The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
The manufacturing industry in North America is undergoing its fourth evolution into a high-technology, digitalized, and data-driven industry. This Industry 4.0 period began long before the COVID-19 pandemic affected global society but has been accelerated in response to many of the challenges associated with it. In this report, we examine and explore the current manufacturing industry in North America and the challenges and opportunities it faces as adoption of Industry 4.0 thinking, tools, standards, and processes becomes more widespread.
About the Event
If you could design your factory to be everything you wanted it to be, what would the foundation look like? Critical Networks in Manufacturing demand an infrastructure where cybersecurity and reliability are engineered into the fabric of the plant floor to ensure maximum uptime and data integrity. By prioritizing scalability and interoperability, you bridge the gap between IT and OT, creating a seamless ecosystem capable of integrating legacy assets with next-gen automation and AI. Only through this level of structural integration can engineering and plant leadership achieve the resilient throughput necessary for a true, future-proof smart factory.
EPB Tour
Experience the gold standard of connectivity with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at EPB’s Command Center and Quantum Lab. This isn't just a tour; it’s a deep dive into the critical infrastructure powering one of the nation’s most advanced smart grids.
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The tour will leave the Smart Factory Institute at 1:00 PM and visit the EPB Control Center, where participants will learn how EPB manages one of the most advanced smart grid systems in the country. The experience will continue at 2:30 PM with a visit to EPB Quantum Center, where guests will explore how EPB is advancing next-generation technology and innovation through quantum networking and computing, returning to the Smart Factory Institute at 3:30pm.
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Why Attend?
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Stay Up
to Date
with the latest trends and technologies. Make informed decisions about your own network infrastructure and ensure you are using the most effective and secure solutions.
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Learn from Industry Experts
who have experience and knowledge in the field. Gain insights into best practices, common challenges, and emerging trends.
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Network
with Peers
and build relationships with other professionals in the industry. Stay connected and informed about new developments and opportunities.
Connect with Potential Partners
and vendors who can help improve your network infrastructure and security.
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Gain
Insights
into how to improve your network infrastructure and security. This can help reduce the risk of cyber attacks and ensure your operations are running smoothly and efficiently.
Schedule of Events
REGISTRATION & NETWORKING
9:00am
Registration & Networking
OPENING
9:30 am
Welcome
Opening Remarks
Denise Hall
President & CEO, Peak Performance Inc.
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
9:45 am
Cyber Security in the Age of Smart Manufacturing
As manufacturing becomes increasingly connected, the risk of cyber threats grows. This session would focus on best practices for safeguarding critical network infrastructures, including the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures, risk assessment strategies, and real-life examples of how manufacturers can protect themselves from cyberattacks.
Panel DIscussion
10:45 am
Powering the Digital Factory: The Strategic Role of Data Centers in Modern Manufacturing
This panel will explore how data center infrastructure serves as the essential foundation for the next generation of smart manufacturing and industrial automation. Experts will discuss the integration of cloud and on-premise data solutions to manage the massive influx of industrial data while ensuring operational resilience. The session will also address how manufacturers can leverage scalable data architecture to support AI-driven insights and long-term digital transformation.
Breakout Sessions:
11:30 am
Achieving Zero-Trust Security and 99.999% Reliability
Join Phoenix Contact for a deep dive into industrial network resilience. This session focuses on hardware-level cybersecurity and "Defense-in-Depth" strategies that ensure your critical infrastructure remains reliable and secure. Learn how to implement secure remote access and edge connectivity that protects your uptime without sacrificing the data transparency your engineering team needs.
Mike Brooks
Industry Manager, Automotive & AGV, Phoenix Contact
The Interoperability Blueprint: Unifying Fragmented Data for Real-Time Visibility
FocustApps explores the critical role of interoperability in modern manufacturing. This session demonstrates how to build a customized, integrated software layer that allows disparate systems to communicate seamlessly. Discover how to transform fragmented data into actionable insights through custom integration strategies that are designed to be scalable, ensuring your digital tools grow alongside your physical production lines.
Becky Faith
Director of Business Development, FocustApps
Engineering Scalability for the AI-Driven Factory
SK AX USA focuses on the future-proofing of Critical Networks. This session addresses how to design a scalable network architecture capable of handling the massive data loads required by Artificial Intelligence and advanced automation. Learn how to ensure system reliability at the edge, allowing you to deploy next-gen technologies today while maintaining the structural integrity required for tomorrow’s innovations.
Will Roberts
Senior Account Executive, SK AX USA
LUNCH & CLOSING
12:15pm
Lunch & Networking
12:45pm
Closing Remarks
Denise (Rice) Hall
President & CEO, Peak Performance Inc.
OPTIONAL TOUR
1:00 pm
Shuttle Bus departs Smart Factory Institute
3:30 pm
Shuttle Bus returns to Smart Factory Institute
The tour will leave the Smart Factory Institute at 1:00 PM and visit the EPB Control Center, where participants will learn how EPB manages one of the most advanced smart grid systems in the country. The experience will continue at 2:30 PM with a visit to EPB Quantum Center, where guests will explore how EPB is advancing next-generation technology and innovation through quantum networking and computing, returning to the Smart Factory Institute at 3:30pm.
Critical Network Concerns for Manufacturers
Cybersecurity
One of the biggest concerns for manufacturers is cybersecurity. Critical networks are often targeted by cybercriminals who seek to steal sensitive data, disrupt operations, or cause damage to equipment. Manufacturers need to ensure that their networks are secure and protected against cyber threats.
Scalability
As manufacturers grow and expand, their network infrastructure needs to be able to scale to meet their changing needs. Manufacturers need to ensure that their critical networks can handle increased traffic and data volumes without compromising performance or security.
Reliability
Manufacturers rely heavily on their critical networks to keep their operations running smoothly. Any downtime or disruptions can result in lost productivity, revenue, and customer trust. Manufacturers need to ensure that their networks are reliable and can handle the demands of their operations.
Integration
Manufacturers often use a variety of different systems and technologies in their operations. Integrating these systems and technologies into a cohesive network infrastructure can be challenging and requires careful planning and execution.
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Smart Factory Institute Technology Partners
