Episodios

  • Javier Garcia Lopez with i4-Tech

    Javier Garcia Lopez with i4-Tech
    Mar 12 2025
    Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial talk podcast featuring Javier Garcia Lopez, co-founder of i4Tech, a company based in Singapore with a focus on Industry 4.0 in Southeast Asia. Javier discusses the challenges and opportunities in the region, emphasizing the importance of breaking the barrier to entry for manufacturing digitalization projects. He highlights i4Tech's solution, ActivaSuite, which allows for scalable and composable data collection and application development. Javier also touches on the role of AI in manufacturing, noting the increased interest and the need for practical, business-focused solutions. The conversation concludes with Scott encouraging listeners to reach out for further discussions and support. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Javier Garcia Lopez on LinkedIn or through the i4Tech website.
    • [ ] Explore the i4Tech solutions and their approach to helping manufacturers in Southeast Asia adopt Industry 4.0.
    • [ ] Consider attending the IoT Solutions World Congress event in Barcelona in May to learn more about industry 4.0 and connected asset solutions.

    Outline Introduction and Overview of Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
    • Scott highlights the importance of adoption and efficiency in industry 4.0 and 5.0 technologies.
    • Scott mentions the upcoming IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona, May 13-15, and encourages listeners to attend.
    • Scott invites listeners to amplify their messages and podcasts on the Industrial Talk platform.

    Introduction of Javier Garcia Lopez and i4Tech
    • Scott introduces Javier Garcia Lopez, co-founder of i4Tech, and their solution, ActivaSuite.
    • Javier shares his background, including his education, work experience in Europe, and move to Southeast Asia.
    • Javier discusses the founding of i4Tech during the COVID-19 pandemic and their focus on accelerating Industry 4.0 in Southeast Asia.
    • Javier explains the challenges and opportunities in the region, highlighting the technical knowledge and business-friendliness of countries like Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

    i4Tech's Approach to Industry 4.0 and Activa Sweet
    • Javier describes the initial frustration with traditional digitalization projects and the need for a more scalable and composable approach.
    • i4Tech's solution, ActivaSuite, aims to break the barrier to entry for Industry 4.0 projects by offering a phased and scalable approach.
    • Javier explains the importance of starting with clear business problems and using a unified data model for future applications.
    • The company focuses on making Industry 4.0 solutions accessible and efficient for manufacturers in Southeast Asia.

    Challenges and Solutions in Digitalization Projects
    • Javier discusses the challenges of change management and the importance of involving business users early in the process.
    • He emphasizes the need for clear communication and avoiding technical jargon to ensure adoption.
    • Javier shares examples of successful projects, such as digitalizing quality inspection processes and energy management, completed in six to eight weeks.
    • The company provides ongoing support and development to ensure the sustainability of digitalization projects.

    Future of Manufacturing and AI
    • Javier highlights the growing interest in AI and its impact on manufacturing, noting the confusion and hype around the term.
    • He discusses the importance of having a solid data backbone and digitalizing business processes before implementing AI solutions.
    • Javier mentions an
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    33 m
  • Joe Patch with Confio Group

    Joe Patch with Confio Group
    Mar 10 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Joe Patch, Founder at Confio Group about "Renewable and Clean Tech Recruiting". Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Joe Patch, CEO of Confio Group, a company specializing in energy recruiting and staffing. Joe discusses the challenges in the power industry, particularly the shortage of engineers and the importance of obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license. He highlights the growing demand for power, citing a need for 80 gigawatts of data center power in six years. Joe emphasizes the value of networking and retainer relationships in recruiting. He also touches on the diverse opportunities in the energy sector, including roles in finance, operations, and marketing. Joe encourages young professionals to explore the dynamic and mission-critical field of power generation. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Joe Patch and the Confio Group team on LinkedIn or through their website at confiogroup.com.
    • [ ] Explore opportunities in the energy industry, particularly in emerging technologies like hydrogen, as potential career paths.
    • [ ] Consider obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open up more opportunities in the power and energy sectors.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott welcomes listeners and thanks them for their support, highlighting the podcast's dedication to celebrating industry professionals.
    • Scott mentions the Power Gen conference in Dallas, Texas, and encourages listeners to visit if they are in the power business.
    • Scott introduces Joe Patch, the guest for the episode, and sets the stage for the discussion on resources, people, and industry trends.

