Maximizing Operational Performance: Aligning Equipment, Processes, and People

A recording of FPSA’s webinar “Maximizing Operational Performance: Aligning Equipment, Processes, and People,” held June 10, 2026. As food manufacturers and equipment suppliers face increasing pressure from labor shortages, rising costs, and growing production demands, many organizations are investing in equipment, automation, and process improvements to remain competitive. This session explored why those investments achieve their greatest impact when paired with effective workforce development strategies. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across operations, human resources, and learning & development, Dave Gregory shared practical insights into how organizations can better align equipment, processes, and people to improve operational performance, accelerate productivity, and strengthen business results. Highlights from the discussion: ✔ Aligning performance metrics with operational outcomes: Dave discussed why organizations must move beyond measuring training completion and focus on the behaviors and competencies that directly influence productivity, quality, and profitability. ✔ Closing workforce capability gaps: The session explored how skill gaps often limit the return on equipment, automation, and process investments, and how organizations can identify and address those barriers. ✔ Building competency, not just delivering training: Dave challenged traditional training approaches and shared how modern learning strategies help employees develop true proficiency rather than simply absorb information. ✔ Accelerating time to productivity: Attendees learned practical ways to reduce onboarding and learning curves, increase employee confidence, and improve machine availability through structured capability development. ✔ Strengthening customer and workforce performance: The discussion highlighted opportunities for equipment manufacturers and suppliers to better support customers by focusing on workforce readiness alongside equipment performance. Speaker: Dave Gregory | Director of Learning & Development | Weber Inc. To view future FPSA webinars, click here: https://fpsa.org/event-calendar