Event Recap: Smart Production Solutions (SPS) – November 2023

Rachel See

Research Analyst, Electric Motor Systems

Rachel conducts research and analysis on low-voltage drives. She conducts primary research with manufacturers and secondary research on topics related to low-voltage drives in discrete and process industries. She is an analyst for Omdia’s Low Voltage Drives Intelligence Service.

Rachel joined Omdia in 2022. Previously, Rachel was based in a manufacturing company for over four years where she gained plenty of hands-on experience. There, she worked as a project engineer, handling improvement, cost saving, and expansion projects. Rachel graduated with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany.

Anna Ahrens

Principal Analyst

As a member of the Industrial IoT, software & communications team, Anna focuses on Industrial IoT. She examines the state of IIoT maturity and trends and transformations in automation approaches, edge and cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and predictive maintenance.

Anna joined Omdia in January 2019 and has more than 10 years of experience in the electronic components industry. Her background includes roles in forecasting, market intelligence, business development, and product management for display devices. Anna is based in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

Zara Fennell

Senior Analyst, Manufacturing Technology

Zara is a senior analyst for the manufacturing technology team. She leads its coverage of medium-voltage drives, motors & drives vertical applications, and battery manufacturing, with a particular focus on global and regional automation market trends, key factors affecting the automation market, and changing trends for various industries. Zara contributes to the Industrial Sustainability Today newsletter.

Prior to joining Omdia in 2022, Zara worked for the Financial Times, providing global and regional market analyses on foreign direct investment trends and as a consultant to the superyacht industry. Based in London, Zara holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in History and Politics from the University of Leicester.

Alex West

Senior Principal Analyst, Industrial IoT

Alex West, senior principal analyst for the manufacturing technology group, leads its coverage of industrial sustainability, including readiness benchmarking, analysis of company sustainability performance, technology impact, and tracking legislation and sustainability start-ups. Alex also examines technology’s impact on the future of work and regularly contributes to Omdia’s Industrial Sustainability Today newsletter.

Over his 20 years as an analyst, covering discrete and process automation and machinery markets, he has helped customers understand the potential of the technology markets and perform voice-of-the-customer analyses. Alex has analyzed competitive environments, business models, technology trends, and end user requirements. He has consulted on the best practices for implementing IIoT, supported go-to-market strategies, and created market positioning content. He is a regular keynote speaker at industry events, tradeshows, and conferences worldwide. Alex holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in physics from the University of Bath, England, and is based in Northampton, UK.

Katelyn Galer

Senior Analyst

As part of Omdia’s Industrial IoT, Software, and Communications team, Katelyn focuses on industrial communications and industrial edge networking components. She covers trends in industrial networking components (e.g., IIoT gateways, routers, switches) and examines industrial communications standards and their implementation in manufacturing.

Prior to joining Omdia in 2023, Katelyn worked as an engineer for over 15 years, most recently in electro-mechanical instrumentation manufacturing. Katelyn has a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts.

Mark Watson

Senior Director, Manufacturing Technology & Smart Infrastructure

Mark has direct responsibility for the core strategy, personnel, research, analysis, and commercial planning of the Manufacturing Technology and Smart Infrastructure research practices. He oversees an extensive research portfolio that covers Discrete Automation, Electric Motor Systems, Industrial IoT & Sustainability, Physical Security, Critical Communications & Safe Cities, and Smart Building and Energy Infrastructure.
Mark joined the company in August 2005 and has authored many research projects on a variety of industrial electronic component and end-equipment markets. He has also led custom research engagements and strategic consultancy projects for some of the world’s largest technology providers, and has established new syndicated research on emerging and transformative technologies.
Mark is passionate about developing a team of opinionated and inquisitive analysts and providing customers with consistent quality and insightful research that addresses specific industry challenges.
Mark holds a Bachelor of Science (Honors) degree in management science from the University of Wales, Swansea.

Kirsten Funes Deras

Senior Consultant

Kirsten is a Senior Consultant for the Manufacturing Technology Team at Omdia. She is a vision-driven change agent with a strong background in economic development consulting, project management, and data analysis for leading organisations

Kirsten joins Omdia as a dynamic, motivated professional with the educational background and proven work ethic to guide and support governance and economic development, data management, and portfolio administration within diverse industries. She is a dedicated leader who is known for delivering excellent service in fast-paced and challenging environments, with the skillset to create extensive databases, analyse complex information, manage key projects, and optimise critical processes. Out-of-the-box thinker who is comfortable working in teams or independently to ensure solutions consistently meet or exceed organisation goals.

Kirsten holds a Master of Arts in Economics from Vanderbilt University and is based in the London office.

Lisa Wang

Senior Analyst, Manufacturing Technology

As part of Omdia’s Manufacturing Technology team, Lisa Wang focuses on the industrial automation equipment and medium voltage motors segments, with a particular focus on global and regional automation market trends, key factors affecting the automation market, and changes in trends for various industries. Lisa has also carried out extensive research on various segments of the medium voltage motors market.

Lisa joined Omdia (formerly IHS Markit) in 2013. She has been studying the automation market in depth for five years, having previously focused on the Chinese machinery equipment market. Many clients recognize her analyses and insights in the automation field. She is currently based in China.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Tian Jin University of Commerce.