    Joe Patch's Background and Company Introduction
    • Joe Patch introduces himself and his company, Confio Group, which means "trust" in Spanish.
    • Joe shares his background, starting in the power business in the early 2000s after finishing graduate school and joining his father's firm.
    • Joe's father, who worked for Bechtel, started his own firm in the late 80s, focusing on power projects.
    • Joe discusses his non-engineering background but mentions the educational experience he received growing up in a household with a civil engineer.

    Joe's Early Experiences and Family Influence
    • Joe recounts bringing his 13-year-old son, Anthony, to the Power Gen conference to expose him to the dynamic world of energy.
    • Joe shares memories of accompanying his father to power projects, which provided him with a deep understanding of the industry.
    • Joe emphasizes the importance of being on job sites, understanding the culture, and building relationships with tradespeople.
    • Scott shares a similar experience, mentioning his father's work at Southern California Edison and the impact of early exposure to the industry.

    Staffing Challenges and Workforce Development
    • Scott and Joe discuss the challenges of staffing and workforce development in the power industry.
    • Joe highlights the difficulty of finding enough engineers, especially in hard engineering disciplines like structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical.
    • Joe advises graduating engineers to obtain a Professional Engineer (PE) license to open more career opportunities.
    • Joe emphasizes the importance of getting the word out about the opportunities in the energy sector to...
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    27 m
  • Mark Paul with IRISS

    Mark Paul with IRISS
    Mar 7 2025
    Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Mark Paul from IRISS, a company specializing in electrical safety and asset management. IRISS offers a vertically integrated solution for assessing the health of electrical assets, including thermochromic devices that indicate overheating and ultrasound inspection tools for detecting issues. Mark Paul, a former engineer with extensive experience in automotive manufacturing and entrepreneurship, emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance and operations-driven safety. IRISS' solutions aim to prevent costly mistakes and enhance reliability, with a focus on empowering operators to identify and address potential issues. The company's history, starting from a garage in the UK, highlights its growth into a global leader in safety and reliability. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Mark Paul on LinkedIn to learn more about Iris and their solutions.
    • [ ] Visit the Iris website at www.iriss.com to explore their temperature indicator and ultrasound inspection products.
    • [ ] Schedule a follow-up conversation with Mark to dive deeper into Iris' AI-powered solutions for asset health monitoring.

    Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and expresses gratitude to industry professionals for their contributions.
    • The podcast aims to highlight the importance of electrical assets in asset management.
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces IRISS, a company focused on safety and asset management in the electrical world.

    Overview of Iris and Mark Paul
    • IRISS offers a vertically integrated solution for asset management, focusing on electrical safety.
    • Scott MacKenzie shares his background as a former journeyman transmission lineman, expressing his interest in electrical power.
    • IRISS' solutions are described as essential for ensuring the health and safety of electrical assets.
    • Mark Paul is introduced as a key individual at IRISS, with a rich background in engineering and business.

    Mark Paul's Background and IRISS' History
    • Mark Paul shares his journey from being an electrical engineer to working with major automotive manufacturers like GM and GE.
    • He discusses his transition to entrepreneurship and his role at Iris, leveraging his experience in small, medium, and large businesses.
    • Scott MacKenzie praises Mark Paul's extensive LinkedIn profile and his background in the electrical space.
    • Mark Paul provides an overview of IRISS' history, starting from its beginnings in a garage in the UK to its global success.

    IRISS' Market Focus and Solutions
    • Iris focuses on providing solutions for electrical safety and asset management across various industries.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Mark Paul discuss the broad applicability of IRISS' solutions, from manufacturing to oil and gas.
    • Mark Paul explains the importance of assessing the health of electrical assets to prevent costly issues.
    • IRISS' thermochromic devices are highlighted as a cost-effective solution for monitoring electrical assets.

    Thermochromic Devices and Their Applications
    • Mark Paul explains the concept of thermochromic devices, which change color based on temperature to indicate potential issues.
    • He provides examples of how thermochromic devices can be used in everyday items like cell phone chargers to prevent fires.
    • Scott MacKenzie expresses interest in the simplicity and affordability of thermochromic devices.
    • Mark Paul discusses the broader implications of
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    39 m
  • Robert Weiss with MultiVision Digital

