Seven Pillars of Manufacturing Data Strategy

Critical Issues Member Forum Call – Data Governance, Mastery and Interoperability

Abstract

According to the MLC’s 2025 Data Mastery and Analytics Survey, 56% of manufacturing leaders expect the volume of data they collect to at least triple by 2030. Manufacturing leaders must be able to avoid being overwhelmed while ensuring that the data leads to more value. This Critical Issues Member Forum introduces seven pillars of manufacturing data strategy, outlining how manufacturers can reliably acquire, architect, govern, protect and operationalize data as scale and complexity increase. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for turning rapidly growing data into a trusted, enterprise-ready foundation for analytics, AI and operational impact.

Presenters

• Will Bonifant, Vice President, Manufacturing, Engineering & Supply Chain Strategy, The Hershey Company; Vice Chair, MLC Board of Governors
• Christopher Gantz, Senior Manager, OT Digital Systems, The Hershey Company

Facilitator

• Jeff Puma, Content Director, Manufacturing Leadership Council

This call is part of MLC’s Critical Issues Member Forum series.

These members-only calls feature exclusive ideas, insights, strategies and tactics to help MLC members on their digital transformation journey. Each forum call aligns with one of MLC’s Critical Issues.

To learn more about these calls and MLC membership, please visit our membership page.