How do you successfully implement automation solutions across 30+ countries with different regulations, logistics challenges, and cultural expectations?
Join Apkudo’s Allyson Mitchell (VP of Sustainability) as she welcomes Charles Stewardson, Head of EMEA Implementation at Apkudo, who brings three decades of tech services experience to discuss the complexities of automation implementation. With roles spanning HP, Ingram Micro, and DHL, Charles offers unique insights into transforming business operations through scalable automation. "The foundation of successful automation is for everybody to understand how it's gonna change existing processes," he explains. Charles reveals how Apkudo's comprehensive playbook covers everything from logistics planning to local team recruitment. What makes the difference between success and failure? The collaborative mindset from day one. How do you handle equipment that won't fit in elevators or power requirements that fall short? Charles shares real-world solutions that turn potential disasters into learning opportunities for future implementations.
In this episode:
- (00:00) Introduction of guest Charles Stewardson and his EMEA role
- (01:41) Charles's background in tech services over thirty years
- (03:07) Understanding the broad scope of automation implementation processes
- (08:27) Critical preparation steps before equipment mobilization begins
- (11:06) Real world stories from successful and challenging implementations
- (14:38) Final thoughts on collaborative partnerships in automation
- Send us your comments, ideas for future shows, and feedback. Subscribe to catch future episodes, and share this episode with someone who might be interested!
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