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Event Summary
AI, People, and Data: The Three Pillars of Industrial Digitalization in a BANI World
The IDC Manufacturing Summit 2025 conference addressed the challenge of the current BANI world. This environment is characterized by being Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, and Incomprehensible. For industrial companies aiming to succeed in this chaos, the path to success lies in operational excellence. This idea also resonated strongly in the panel discussions, which focused, among other things, on the necessary transformation of the Czech Republic from a traditional “assembly plant” to an innovative “brain trust.” The success of this transformation depends on the effective use and quality of data, as well as the beneficial deployment of artificial intelligence.
The main theme permeating the entire conference was artificial intelligence, specifically its generative form. It is no longer seen as just “hype” but increasingly as a practical tool. The discussion around it has shifted from simple testing to the implementation of “agentic AI” designed to orchestrate entire processes. Visions are slowly being replaced by real-world examples—some more successful than others. And the range of use cases continues to expand. In manufacturing, AI is also moving beyond typical office applications and is being successfully applied in production itself. Despite the optimism, warnings were also voiced: Data quality remains fundamental to success, and only a small fraction of AI projects will actually turn a profit.
Speakers emphasized that even the best technology is merely an “enabler,” while the key “activators” are people. The human factor, emotions, and managing expectations have proven to be the main causes of IT project failures. Successful companies, therefore, approach innovation primarily as a matter of cultural change. The goal is not to replace people, but to create a symbiosis where the robot does the heavy lifting while the person manages its operation.
The successful deployment of advanced technologies must rest on solid strategic pillars: security, modern systems, and clearly defined value. In an era where data and applications are leaving company premises, the importance of robust connectivity and security is growing. Private 5G networks, zero-trust concepts, and the secure convergence of IT and OT (Operational Technology) worlds are coming to the forefront. In parallel, the battle against technological debt continues, while modern integration and low-code platforms provide companies with agility. All of this is also changing the role of IT itself, moving it from a cost center to a strategic business partner.
Agenda
IDC Manufacturing Summit 2025 brings together technology and business leaders to share their visions, strategies, and practical experience. Join the discussion, gain concrete guidance, and draw inspiration for the future development.
Main Themes
Strategy & Human Factor
- Workplace and Cultural Readiness: The Human Factor in Scaling AI
- Modernization vs. Stability: A Strategy for Legacy Systems
- From Investment to Value: Ensuring ROI on Digital Projects
- PLM as a Tool to Mitigate Tariff Impact
Infrastructure & Data Foundations
- IT/OT Convergence: From Shop Floor Data to Business Value
- Private 5G: Unlock the Full Potential of Your Factory Floor
- Strategic Migration to the Cloud: The Future of PLM, CAD, and CAE Applications
- Industrial DataOps: Building the Data Foundation for AI Success
AI, Automation & Innovation
- Accelerating Innovation: Practical Use of GenAI in Engineering
- Federated Learning: Scaling AI Securely and in Compliance with GDPR
- AI in Compliance: Automate Reporting and Mitigate Risks
- Scaling Manufacturing with Cloud and AI: Building the Digital Backbone for Growth
Resilience & Sustainability
- Resilience and Sustainability in the Digital Age: More Than Just Cost Cutting
- Electrification in Action: The Path to Efficient and Sustainable Field Service
Security
- Fortifying the Factory: Cybersecurity for OT and Industry 4.0
- Data Intelligence and OT security: The Twin Pillars of Smart Manufacturing
Our Partners
Vodafone
Vodafone je telekomunikačním lídrem v Evropě a Africe. Jeho sítě udržují rodiny, přátele, firmy i vlády ve spojení a hrají zásadní roli při udržování chodu ekonomik a kritických odvětví, jakými jsou například vzdělávání či zdravotní péče. Vodafone je největším operátorem mobilních a pevných sítí v Evropě a také největším světovým poskytovatelem připojení k internetu věcí (IoT). Společnost poskytuje mobilní a pevné služby více než 355 milionům zákazníků v 15 zemích a v dalších téměř 50 zemích spolupracuje v oblasti mobilních sítí s partnery. Podmořské kabely Vodafonu přenášejí přibližně jednu šestinu světového internetového provozu a společnost zároveň vyvíjí novou službu satelitní komunikace umožňující připojení v oblastech bez pokrytí.
Pod značkou Vodafone Business nabízí firmám služby v globálním i lokálním měřítku, a to včetně mobilní, pevné nebo integrované komunikace, internetu věcí, cloudových služeb, 5G mobilních privátních sítí nebo online zabezpečení.
Vodafone poskytuje v České republice služby 5 milionům zákazníků. Mimo jiné měl v roce 2024 podle měření nezávislé německé společnosti umlaut nejlepší mobilní datovou síť v ČR.
Společnost podporuje diverzitu a inkluzi, zlepšuje přístup ke vzdělání a digitálním dovednostem, respektuje všechny jednotlivce bez ohledu na rasu, etnickou příslušnost, zdravotní postižení, věk, sexuální orientaci, genderovou identitu, kulturu či náboženství.
