Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Michael DeMaria, Director, Product Management at Fluke Reliability about "Prepare, Predict, Prevail".

Scott Mackenzie and Michael DeMaria discuss the industrial trends and innovations at the Xcelerate 2025 event in Austin, Texas. Michael, a product manager at Fluke Reliability, highlights the importance of collaboration and learning from each other in the industry. He outlines the "Prepare, Predict, Prevail" theme, emphasizing the need for data-driven insights and automation to manage work orders effectively. Michael also addresses the generational gap in the workforce, stressing the importance of technology and communication to bridge this divide. The conversation underscores the role of Industry 5.0 in integrating human expertise with advanced technology.

Action Items
[ ] Explore ways to automate the work order creation and management process to handle the increasing volume of data and insights.
[ ] Investigate how to better communicate the value of reliability and maintenance initiatives to upper management.
[ ] Develop strategies to bridge the generational gap and enable knowledge transfer from the retiring workforce to the new generation of workers.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting the importance of industry professionals and their contributions.
The podcast is broadcasting live from Accelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
Scott MacKenzie introduces Michael de Maria, a seasoned industry professional, and sets the stage for their discussion.
Michael de Maria's Background and Role at Fluke
Michael DeMaria shares his extensive experience in the industry, starting in 1980.
He discusses his role as the product manager for the software and services solution at Fluke.
Michael explains the three pillars of Fluke: Reliability Proof, Technic, Azema DLI, and Emerson.
He provides a brief history of Azema DLI, its origins, and its significant Navy contracts.
Discussion on Prepare, Predict, and Prevail
Michael outlines the theme of the event: Prepare, Predict, and Prevail.
He explains the importance of identifying needs and understanding machinery in the Prepare phase.
The Predict phase focuses on making insights from data and creating actionable understanding.
The Prevail phase involves automating work orders and ensuring efficient execution.
Challenges and Solutions in Data Management
Michael discusses the challenges of managing a vast amount of data, including 100 trillion data points.
He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing data and leveraging limited skilled resources.
The conversation touches on the criticality assessment of assets and its impact on data analysis.
Michael highlights the automation of data capture and analysis to streamline processes.
Automation and Work Order Management
Michael explains the automation of work order creation and its benefits.
He discusses the challenges of managing a backlog of work orders and the importance of prioritization.
The conversation covers the need for daily management of data and work orders.
Michael emphasizes the role of dashboards in presenting actionable information.
Generational Gap and Technology Adoption
Michael and Scott discuss the generational gap in the workforce and its impact on reliability culture.
They highlight the importance of investing in innovation and technology to attract new talent.
The conversation touches on the need for effective communication and training to bridge the generational gap.
Michael emphasizes the role of technology in making manufacturing processes more efficient and sustainable.
Industry 5.0 and Human-Centric Approach
Michael introduces the concept of Industry 5.0, focusing on bringing humans back into the process.
He discusses the importance of leveraging technology to bridge the generational gap.
The conversation highlights the need for a human-centric approach to industrial automation.
Scott and Michael agree on the importance of storytelling and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Scott MacKenzie wraps up the podcast, encouraging listeners to connect with Michael DeMaria.
He reiterates the importance of attending events like Xcelerate 2025 and staying connected with industry professionals.
Scott emphasizes the need for continuous innovation and collaboration in the industry.
The podcast concludes with a reminder to stay tuned for future episodes and events.

MICHAEL DEMARIA'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldemaria98370/
Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-reliability/posts/?feedView=all
Company Website: https://reliability.fluke.com/

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Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. He emphasizes the importance of amplifying voices in manufacturing, particularly in attracting and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Scott discusses the need for a resilient business culture and the role of people in driving success. Arthur Field, a guest on the podcast, shares his journey from machinist to sales and now to promoting manufacturing through videos and podcasts. He highlights the impact of consistent communication and the importance of trust in building successful manufacturing businesses. Both Scott and Arthur stress the necessity of education, collaboration, and innovation in the industry.

