FPD looks at how smart and software go together

Now ask yourself, what does it do, how and why? And you are beginning to recognise the importance of areas such as Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

This is why FoodProductionDaily is running a roundtable discussion ‘Smart Software for Efficient Manufacturing’ looking at the advantages that software can bring manufacturers to optimize food and beverage production.

The one hour discussion, which is free to listen to, features experts from Cargill, Brock Solutions, Tata Consultancy and the president of a leading association.

A look at the speakers​

Join us on December 10 when we will be joined by Rik Geerts, a senior Corporate Solution Architect specialized in Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) in Cargill.

He has been involved in automation system design and implementation in a wide range of solutions in the manufacturing space.

Mike Yost, who brings over 25 years of industrial, commercial and management experience to his role as president of MESA International, a not-for-profit industry association.

Yost has held various leadership roles in automation and industrial software businesses, including positions with Activplant Corporation and Rockwell Automation.

Stephanie Mikelbrencis, business unit manager at Brock Solutions, shares P&L responsibility for the "Manufacturing Business Unit" focussing on products such as automation and MES to industries including food and beverage.

Sree Harsha, program manager - MES Implementation at Tata Consultancy Services has almost 20 years of IT experience focussed on MOM assessments, implementations, consolidations and upgrades.

His experience includes leadership and management in projects delivery and business development with focus on MOM solutions and technologies in various geographies, various projects (15+ engagements, and 10+ integration, implementations and upgrades.

Look at the broader landscape​

We will also discuss MOM and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) as firms strive to achieve some form of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Our roundtable will help to demystify MES, the minefield of acronyms and teach you about the latest innovations on offer for companies of all sizes.

A modern MES can automatically consolidate and visualise data at different levels: for plant operators, management, sales, maintenance personnel and quality inspectors.

A surprising number of brands still manage data on a local or manual level – ignoring the optimisation benefits that systems such as MES software offers to cut costs and boost margins from order launch to finished goods by driving efficient plant operation and processes. 

Whether you’re an operations- IT- or supply chain manager, a consultant in the space or are active in software procurement, then our free-to-attend online roundtable is for you!

Click the link below to register for the free roundtable or follow on Twitter live on December 10 using the hashtag #smartsoftware14