Resource Category: Excelerate 2026

In his opening address, iBase-t CEO Naveen Poonian delivered an unfiltered look at the pressures defining today's A&D landscape, from historic backlogs and accelerating program timelines to supply chains that remain far from stable. Watch as Naveen makes the case for why the future of the industry will be won not in the boardroom, but on the shop floor—and why the shift from documentation-driven to model-driven digital execution is the defining move for manufacturers who want to stay ahead.

Innovation Architect Carla Johnson took the Excelerate stage to challenge attendees to rethink what innovation really means in their organizations and to make the case that clinging to the status quo isn't playing it safe, it's falling behind. Drawing on her Applied Curiosity Method, Carla delivered a practical, energizing framework for making innovation everybody's business-not just a select few.

Ryan Sims, Jeff Meyer, and Brian Neff walk through a real-world direct upgrade from a highly customized i070 implementation to i110.4, sharing the deliberate decision to treat the effort as a clean technical upgrade, preserving existing WinClient customizations to establish a modern, supportable baseline without disrupting production. Watch to hear what they did, how they did it, and how they incorporated the Voice of the Customer—plus their forward strategy for migrating custom functionality to the Web UI as a realistic roadmap for any organization navigating a long-overdue upgrade.

Milind Joshi and Lamar Young explore how eQube-DaaS, a Low/No-Code Data Fabric platform with over 100 out-of-the-box connectors, breaks down data silos by integrating heterogeneous data sources, applications, and devices-exposing actionable insights as web services and APIs without writing a single line of code. Discover how eQube-Catalysts, including the Digital Thread App and CLM Solutions, accelerate digital transformation by connecting PLM, MES, and ERP systems including Solumina, and hear a real customer success story from Leidos on swift implementation and measurable results.

Gunjan Patel walks through Solumina's Material Out Time Tracking (MOTT) capability—a purpose-built solution that embeds out-time tracking directly into Solumina to manage the full lifecycle of composites and other freezer-dependent materials, from receipt and storage through consumption, eliminating the need for spreadsheets or manual tracking. Watch to see how MOTT automates compliance through freezer tag traceability, automated out-time calculations across multiple freezer cycles, and built-in enforcement of strict usage rules—preventing non-compliant material usage before it ever happens.

Trey Jordan explores how continuously synchronizing foundational data between SyncManufacturing® APS and Solumina MES transforms planning, scheduling, and execution from disconnected processes into a unified operating model, giving manufacturers the ability to adapt in real time without relying on manual intervention or reactive firefighting. Watch as Trey walks through a real-world A&D case study demonstrating how this data alignment drives measurable improvements in delivery reliability, schedule attainment, throughput, and confidence in decision-making.

Darrell Sabourin takes a deep dive into the Process Planning and Work Order Alteration experience in Solumina's new Web UI, walking through what's changed and what hasn't as the platform transitions from the legacy WinClient to a faster, more intuitive web-based interface. Watch for a side-by-side comparison of key planning and alteration workflows, including new navigation methods, an enhanced text editor, and a consistent look and feel that now aligns planning, order alteration, and shop floor execution in one cohesive experience.

Brian Webster draws on nearly two decades of A&D experience, including work on NASA's Mars Lander program, to make the case for why moving from checklist-driven, process-heavy deployments to a truly data-centric model is one of the most critical shifts manufacturers can make today. Watch to learn how strengthening the digital thread, connecting real-time metrics across MES, ERP, PLM, and QMS, and embedding A&D best practices directly into the deployment lifecycle can transform your organization from reactive execution to proactive, evidence-based decision-making.

Laura Brazie explores the dual nature of quantum computing for A&D manufacturers—both the emerging opportunities to apply quantum algorithms to complex optimization, quality control, and production challenges, and the very real cybersecurity threats that come when adversaries gain access to the same technology. Watch to understand how organizations can begin layering quantum-safe strategies onto their existing cybersecurity posture and prepare for the challenges of operating in an increasingly transparent, model-based manufacturing environment.