Trust the System: From Task to Help | Mechelen | 7 May 2026
A planning tool becomes a help — not a task — when it saves time, supports better daily decisions, and makes work easier for the people who use it. In this event we will discuss what builds trust in a planning system: clear rules, good data, practical scenarios, and a simple way of working that supports the daily work. Our speakers will share real examples of why the same tool can be adopted well in one team and ignored in another, and what leaders and teams can do to move from “feeding the system” to “using the plan”.
Speakers
Annemie Sollie is Supply Chain Director Mobility EMEA at Axalta Coating Systems. She has led the implementation of planning solutions across different plants in Europe and has seen very different levels of adoption within the same company — despite a similar planning problem and the same tooling. In her talk, she will share what drives adoption or resistance to the tooling and her main learnings from these implementations.
Ignace Decroix is a doctoral researcher at Vlerick Business School. By interviewing end users and managers he learned why people do — or do not — trust technology at work. He looked at both office roles — like planning and quality — and shop-floor roles — like smart factory systems used for planning, quality, and process improvement. Ignace will explain what helps build trust and why managers and end users can look at the same tool very differently. He will close with practical lessons to help teams improve adoption and trust during implementation.
Venue
Voka Mechelen-Kempen
Antonia Wolversstraat 1
2800 Mechelen
The Voka offices are located on the 11th floor. There is also a car parking in this building (Indigo Parking Keerdok).
Agenda
- 18:00 Welcome and walking dinner
- 19:00 Talks
- 20:30 Round tables
- 21:15 Networking
- 22:30 End
Partners in Planning
Partners In Planning is a collaborative learning network designed to connect planning professionals, managers, team leaders, and key stakeholders from sales and operations who are eager to broaden their perspectives and gain insights beyond their immediate environments. Through our initiatives, we encourage meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and relationship building that extend beyond the boundaries of our events – whether it’s an exchange of ideas or a company visit, fresh insights are always within reach. Our events feature two senior keynote speakers and an interactive roundtable session, offering opportunities to inspire innovative thinking and gain valuable new perspectives.
Partners In Planning is committed to supporting the growth and development of teams, helping them excel in their planning efforts. Our motto reflects this commitment: Smart Teams, Good Planning.
Our goal is to organize three events annually, designed to share insights, promote learning, and spark meaningful interactions among participants. We aim to bring together professionals from diverse levels, organizations, and industries, as we believe this exchange can inspire everyone involved.