and globally), throughput (business growth), and yes productivity in the face of the manufacturing skills gap. The panel will be represented by industry leaders who either are dealing with these concerns directly, or those that have a “front row seat” to a variety of companies that seek to survive and thrive. Technologies that will be addressed will likely include automation, robotics, workforce training, machining technology, machine monitoring, software and AI to name a few. The above will be discussed in the first Executive Perspectives panel discussion on Tuesday, followed on Wednesday with another critical topic…cybersecurity.