#United States #Manufacturing #Austin #LeanDNA #APEX Awards

LeanDNA to Hold the 2026 Manufacturing Excellence Summit

LeanDNA, an innovative platform specializing in supply chain execution, is set to host its third Manufacturing Excellence Summit from October 28 to October 30, 2026, in Austin, Texas. This exclusive event aims to gather top supply chain and operations professionals from prominent sectors including aerospace, automotive, industrial, and medical devices.

Exploring Key Themes: Connected Intelligence

The theme for this year's summit, Connected Intelligence: People, Process, and Platforms, highlights a transformative phase in the manufacturing landscape. In a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, it is vital for manufacturers to understand how to effectively align various elements of their operations.

With data availability and AI capabilities on the rise, LeanDNA seeks to facilitate discussions that empower leaders to make informed decisions across all levels of their organizations. Throughout the event’s two-day schedule, attendees will be engaged in dialogues that concentrate on the future of AI in supply chain management, strategies to navigate ongoing disruptions, and approaches to alleviate supplier shortages.

The Importance of Collaboration and Insights

According to Andy Ellenthal, CEO of LeanDNA, “Every manufacturer we engage with has more access to data and AI than they did a year ago, yet they face the challenge of ensuring that planners, buyers, and executives are all on the same page.” This summit emphasizes collaboration, allowing industry peers to share valuable insights derived from their respective experiences in addressing similar challenges.

Over 20 global supply chain leaders will be featured as speakers at the summit. Notable participants include:

• - Boeing

- Amanda Bally, Director of Supply Chain Management
- Dustin Dunn, Supply Chain Leader, 787 Program

• - Ford

- Mandeep Sahota, Global Director, Materials Planning & Logistics
- Many more from notable companies such as Caterpillar, GE Appliances, and Siemens.

This diverse representation ensures a wealth of experience and knowledge will be available to summit attendees, enriching their understanding of supply chain strategies in a rapidly changing world.

The 2026 APEX Awards

A unique feature of this year’s summit is the live presentation of the 2026 LeanDNA APEX Awards. These awards recognize clients who demonstrate significant business impact through advanced supply chain practices and cross-functional collaboration. Categories for this year’s awards have expanded, encompassing:

• - APEX Architect
• - APEX Synergy
• - APEX Impact
• - First Ascent
• - Peak Performance (by Company and by Site)
• - Trailblazer awards.

Nominations are now open within LeanDNA’s customer community, encouraging participants to take part in celebrating outstanding achievements in the industry.

Looking Forward

For supply chain leaders and executives eager to connect and explore the latest advancements in the field, this summit promises a valuable opportunity. Those interested in attending future events can reach LeanDNA directly via their contact email.

LeanDNA continues to serve the discrete manufacturing industry by providing solutions that optimize material orchestration and inventory management. The AI-powered APEX platform transforms data into actionable insights, enabling manufacturers to enhance their efficiency and adapt to evolving market dynamics.

Learn more about LeanDNA and its offerings by visiting LeanDNA.com.