# Maximizing Asset Use and Maintaining Europe's Competitive Edge with KATEK Group COO & CHRO Dr. Marc Achhammer

- Show: [EMS@C-LEVEL](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level)
- Published: 2023-11-26
- Length: 7m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-maximizing-asset-use-and-maintaining-europes-competitive-edge-with-katek-group-c

## Summary

Dr. Marc Achhammer, COO & CHRO of KATEK Group, discusses the dual role of automation in addressing labor shortages and maintaining Europe's competitive edge in contract electronics manufacturing. He explains that KATEK is shifting focus from high growth to operational excellence and profitability in 2024, emphasizing the need to maximize existing capital assets rather than buying new ones. Achhammer also details the ongoing bullwhip effect in inventory management and the challenges of achieving seamless digital transformation across the supply chain.

## Chapters

- [0:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-maximizing-asset-use-and-maintaining-europes-competitive-edge-with-katek-group-c#t=8) Automation as a Solution for Labor and Capacity
- [1:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-maximizing-asset-use-and-maintaining-europes-competitive-edge-with-katek-group-c#t=106) The Shift to Operational Excellence and Efficiency
- [3:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-maximizing-asset-use-and-maintaining-europes-competitive-edge-with-katek-group-c#t=198) Inventory Levels and the Bullwhip Effect
- [4:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-maximizing-asset-use-and-maintaining-europes-competitive-edge-with-katek-group-c#t=270) Strategic Focus on Profitability and Value Chain Optimization
- [6:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-26-maximizing-asset-use-and-maintaining-europes-competitive-edge-with-katek-group-c#t=361) Digital Transformation and Data Connectivity Challenges

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Factory operations & automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/factory-operations)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- KATEK Group (company)
- Productronica 2023 (other)
- Koh Young (company)
- Global Electronics Association (company)

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- [How Technology is Changing the Manufacturing Game w/ Dr. John Mitchell](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2021-06-22-how-technology-is-changing-the-manufacturing-game-w-dr-john-mitchell) (The Manufacturing Executive)
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## Citing this page

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