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Manufacturing is evolving fast, but is your infrastructure keeping up?
As operations shift toward AI-powered automation, legacy networks are becoming a critical bottleneck. Join experts from Cisco, ARC Advisory Group, and Keurig Dr Pepper as we dive into the upcoming ARC View report: "Why Modern Networks Are Critical for AI-Ready Manufacturing Operations."
We’ll discuss how to move beyond rigid legacy systems to build a robust, agile, and secure foundation for the future of your plant floor.
Key Takeaways:
The AI Bottleneck: Why the network is the "make-or-break" factor for scaling AI initiatives.
Infrastructure Essentials: Requirements for supporting software-defined industrial automation, machine vision, and cloud integration.
Industry Insights: Real-world lessons from leaders who are successfully transforming their shop floors.
The Cisco Advantage: How their OT architecture leverages IT best practices to provide seamless, secure connectivity.
📅 April 23, 2026
⏰ 8 AM PT
🔗 Register here: https://cs.co/6045B6mZyF
Featured Speakers
Arno Thijssen
Sr. Principal Engineer, Automation and Controls
Keurig Dr Pepper
Arno has been with Keurig Dr Pepper for 10 years. He has 37 years of automation experience, 25 years of CSD experience, and 10 years of coffee experience. He has held management roles for over 15 years. Arno’s areas of focus include IT/OT convergence, Layer 2/3 systems and software, data collection and processing (including ML and AI), networking, and security. He has been dedicated to the food and beverage industry for the last 27 years. Other industry experience includes automotive, pharmaceutical, packaging, semiconductor, chemical, and discrete manufacturing. His education includes a BSCE in Electrical Engineering and a BSCE in Computer Science, PMP, Agile Practitioner, Better Process School (UT), OSHA 30, and Lean 6 Sigma Green Belt.
David Gutshall
Head, IoT Manufacturing Sales
Cisco Systems
David has two decades of industry experience in global manufacturing and information technology, with leadership and technical acumen across a multitude of disciplines, including network engineering, assembly operations, IT operations, and technology solution sales. During his ten years at Cisco, he has covered manufacturing exclusively for nine of those years, and has helped every type of global multinational organization, from large to small, in all three global theaters, AMER, APJC, and EMEA. David has entrepreneurial experience in IT consulting, real estate, and 3D printing, and co-hosts a manufacturing-focused podcast. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from The Pennsylvania State University and an MBA from Duquesne University.
Bryan Tantzen
Senior Director, Industrial IoT Product Management
Cisco Systems
Bryan Tantzen is a Senior Director in Cisco’s Industrial IoT Business Unit, where he oversees the Technical Marketing Engineering (TME) team, as well as a solution management organization responsible for developing Cisco Validated Designs (CVDs) that address critical customer use cases. Bryan’s teams collaborate closely with leading customers and technology partners to design, build, and validate innovative solutions across key industries, including utilities, manufacturing, and transportation. His work focuses on translating complex technical capabilities into scalable, real-world deployments that drive operational efficiency and business value. Previously, Bryan led Cisco's Industries Product Group (IPG). Prior to joining Cisco, he served as Vice President of Manufacturing Solutions at i2 Technologies. He began his career at McKinsey & Company, advising manufacturing clients on strategy, supply chain optimization, product development, and growth initiatives. Bryan holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a Master of Arts in International Affairs from the Lauder Institute, both at the University of Pennsylvania. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University.
Chantal Polsonetti
Vice President Industrial Network Infrastructure & Industrial Edge
ARC Advisory Group
Chantal is a member of ARC’s Digital Transformation team. Chantal has been with ARC since 1990 and has conducted numerous industry-leading research activities in areas including: industrial Ethernet switches, routers, gateways, WiFi Access Points (WAPs), 5G, cellular routers, private wireless, industrial edge software, edge-to-cloud integration, and edge compute. She also administers the ARC Industrial Internet of Things and Industrial IoT edge groups on LinkedIn. Prior to her career as an industry analyst, Chantal was with the injection-molded plastic fastener business of Dennison Manufacturing and then L.E. Mason, a local aluminum, zinc, and magnesium die-cast manufacturer. Chantal holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Marketing and Management from Babson College.