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EARLY-BIRD REGISTRATION
MWUG MEMBERS: $125/person NON-MEMBERS: $205/person Sponsorship & Exhibitor Registration |
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HOTEL INFORMATION
For overnight sleeping accommodations, please contact the Marriott Eagle Crest Resort directly and reference the QAD Midwest User Group conference to secure your room at the discounted conference rate of $180/night (sgl/dbl). Phone: (734) 487-2000 | RESERVE YOUR ROOM ONLINE Be sure to make your sleeping room reservation before the cut-off date of September 8th. After that date, rooms in the MWUG block will be released for general sale and may not be available to conference attendees. TRANSPORTATION / PARKING The Marriott Eagle Crest Resort is approximately 20 minutes from Detroit Metro International Airport. Taxi and ride share services (such as Uber, Lyft) range from $30-40 each way. Self-parking is available at the hotel for $30/day for registered guests. Hotel guests with overnight parking may also request a $25 food & beverage voucher upon check-in. This voucher is good for restaurant and/or bar service at the resort during the course of your stay. For additional information on the hotel and available amenities, please visit: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/dtwys-ann-arbor-marriott-ypsilanti-at-eagle-crest/overview/ QAD PLATINUM TRACK Back by popular demand! QAD's Platinum Track will take place on Monday, October 6th – offering private meetings with the QAD Executive Team. Please contact your account executive for more information. 
GOLF OUTING: Sunday, October 5th [REGISTRATION CLOSED]
Arista Consulting is hosting a Golf Outing on Sunday, October 5th at the Eagle Crest Resort for all conference attendees. If you are interested in participating, please CLICK HERE for additional information and registration. |
5:00pm Vendor Fair Set-Up / Registration Opens
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5:30pm
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PRE-CONFERENCE BONUS SESSION
Things I Wish You’d Tell Me: Your New Consultant’s First Day SCOTT DULECKI - Autokiniton You’ve decided you want some extra help with a particular project, whether it’s a program, an upgrade, or some extra training. You bring in an expert... but how do you make the best use of their time and avoid frittering it away on trivial details? Based on input from consultants in the field, here’s an overview of what they wish you’d hand them on the first day... or perhaps before then, so they can take care of you better. Interestingly, your new hires will want to know the same information. |
8:00 am Registration / Vendor Fair Opens / Buffet Breakfast
9:00 am Welcome & Program Overview / Sponsor Introductions
9:00 am Welcome & Program Overview / Sponsor Introductions
WELCOME KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
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10:00am
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SANJAY BRAHMAWAR
President & CEO QAD, Inc. Champions of Manufacturing: The Urgency to Lead Now Manufacturing is standing at a once-in-a-generation turning point. Trillions of dollars are being invested in new factories, yet a massive talent and productivity gap threatens progress. The Champions of the next decade won’t be the biggest companies—they’ll be the fastest and most adaptable: those who empower their people with intelligent systems that drive execution, not just reporting. In my keynote, I’ll share how QAD is transforming ERP into a system of action—powered by Agentic AI and a connected workforce. This isn’t about long roadmaps or abstract dashboards; it’s about real outcomes manufacturers can achieve now: 20–30% OEE gains, new product lines launched in weeks, supply bottlenecks resolved in real time, and frontline teams amplified by AI agents that prevent downtime and accelerate decisions. The message is clear: speed is strategy. The future of manufacturing will belong to those who act now—embracing a new model that bridges planning with execution, empowers the next generation of talent, and turns disruption into competitive advantage. |
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11:00 am
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Break / Visit the Exhibits
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11:30 am
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BUSINESS PROCESS
EQMS Roadmap & Updates BRIAN BROOKS - QAD, Inc. In this session, Brian Brooks, QAD EQMS Product Manager will give a brief introduction to QAD EQMS capabilities to help level-set novice or interested parties interested in learning more and then he will discuss his vision and current future of the QAD EQMS investments. The later portion of this session will be interactive to allow audience members to share their challenges and provide feedback on the roadmap. If you are interested in improving your QMS or learning about where QAD is headed in this space, this is a must-see session. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Workflow Solutions for QAD ANDREW WEINSTEIN - ISS Group NATHAN GOLDWASSER - Abbott Nathan Goldwasser, Abbott IT Manager, Supply Chain and ERP will discuss how Abbott is using ISS Group’s unique Data-Driven Approval Routing and Workflow technology to improve process time and costs, reduce process errors, and improve process visibility and tracking for their Purchasing, Inventory Lot Control, Supplier Onboarding, and ACH payment processes. The session will also include a demonstration of the technology and an overview of the various Workflows QAD Users have streamlined using the ISSG Workflow Solutions, such as Credit Authorizations, Journal Entries, Sales Order Creation, Material Transfers and more. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
FINANCIAL TRACK
Purchase Order Approval, Set-Up & Logic BILL FOARD - Saint-Gobain There are several benefits to transition from requisition approvals to PO approvals or maintaining both in your environment. The growth and development of this functionality has been steady and stable. This session will cover the implementation, setup and maintenance of the PO and PR approval functionality in QAD AUX. Applicable QAD Version(s): 2019 AUX+ |