Action Items
[ ] Subscribe to the Machine Shop Tech Talk podcast
[ ] Explore the resources and stories shared by Arthur and MTDCNC to learn about successful manufacturing companies and technology solutions
[ ] Connect with Arthur Field on LinkedIn
Outline
Introduction and Purpose of Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott highlights the importance of amplifying voices in the industry and celebrating the contributions of individuals.
The podcast aims to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders by sharing stories and insights from industry influencers.
Scott sets the stage for the conversation with Arthur Field, the voice behind Machine Shop Tech Talk.
Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Manufacturing
Scott discusses the current economic boom in the industry and the need to bring more manufacturing back to the forefront.
He emphasizes the importance of people in the industry, despite advancements in automation.
Scott talks about the need for a resilient business culture and the importance of inspiring young professionals to join the industry.
He challenges listeners to inspire the next generation and invest in education from an early age.
Introduction of Arthur Field and His Background
Scott introduces Arthur Field, the guest for the episode, and highlights his contributions to the industry.
Arthur shares his journey from starting in an assembly plant to becoming a machinist and eventually moving into sales.
He discusses the challenges of entering the sales market during a downturn and the importance of perseverance.
Arthur talks about his current role with MTD CNC and his passion for helping high-level shops succeed.
The Role of MTD CNC and Its Impact on the Industry
Arthur explains the origins of MTD CNC, which started as Machine Tools Direct to provide better information about machine tools in the UK.
He discusses the importance of awareness in manufacturing and how MTD CNC helps shops make informed decisions.
Arthur shares success stories of shops that have benefited from the information provided by MTD CNC.
He emphasizes the need for trust and effective communication in the industry.
The Importance of Video and Podcasting in Industry Communication
Arthur explains his transition from direct sales to creating videos and podcasts to reach a larger audience.
He discusses the challenges of traveling to meet shop owners and the limitations of physical presence.
Arthur highlights the benefits of video content in breaking down barriers and providing quick, actionable information.
He shares his experiences with teaching first aid and public speaking to improve his communication skills.
The Impact of Trust and Consistent Communication
Arthur emphasizes the importance of trust in building relationships with shop owners and decision-makers.
He discusses the challenges of getting shop owners to trust new solutions and the role of consistent communication.
Arthur shares examples of successful implementations and the significant ROI achieved by adopting new technologies.
He encourages shop owners to share their stories and experiences to inspire others in the industry.
The Role of Social Media and Online Presence
Arthur talks about the importance of having an online presence and using social media to reach a wider audience.
He shares his experiences with LinkedIn and other platforms to connect with industry professionals.
Arthur discusses the impact of consistent posting and the importance of not being discouraged by a lack of immediate feedback.
He highlights the potential for making meaningful connections and advancing one's career through online engagement.
The Importance of Education, Collaboration, and Innovation
Scott and Arthur discuss the three key elements of success in the industry: education, collaboration, and innovation.

ARTHUR FIELD'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetarthur/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/machine-shop-tech-talk/
Company Website: https://mtdcnc.com/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Curt Chamberlain, Managing Consultant at Utility Performance Consultants about "Leveraging the EMaint solution for the Utility Market".

Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Curt Chamberlain, a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility sectors. Chamberlain discusses his work with utilities like OG&E and a large Northeast utility, focusing on SAP implementations to cut OPEX by a billion dollars. He also details his projects with EMaint and Deep Blue, including a tight five-month implementation of EMaint for a pipeline company and a subsequent 18-month transition to EMaint's X5. Chamberlain highlights the challenges of regulatory compliance and the potential of AI in maintenance, emphasizing the need for substantial data to drive AI effectiveness.

