Keynote – Okay to Fail: The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Digital Transformation

Gain valuable insights, learn from real-world case studies, and discover how companies across the globe are implementing Model Based Definition to drive digital transformation.

Keynote – Okay to Fail: The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Digital Transformation

Andrew Pierce, GE Appliances

Time: 08:30 – 09:20, Day 2

Okay to Fail: The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Digital Transformation explores how GE Appliances reimagined its engineering culture to drive a true digital transformation—one rooted not in tools, but in mindset. Presented by Andrew Pierce, Senior Dimensional Engineer, this session shares how a legacy manufacturer evolved from a risk-averse, bureaucratic organization into a network of agile microenterprises empowered to innovate, adapt, and lead. By embracing entrepreneurial thinking, GE Appliances enabled engineering teams to act like owners, take smart risks, and pursue bold ideas—transforming not just processes, but the entire business. Attendees will learn how the company: • Leveraged model-based definition, 3D tolerance analysis and digital metrology to accelerate product development and improve quality • Built a culture where engineers are encouraged to experiment, learn from failure, and continuously seek better ways of working • Used small wins to build momentum and scale transformation across all factories and product lines • Shifted from digitization to true digital transformation—enabling new workflows, deeper collaboration, and faster decision-making This presentation offers engineering leaders a powerful blueprint for leading change: one that combines technical innovation with cultural evolution. It’s a story of passion, persistence, and the belief that transformation happens when engineers are empowered to think like entrepreneurs.

Andrew Pierce is a Senior Dimensional Engineer at GE Appliances, where he leads digital transformation efforts focused on dimensional management, model-based definition, quality, and metrology. With a passion for innovation and a mindset rooted in continuous improvement, Andrew champions the integration of digital processes and entrepreneurial thinking across engineering teams. His work has helped reshape how GE Appliances approaches product development—empowering teams to move faster, collaborate more effectively, and deliver higher-quality outcomes. Andrew is a strong advocate for curiosity-driven leadership and believes that embracing failure is essential to unlocking transformative change.

About the Presentations

The presentations at the Nordic Model Based Enterprise Forum 2025 bring together real-world expertise, strategic insight, and hands-on experience from leading companies and organizations across industries. Each session is designed to demonstrate how Model Based Definition (MBD) is being implemented in practice — from engineering and quality assurance to manufacturing and enterprise-wide integration.

Speakers share success stories, lessons learned, and technical approaches that highlight both the benefits and the challenges of transitioning to a model-based workflow. These presentations provide attendees with the opportunity to explore tested strategies, innovative tools, and collaborative methods that are shaping the future of digital product development.

Whether you’re looking to understand the foundational value of MBD or explore advanced applications like CAM automation, metrology integration, or tolerance analysis, the sessions in this forum are curated to offer insight, inspiration, and actionable takeaways.

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Explore the Agenda

See the full 2-day schedule including keynotes, hands-on workshops, and expert sessions — all designed to deliver practical insights into Model Based Definition.