This discussion dives into the value of Lean Certification and the strategic role that Blackbelts play in driving continuous improvement. We’ll explore how certified Lean practitioners can lead high-impact projects, embed a culture of problem-solving, and deliver measurable gains in efficiency and quality. If you're just starting your Lean journey or scaling up, learn how developing internal expertise can strengthen your organization’s ability to adapt, compete, and grow in an increasingly dynamic manufacturing environment.

Technology as a Lean Enabler

Join us for an insightful presentation on how technology is being used as an enabler to support innovation and deliver tangible value for customers. Hear how two public sector organizations have built on their strong Lean foundation to embrace innovation and leverage cutting-edge technology to take continuous improvement to the next level. With continuing pressure to ensure value for taxpayers' dollars, the City of Kawartha Lakes and the London District Catholic School Board have both invested in technology to support the standardization of business process mapping in a central repository, resulting in an increased focus on value to the customer and overall efficiency. Learn how they are meeting the growing expectations for enhanced services by easily quantifying process improvements while enhancing employee engagement

Rating: Intermediate

There is data all around you... and now you can use it!

Robots, PLCs, Tablets, Computers.... there are devices all around your factory that have a story to tell; you just need to know what tools are available to help you listen. In this presentation, you will hear about how a SCADA system was brought into a factory to monitor a few custom machines and it was so flexible and easy to use that it became so much more. Learn what SCADA systems are, various case examples, and a few tips on how YOU can get started at your own business

Navigate the marketing hype - ensure that your IT strategy and systems are achieving your business goals.

Many, if not most LEAN initiatives will involve some form of improved method of managing information, which most often involves some form of technology generally referred to as IT.  IT is a trillion-dollar, fast-moving industry where every vendor confidently assures you that their solution will be the silver bullet.  This provides business leaders with the daunting challenge of how to best leverage available technology to their advantage, ensuring their business is neither limited nor exploited by technology solutions. 

Decoding Uncertainty: Your Path to Growth with Data 

Turning Uncertainty into Opportunity. Economic fluctuations. Shifting consumer behaviour. Rapid advancements in technology. Feeling like a roadblock?

Discover how data-driven marketing can transform unpredictability into profitability for your business. Learn how to make smarter marketing decisions, improve ROI, and set your business up for long-term success in an ever-changing landscape.

How Marvin Windows and Doors Brought a College to Small Town Northern Minnesota

Hear the story of how Marvin Windows & Doors not only brought a Mechatronics program to their community 6 miles south of the Manitoba border but also created a dedicated resource to bring advanced manufacturing education and skill development to people and industry in northwestern Minnesota. Learn how small-town manufacturers on either side of the border can work towards engaging and building community while filling workforce skill gaps and building a long-game pipeline strategy to address skilled labor shortages for the future.

Practical Ideas to Drive AI Innovation

Discover how generative AI can revolutionize your entire manufacturing organization—from executive offices to the production line. In this session, we'll explore a practical, scalable strategy to drive AI adoption, starting with administrative and planning functions where productivity gains are immediate and measurable. Learn how this momentum can cascade into operational areas, enabling smarter, faster, and more resilient manufacturing processes. Whether you're just beginning your AI journey or looking to expand its impact, this session offers actionable insights to help you lead with confidence.

This session cuts through the hype to explore the practical, real-world applications of AI in manufacturing. The speaker will highlight how AI is driving tangible improvements in efficiency, quality, and uptime—without the jargon or empty promises. Expect grounded insights into what’s working today on the shop floor: from predictive maintenance, labour improvement, reduced costs,  intelligent automation, anomaly detection and process optimization. This talk is for those who care more about results than buzzwords.