Pro MFG Tech Summit - Transforming Manufacturing with IT-OT Convergence

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February 2025 : The Pro MFG Tech Summit 2025 – Bengaluru Edition brought together top industry leaders, technology innovators, and manufacturing professionals for an insightful day of discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking. Focused on Technological Evolution in IT-OT Convergence, Digital Transformation, and Smart Manufacturing, the summit provided a platform to explore the latest trends and strategies shaping the future of manufacturing.

The summit opened with a keynote address by Mr. BR Indushekhar - Industry Advisor & Consultant, Ex. Head Operations Development, Volvo Group India.

Leadership Insights on IT-OT Convergence

The Leadership Panel explored the evolution of IT-OT convergence and its impact on modern manufacturing. Industry experts Neha Misra, Wabtec Corporation, Shashi Kiran, Altigreen Manickavasaham S, Bosch Digital, Nagendra C, Ace Designers Limited and Vikas Tyagi, Manjushree Technopack Limited shared their perspectives on how organizations are bridging the gap between operational and information technologies to drive efficiency and innovation. The panel was moderated by Jeewitesh Prabhakar, Partner - Operations & Manufacturing, PwC.

Key Takeaways:
● IT-OT convergence enhances operational agility and data-driven decision-making.
● Successful implementation requires robust cybersecurity frameworks and workforce upskilling.

Insights from Technology Providers

The Summit featured exclusive insights from leading technology providers.

Gajendra Naik and Satish Naidu from MicroGenesis showcased the “Impact of Autodesk AI in Digital Manufacturing” and demonstrated how AI-driven solutions enhance design automation, predictive analytics, and process optimization.

Rajat Srivastava from DesignX presented a session on maximizing throughput without heavy capital investments.

In his session on Smart Factory Elements - Transforming Manufacturing with IT-OT Convergence, Sascha Graef, Director Asia, MPDV Group shared actionable insights into how current production and plannings could make breakthroughs with the assistance of Manufacturing Execution System & Advanced Planning and Scheduling System

Deven Lachake, Associate Director (Enterprise Sales, India), DNIF shed light on strengthening digital security in a hyperconnected industrial landscape.

India’s Factories of the Future
A power-packed panel discussion moderated by Mr. Sunil David, Regional Director (IO ) , AT&T India explored the future of manufacturing in India. The panel consisted of experts like Janajit Ray, Information Security Officer, Volvo Group India, Madhu Narayanaswamy, Vice President Operations, Sun Mobility, Shyam Rao, Corporate Technology Officer, Carborundum Universal Limited, Ramesh Pillai, CISO, Biocon And Mr.Sascha Graef from MPDV Group.

Key Takeaways:
● Industry 4.0 adoption is driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation.
● Collaboration between manufacturers, tech providers, and policy-makers is essential for scalable transformation.

Digital Transformation Strategy

Industry leaders Vijayendra Babu, Sr. Vice President Operations, Grasim Industries (Aditya Birla Group), Bheemanappa Manthale, President of Operations and Supplychain, Parag Milk Foods, Shirish Yadav, EVP, ITC Foods, Raghudeep Madineni, Head - Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing, Ather Energy and Sebastian AnanthaSwamy, Head of Operations, Continental India came together to deliberate on the digital transformation strategy for data-driven asset management and workforce transformation. The discussion was moderated by Manish Kulkarni, Manish Kulkarni, Cofounder and Director, Pro MFG Media.

Key Takeaways:
● Integrating AI and IoT enables real-time decision-making and optimization of production processes.
● Upskilling the workforce is crucial to leverage digital transformation effectively.

Industry Academia Collaboration - A must for the Next Phase of Manufacturing Excellence

Collaboration between industry and academia is vital to drive technological advancements in manufacturing. In this context, Anurag Srivastava, Chief Operations Officer, ARTPARK, IISc, presented an overview of the initiatives by ARTPARK, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) on AI and Robotics, particularly COMRADO Aerospace, AlgoFET, Vaydyn, Strider Robotics and Yaanendriya. Dr. Kaushik Sampath spoke on game-changing innovations at Twara Robotics.

The summit attracted a diverse audience comprising C-suite executives, industry veterans, technology experts, and manufacturing professionals. Attendees actively participated in live Q&A sessions, and interactive technology showcases, demonstrating a keen interest in the latest advancements in Industry 4.0, AI-driven automation, and digital transformation strategies.The Summit 2025 provided attendees with actionable insights, best practices, and industry connections to drive the next phase of manufacturing excellence.

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