Interview

• Sysco evaluates and scales connected worker technologies through a rigorous governance model
• Real time information flow is central to reducing waste and strengthening reliability
• AI360 is boosting productivity and customer responsiveness
• Robotics and agentic AI fit into Sysco’s long term vision
• Sysco is building globally compliant, scalable solutions for diverse frontline roles

Smart manufacturing and connected worker technologies are transforming how mature manufacturers improve productivity, safety and workforce reliability, but scaling these tools across diverse plants with mixed-generation equipment requires discipline and clarity. INX International is addressing this challenge by aligning people, systems and technology through a structured evaluate-pilot-scale framework, real-time plant-floor visibility and a strong focus on empowering operators without adding strain or reliance on overtime.

Chris Rodgers, VP of Operational Excellence at INX International, is leading a 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.

In this interview, you will learn how:

• INX evaluates and scales connected‑worker technologies for ROI
• Real‑time machine visibility boosts performance and throughput
• AI‑driven tools cut changeover times and errors
• Digital onboarding strengthens retention and reliability
• Integrated systems scale productivity without overtime

Smart manufacturing and connected worker technologies are transforming how mature manufacturers improve productivity, safety and workforce reliability, but scaling these tools across diverse plants with mixed-generation equipment requires discipline and clarity. INX International is addressing this challenge by aligning people, systems and technology through a structured evaluate-pilot-scale framework, real-time plant-floor visibility and a strong focus on empowering operators without adding strain or reliance on overtime.

Chris Rodgers, VP of Operational Excellence at INX International, is leading a 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.

In this interview, you will learn how:

• INX evaluates and scales connected‑worker technologies for ROI
• Real‑time machine visibility boosts performance and throughput
• AI‑driven tools cut changeover times and errors
• Digital onboarding strengthens retention and reliability
• Integrated systems scale productivity without overtime
  

The technology landscape is ever evolving, ushering significant changes for the Connected Worker across varying industries and organizations. With the availability of generative AI and numerous software solutions the industry now has at their disposal, implementation can be challenging, especially across large enterprises like Duravant.

Having acquired multiple companies and businesses over a span of 10+ years, Duravant has established itself as a leader in the industry and the manufacturing sector. However, implementing a Connected Worker program across a diverse pool of companies and cultures poses its unique set of challenges and obstacles. Something as simple as harmonizing Microsoft Teams and looking up employees in an “Address Book” across the enterprise poses complexities.

In this interview with Patrick Quint, Chief Information Officer at Duravant, we explore how the company is navigating and leveraging technology to improve their Connected Worker program, and how they are actively integrating diverse operations and acquisitions into their enterprise to enhance collaboration and efficiency.

Advancements in digital technology offer radically new ways of working that can improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize manufacturing operations. However, the adoption of technology comes with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest challenges facing the manufacturing industry is a labor shortage.

A recent study by Deloitte and the Manufacturing Institute, found that up to 2.1 million US manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030, costing the economy a whopping $1 trillion dollars annually. Part of the problem is a skills mismatch. On one hand, manufacturing workers are losing jobs to automation, even as manufacturers find it tough to hire enough people to do the work they need doing.

That’s why manufacturing organizations need to do more to upskill their existing workforce, argues Hao Dinh, Vice President of Technology at Enpro Industries.

In this interview, we spoke with him about the various challenges facing digital upskilling and the Connected Worker, and what industry leaders must consider when driving digital transformation initiatives. His advice on how to digitally upskill your existing workforce offers promising insights and solutions.