SPONSOR TRACK
Modernizing QAD Workflows: A Real-World Transformation ALLEN GORE | JOE WILSON Strategic Mobility Group Join Strategic Mobility Group (SMG3) for a behind-the-scenes look at how a screen modernization project transformed operations for a multi-site manufacturing company using QAD Automated Solutions. This session will highlight how SMG3 leveraged StayLinked’s SmartTE platform to build EmulaTE™—a powerful GUI solution that brings modern functionality to terminal emulation environments. We’ll explore how SMG3 customized and deployed SmartTE and EmulaTE to modernize legacy green screen interfaces, enhance real-time data visibility, and streamline task flows across multiple facilities—all while supporting QAD’s transition to a browser-based future. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
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12:30 pm
1:30pm |
LUNCHEON / Vendor Introductions
Break / Visit the Exhibits |
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2:00 pm
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BUSINESS PROCESS
The Future of EDI and the Introduction of Catena X in the Automotive Industry TERRY ONICA - QAD, Inc. FRED COE - General Motors Join Fred Coe, Chair of the AIAG EDI Advisory Group and Global B2B and Portal Leader for General Motors, and Terry Onica, QAD Director Automotive, as they discuss the following: • Findings and next steps from the recent AIAG EDI Survey from 500 respondents • Explore the potential of APIs to complement existing EDI infrastructure • Introduction of Catena-X, current use cases and what it means to the auto industry Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Customer Case Study: ITW EAE Implementation with QAD Services CHRIS THEISEN - QAD, Inc. FIONA SAUNDERS-WATSON - QAD, Inc. SUMMER GORDON ITW Electronic Assembly Join us for a session with ITW as they share their first-hand experiences delivering a successful ERP implementation from early planning through go-live. You'll hear how clear communication, aligned goals, and mutual accountability helped avoid common pitfalls and keep the project on track. Whether you're planning your own implementation or navigating a current project, this candid conversation will provide practical takeaways and lessons learned you can apply immediately. What to Expect: * Real-world insights from both vendor and customer perspectives. * Key success factors and challenges overcome. * Tips for strengthening collaboration with your implementation partners. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
TECHNICAL TRACK
Unlocking The Potential Of AUX As A Platform To Build Efficient Business Process GARY YANG - Roundview Technologies This presentation will use examples in real world what we can do with QAD AUX. With AUX one can extend the existing QAD standard functions like adding fields to a sales order entry screen, or building a new program from scratch. You can go further - with TypeScript and OOABL, a developer can build complex processes by glueing together existing QAD functions to help business users to be more efficient. We will show examples of such application such as complex shipping process, user onboarding, and record locking resolution tool to demonstrate how to unlock the potential of AUX. Applicable QAD Version(s): AUX |
SPONSOR TRACK
Breaking the Bottleneck: How Offline Spreadsheets and Legacy Tools Limit Profitability and What Leaders Can Do About It SHELTON KING | DAVID KWO Logan Consulting Spreadsheets and offline tools may have supported early growth—but they now constrain scale, profitability, and decision-making. This session shares real-world strategies to move from workaround to workflow by helping users embrace QAD adoption that supports sustainable growth, margin expansion and enterprise-wide visibility. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
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3:00 pm
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Break / Visit the Exhibits
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3:30 pm
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BUSINESS PROCESS
The Value Velocity: Agentic AI's Impact on ERP Implementation Speed and Faster Time to Value ELAINE MARSHMAN - QAD, Inc. Agentic AI holds significant promise for rapid ERP implementation by addressing many of the traditional challenges that lead to lengthy and costly projects. Agentic AI can significantly shorten ERP implementation timelines, reduce costs, improve accuracy, and drive faster value realization for organizations. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Flexitallic’s Smooth Start: New Operation Launched with Precision ALEX KIM - 32 Soft Inc. DAVID HART - Flexitallic As a global leader in sealing solutions, Flexitallic understands the importance of operational consistency across borders. When establishing a new facility in Mexico, the team needed to adapt processes to local requirements maintaining alignment with their existing systems. In this session, David Hart, VP of Operations, will share how Flexitallic has, to-date, successfully set up over 6,500 items with BOMs, routings, and comments, which contain work order instructions, with the help of 32 Soft’s Data Loaders. Alex Kim will provide a brief walkthrough of the tools that continue to support the Flexitallic team’s multilingual environment. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
FINANCIAL TRACK
Garbage in Garbage Out RON WEBSTER - Adaptivity In an integrated system like QAD, every piece of data touches and impacts something else. But what gets touched, and what’s the impact if you change something? In this session, Ron will take a look at how data integrity impacts your daily operations from a financial perspective. You'll learn: o How garbage data in QAD can impact your financials o How to identify o How to correct Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
