Skip to content

Displaying 591-600 of 742 results for

Last 180 Days clear

Noise: The Silent Killer in Sales

WEST Session: We don’t lose deals because we’re not working hard enough. We lose them because we’re working on the wrong things. In manufacturing, wholesale, and distribution, sales teams are moving faster than ever—yet growth feels stuck. Why? Noise. Endless updates. Unreliable forecasts. Chasing the wrong deals. We’ve accepted it as the cost of doing business. But what if it’s actually killing your momentum?This 20-minute talk is a call to rethink how sales teams operate—with more clarity. You’ll learn: Why noise—disguised as intuition—is wrecking your forecast How bad data and busywork eats into your selling time What top sales teams are doing to cut through the noise and stay laser-focused And you’ll see real-world proof: 44% growth at Creative Foam.This isn’t a product pitch. It’s a shift in perspective. If your team’s putting in the effort but still falling short, this is the rethink you’ve been waiting for.

Reactive to Predictive: How AI-Powered Field Service Transforms Manufacturing Operations

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.  

Real Adoption of Automation & Physical AI in Small & Mid-size Manufacturers

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.

Billy Bogue

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

Empowering the Workforce in the Age of Industry 4.0

WEST Session: Smart manufacturing is redefining the relationship between people and technology. As automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning continue to evolve, they are not replacing human intelligence - they are enhancing it. These technologies reduce the burden of repetitive, manual tasks and empower employees to focus on higher-value, strategic work such as problem-solving, innovation and continuous improvement. To unlock the full benefits of Industry 4.0, manufacturers must do more than adopt new tools - they must cultivate a resilient, future-ready workforce. This session will explore strategies for upskilling, nurturing adaptability and creating collaborative, digitally fluent work environments that help employees and organizations thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.

95% of AI Pilots are Failing. How Can You Succeed

WEST Session: A recent MIT study, highlighted by Forbes , found that 95% of corporate AI pilots have failed to produce meaningful results or delivered ROI. There are many challenges and complexities that contribute to these failures, including company-wide strategy, technical system integrations, and internal cultural adoption to AI. As for the successful pilots, they often involve systems that learn, admit uncertainty, and integrate deeply into workflows, focusing on back-office functions where ROI is direct. This presentation will share lessons learned and successful use cases from the field and reveal the Top 5 focus areas every manufacturer should prioritize to turn AI pilots into ROI generating engines.

How Lean Teams Cut Downtime and Boost Output with Smart Maintenance

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.

Uncover Hidden Cash with the R&D Tax Credit

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.