NorthWind Hosts Third Annual AI & Digital Transformation Seminar

NorthWind Technical Services welcomed manufacturers, technology partners, and industry experts to Sabetha, Kansas, September 16–18 for the third annual AI & Digital Transformation Seminar. Over three days, attendees explored how manufacturers can take practical steps toward digital transformation, make better use of operational data, and apply artificial intelligence to real-world challenges.

The event brought together perspectives from across the manufacturing industry. Through expert presentations, real-world case studies, networking, and hands-on demonstrations, attendees gained new ideas for improving their operations and advancing their digital transformation journeys.

Practical Insights

Digital transformation looks different for every manufacturer. Some organizations are just beginning to connect their systems and collect production data, while others are building on established digital infrastructure to explore advanced analytics and AI.

This year's seminar addressed that range of experience with sessions focused on both foundational technologies and emerging applications.

John Dyck of CESMII explored the Unified Namespace and its role in connecting manufacturing systems and making operational data more accessible. The session Digital Transformation Starts Small brought together representatives from Rinti, Mannor Polymers, and Solomon Colors to share their experiences and discuss how manufacturers can begin making meaningful progress without trying to change everything at once.

Attendees also heard from Saint-Gobain Life Sciences about its digital transformation journey, including the evolution from manual tracking toward a more connected and automated batching process.

Together, these sessions reinforced an important takeaway: successful digital transformation is not about implementing every new technology at once. It is about identifying the right opportunities, building a strong foundation, and taking steps that deliver value to the business.

Bringing AI Into Everyday Operations
Artificial intelligence was a central theme throughout the seminar, with discussions focused on practical applications rather than technology for technology's sake.

Sessions explored machine learning for preventative maintenance, AI-guided troubleshooting, and the development of robust AI systems for manufacturing. These applications offer opportunities to help teams identify equipment issues, access information more quickly, and make better-informed operational decisions.

But adopting AI is about more than the technology itself. As Scott Krebs, Director of Strategic Accounts at NorthWind, explained, AI should enhance human capabilities while keeping people involved in the decision-making process. Scott described the goal as using AI to support “really good decisions quickly.”

That philosophy reflects an important consideration for manufacturers evaluating AI: technology should help people do their jobs more effectively, drawing on their experience and judgment rather than replacing them. When applied thoughtfully, AI can help teams solve problems faster and make better use of the knowledge already within their organizations.

Seeing Innovation in Action at NorthWind
The seminar continued at NorthWind's headquarters, where attendees participated in innovation tours showcasing technologies and applications designed to address manufacturing challenges.

The hands-on demonstrations gave attendees an opportunity to see how automation, data, and AI can work together. They also created opportunities for discussion around how similar technologies could be applied within attendees' own facilities.

For manufacturers looking to advance their digital transformation efforts, seeing these technologies in action can help bridge the gap between understanding what is possible and determining where to begin.

Turning Possibilities Into Progress
A recurring theme throughout the 2026 AI & Digital Transformation Seminar was that manufacturers don't have to navigate digital transformation alone. Progress comes from asking the right questions, sharing experiences, and identifying technologies that solve meaningful business problems.

NorthWind extends a sincere thank you to all the speakers, attendees, sponsors, and partners who contributed their time and expertise to this year's event.

As manufacturers continue exploring AI and digital transformation, the opportunity is not simply to adopt new technology. It is to empower people, improve operations, and make better decisions with the tools and knowledge available.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2026 AI & Digital Transformation Seminar. We look forward to continuing the conversation.

Interested in exploring AI and digital transformation for your operation? Connect with the NorthWind team to discuss your goals and identify opportunities to move forward.