Live workshop
Where to Start in Digital Transformation for Manufacturers
A step-by-step workshop on how manufacturers begin their digital transformation journey. May 12-13.
$497 for the Live Workshop
Enroll Now
Live + On-Demand Access
Attend the workshop live with Walker Reynolds and Dylan DuFresne, or watch the full recording anytime after the event.
Practical Digital Transformation Framework
Learn the step-by-step process manufacturers use to identify problems, design architecture, and begin building real digital transformation solutions.
Industry Expert Instruction
Learn directly from Walker Reynolds of 4.0 Solutions and Dylan DuFresne of Abelara as they walk through the real process manufacturers use to begin digital transformation.
Community Connection
Join a network of engineers, integrators, and manufacturing leaders who are actively working to transform their operations.
About this course
Overview
This live workshop is designed to help manufacturers understand where to begin their digital transformation journey.
Many organizations recognize the importance of digital transformation, but struggle with identifying the right starting point, defining meaningful use cases, and designing the architecture needed to support long-term success.
In this two-day workshop, Walker Reynolds of 4.0 Solutions and Dylan DuFresne of Abelara will walk through the practical process manufacturers use to identify problems, design solutions, and build the technical foundation required for modern industrial systems.
Day one focuses on the strategic process—how to identify operational challenges, define outcomes, and design architecture that supports scalable digital transformation.
Day two moves into technical implementation, using a simulated Value Factory (VF) to demonstrate how industrial systems connect, collect and store data, analyze operations, and visualize insights that drive better decision-making.
By the end of the workshop, participants will understand how manufacturers move from problem identification to building real digital transformation solutions.
Who this course is for
- Manufacturing leaders responsible for digital transformation initiatives
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Controls engineers and automation professionals
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Solutions architects designing modern industrial data architectures
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IT and OT professionals supporting manufacturing systems
- Engineers and technologists building Industry 4.0 solutions
Schedule
Workshop Dates: May 12–13, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT (each day)
Day 1: The Process of Digital Transformation – Tuesday, May 12
Understanding where to start when beginning a digital transformation journey.
- Understanding End-User Needs
How successful initiatives start by understanding the needs of operators, engineers, and decision-makers. - Identifying the Right Problems
How manufacturers identify operational challenges that digital transformation can solve. - Making the Right Technology Decisions
How to evaluate technologies and avoid common mistakes that derail transformation initiatives. - Designing the Right Architecture
How modern industrial architectures support scalable digital transformation. - Wrap-Up & Q&A
Day 2: Building the Solution – Wednesday, May 13
Using a simulated Value Factory (VF), participants will see how digital transformation solutions are built step-by-step.
- Connect
Connecting machines, systems, and industrial assets so operational data can move across the organization. - Collect & Store
Capturing and structuring data from the factory floor so it can be stored and used effectively. - Analyze
Turning operational data into insight that supports better decision-making. - Visualize
Transforming insights into dashboards and applications that drive operational action. - Wrap-Up & Q&A
Note: Session recordings will be provided to all registrants. Mastermind members receive access to the workshop as part of their subscription.
What you'll learn
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The foundations of digital transformation in manufacturing
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The steps manufacturers take to begin their digital transformation journey
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The key decisions that determine whether digital transformation initiatives succeed or fail
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How to identify high-value operational problems that digital transformation can solve
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How to define meaningful use cases based on end-user and business needs
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How modern digital transformation architectures are designed in manufacturing environments
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How industrial systems connect machines, systems, and data sources
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How operational data is collected, structured, and stored for long-term use
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How manufacturers analyze industrial data to uncover operational insights
- How data is visualized and delivered to operators, engineers, and leadership
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How the Connect → Collect & Store → Analyze → Visualize framework supports digital transformation
- How to begin building solutions that deliver measurable operational value
Requirements
- A computer with reliable internet access to attend the live workshop
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Basic familiarity with manufacturing environments and industrial systems (PLC, SCADA, MES, or similar)
- General understanding of manufacturing operations and data within industrial environments
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Interest in digital transformation, Industry 4.0, and modern industrial data architectures
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A willingness to explore proven approaches to connecting systems, analyzing data, and building digital solutions
Lessons in this course
Day 1: The Process of Digital Transformation
Day 2: Building the Solution
Meet your instructor
Walker Reynolds
Industry 4.0 Solutions Architect & Lead Educator at IIoT University
With more than two decades in steel, automotive, printing, and mining, Walker has architected some of the world’s most advanced digital-factory solutions. He now channels that experience into clear, actionable training—empowering engineers and leaders to build Unified Namespace architectures, deploy MES and IIoT systems, and drive real-world transformation on the plant floor.
Reviews
What professionals are saying
Hear from engineers, integrators, and leaders who have accelerated their digital transformation journey through our workshops and training programs.
"Mastermind calls cut through the noise of Industry 4.0. They help us focus on the most valuable skills and tech, saving time and ensuring we guide our clients with clarity and confidence."
- Amy Williams
"If I was going to hire someone [for Automation / Industry 4.0] I would have them go through this [3-Day Edge Connectivity] workshop as their onboarding."
- Amy Williams
"It was my first time using Ignition Vision and MySQL, and I was able to apply what I learned on a data-tracking job the very next day. The most valuable course I’ve taken—I enjoyed it a lot!"
- Bryce
Ready to Learn Where to Start in Digital Transformation?
Enroll in the Where to Start in Digital Transformation for Manufacturers Workshop today
Early Bird $397 through March 31 (Regular $497). Join live or watch on-demand and leave with a clear framework for identifying problems, designing architecture, and building solutions.
Digital Transformation Foundations
Where to Start in Digital Transformation for Manufacturers
Learn the foundations, steps, and keys to beginning a successful digital transformation journey. This workshop will walk you through how manufacturers identify problems, design architecture, and build solutions that deliver real operational value.
Workshop Tuition Credit
If you decide to join the Digital Factory Mastermind within 30 days after the workshop, your $497 workshop tuition will be credited toward your annual membership.
Popular questions
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions we receive about the workshop. If you don’t see your answer here, feel free to reach out to us at contact@40solutions.com.
What prior knowledge do I need?
Are there any live sessions?
Will the workshop recordings be available?
Is this workshop included with the Digital Factory Mastermind?
Can my workshop tuition be applied toward Mastermind?
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