Vodafone rovněž dělá významné kroky ve snižování dopadu svého podnikání na planetu. Mezi ty patří nejen nákup 100 % elektřiny z obnovitelných zdrojů po celém světě, ale také opětovné použití, další prodej nebo recyklace 100 % nadbytečného síťového vybavení nejpozději od roku 2025. Firma také postupně snižuje emise skleníkových plynů z provozu i z dodavatelského řetězce. Díky těmto krokům chce Vodafone dosáhnout do roku 2040 uhlíkové neutrality.
Infor
Infor is a global leader in enterprise software cloud solutions. It offers specific solutions for various industries and markets. It creates complete industry suites in the cloud and effectively deploys technologies that put the user experience first, leverage data science, and easily integrate with existing systems.
More than 60,000 companies around the world rely on Infor to help them overcome their market challenges and achieve comprehensive digital transformation.
Elos
Gapp&Commvault
Mibcon
We are a leading consulting company with a team of more than 200 specialists, focused on implementing the full portfolio of SAP products and delivering innovative solutions to companies in both the Czech Republic and international markets for over 25 years.
Our implementation and development teams provide advanced technological solutions for SAP systems, sophisticated extensions, and unique tailor-made software products that support and enhance business processes. Since 1998, we have been helping organizations in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and across Europe drive their growth and digital transformation.
Atos
EMARK
Asseco Solutions
Helios are enterprise information systems that we develop at Asseco Solutions – a company with a 35-year history. Our solution is used by over 18,000 customers not only in the Czech Republic but also in other Central European countries.
Together with our partners, we take care of the development, implementation and support of systems for companies of all sizes – from production and trade to services and public administration. We are a supplier of specialized solutions for production and warehousing, thanks to our own WMS and MES solutions. We have experience with both the automotive industry and plastics production, mechanical engineering, food and electrical production. We understand the needs of our customers, we help them streamline key processes and support their growth. We are their strong and stable partner.
InfoConsulting Czech
As a platinum partner of IFS, InfoConsulting helps manufacturing companies streamline their business operations. We combine our expert knowledge with the latest technologies to support you in the digital transformation of your company.
We rely on an ecosystem of globally proven IFS tools: IFS Cloud as the backbone of the enterprise (ERP, maintenance, service), IFS Ultimo for EAM, IFS assyst for internal service management, and IFS Poka for shop-floor know-how.
With over 25 years’ experience, we deliver projects predictably, from a single branch to a global rollout. We lead implementations using the IFS methodology, integrate with specialised systems and help to unify processes and meet local requirements. Once the system has been launched, we provide ongoing support, training and development to help you realise the benefits quickly and ensure that your employees get the most out of the system.
K2
We are K2. For more than 30 years, we have been developing, implementing, and enhancing an enterprise system that helps companies across various industries manage their processes efficiently. We also operate and provide data center services, and deliver solutions in e-commerce, digitalization, and automation. Our work supports the growth of hundreds of clients.
Minerva
Minerva ČR is a Czech company with more than 30 years of history. The products and services offered by Minerva help manufacturing companies manage business processes efficiently and support the digitalization of enterprises. Key business applications are the QAD ERP system and the Opcenter Scheduling APS system. Both products are industry-leading products from renowned global IT technology vendors, the American company QAD and Siemens. Minerva supplies its know-how and comprehensive solutions built on ERP and APS supplemented by other additional applications. Minerva is not only a supplier of enterprise applications, but also an adviser in setting up and optimizing business processes that help build efficient enterprises. We cover initial analysis, IT consulting, strategy development, solution implementation and support up to 24/7. We focus on six manufacturing sectors: verticals: automotive, high tech, food & beverage industry, consumer products, industrial, engineering and life sciences. Typical customers are medium to large sized manufacturing companies.
Sewio
Sewio is a leading manufacturer and provider of real-time location systems (RTLS). As part of the HID Global group, it offers accurate and scalable location solutions based on UWB, Bluetooth, and GPS technologies. These platforms enable the tracking of materials, people, and handling equipment, providing a data foundation for optimizing material flow, enhancing worker safety, reducing downtime, and improving overall operational efficiency.
Sewio’s customers include companies such as Škoda, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Continental.
Ixperta
Trask
Sluno
Venue
TechTower
Koterovská 152, Plzeň 2 – Slovany
The complex is a modern revitalization of the former Světovar Brewery, located in the Slovany district on the southern edge of Pilsen. It is connected to public transport, just 4 minutes from the D5 highway.
Knowledge Hub
The Power of Manufacturing Software
Supply chain disruptions — unpredictable supplies, product shortages, increasing material costs — continue to have a profound impact on manufacturers worldwide. In response, remanufacturing, which has long been a part of the industry, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years.
Rethinking AI and Innovation: From Output-Driven to Process-Centric
Most of the hype related to GenAI in the industrial environment centers around applications and use cases. I call this output-driven.
Users and internal sponsors find it easy to understand this approach because they can see the benefits and ROI of the solutions. There is a tool, clear CAPEX and OPEX, and an obvious result.
The approach is transparent and straightforward: Do you need an industrial co-pilot? You got it. Do you need a knowledge management tool? Here it is.
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