Meet the Expert: Sebastian Dick
Manager, A+W Clarity Innovations, A+W Software
Years in Industry: 24
Contact me: Find all company contacts at a-w.com
My top areas of expertise
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Project delivery and process optimization
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Shop floor operations
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Product ownership and portfolio strategy
Most surprising thing I’ve learned
When I started at A+W, I was 22 and knew very little about glass. It was far more sophisticated than I imagined. What surprised me most was how differently companies operate. Even within the same country or region, three fabricators can approach the same challenge in completely different ways. I underestimated just how complex the processes are and how much variety exists across the industry.
My definition of success
Early in my career, it was pretty straightforward. Success meant finishing tasks and closing out project deliverables. Over time, though, the question changed from “Did we deliver?” to “Did it truly make a difference?” Today, success means creating something that genuinely benefits the people using it. You see an idea take shape, move into production, and then hear from customers that it’s actually helping them. When you can see that real impact, that’s when I consider it a success.
How I stay ahead of the curve
For me, it really starts with enjoying what I do. If you’re genuinely interested, staying ahead doesn’t stop at five o’clock. It’s about staying curious, paying attention to what’s changing, and keeping an open mind. I also try to look outside our industry because some of the best ideas come from completely different fields.
What I’d change about how our industry operates
From a software perspective, I would love to see more consistent industry standards. Many customers don’t understand why connecting machines and software can take so long, or why it sometimes feels harder than it should. From the outside, it looks simple. In reality, every manufacturer has its own interfaces, protocols, and history. Bringing all of that together is much more complicated than it seems.
What you might not know our company does
There is quite a bit happening at A+W right now. We are expanding A+W Smart Factory with a dedicated solution for manual production. This solution brings the same kind of dynamic production control into areas that are not fully automated. At the same time, we are integrating the A+W Logistics Optimizer more deeply into our existing products to further strengthen the pull-based workflow within A+W Smart Factory.
Anything else to add?
If you want to stay up to date on what we’re working on, I recommend following me on LinkedIn. I regularly share insights, product news, and early looks at upcoming initiatives. You’re also welcome to connect with me there.
