On this episode, Mathias Johansson, Chief Information Officer of Alleima, discusses manufacturing complexities, talent acquisition and retention, and the significant impact of technology integration in modernizing operations and fostering innovation in manufacturing. Key Takeaways: (02:22) Alleima's role in advanced materials and its integrated value chain. (03:09) Mathias' lifelong connection with manufacturing and ERP systems. (03:51) Critical challenges in manufacturing: talent acquisition and technological complexity. (04:48) Talent retention issues and the concept of the "silver tsunami ..read more

On this episode, Rudolf Pospisil, Chemical Process and Innovation Specialist, joins Benjamin to discuss key insights into the chemical industry, innovation and the future of sustainability. Key Takeaways: (02:07) The state of the chemical industry and the concept of a dark factory. (02:22) Explaining the history and current state of the chemical industry. (04:02) Challenges of innovation in the chemical industry. (05:11) Current approaches to innovation, focusing on new processes and sustainability. (06:55) The importance of chemical engineering in the modern chemical industry. (09:31) The r ..read more

On this episode, Dr. Martin Schwemmer, Logistics Market Observer, Advisor, Mentor and former Managing Director of BVL (Bundesvereinigung Logistik), discusses trends and challenges in the logistics industry. Key Takeaways: (03:18) Martin’s interest in logistics, influenced by his academic journey. (04:21) An overview of the logistics industry, including market segments and revenue models. (07:10) Current trends and challenges in logistics, highlighting cost pressure and sustainability. (10:04) Strategies against cost pressure in logistics, focusing on digitalization. (14:07) The role of start ..read more

On this episode, Manuel Peter, Group Leader Smart Factory Technologies at ITK Engineering, explores a range of topics around smart factory technologies and digitization in manufacturing.  Key Takeaways: (03:10) The transition from mechanical engineering to smart factory and Industry 4.0. (05:01) Customized software vs standard software in manufacturing companies. (09:11) The role of clear software architecture in development and maintenance. (12:06) The stages of a digitization project in a manufacturing company. (14:09) The role of proof of concept in minimizing risks and testing new t ..read more

On this episode, Justin Hodges, Senior AI/ML Technical Specialist in Product Management at Siemens Digital Industries Software, joins host Benjamin Brockmann. They delve into various aspects of AI and machine learning in the manufacturing sector and its impact on roles and processes. Key Takeaways: (04:40) Explanation of AI and machine learning relationship. (05:36) Machine learning in regression and classification. (08:10) Hodges’ daily work in AI/ML product management. (09:47) AI/ML applications in manufacturing. (12:26) AI/ML transforming roles in manufacturing. (17:34) Need for adaptabil ..read more

On this episode, Joachim Schaut, Senior Vice President of Intercontinental Supply Chain Solutions of DB Schenker, joins Benjamin Brockmann to discuss the intricacies of supply chain solutions and the role of digitization in the industry. Key Takeaways: (08:49) The significance supplier performance plays in optimizing inventory cycles. (09:09) The potential data-driven decisions hold in supply chain management. (09:46) The role artificial intelligence carries in automating supply chain decisions. (15:58) How Joachim’s perspective on investing in proprietary solutions differs from market stand ..read more

We’re joined on this episode by Chris Luecke, Podcast Host and Founder of "Manufacturing Happy Hour.” Benjamin and Chris delve into the state of manufacturing in the United States and Europe and discuss the role of digitization in the industry. Key Takeaways: (00:11) Chris Luecke’s background in manufacturing and his journey with Rockwell Automation. (00:34) Introduction to Chris’ podcast, “Manufacturing Happy Hour.” (01:06) A comparison between the state of digitalization in the US and Europe. (02:56) The changing perception of manufacturing in the US and its evolution. (15:25) The importan ..read more

On this episode, Janis Bargsten, Chief Commercial Officer at SEAFAR, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - Decarbonization efforts and personnel shortage in inland shipping. - Seafar’s origin and vision for autonomous shipping. - Regulatory challenges and development of goal-based shipping standards. - Safety implications and benefits of autonomous shipping. - Enhancing ship owners’ competitiveness and attracting personnel. - Centralization of safety and cognitive load reduction. - Steps for ship owners to take to adopt autonomous shipping. - A vision for the fu ..read more

On this episode, Philipp Menz, Plant Manager at Schunk Group, joins host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - Leadership challenges in manufacturing. - Adapting leadership styles to cater to changing workforce dynamics, including Gen Y and Gen Z preferences. - The importance of building strong team bonds and connections to the company for enhanced employee engagement and productivity. - Shifting from a one-size-fits-all leadership approach to coaching existing leaders in modern leadership styles. - Using team-building activities to bridge departmental and generational gaps ..read more

On this episode, Markus Börner, Founding Partner at Prequel Ventures, and Daniel Goldeband, Co-Founder & CEO at i-flow, join host Benjamin Brockmann to talk about the following topics: - The state of startups and technology adoption in Europe.  - The role of venture capital firms in boosting the startup ecosystem and supporting innovation.  - Challenges in working with big enterprises and manufacturing companies due to risk aversion.  - The potential role of politics and regulations in encouraging technology adoption and creating new markets.  - Venture capital’s role ..read more