    Robert Weiss with MultiVision Digital
    Mar 5 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at FABTECH and talking to Robert Weiss, President of MultiVision Digital about "Media is essential for your long-term success". Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, featuring industry professionals like Robert Weiss from Video for Manufacturing. They discuss the importance of strategic video marketing in manufacturing. Robert emphasizes the shift from ad hoc video production to a planned, integrated approach that aligns with business objectives, such as SEO and sales goals. He highlights the effectiveness of FAQ videos over corporate overviews for better ROI. They also stress the importance of showing human elements in videos to build trust and engagement. Robert predicts a rise in sales videos to enhance the sales process, making video a crucial tool for manufacturers. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Connect with Video for Manufacturing to discuss video marketing strategies for the manufacturing industry.
    • [ ] Develop a strategic video content plan that aligns with business objectives and sales/marketing initiatives.
    • [ ] Incorporate more human elements and authentic voices in manufacturing videos, rather than just showcasing machines.
    • [ ] Explore creating a series of targeted video content (e.g. product overviews, FAQs) instead of a single corporate overview video.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie as the host of the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing the platform's focus on industry innovations and trends.
    • Scott MacKenzie thanks the audience for their support and highlights the importance of problem-solving, innovation, and collaboration in the manufacturing industry.
    • Scott mentions the current location of the podcast at Fabtech in Orlando, clarifying a previous mistake about the event being in New Orleans.
    • Scott introduces Robert Weiss, a returning guest on the show, and expresses excitement about reconnecting with industry professionals.

    Connecting with Industry Professionals at Fabtech
    • Robert shares his positive experience of reconnecting with people he hasn't seen in a year and the importance of networking at events like FABTECH.
    • Scott and Robert discuss the value of "shooting the shit" (informal conversations) in building relationships and success in the industry.
    • Robert emphasizes the importance of connecting with people, whether for business or personal reasons, and the potential for future collaborations.
    • Scott asks Robert to provide background on his company, Video for Manufacturing, and its role in storytelling and marketing in the manufacturing industry.

    Digital Marketing and Video Production Strategies
    • Robert explains that his company, Video for Manufacturing, positions itself as a digital marketing company with a focus on video production to achieve sales and marketing goals.
    • Robert shares an example of a conversation he had with a client about the importance of SEO and how investing in multiple FAQ videos can be more effective than a single corporate overview video.
    • Scott and Robert discuss the importance of addressing specific problems in videos to attract and engage potential customers.
    • Robert highlights the shift in companies' approach to video marketing, moving from ad hoc to more deliberate and strategic planning.

    The Evolution of Video Marketing in Manufacturing
    • Scott...
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    18 m
  • Emmanuel Penzes with The Qt Company

    Emmanuel Penzes with The Qt Company
    Mar 3 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at IoT Solutions World Congress and talking to Emmanuel Penzes, Sr. Solutions Engineer with The Qt Company about "The power behind improving the user interface". Scott MacKenzie hosts Emmanuel Penzes, a solution engineer at the Qt Group, on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Emmanuel discusses the importance of user interfaces (UI) in software development, emphasizing simplicity and functionality. He highlights the role of designers over developers in UI design and the use of analytics to improve user experience. Emmanuel also touches on the need for flexibility in UI design to accommodate updates and hardware capabilities. Looking ahead, he sees potential in autonomous driving and digital twins. Scott stresses the critical role of well-designed UIs in user engagement and encourages listeners to connect with Emmanuel and attend the IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Emmanuel Penzes on LinkedIn to continue the discussion on UI design best practices.
    • [ ] Explore the Qt Group's tools and solutions for creating optimized user interfaces, especially for IoT and embedded systems.
    • [ ] Consider incorporating user feedback and analytics into the UI design process to ensure a smooth and intuitive user experience.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing the focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott thanks the audience for their continued support and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
    • The podcast is broadcasting from the IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, and Scott encourages listeners to attend next year.
    • Scott introduces Emmanuel from the Qt Group, who will discuss user interfaces and their importance.

    Emmanuel's Background and Role
    • Emmanuel shares his background, mentioning his origins in France and his current residence in Paris.
    • Emmanuel has a decade of experience as a software developer, including a four-year stint in Australia to improve his English.
    • He has been with the Qt Group for the past five years, working as a solution engineer to help customers find the right software solutions.
    • Scott expresses his passion for well-designed user interfaces and asks Emmanuel to explain their importance.

    Defining a Good User Interface
    • Emmanuel explains that a good user interface is one that is easy and simple to use, minimizing frustration for the user.
    • He emphasizes the need to balance functionality without overcomplicating the interface, as too many features can confuse users.
    • Scott shares his personal frustration with complex user interfaces and pop-ups, highlighting the importance of simplicity.
    • Emmanuel discusses the role of designers in creating user interfaces, separate from developers who focus on coding.

