US Space Force paves way for generative AI-powered OPEX
Marks & Spencer accelerates digital transformation and Flex factory recognized for manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement
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PEX Network’s weekly news bulletin rounds up the latest from the process community including operational excellence (OPEX), digital transformation, business process management (BPM), process mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and much more.
This week includes:
- US Space Force holds generative AI challenge to inspire new era of OPEX
- Marks & Spencer accelerates digital transformation
- Flex factory recognized for manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement
- Sumitomo Rubber Industries standardizes global plant operations
- Australian Computer Society and Digital Transformation Agency sign digital skills MOU
- The University of Manchester launches staff AI and data training programs
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US Space Force holds generative AI challenge to inspire new era of OPEX
US Space Force (USSF) – the space service branch of the US Armed Forces – held the inaugural USSF Generative AI Challenge, an eight-week program blending an AI crash course with a problem-solving hackathon. More than 350 participants across various units took part in the challenge, developing AI-powered tools to enhance operations and staff work. The program aims to pave the way for a new era of OPEX, positioning the USSF as a leader in leveraging AI. The tools developed through the initiative are designed for adaptability across units and missions, offering the potential to redefine how the USSF, and the broader military, integrate AI.
Ryan Hummel, US Space Force 2nd Lt., 1st Range Operations Squadron range operations commander, highlighted how the challenge drives advancements in mission efficiency at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. “Innovation is crucial, especially for an emerging branch like the Space Force,” he said. “We need to keep pace with commercial technology and exceed it. This challenge shows how we can harness AI to stay at the cutting edge of technology and create new capabilities.”
Watch Andreas Welsch, author of the AI Leadership Handbook, discuss the role of agentic AI in the future of OPEX
Marks & Spencer accelerates digital transformation
British retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) expanded its partnership with technology firm First Insight to accelerate digital transformation across its Clothing & Home business. By integrating First Insight's customer-driven AI intelligence engine across product development, design, pricing, merchandising and marketing, M&S has enhanced profitability while advancing sustainability goals, according to a press release.
“Our partnership with First Insight has supported our strategy to reshape for growth, as we maintain and extend our lead on quality and value and continue to drive style perceptions,” said Richard Price, managing director of Clothing & Home at M&S. “First Insight’s AI-driven intelligence has empowered us to get closer to our customers and offer a more compelling fashion-led experience as we seek to become more relevant, to more people, more often.”
Watch Nao Anthony, Commonwealth Bank, and Tariq Munir, PepsiCo, discuss the complexities and challenges of digital transformation
Flex factory recognized for manufacturing excellence and continuous improvement
American multinational manufacturing company Flex Ltd. announced that its Zhuhai, China site received an Excellence Award from the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) for demonstrating world-class continuous improvement and results. The site specializes in advanced assembly, tool design and manufacturing as well as metal and plastics capabilities for lifestyle and data center customers. The AME Excellence Award recognizes facilities that demonstrate manufacturing excellence and lean innovation based on a range of criteria including organizational improvement, people-centric leadership, extended value stream management and performance, according to a press release.
“A strong culture of continuous improvement is fundamental to OPEX and the success of our customers and organization,” commented Rodrigo DallOglio, president, OPEX and transformation at Flex. “We are proud of the dedication and efforts from our Zhuhai team to earn this esteemed distinction and continuously integrate lean practices into our processes that deliver better efficiency, quality and productivity.”
Watch Blake Hill, senior director of quality assurance and agile delivery at AccentCare, reflect on building high performing teams
Sumitomo Rubber Industries standardizes global plant operations
Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd., a leading global tire and rubber manufacturer, is seeking to advance its digital transformation efforts across global plant floors. Sumitomo Rubber, known for its DUNLOP and FALKEN brands, is partnering with Rockwell Automation to integrate and standardize business and production data, according to a press release.
“We believe leveraging Rockwell Automation’s expertise will enable us to standardize manufacturing management and enhance operational efficiency globally, driving our growth,” said Kenji Saito, executive officer and general manager of the tire manufacturing headquarters at Sumitomo Rubber Industries. “Based on our mid-term management vision, we intend to deploy the new system beginning with the domestic plant. We will continue to collaborate with Rockwell Automation, a global leader in manufacturing, and embrace new challenges with a forward-looking approach, making full use of AI.”
Watch Pradheep Kileti, a director at National Grid, outline balancing operations with innovation
Australian Computer Society and Digital Transformation Agency sign digital skills MOU
The Digital Transformation Agency (DTA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) to enhance the digital capabilities of the Australian Public Service (APS) and foster collaboration between government and industry. The DTA is the Australian government’s adviser for the development, delivery and monitoring of whole-of-government strategies, policies and standards for digital and ICT investments and procurement. Meanwhile, the ACS represents over 49,500 technology professionals across industry, government and education.
“This memorandum is built on principles of collaboration, communication and mutual benefit,” said Chris Fechner, CEO of the DTA Chief Executive Officer, DTA. “This arrangement seeks to strengthen cooperative and constructive exchanges of experiences and expertise to deliver better outcomes for Australians through digital government services.”
The MOU outlined several key objectives, including:
- Maximizing the efficient and effective usage of existing capability and investment in delivering the Australian government’s digital services.
- Being a catalyst for innovative creation and adoption of technology that benefits business, government and society.
- Promoting the use of the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) as an industry-wide approach to digital skills classification and evaluation.
- Building world-leading capability and skills within the Australian digital workforce.
- Exploring diversity and inclusion initiatives for tech talent.
The University of Manchester launches staff AI and data training programs
The University of Manchester is launching AI and data programs for 70 professional services staff through a new Data & AI Academy, in partnership with Multiverse. The new initiative is part of a drive from the University to better leverage its technology tools and data. The development of these skills will increase staff efficiency through the automation of manual processes and future proof the workforce for the next decade, according to the university.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Multiverse to offer these unique and highly relevant professional development opportunities to our colleagues,” said PJ Hemmaway, chief information officer (CIO) at The University of Manchester. “Together, we have developed an approach to increase our digital confidence around data and AI which will help us immensely to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Watch Iván Céspedes, continuous improvement expert at Roche, discuss how to involve people in change and transformation
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