According to PEX Network annual report, 47 % of respondents said operational excellence and business transformation strategies are mission critical in helping to drive growth, manage turnaround and deliver strategic objectives within organizations.

Over the past few years, technological advancements in AI have been revolutionizing operations and processes. With more than half of businesses (58 %) exploring potential AI projects to drive OPEX and transformation objectives.

In this opening panel, we will gather industry leaders to discuss how operational excellence must continually evolve in response to technological advancements and shifting business landscapes. Together with our expert speakers, we will redefine what 'OPEX' means in present and future. 

Cristina Duta

Senior Director Operations & Intelligent Automation
Fortrea

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OPEX focuses on harmonizing processes, technologies, and culture and ensuring that organizations can fully leverage digital initiatives. In this session, we will explore the foundational role of operational excellence in driving continuous process improvement across the organization.

Key Discussion Points:

• Laying the groundwork for continuous improvements through a long-term OPEX approach
• Defining processes clearly to unlock the full benefits of automation and digital initiatives
• Measuring outcomes actively to keep driving improvement and organizational adaptability

While AI presents exciting opportunities, cost considerations and varying organizational budgets require careful navigation. This session explores how to strike the right balance between transformative ambition and practical execution in aligning AI with ongoing operational excellence.

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the AI landscape to evaluate use cases and implications for transformation
• Integrating AI strategically to enhance operations
• Empowering employees by enabling decision-making with AI-powered automation that reduces manual effort

In today’s rapidly changing business environment, organizations face complex challenges such as geopolitics, tariffs, and supply chain disruptions. This session will explore how operational excellence enables businesses not just to survive but to thrive in an environment of continuous uncertainty by embedding resilience, agility, and proactive scenario planning into the core of their OPEX strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn how OPEX methodologies enable organizations to quickly adapt to market changes, fostering an agile mindset that prepares for future disruptions
• Understand the critical role of resilience in overcoming challenges, and how OPEX frameworks support the capacity to absorb shocks
• Discover how scenario planning, combined with OPEX, equips businesses to respond proactively to evolving risks and opportunities

Sunny Lu

Head of Management System, Programme Exec: Risk and Control
Rolls-Royce

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