The manufacturing industry is feeling the squeeze. Factory output has been shrinking according to recent Institute for Supply Management figures, supply networks remain unpredictable, and Goldman Sachs just bumped their recession odds to 35%. For manufacturing execs, these are problems that need real solutions, fast.
Enter the Manufacturing Edge Leadership Summit, a free virtual gathering on April 17, 2025, that promises to cut through the noise and deliver actionable intelligence for manufacturing leaders navigating these turbulent waters. The summit, spearheaded by Rohit Garewal, CEO of Object Edge, brings together sector insights on how AI and digital transformation are creating competitive advantages for industry leaders.
Real Solutions for Manufacturing’s Crisis Points
While “digital transformation” has become an overused term in manufacturing circles, this summit takes a different approach. Instead of vague promises, the event focuses on specific pressure points crippling manufacturers today, including supply chain vulnerabilities, workforce shortages, operational inefficiencies, and the impact of fluctuating tariffs.
Object Edge, the technology services firm hosting the summit, has assembled a lineup that balances high-level strategy with granular implementation tactics. The company, known for implementing Salesforce, Oracle, and Master Data Management solutions, aims to bridge the gap between theoretical digital transformation and practical implementation strategies.
The timing couldn’t be more critical. As manufacturing facilities across the country grapple with increased operational costs and diminishing margins, the traditional approaches to business continuity are proving inadequate. The recent ISM manufacturing data revealed that production efficiency has reached a five-year low point, while input costs continue to climb. In this environment, digital capabilities aren’t merely competitive advantages, they’ve become existential necessities.
Intelligence from the Front Lines
The summit’s marquee speaker, Shawn DuBravac, CEO & President of the Avrio Institute, brings a data-driven perspective on where manufacturing disruption is headed next. His insights will be complemented by perspectives from other manufacturing technology veterans who understand both the factory floor and the C-suite.
Topics tackle the industry’s most pressing concerns:
- Building supply networks that withstand disruption while reducing operational costs.
- Implementing AI to eliminate production bottlenecks and resource inefficiencies.
- Combatting persistent labor shortages through intelligent workflow optimization.
- Navigating the obstacles inherent in modernizing legacy manufacturing operations.
- Developing coherent strategies to manage the impact of unpredictable tariff changes.
The Difference Between Survival and Obsolescence
What differentiates this summit is its uncompromising focus on ROI and business resilience. In an environment where manufacturing margins face unprecedented pressure, the event promises to deliver frameworks for transformation that pay for themselves quickly.
The interactive format includes live Q&A sessions, fireside chats with industry leaders, and networking opportunities, ensuring that participants don’t just consume information but can apply it to their specific operational contexts.
For manufacturing executives facing make-or-break decisions about technology investments, workforce strategies, and supply chain reconfiguration, the April 17th summit represents a critical opportunity to gain a competitive advantage through targeted transformation initiatives.
With attendance limited to ensure meaningful interaction, early registration is recommended for manufacturing leaders serious about navigating the industry’s current challenges.
For many attendees, the summit represents an opportunity to benchmark their digital readiness against industry peers. The event organizers have indicated that participating executives will receive access to exclusive research on digital maturity in manufacturing, providing a valuable framework for assessing organizational capabilities against sector leaders.
This summit is designed to help leaders identify their highest-impact opportunities — the digital investments that will deliver immediate operational improvements while building the foundation for long-term resilience.
With manufacturing representing nearly 11% of U.S. GDP and supporting approximately 13 million jobs according to the National Association of Manufacturers, the stakes of this transformation extend beyond individual companies to the broader economic landscape. The Manufacturing Edge Leadership Summit aims to equip the sector’s decision-makers with the intelligence and connections needed to navigate this pivotal moment.