Action Items
[ ] Connect with Curt Chamberlain on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast
Speaker 1 introduces Scott Mackenzie as the host of the industrial talk podcast, highlighting his dedication to industry innovations and trends.
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of industry professionals and their contributions.
Scott mentions the early morning conversation at the Accelerate conference, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
Scott promotes Fluke Reliability, encouraging listeners to visit their website for more information on asset management, maintenance, and reliability.
Discussion on Autonomous Vehicles and Personal Experiences
Scott and Curt discuss their experiences with autonomous vehicles, including taking one to a cigar shop and a short ride in another one.
They share their thoughts on the comfort and safety of autonomous vehicles, with Speaker 2 expressing a desire to take one to the airport.
Scott and Speaker 2 talk about the strange feeling of being in a car with no visible driver and the future of autonomous vehicles.
Background on Curt Chamberlain
Curt introduces himself as a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility business, particularly in maintenance and process improvement.
He shares his background in the utility industry, starting in the mid-90s, and his work with various utilities, including OG and E.
Curt describes his role in implementing SAP for OG and E, including payroll, maintenance, and other business systems.
He mentions his recent work with a large utility in the Northeast, focusing on cutting a billion dollars in operating costs through SAP implementation.
Implementation of E-Mate and Challenges
Curt discusses his work with EMaint, a crude pipeline company, and the implementation of their asset management system.
He describes the tight deadline and the challenges of transferring 389,000 historical work orders from the old system to E-Mate.
Curt explains the regulatory requirements for maintaining historical data and the complexity of the implementation process.
He shares the success of the implementation and the transition to E-Mate's new product, X5, which was pioneered by his team.
Transition to Deep Blue and Current Projects
Curt talks about his retirement and subsequent return to work with Deep Blue, a company in the water business.
He describes the company's operations in Midland, Texas, and their role in treating and disposing of water used in hydraulic fracking.
Curt explains the challenges of treating water to meet regulatory standards and the company's goal of using 100% treated water.
He mentions the potential for future acquisitions and the increase in work orders, currently running at 1500 per month.
Exploration of AI and Technology in Maintenance
Scott asks Curt about his thoughts on AI and its potential in the maintenance industry.
Curt expresses skepticism about the current hype around AI, emphasizing the need for a significant amount of data for AI to be effective.
He discusses the potential for AI in industries with established data collections, such as big refineries, but sees limited immediate use for AI in his current company.
Curt highlights the importance of operational excellence and the challenges of getting companies to invest in preventive maintenance.
Observations from the Reliability Lab Floor
Scott asks Speaker 2 about his impressions of the Reliability Lab Floor at the conference.
Curt praises the Fluke tools and the potential for vibration analysis and other maintenance technologies.
He discusses the challenges of getting companies to adopt new maintenance practices and the importance of data in improving reliability.
Curt shares his experiences with spin-off companies from large oil companies and the run-to-fail mentality that often prevails.

CURT CHAMBERLAIN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-chamberlain-74b65b50/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Kevin Kucera, CEO at RPM Electric about "Hardening the Grid and Electrical Safety".

Scott Mackenzie hosts Kevin Kucera on the Industrial Talk Podcast, discussing safety and innovation at the Distribute Tech event in Dallas, Texas. Kucera highlights the importance of grid hardening technology, which protects against fast transients and electromagnetic pulses, operating in six nanoseconds and guaranteed for 1000 events. He shares a personal story about a near-fatal electrical incident, emphasizing the need for safety protocols. The conversation also touches on the significance of proper grounding and the dangers of working with electrical systems, underscoring the importance of professional training and adherence to safety standards.

Action Items
[ ] Provide information about Kevin's company's product, the ultra-fast surge arrester, to interested parties.
Outline
Distribute Tech Event Overview
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast and highlights the importance of industry professionals.
Scott MacKenzie mentions the sponsor, Siemens, and encourages listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
Scott MacKenzie introduces Kevin Kucera , who will discuss safety and his experiences at Distribute Tech.
Kevin Kucera spells his last name and Scott MacKenzie jokes about the pronunciation.
Event Attendance and Activity
Kevin Kucera mentions the large attendance at Distribute Tech, with 600 exhibitors and 18,000 attendees.
Scott MacKenzie expresses surprise at the large number of attendees and describes the event as a "zoo."
Kevin Kucera describes Distribute Tech as the number one show for utility, with significant interest and innovation.
Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera discuss the buzz around grid hardening technology and the importance of resilience in medium voltage systems.
Grid Hardening Technology
Kevin Kucera explains the technology developed by Advanced Fusion Systems to protect against fast transients and electromagnetic pulses.
The devices operate in six nanoseconds and are guaranteed for 1000 events, with no metal oxide or silicon internally.
Scott MacKenzie asks for a real-life use case, and Kevin Kucera provides an example of a nuclear event and directed energy weapons.
The technology protects against catastrophic failures by shunting pulses to the ground quickly.
Installation and Safety Considerations
Kevin Kucera describes the installation process, which involves using a meter of wire and connecting to the ground.
The devices can be placed at transformers, rectifiers, or as EMP scouts on the line.
Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera discuss the importance of proper grounding and the use of bonding poles.
Kevin Kucera shares his background in the electrical industry and his passion for electricity.
Electrical Safety Incident
Kevin Kucera shares a personal story about a close call with electrical safety at a dry dock in downtown Seattle.
He describes the incident where a rod fell and hit a phase, causing a 14-foot fireball.
Kevin Kucera explains how the breaker tripped instantly, saving him from severe injury.
The incident highlights the importance of safety and the potential dangers in the electrical industry.
Subsequent Safety Measures
Kevin Kucera describes the subsequent repairs and safety measures taken after the incident.
He emphasizes the importance of not taking safety for granted and the need for proper training.
Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera discuss the challenges of working in the electrical industry and the importance of professionalism.
Kevin Kucera shares another story about the dangers of hydrogen sulfide in underground vaults and the importance of sniffer tests.
Professionalism and Training
Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera discuss the need for proper training and professionalism in the electrical industry.
They highlight the importance of ventilating underground vaults and the dangers of hydrogen sulfide.
Kevin Kucera shares a tragic story about three electricians who died in a vault due to hydrogen sulfide.
Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera emphasize the need for proper safety measures and training to prevent accidents.
Climbing and Safety Precautions
Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera discuss the dangers of climbing poles and the importance of safety precautions.
They share experiences of climbing poles and the challenges of working at height.
Scott MacKenzie explains the importance of grounding lines properly to avoid electrical hazards.
Kevin Kucera emphasizes the need for proper training and safety measures to prevent accidents.
Conclusion and Contact Information

