Show Hours
WEST Session:
WEST Session:
WEST Session: Manufacturing field service operations are plagued by inefficiency, reactive responses, and disconnected systems that drain profitability and frustrate customers. Most manufacturers still rely on manual scheduling, disparate software solutions, and limited real-time visibility into field operations, technician status, and equipment performance, resulting in suboptimal routes, missed appointments, and escalating operational costs. This presentation demonstrates how manufacturers are transforming their service operations using ShareCRM's AI-powered, mobile-first field service platform. Attendees will discover specific technologies including intelligent scheduling and dispatch algorithms that optimize resource allocation and technician assignments, AI assistants that use real data to identify and resolve potential issues before they impact customers, and industry-leading mobile applications that empower field service reps to complete jobs efficiently from accepting work orders to delivering parts from their own inventory. The session features real-world implementation strategies showing how manufacturers achieve a single view of the customer throughout the entire sales, service, and marketing lifecycle while connecting teams, processes, and systems with smart, automated workflows. Participants will learn about AI-powered knowledge bases that instantly recognize issues and recommend solutions, customer service analytics that provide holistic team productivity insights, and partner relationship management capabilities that extend operations through dealer and distributor networks. Attendees will leave with actionable insights on implementing connected, intelligent field service solutions that maximize uptime, boost profitability, and deliver delightful customer experiences while transforming reactive service costs into proactive competitive advantages.
WEST Session: Manufacturers from fabricators to assembly shops are all challenged with workforce woes, the need to boost productivity and the endless quest for quality. Knowing automation is the answer is one thing, but actually finding real success with technology investments can feel challenging and risky. How do you know what will truly bring value to the organization? How do you determine the return? And now with the hype of Artificial Intelligence (AI) seemingly on every product, how do manufacturing leaders determine the right places to invest limited time and capital budgets? In this session, we will delve into the ever-evolving landscape of automation & AI in the factory and take a look at technologies that are having a real impact today across the shop floor. Then we will stare into the crystal ball to look forward at technologies that are on the near horizon that manufacturing leaders should be keeping an eye on. Covering important topics like human-robot collaboration, automated equipment tending, data-driven insights, cobot welding, predictive maintenance, robot guided vision, bin picking, collaborative automation, quality inspections, and much more, attendees should leave this session ready to make value-creating technology investments in their business. Join us as we explore how AI is reshaping the factory floor — one algorithm at a time.
Speaker at WEST: Susan Carlock, Co-Owner & Executive Vice President, Mursix Corporation & Murray Mentor, Inc.
WEST 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.
Speaker at WEST: Kartik Pasumarti, Vice President of Revenue, ShareCRM
WEST Session:
WEST Session: Internal audits are more than a compliance requirement, they are a strategic tool for driving performance, reducing risk, and building a culture of continual improvement. This session explores how disciplined audit programs can deliver both tangible and intangible business value. Attendees will learn how effective internal audits reduce the cost of poor quality, minimize hidden risks, and strengthen external confidence with customers and regulators. We’ll examine common barriers, such as audit fatigue, time conflicts, and data silos, and offer practical, low-cost tools to overcome them, including risk-based scheduling, clause matrices, and competency-driven auditor training. The session will also discuss how to embed audit outcomes into daily operations, promote transparency, and use trend data to guide decision-making. Whether you're refining a mature system or rebuilding from the ground up, this session offers actionable insights to increase engagement, sharpen focus, and get more value from every audit.
Speaker at WEST: Randy Eickoff, Founder & Head Coach, Acena Consulting, LLC
WEST Session: In this session, Randy Eickhoff, CPA, Founder and Head Coach at Acena Consulting, will walk attendees through how innovative manufacturers and product developers can leverage the R&D tax credit to uncover hidden value. Whether you’re developing new processes, improving products, or experimenting with automation, this credit could be a powerful cash generator. Randy will demystify the IRS criteria, share real-world examples, and show you how to avoid common pitfalls in documentation and qualification. You’ll leave with practical insights to help you assess eligibility and maximize savings.