SPONSOR TRACK
Extending QAD with the Fuuz Industrial Platform WALTER LITTLE Strategic Information Group CRAIG SCOTT - Fuuz Fuuz by MFGx is an industrial operations platform supporting hybrid deployments and Unified Namespace (UNS) at scale that seamlessly extends QAD ERP capabilities without replacing your existing investment. With pre-built bi-directional connectors to major ERP systems including QAD, Fuuz also delivers pre-built MES, WMS, and other operational applications that can be tailor-built without writing custom code. The no-code/low-code tools enable QAD users to rapidly build custom shop floor applications, automate workflows, and gain real-time visibility into manufacturing operations—all while maintaining data synchronization with QAD. Fuuz supports both legacy on-premise QAD customers. |
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4:30pm
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Break / Networking
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4:45pm
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BUSINESS PROCESS
Managing Asset life Cycles and Projects with EAM SARA SUHR Strategic Information Group EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) is crucial for managing asset life cycles and projects that are required to support production efficiency. Walk away with practical strategies to: • Extend asset life and reduce maintenance costs • Balance technician availability with preventive maintenance • Improve visibility into parts, purchasing, and project performance Whether you're modernizing maintenance or managing mature assets, this session will equip you to run more efficiently with confidence. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Benefits of QAD When Properly Implemented JOSH KRIKKE - Magna Engineered Glass JOE SETTY - Logan Consulting Magna Engineered Glass struggled through a QAD implementation that left the users frustrated and continuing to use manual processes. In particular, the lack of a Master Production Schedule was adversely affecting MRP and the planning of purchased components. This session focuses on how Magna Engineered Glass restored trust and confidence in QAD to its business with the redesign of processes related to MRP and Item Creation and Item Maintenance as well as by implementing MSW/PSW. |
BUSINESS PROCESS
QMS Workflow Business Case: Utilizing the Technology at Hand ANDREA HAINES - Lacks Enterprises This presentation highlights a business case utilizing QMS technology to facilitate a document translation project. Our teams had originally thought to use a Sharepoint site, however, we were able to incorporate new transactions & cross references within QMS, generate automatic notifications, organize cross-functional team members and more utilizing QMS technology. Please note the actual translation of the documents was performed outside of the system. This presentation walks through the document translation project, outcomes and lessons learned. |
SPONSOR TRACK
How AI Can Maximize Your Productivity KEN FISHER - QAD Redzone What does AI do, really? And how can it apply to your manufacturing facility? Join in a discussion about the state of generative AI and how it relates to common hurdles and market conditions in manufacturing. Additionally, learn more about Redzone's newly launched Champion AI, the AI assistant for the connected worker. You will be able to see a demo of this new feature, while also learning about how AI can deliver measurable outcomes hand in hand with the human workforce. |
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6:00 pm
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Dinner Party / Music & Games! Visit the Exhibits |
7:30 am Vendor Fair Opens / Buffet Breakfast
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8:30 am
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BUSINESS PROCESS
Leading in the Recessive Values Era DON LINDSEY - 32 Soft Inc. KHOA TO - RxSight, Inc. The Recessive Values Era suggests a shift in business leadership focus from rapid growth and acceleration to a more deliberate, values-driven alignment. Success depends on how deeply an organization understands what it stands for and how consistently that is reflected in its actions and decisions. In this presentation, Khoa To and Don Lindsey will discuss the importance of this shift to values-based leadership and outline why clarity, coherence, and trust now matter more than speed. Khoa and Don will present examples of companies that follow this path and offer a road map for you to lead from intention, protect your company’s attention, and design for trust. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
From Vision to Execution: Deploying MES with QAD for Scalable Results KRIS BABB - Saint-Gobain Explore how to lead a successful MES deployment integrated with the QAD ERP platform. This session shares proven strategies for aligning stakeholders, defining KPIs to measure ROI, mapping key processes, and executing scalable MES projects across diverse manufacturing environments. Learn how to drive continuous improvement through closed-loop feedback, track labor, materials, and critical process parameters effectively, and leverage big data with digital twin platforms and process intelligence for impactful planning and improved execution. Built on lessons learned from over 60 MES implementations within a global enterprise, this session is intended for: - IT & OT Leaders - ERP/MES Program Managers - Manufacturing Engineers - Operations & Supply Chain Executives - Gain practical insights to accelerate your smart manufacturing journey with QAD. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
TECHNICAL
