Driving Digital Transformation in the Metals Industry: Change Management, Predictive Analytics, and Advanced Material Tracking

Thursday 18 September 2025 • 10-11:30 a.m. EDT 

Webinar Summary

Join industry leaders as they explore how digital transformation in the metals sector can be accelerated through strategic change management and the practical use of machine learning. Each session provides valuable insights into bridging the gap between advanced technologies and operational success. Together, these sessions provide actionable insights for operations, engineering, and digital leaders seeking to combine people, processes, and technology for meaningful, measurable impact. This webinar features three in-depth presentations from recognized experts and companies at the forefront of innovation:

  1. Title: "Change Management in Digital Transformation: Key Strategies for Successful Implementation" emphasizes the importance of effective change management in digital transformation projects. It highlights common pitfalls such as inadequate communication and lack of stakeholder alignment, and it discusses strategies to ensure successful implementation by focusing on vision, leadership and continuous engagement.
    Presenter: André Ruiz Furtado, Digital Transformation Expert, Radix
  2. Title: "Predictive Anomaly Detection in Continuous Casting: Lessons From Real-World ML Use Case" shares insights from implementing machine learning models for breakout prediction in continuous casting. The presentation discusses the challenges faced, solutions implemented and lessons learned, including handling data quality issues and building trust in algorithmic predictions.
    Presenter: Harshvardhan Singh, Data Scientist, Danieli
  3. Title: "Fingerprinting Coils at the Edge: Machine Learning With X-Ray Gauge Data for Smarter Material Tracking" explores a machine learning solution for improving material tracking using x-ray thickness gauge data. The presentation explains how this system enhances traceability, reduces operational risks and integrates with existing workflows, highlighting the role of change management in the successful deployment of such solutions.
    Presenter: David Kober, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Global Gauge Corp.

Presenter: André Ruiz Furtado, Digital Transformation Expert, Radix

André Ruiz Furtado is a chemical engineer passionate about leveraging technology to enhance process performance and improve people’s daily lives. With 10 years of experience, he has led projects that improved industrial performance, increased production, reduced equipment failures and developed tools to support more effective decision-making. He applies advanced and regulatory process control, control towers for process monitoring, and data science to create solutions that positively impact both industry and society.

Presenter: Harshvardhan Singh, Data Scientist, Danieli

Harshvardhan Singh is a data scientist at Danieli USA, where he applies machine learning and predictive analytics to enhance steelmaking processes, improve product quality, and support technical sales with data-driven insights. With a background in mathematics, he has developed models for real-time anomaly detection, predictive maintenance and process optimization in industrial production. In his upcoming presentation, Singh will discuss his work on anomaly detection in continuous casting, where he built machine learning models to identify breakouts early using sensor data. His approach helps reduce downtime and improve efficiency. Beyond quality control, he also explores predictive analytics applications to forecast equipment failures and optimize production schedules.

Outside of work, he enjoys traveling and staying updated on the latest trends in technology and finance. Singh holds a master’s degree in business analytics from Southern Methodist University and is passionate about bridging data science with manufacturing innovation.

Presenter: David Kober, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Global Gauge Corp.

David Kober is the vice president of sales and marketing at Global Gauge Corp. and serves as vice chair of AIST’s Digitalization Applications Technology Committee. A graduate of Auburn University with a degree in mechanical engineering, Kober blends technical expertise with a proven track record of leading high-performing sales teams. His hands-on experience in mechatronics, industrial control systems, and robotics equips him to address operational challenges and champion advanced measurement and digitalization solutions. Kober is passionate about bridging the gap between data and action, helping organizations streamline operations, improve efficiency, and adopt transformative technologies in the metals and manufacturing industries.