Manufacturing leaders to tackle digital transformation challenges

ObjectEdge (OE) will host a free virtual event on 17 April 2025 aimed at equipping manufacturing leaders with strategies to confront industry-wide challenges, including supply chain disruptions and operational inefficiencies, through digital transformation and AI adoption.

The event, called the Manufacturing Edge Leadership Summit, is tailored for C-level executives and decision-makers in the manufacturing sector. It arrives at a time when the U.S. manufacturing outlook shows signs of contraction. According to the latest data from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), the sector is being squeezed by fluctuating tariffs, supply chain instability and rising costs. Goldman Sachs has also increased the probability of a U.S. recession to 35 per cent, further emphasising the need for strategic innovation.

Rohit Garewal, CEO of ObjectEdge, is among the keynote speakers. "I align customer objectives with actionable strategies and relevant metrics for success that drive return on technology investments," Garewal said. "I specialise in determining ROI-focused solutions to optimise revenue and lower operational costs for manufacturing leaders seeking to overcome supply chain volatility."

The summit will also feature insights from Shawn DuBravac, CEO and President of the Avrio Institute. DuBravac brings years of experience in advising C-level leaders on market strategy and digital disruption. "My expertise helps organisations leverage AI and digital solutions to build resilient operations," DuBravac said.

Other speakers include Sarah Evans, Partner and Head of PR at Zen Media. "At Zen Media, I lead strategic campaigns for industries including manufacturing, cybersecurity, cloud computing, SaaS, and more," said Evans. "My innovative strategies achieve rapid growth by seamlessly integrating earned, shared, and owned digital tactics—essential for manufacturers looking to transform their market position."

The summit will focus on key areas including:

Supply chain volatility: Exploring methods to build disruption-resistant supply networks and manage inventory efficiently to reduce operational costs.

AI-powered solutions: Addressing how artificial intelligence can be used to eliminate process bottlenecks and optimise resource allocation.

Workforce optimisation: Demonstrating how intelligent workflows and automation can help counteract labour shortages.

Digital transformation: Offering guidance on modernising legacy systems and managing stakeholder transitions.

Tariff management: Presenting strategies to mitigate the impact of tariff fluctuations through adaptive sourcing and flexible supply chain approaches.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in live Q&A sessions, attend fireside chats, and network with other industry professionals. They will also receive access to resources intended to support the implementation of strategies discussed during the summit.

According to the organisers, the event aims to help manufacturing leaders "eliminate the critical pain points" in their operations by transforming them into "competitive advantages."

ObjectEdge describes itself as a technology services firm specialising in CX, data and AI solutions. It collaborates with senior leaders across IT, operations and supply chain management to apply scalable technology and AI implementation in support of business resilience.

Other featured speakers include Jeremiah Owyang, a venture capital investor at Blitzscaling Ventures with a background in emerging technology and digital strategy. Organisers highlight his experience as particularly relevant for executives looking to assess and adopt innovative solutions.

The Manufacturing Edge Leadership Summit is scheduled to begin at 1pm EST on 17 April 2025.