    Balancing Functionality and User Experience
    • Emmanuel talks about the importance of using dedicated designers for user interfaces and user experience.
    • He mentions the use of tools and analytics to gather customer feedback and improve user interfaces.
    • Scott asks about the process of guiding clients through the design process, emphasizing the need for flexibility and responsiveness.
    • Emmanuel explains the importance of considering hardware limitations and ensuring smooth performance to avoid frustration.

    Future Trends and Automotive Applications
    • Scott and Emmanuel discuss the
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    12 m
  • Bill Green with Fluke Reliability

    Bill Green with Fluke Reliability
    Feb 28 2025
    Scott MacKenzie interviews Bill Green from Fluke Reliability about their upcoming event, Xcelerate 2025, in Austin, Texas. Xcelerate is a premier reliability, asset management, and maintenance event, focusing on collaboration, education, and innovation. Bill highlights the event's history, starting with user conferences in 2007-2008, and its evolution into a significant networking and learning platform. He discusses the integration of Fluke and Azima technologies, emphasizing the importance of meaningful data and AI in enhancing user experience. The event aims to provide comprehensive solutions and insights for reliability professionals at all levels. Action Items
    • [ ] Promote the Xcelerate 2025 event and provide the event details to interested parties.
    • [ ] Explore ways to capture and replicate the energy and collaborative spirit of the Xcelerate event throughout the year.
    • [ ] Continue to work closely with the product management team to prioritize customer feedback and incorporate it into the development of Fluke Reliability's solutions.
    • [ ] Highlight the connected, integrated nature of Fluke Reliability's suite of solutions and the benefits it provides to customers at the Xcelerate event.
    • [ ] Ensure the Xcelerate event caters to attendees at various stages of their reliability journey, from beginners to seasoned professionals.

    Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast and thanks them for their support.
    • Scott emphasizes the importance of industry professionals in solving problems, collaborating, and innovating to make the world a better place.
    • Scott introduces Bill Green from Fluke Reliability to discuss their upcoming event, Accelerate.

    Overview of Xcelerate Event
    • Scott mentions that the Accelerate event is in Austin, Texas, and is a premier reliability, asset management, and maintenance event.
    • Scott highlights the importance of the event for networking, collaboration, and getting answers to questions.
    • Scott shares his excitement about the energy and innovation at these events, emphasizing the collegial spirit and desire to help each other succeed.
    • Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Bill Green for conversations and to be part of the network.

    Importance of Collaboration, Education, and Innovation
    • Scott discusses the three key components industry needs to focus on: collaboration, education, and innovation.
    • He emphasizes the importance of finding trusted individuals to collaborate with and keeping current with industry education.
    • Scott explains how education and collaboration lead to innovation, which helps in achieving bottom-line value and maintaining a competitive advantage.
    • Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Industrial Talk for conversations and to share their stories and innovations.

    Introduction of Bill Green from Fluke Reliability
    • Scott introduces Bill Green, Vice President of Customer Success at Fluke Reliability, and asks him to provide a background on his role.
    • Bill shares his 15-year tenure with Fluke Reliability and the acquisition of Fluke by eight years ago.
    • Bill expresses his passion for talking to customers and solving their problems with technology.
    • Scott praises the customer engagement and desire to find solutions at Fluke Reliability events.

    History and Purpose of Xcelerate Event
    • Bill explains the origins of the Accelerate event, starting with user conferences in 2007-2008 and rejuvenating the concept in 2009-2010.
    • ...
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    33 m
  • Doug Morter with Northern Water

    Doug Morter with Northern Water
    Feb 26 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Accruent Insights and talking to Doug Morter, Asset Manager at Northern Water about "Innovation that improves water quality and safety". Doug Morter from Northern Water discussed the importance of water, which constitutes 80% of the human body, and the role of Northern Water in supplying water to 1.3 million end users in Colorado. He highlighted the use of Maintenance Connection software for asset management, which has been crucial since 2013 floods. Northern Water is building the largest dam in the U.S. in 30 years, using an asphalt core for environmental impact. Doug emphasized the need for AI and machine learning to optimize preventive maintenance schedules and the potential future migration to cloud solutions for better user experiences and security. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Northern Water to get in touch with Doug Morter, who can provide more information on their use of Maintenance Connection.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals who solve problems and make the world better.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcast location at a crew in San Antonio, Texas, and the anticipation of a barbecue lunch.
    • Scott introduces the guest, Doug Morton, from Northern Water, and the topic of discussion, maintenance connection and its use in Northern Water's business.