Empowering Customers with Real-Time Order Visibility: A QAD-Integrated Portal Solution Case Study MIKE FURGAL - OmegaServe MATT MARSTALLER - Artcobell In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, customer expectations for transparency and responsiveness are higher than ever. This session introduces a home grown self-service portal that Artcobell built that enables customers to log in and instantly check the status of their orders—directly extracted from QAD. We’ll demonstrate how this solution improves customer satisfaction, reduces support load, and provides real-time insights into order progress, shipment tracking, and fulfillment milestones. You’ll learn about the integration approach with QAD, user interface features, security considerations, and deployment best practices. Join us to see how empowering your customers with accurate, on-demand order visibility can be a game-changer for your operations. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
SPONSOR TRACK
What You Have Been Missing: New Features From 11.7 to 12.8 ROY ELLIS - Progress With QAD returning to OpenEdge for the next release, let’s review the features that will soon be available to you. From more modern OOABL features to Kafka integration. Many database performance improvements, including nearly 24x7 uptime. And finally, security features galore! Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
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9:30 am
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Break / Visit The Exhibits
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10:00 am
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BUSINESS PROCESS
The Production Planning and Scheduling Paradox STEVE DOMBROSKI - QAD, Inc. Planning vs. Scheduling: Are You Mixing Them Up? - Most manufacturers do. Join us to uncover why confusing the two can stall performance; and how to align them for real results. Production planning and scheduling are often used interchangeably; but they’re not the same. This session clears up one of manufacturing’s most common (and costly) misconceptions by defining the unique roles each plays. Planning sets the what and when; scheduling delivers the how and who. Aligning them is the key to maximizing throughput, minimizing disruption, and adapting to real-world constraints. We’ll unpack why misalignment between planning and scheduling leads to lost capacity, execution failures, and constant firefighting. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how these two distinct disciplines interact and why treating them as one is a recipe for chaos. Because here’s the bottom line: you can’t schedule your way out of a bad plan. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
CUSTOMER SUCCESS
Using Demand and Delivery to Streamline Supply Chain Operations CARLOS COLMENARES - Sungate Solutions JENNA GASCEY - KF Valves One of KF Valve's biggest challenges was coordinating and tracking purchase orders with overseas suppliers. Operating on a legacy version of QAD limited their access to new functionality, and earlier attempts to improve the process—including customizations, third-party tools, and Excel spreadsheets—were inconsistent and prone to failure, especially when exceptions occurred. Earlier this year, KF Valves implemented QAD’s Demand and Delivery module to streamline communication and data exchange with suppliers. By establishing a common platform, they’ve significantly improved visibility across the supply chain, enhanced collaboration, and reduced the need for manual intervention. Join this session to hear firsthand how the customer transformed their supply chain operations using tools already available within QAD—and gain insights into how you can do the same, even on a legacy system. |
BUSINESS PROCESS
QAD Adaptive ERP: New and Exciting Value-Add Enhancements Sneak Peek NANCY MAJURE - QAD, Inc. QAD Adaptive ERP Fall release will include several new features which are designed to elevate your game. Come get a "sneak peek" of what is coming soon, including standard Warehousing capabilities and enhancements to better support Automotive, Life Sciences, and Food & Beverage businesses! Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
SPONSOR TRACK
Improve Your Warehouse Processes to Improve Productivity GUS MAVRITSAKIS | JOE DOYLE Royal 4 Systems We will explain the benefits of streamlining your operations with an Integrated Warehouse Management Software Suite that covers multiple industry verticals including Automotive, Food & Beverage, 3PL, as well as standard distribution and manufacturing businesses. Vertical specific functionality includes Sequencing, Catch Weights, Lot/Serial Control, Demand Planning / Forecasting, and an integration to Yard Management for electronic dock scheduling and automated gate check-In/check-out. We will also discuss our Universal Adapter that connects QAD and other third-party database systems to the WISE WMS. In addition, we will talk about how you can minimize your risk with our Operational Assessment Program that validates application fit and implementation effort. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
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11:00 am
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Break / Visit The Exhibits
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11:15 am
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SPONSOR TRACK
Cyberquery Case Study: Pulmonx Corp. TOM OLDHAM - Cyberscience Corp. NOAH COCOS - Pulmonx What are my options for Business Analytics in the QAD world? Noah Cocos, ERP Systems Analyst from Pulmonx Corporation, will explain the company’s past, present, and future with Cyberquery reporting. He will highlight how the company planned and executed the cutover to from Cyberquery 7.40 to 9.10 along with the challenges they faced along the way. Cyberquery is a full B.I. system consisting of Automated Scheduling, Easy Web Access to Reports, a fully functional Report and Dashboard Builder, a Report Library, a QAD complete Data Dictionary with Relationships and expert knowledge of all versions of QAD. No B.I. vendor knows QAD as well as Cyberscience. Applicable QAD Version(s): Any |
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12:30pm
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Closing Luncheon / Conference Wrap-Up / Prize Drawings
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SPEAKERS & SESSIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.