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What does the future of manufacturing look like? BCG's Kristian Kuhlmann explores the dimensions of optimization shaping the next level of progress.

Kristian Kuhlmann is a core member of Boston Consulting Group's Industrial Goods and Operations practices. His work focuses on the automotive and chemicals industries. He leads the firm’s work in business line manufacturing and supply chain for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

Kristian has particular expertise in production strategy, production network optimization, and future production setups including the introduction of Industry 4.0. Before joining the firm, Kristian was Chief Engineer, Laboratory for Machine Tools and Production Engineering, at RWTH Aachen University.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

EDUCATION

  • PhD and Diploma, mechanical engineering, RWTH Aachen University
  • MBA, RWTH Aachen University and HSG, St. Gallen University

HONORS AND AWARDS

  • The Borchers Badge of RWTH Aachen University (awarded to doctoral candidates, who pass their doctoral examinations "With Distinction")

Publications and Videos

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Generative AI’s Role in the Factory of the Future

Instead of replacing traditional AI, GenAI offers complementary use cases for assistance, recommendations, and autonomy that pave the way to the factory of the future.
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Emissions Mandates Will Remake Europe’s Trucking Industry

Despite having a positive effect on the medium- and heavy-duty truck sector overall, the clean-energy transition will disrupt business models and employment, requiring suppliers, OEMs, and other players to prepare for change now.
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Harnessing the Tectonic Shifts in Global Manufacturing

Trade disruptions have prompted many global companies to shift where they produce and source goods. But getting the desired results requires a difficult balancing act.
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Boosting Resilience with Production as a Service

Producers can address critical challenges by designing flexible factories, sharing assets, and decoupling factory ownership and use.
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Is E-mobility a Green Boost for European Automotive Jobs?

With well-informed planning and thoughtful implementation, stakeholders can ensure that the automotive industry continues to be a strong and stable motor for employment in Europe.
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The Zero-Based Factory

To enhance competitiveness, companies must take a clean-sheet approach to deciding what, where, and how to manufacture.
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Shifting Gears in Auto Manufacturing

To succeed in a future of electric vehicles, manufacturers must understand and prepare for the profound effects of this transformation on operations and labor requirements.
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The Green Factory of the Future

Manufacturers can implement win-win actions in their production and logistics operations that benefit the environment and create financial value.
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Advanced Robotics in the Factory of the Future

Robot functionality is improving and costs are declining, but producers need a comprehensive vision to capture the promised value.
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Will Flexible-Cell Manufacturing Revolutionize Carmaking?

Product complexity is pushing conventional conveyor belts beyond their capabilities. Recent advances in Industry 4.0 technologies are making possible a more efficient approach to assembly.
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The Future of Battery Production for Electric Vehicles

Innovation alone won’t save the industry’s economics. Manufacturers must adopt digital technologies to produce battery cells cost-effectively.
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AI in the Factory of the Future

Tomorrow’s end-to-end manufacturing AI will think alongside—and sometimes ahead of—human coworkers. But ambitions for the technology far outstrip today’s reality.