The Connected Worker: Manufacturing Summit Blog

How can manufacturers move beyond dashboards and turn data into real operational value? Volvo Group's journey from traditional reporting to predictive, AI-driven operations offers a compelling answer.

In this interview, Ivan Branco, Director of Data & AI within Service Operations & Technology, explains how Volvo is using predictive analytics to maximize customer uptime, digital twins to optimize warehouse performance and AI to support faster decision-making across its global aftermarket network.

With some digital twin initiatives delivering ROI in just 3-6 months and data and AI programs contributing to a 12% productivity improvement, Ivan shares the lessons learned from scaling innovation in a global organization. He also discusses why long-term success depends not only on technology, but on strong data foundations, business expertise and frontline adoption and why demonstrating clear business value is essential to moving beyond the pilot stage.

As manufacturers navigate growing workforce, operational and productivity pressures in 2026, leading organizations are shifting their focus from digital experimentation to scalable transformation.

This article explores five key trends shaping the future of manufacturing, from AI-powered workforce augmentation and frontline digitization to enhanced operational visibility and connected worker strategies.

Drawing on insights from leaders at Owens Corning, INX International, Syngenta and Fujifilm, it explores how manufacturers are leveraging AI, connected worker technologies and real-time data to improve decision-making, empower frontline teams and build more resilient operations.

Which of these trends will have the biggest impact on your organization's transformation journey?

Chris Rodgers, VP of Operational Excellence at INX International is leading INX's connected worker transformation focused on modernizing onboarding, integrating legacy and modern equipment and delivering measurable operational value. His operations‑led approach is improving throughput, reducing errors and enabling less‑experienced operators to perform with confidence, while building a scalable digital foundation that supports growth without added labor pressure. Read how INX International achieved 50% productivity gain through real‑time visibility, digital instructions and AI‑driven guidance.

As automation extends deeper into work processes, the development of talent pipelines and workforce training becomes critical to ensuring organizations and individuals succeed in the future of work.

Technology is advancing at an increasing speed, making this need more urgent. At the same time, shifting age demographics are straining the availability of skilled workers and raising the stakes for retaining and repurposing existing expertise. We are aiming at a moving target, one that is receding and accelerating. Connected worker programs offer a way to meet this challenge.

In this blog post, hear event speakers share how connected worker programs powered by AI offer a dynamic solution by creating continuous learning loops that accelerate workforce training and bridge knowledge gaps.

At Promark Electronics, a division of Electrical Components International (ECI) a leading global supplier of wire harnesses and electrical distribution systems, Adam Prizio, Director of Manufacturing Operations, has overseen the rollout of connected worker platforms, machine vision for inspection, and collaborative robots, all with an eye on efficiency, ergonomics, and cost advantage.

In this conversation, Adam shares how Promark Electronics is digitizing production to reduce subjectivity in quality control, integrating equipment data to predict maintenance needs, and using automation to ease the burden of repetitive tasks. He also reflects on the cultural side of transformation, from getting buy-in on the shop floor to preparing workers for a more tech-driven future.

Manufacturers aren’t short on digital options; AI-powered safety alerts, computer vision for quality control, paperless shop floors…it’s all out there. But for every factory reaping the rewards of connected worker technologies, there are ten more stuck in pilot purgatory or buried under systems no one wants to use. Worse yet, they stick with the status-quo because they can’t get buy-in.

So what does it take to invest in the right tech and then make it work on the shop floor? We sat down with Ilker Kalali, Chief Technology Officer at Pirelli North America, to find out.

In this conversation, Kalali shares how his team approaches transformation with a clear-eyed focus on value, capability, and usability. From vendor strategy to ROI to workforce development, he offers a practical blueprint for making connected worker initiatives stick.

What does it take to bring AI into one of the most complex supply chains in the world - where long production cycles, global regulations, and thousands of product combinations are the norm?

