HOUSTEX Theater Schedule

Tuesday, February 26

Supply chain operations and functions are becoming increasingly intertwined with fewer functional silos within an organization’s operation. However, mergers, organic growth, indirect sales channels, operational expansion, globalization, and partnered services have all increased the complexity of maintaining an efficient supply chain operation. Today’s organizations need to transform their supply chains into more holistic and integrated value chains that cover the three key operational pillars: Demand, Supply, and Product.

Join Oracle for a breakfast briefing and demonstration to learn how they can help you deploy a value chain solution to systematically manage the quality and profitability of your products across your entire extended enterprise.

12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Engineering Workforce: Managing Your Talent Supply Chain
Joseph Lampinen, Director, Americas Engineering Product Group

Manufacturing engineering leaders have a mission critical need for access to a flexible, agile and high performance talent supply chain that can reliably deliver skilled engineers and technicians. Whether you are a new manufacturing engineer or an experienced engineering manager, this session will help you understand the essential steps in developing the processes to secure the engineering talent you need to accomplish your objectives.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation: How Can We Make Manufacturing Sexy?

Karin Lindner

Sexy manufacturing? For some, this may sound contradictory. Join Karin Lindner as she outlines why every organization needs an element of sexiness. The dictionary defines sexy as "generally attractive or interesting; exciting, appealing, trendy." It is the creation of an initial interest. Now more than ever, it is time to rethink, redefine, and thereby rediscover the sexiness of our manufacturing industry.

Join us at the SME Resource Center (Booth #329) following the presentation for a MEET and GREET with Karin Lindner, courtesy of the SME Education Foundation and SME Membership. A complimentary autographed copy of either keynote speaker’s book will be included with the purchase or renewal of a two-year SME membership. Sign-up or renew for a three-year SME membership and receive a complimentary copy of books from both keynote speakers!

Wednesday, February 27

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch & Learn: Machining Difficult Materials with Advanced Cutting Tool Technology
Dale R. Hill, Greenleaf

Demand for oil field related products is high and so is the need for increased production productivity. This presentation will focus on the application of advanced ceramic cutting tools on difficult-to-machine metals such as Inconel 625 clad, Inconel 718, and other select materials. Topics of discussion include guidelines for identifying the best opportunities for applying ceramic tooling, basic tool application data and techniques as well as identifying workpiece and machine tool limitations. In addition, a brief primer on maximizing heavy turning and mill operations and an overview of the advantages of specially engineered tooling will be given.

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Adaptive Lean: High Mix, Low Volume Environments
Franck Vermet, Schlumberger and Mark Warren, Tesla2 Inc.

According to an Industry Week survey, about 26% of lean implementations achieve significant progress. This is particularly true for high mix low volume environments, where conventional lean approaches are particularly challenging to deploy. To change behaviors towards improvement, Adaptive Lean has to be simple. This methodology will be presented and a business case will be discussed.

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Industry Panel Discussion
Laser vs. Waterjet vs. Plasma Cutting: Advantages & Attributes

Moderator:	Elizabeth Kautzmann, FANUC FA America
Panelists:	Clay Keher, Sterling Fabrication Mike Pollack, Hypertherm Inc. Hernán Luis y Prado, Workshop for Warriors

Industry experts discuss the driving issues, advantages and attributes on laser, waterjet, and plasma technologies. Best practice demands “the application” drive machine selection on material, thickness volume, and tolerance when evaluating the best machine for any shop. These relevant discussions on consumable costs and preventative maintenance investments will give a glimpse into this world of manufacturing. Discover the best practices in these dynamic productions along with highlights of the versatility of these impressive and flexible technologies.

5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Art of Manufacturing Reception
Attend this networking opportunity and meet the people behind The Art of Manufacturing. Mingle with other industry professionals in a relaxed environment. Find solutions, exchange ideas, and see technology that is transforming your industry as well as leading the way in other industries.

Thursday, February 28

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Keynote Presentation: Creating a Culture of Rapid Improvement

Raymond Floyd

Successful operations are achieved when every employee frequently and autonomously practices the tools of operational excellence when working toward a common goal. The common term for this in industry is creating a culture of engagement. All cultures, both industrial and social, consist of shared values and beliefs, supported by appropriate behavior and rituals. By communicating values and making a standard practice of appropriate rituals it is possible for business leaders to create a situational culture within your organization that engages people to support the success of your business.

Join us at the SME Resource Center (Booth #329) following the presentation for a MEET and GREET with Raymond Floyd, courtesy of the SME Education Foundation and SME Membership. A complimentary autographed copy of either keynote speaker’s book will be included with the purchase or renewal of a two-year SME Membership. Sign-up or renew for a three-year membership and receive a complimentary copy of books from both keynote speakers!