The podcast concludes with a reminder of the sponsor, Siemens, and their solutions for smart infrastructure and grid software.

KEVIN KUCERA'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-kucera-b3b8105/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rpm-electric-inc./

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Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Drew Walts from Iriss, discussing their ultrasound technology for identifying electrical challenges before failure. Drew, with 25 years of experience in ultrasound and infrared, highlights Iriss' Sonas product line, including the compact Sonas XT and the cloud-based Sonas Fizz for data analysis. They emphasize the importance of integrating various inspection technologies for comprehensive asset management. Drew also mentions Iris's IoT solutions for continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency in industrial settings.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Drew Walts via email (dwalts@iriss.com) or LinkedIn to learn more about Iriss' solutions and get technical support.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and professionals.
Scott welcomes listeners, highlighting the importance of industrial professionals and their contributions to society.
Scott expresses excitement about the current state of the industry, mentioning the rapid pace of change, innovation, and technology.
Scott introduces Drew Walt from Iriss, focusing on their technology for identifying electrical challenges before failure.
Drew Walts' Background and Iriss' Solutions
Drew Walt introduces himself as a subject matter enthusiast with 25 years of experience in ultrasound and infrared technology.
Drew shares his background, starting with infrared in the military and later working with UE Systems for 16 years.
Drew discusses his transition to Iriss, where he now develops training and provides service work.
Scott and Drew talk about Iriss' history, its expansion, and its commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for industrial inspection.
Iriss' Products and Technologies
Drew explains the Sonas product line, including the Sonas XT, a compact ultrasound device with various probes.
Drew highlights the Sonas Fizz, a tablet-based acoustic camera, and the Sonas View recorder for sound analysis.
Scott and Drew discuss the benefits of these products, such as their compact size, affordability, and versatility.
Drew emphasizes the importance of combining different technologies like ultrasound, infrared, and TEV detection for comprehensive inspections.
Data Analysis and AI Integration
Scott inquires about data analytics solutions for the Sonas products.
Drew explains the cloud-based data platform of the Sonas Fizz, which stores and analyzes data collected in the field.
Drew discusses the potential of AI in enhancing electrical inspection, particularly in identifying harmonic patterns and electrical failures.
Scott and Drew talk about the future of IoT solutions and the integration of various sensors for continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance.
Field Applications and Real-World Examples
Drew shares a real-world example of using the Sonas products to inspect a facility with multiple faults.
Drew describes the process of collecting data from various technologies and presenting findings to the client.
Scott and Drew discuss the importance of timely and accurate data analysis to prevent catastrophic failures.
Drew highlights the role of human technicians in interpreting data and making critical decisions based on the findings.
Future of Iriss and Industry Trends
Drew talks about the development of new products like the DTU for continuous monitoring of electrical systems.
Scott and Drew discuss the potential of drone-based platforms for inspecting hazardous environments and reducing human risk.
Drew emphasizes the importance of integrating different technologies into one platform for efficient and comprehensive inspections.
Scott and Drew conclude the conversation by discussing the future of the industry, the role of AI, and the importance of continuous innovation.

If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Marketing Process Course” for Greater Success in 2025. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

DREW WALTS' CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-walts-38b9579/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iriss-inc-/posts/?feedView=all

Company Website: https://iriss.com/

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