Digital Transformation for Manufacturers: An Executive Breakfast
Manufacturing is entering a new era. Rising costs, supply chain uncertainty, talent shortages, global competition, and ongoing trade disruption are forcing manufacturers to rethink how they operate and compete. At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence, automation, analytics, robotics, and smart factory technologies are creating new opportunities to improve productivity, resilience, and profitability.
This invite-only session will provide manufacturing leaders with a practical roadmap for digital transformation. Participants will learn how organizations are using data, business intelligence, automation, IoT, machine learning, and AI to reduce downtime, improve operational visibility, accelerate decision-making, and drive measurable business outcomes.
The workshop will cover:
The key trends shaping the future of manufacturing.
The core technologies behind Industry 4.0 and digital transformation.
How to assess your organization's data and AI maturity.
Common barriers to adoption and practical strategies to overcome them.
Real-world examples of manufacturers achieving measurable results through data and AI initiatives.
If you're just beginning your digital transformation journey or looking to expand existing initiatives, this session will provide actionable insights and practical guidance to help your organization build a stronger, more competitive manufacturing operation.
Agenda
8:00–8:30 — Welcome and Breakfast
8:30–10:00 — Executive Presentations and Case Study
10:00–10:20 — Break
10:20–11:30 — Executive Roundtable and Action Planning
11:30–12:00 — Networking
Speakers:
Myles Harrison is the founder and Company Principal of PRAKTIKAI, a Canadian data and AI consultancy that helps manufacturers use analytics, automation, business intelligence, and artificial intelligence to improve operational performance. His background includes data science and AI consulting roles with top-tier agencies and consulting firms such as Publicis Sapient, PwC, and Accenture, working across manufacturing, transportation, retail, financial services, healthcare, and telecommunications. He also served as Head of Data Science at BrainStation, where he led a global team delivering education in analytics, machine learning, cloud computing, and AI.
Today, Myles works with manufacturers across Simcoe County and Ontario on practical digital transformation initiatives focused on productivity, supply chain resilience, trade compliance, operational reporting, and AI adoption. Through PRAKTIKAI, he advises organizations on turning data into better business decisions and identifying realistic opportunities to apply emerging technologies in manufacturing environments. He regularly delivers workshops and speaks on Industry 4.0, digital transformation, and data analytics and AI.
Robert Stewart is a globally experienced cybersecurity specialist with a background in crisis management, threat intelligence, and operational resilience. Throughout his career, he has built crisis management frameworks for multinational financial institutions, supported major technical operations, and led the response to high-impact incidents. His ability to translate complex risks into practical strategies has made him a trusted advisor to both technical teams and executive leaders.
Robert founded White Tuque in 2021, assembling a team of experts who deliver adaptable, risk-based cybersecurity services to organizations of all sizes. His vision is to combine expertise, empathy, and strategy to strengthen the digital foundations of organizations across Canada, the United States, and around the world.
Talk Summary
Cyber threats against manufacturers continue to evolve, with ransomware, supply chain compromises, and AI-enabled attacks creating new risks for organizations of every size. This interactive session will explore why manufacturers have become attractive targets, what actually happens during a cyber incident, and the practical steps organizations can take to improve resilience. Drawing on real-world incident response experience supporting major organizations, attendees will gain actionable insights into today's threat landscape, learn how to identify weaknesses before attackers do, and leave with practical strategies they can begin implementing immediately.
Company Profiles:
PRAKTIKAI is a new type of consultancy that drives value in businesses through data and artificial intelligence, without the hype. Our name is based on the Greek word for practicality and our approach is grounded in the same. AI is in our name, but we are a full services consulting organization with offerings spanning advisory services in artificial intelligence strategy to hands-on machine learning, data analytics, and business intelligence delivery work.
White Tuque is a new approach to cyber defense and resiliency. They focus on delivering effective solutions that help protect our partners from today’s sophisticated threat actors and ever-increasing cyber risk. Their methodology is focused on efficient risk reduction grounded in threat intelligence. Their team of experts are battle-tested and crisis-proven to prepare your defences against very bad days.