The year started in true MAKE spirit at Konecranes Hämeenlinna, where ExNet1, one of our four Expert Networks (ExNet) gathered experts from across the MAKE ecosystem to share, challenge, and advance thinking around productivity and measurement in manufacturing.
As always in ExNets, the focus was not on polished presentations or best-case success stories, but on peer learning, openness, and honest benchmarking. The day was carefully built to create a safe space where participants could speak candidly about what really works, what doesn’t, and where productivity efforts still fall short.
Around the table were experts from Beckhoff Automation, Bluefors, Fastems, Fortaco Group, Kemppi, Tieto Tech Consulting, Top Data Science, TT Gaskets, and Konecranes as the host. Despite the diversity of industries, company sizes, and maturity levels, one thing quickly became clear: many similar productivity challenges are shared across companies.
Participants openly discussed how productivity is defined, measured, and improved in their respective contexts. Conversations moved fluidly between strategic questions and very concrete realities on the shop floor — from data availability and measurement models to cultural aspects, leadership, and employee engagement. The atmosphere was pragmatic, curious, and collaborative: people were there to learn from each other, not to compete.
From Metrics to Meaningful Improvement
A recurring theme throughout the day was the need to move beyond productivity as a purely numerical exercise. While metrics and KPIs are essential, participants highlighted that real improvement happens only when people, processes, data, and technology are connected in a meaningful way.
There was a strong collective will to continue this work together, especially around:
- Applying technology, automation, and AI in practical productivity improvement, not as buzzwords but as tools that genuinely support daily work
- Sharing concrete implementation experiences and results, including lessons learned and setbacks
- Building holistic approaches, where digital solutions support both operational efficiency and human engagement
These discussions reflected something that is characteristic of MAKE activities: the willingness to explore complex topics together, acknowledge uncertainty, and co-create understanding step by step.
Research Meets Practice: Insights from PROPE-FIM
The day also included an inspiring research perspective from the PROPE-FIM project, which focuses on productivity and engagement and actively involves several MAKE companies. Roy Björkstrand from Aalto University presented an overview of the project, connecting academic research with real industrial challenges discussed during the ExNet.
The promise of the first research results being shared with MAKE already during the spring was met with clear interest — underlining the value of combining research-based insights with hands-on industrial experience, one of the core ideas behind MAKE.
More Than Meetings – A Community of Practice
Beyond the agenda topics, the event once again demonstrated what MAKE ExNets are really about: building trust, learning together, and creating long-term collaboration. Conversations continued over coffee breaks, on the factory floor, and in smaller group discussions — often where the most valuable insights emerge.
This is the kind of atmosphere MAKE aims to foster: open, respectful, curious, and focused on real impact.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to share and learn around productivity, measurements, and related themes and remember to register for ExNets and join upcoming gatherings, both online and face to face. The work continues, together.
If your company is not yet a MAKE partner, do not hesitate to be in touch – we are happy to tell you more!