At Syngenta, the challenge falls to Brandon Leander, Head of IT & Digital, who believes it starts with education, experimentation, and setting realistic expectations.

In this conversation, Brandon shares what sparked Syngenta’s agentic journey, the high-value use cases they’re targeting, and how he’s thinking about the technology stack, workforce adoption, and scaling challenges ahead. He also reflects on what he’s hoping to learn from peers at the upcoming Connected Worker Summit in Chicago this October.

What does real digital transformation look like when you’re working with tight budgets, legacy systems, and real-world talent gaps?

According to Mike Tomasco, SVP and CIO at FUJIFILM Biotechnologies (Fujifilm), the answer has less to do with flashy tools, and more to do with understanding how work really gets done. 

Unlike traditional AI, which relies on human intervention for decision-making, Agentic AI operates with greater autonomy, making it an ideal fit for complex and dynamic manufacturing environments. From optimizing production lines to predicting machine failures and customizing mass production, Agentic AI is set to redefine the future of manufacturing. However, integrating this technology comes with challenges, including workforce reskilling, cybersecurity concerns, and the need for infrastructure upgrades. This article explores the three ways Agentic AI can revolutionize manufacturing in 2025 and beyond…

As technology advances, manufacturing leaders are struggling to keep pace and remain competitive in a dynamic and ever-changing market, especially with skilled labor shortages and an aging workforce. Therefore, ahead of our upcoming Connected Worker Summit in Chicago, from October 7-10, we caught up with Conrad Leiva, VP of Ecosystem and Workforce Education at CESMII. As the United States’ non-profit institute dedicated to smart manufacturing, with a mission to drive the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies for manufacturers including small to medium-sized enterprises, CESMII plays a pivotal role in transforming the manufacturing landscape. Conrad Leiva, a key figure in this initiative, sheds light on the organization's efforts to bridge the technology gap, attract young talent, and equip the existing workforce with the necessary skills to thrive in an evolving industry.

Recent surveys and research conducted by the Connected Worker Series show that 75% of senior operations, manufacturing, and digital executives consider Predictive/Prescriptive Analytics a top investment priority for their organization in the next 12-24 months.

There’s no denying the power of data and analytics, especially in industries like manufacturing that are driven by technological advancement. An increased focus on predictive and prescriptive analytics, two vital data analytics methodologies, signifies the industry’s commitment to leveraging data to optimize processes and improve decision-making.

Generative AI (Gen AI) holds unprecedented promise and potential for companies in industries like manufacturing, offering immense value like optimizing production lines, reducing waste, improving supply chain logistics, and more. McKinsey research indicates that Gen AI applications stand to add up to $4.4 trillion to the global economy annually. However, for those interested in adopting this technology, it’s imperative to understand the both the benefits and drawbacks of Gen AI in Industry 4.0.

In this interview, we catch up with Jeff Winter, Industry Strategy Leader for manufacturing for Hitachi Solutions, and Smart Manufacturing Advisor at CESMII, to learn more about how organisations can systematically evaluate processes and operations to pinpoint where Gen AI can create the most impact. Read as he shares valuable insights into emerging trends and potential disruptions within smart manufacturing, along with a comprehensive perspective on harnessing the full potential of Gen AI for sustainable growth and innovation.

“Every decision we make should revolve around adding value in the flow of work,” says Brian Perlstein. “If we fail to do so and neglect to consider the impact on the individuals affected by these changes, no matter how innovative the solution may be, it won't succeed.” As the Digital Manufacturing Innovation Leader at Owens Corning, a global building and construction materials leader, Brian understands the need for leaders today to be more visionary, proactive, and human-centric in their approach to digital transformation.

Ahead of our upcoming Connected Worker Summit in Chicago, we caught up with Brian to learn more about his vision for change. Read as he shares valuable insights on how digital technology has transformed manufacturing processes at Owens Corning and how digital leaders can prioritize effectively within the current landscape.