    Doug Morton's Background and Northern Water Overview
    • Doug Morton joins the conversation, and Scott thanks him for participating.
    • Doug shares his background, mentioning his four and a half years at Northern Water and his transition from operations to administration for maintenance connection.
    • Northern Water is described as a utility in Colorado, serving 1.3 million end users and being the fifth largest agricultural county in the US.
    • Doug explains the role of Northern Water in conveying water from the western to the eastern side of the Continental Divide and the historical significance of their projects.

    Technical Feats and Water Management
    • Doug discusses the engineering feat of building a tunnel under Rocky Mountain National Park in the 1940s, using a mirror to ensure alignment.
    • Scott expresses amazement at the technical achievement and the use of a mirror for alignment.
    • Doug elaborates on Northern Water's role in delivering high-quality water from snowmelt reservoirs to municipalities and agriculture, improving communities' water quality.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of water management and the challenges of delivering water to areas with limited rainfall.

    Maintenance Connection and Disaster Mitigation
    • Doug explains the critical role of Maintenance Connection in disaster mitigation, particularly after the 2013 floods, where they collaborated with FEMA.
    • The software helped Northern Water manage disaster recovery efforts by logging driver hours and other data to ensure full reimbursement.
    • Scott inquires about the asset management capabilities of Maintenance Connection, and Doug confirms its importance for managing a wide range of assets, from lawnmowers to a half-billion-dollar dam.
    • Doug shares details about the largest dam built in the US in the last 30 years, which is being...
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    17 m
  • Robin and Paige Roberts with Central Power Systems and Services

    Robin and Paige Roberts with Central Power Systems and Services
    Feb 24 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Paige and Robin Roberts with Central Power Systems and Services about "Backup power solutions for a hungry market". Robin and Paige Roberts from Central Power Systems and Services discussed their company's growth and innovations at Power Gen Dallas. Central Power, which Robin acquired 10 years ago, has grown from a $100 million to a projected $1 billion company by 2025. They specialize in mid-sized natural gas generators for oil fields, producing hundreds annually. The company is vertically integrated, handling manufacturing and services, a rarity in the industry. Paige highlighted their recent hiring of 100 new employees, emphasizing the importance of company culture. They also discussed the booming data center market and the challenges of distributed energy. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Robin Roberts on Facebook at robinrobertsracing.com.
    • [ ] Connect with Paige Roberts on LinkedIn or visit the company website at Cpower.com.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast and its focus on industrial innovations and professionals.
    • The podcast is described as data-driven and celebrates industry professionals worldwide.
    • The event, Power Gen Dallas, is highlighted as a gathering of problem solvers and professionals.
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the guests, Robin and Paige Roberts from Central Power Systems and Services.

    Overview of Central Power Systems and Services
    • Robin Roberts explains the company's presence at the conference and the equipment on display.
    • The equipment is described as a mid-sized generator producing 400 KW natural gas, designed for oil fields.
    • The company is vertically integrated, handling manufacturing and services, which is unusual in the industry.
    • Robin provides a brief history of the company, including its growth and future projections.

    Background of Robin and Paige Roberts
    • Robin Roberts shares his 32-year industry experience, starting in distribution and now leading a $100 million company.
    • The company is projected to break a billion dollars by 2025.
    • Paige Roberts recounts her journey of persistently seeking a job at the company, eventually joining after proving her determination.
    • Paige's role in recruiting and hiring is highlighted, with the company adding 100 new headcounts in the last four months.

    Challenges in Hiring and Company Culture
    • Scott MacKenzie and Paige discuss the challenges of finding key individuals for business expansion.
    • Paige emphasizes the importance of company culture in attracting talent.
    • The company's CEO and leadership team have a hands-on background, which resonates with potential employees.
    • Robin explains the innovative approach of integrating recruiting under the marketing team to enhance brand awareness.

    Expansion into Data Centers and Market Demand
    • Robin discusses the company's expansion into the data center market, providing backup power solutions.
    • The company has been in the data center market for 20 years, now moving from service provision to manufacturing.
    • The demand for data center power is growing, driven by the increasing need for backup power.
    • Robin highlights the company's presence in various locations, including major cities like Atlanta, Grand Rapids, and Phoenix.

    Future...
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    23 m