Industrial Talk Media

Scott MacKenzie introduces Tara Holwegner to discuss the LCESmartr platform, which leverages 50 years of life cycle engineering knowledge into an educational platform. The platform includes an implementation guide, assessments, work stream packages, and e-learning courses. It has shown a 30% acceleration in reliability improvements and is available in multiple languages. Tara emphasizes the importance of employee engagement and continuous improvement, highlighting the platform's ability to support global operations and provide actionable insights for asset management and reliability.
Scott mentions a previous interview with Tara Holwegner at the SMRP event, which was canceled due to a hurricane.
The upcoming interview will focus on Tara's platform, LCESmartr, which leverages 50 years of life cycle engineering experience.
Overview of LC Smarter Platform
Scott introduces Tara Holwegner and sets the stage for discussing the LCESmartr platform.
Tara expresses excitement about the platform and its potential to help listeners and viewers.
Scott mentions that the interview will include slides and encourages listeners to watch the YouTube recording for a better experience.
Tara reflects on the previous SMRP conference and looks forward to the upcoming event.
Challenges and Opportunities in Asset Management
Tara discusses the challenges of workforce retirement and the need for effective onboarding and training of new workers.
She highlights the importance of stable, reliable systems and documentation to mitigate operational risks.
Tara mentions the significant capital investments in the industry and the need for strategic growth and expansion.
She emphasizes the maturing discipline of asset management and the growing interest in digital manufacturing and Industry 4.0.
LC Smarter Platform and Its Benefits
Tara explains that the LCESmartr platform is a playbook that encapsulates 50 years of life cycle engineering knowledge.
The platform aims to address the challenges of workforce retirement and onboarding by providing a comprehensive toolkit for reliability and maintenance transformations.
Tara mentions that the platform has been tested with early adopters and has shown significant benefits in accelerating reliability improvements by 30%.
The platform includes best practices, tools, and resources to support organizations at various stages of maturity.
Implementation and Assessments
Tara describes the implementation guide, which outlines the five stages of a transformation: visualize, plan, execute, sustain, and improve.
The guide includes resources, tools, and guidance for establishing a business case, leading a transformation, and tracking progress.
Tara highlights the importance of assessments in determining an organization's maturity level and tailoring improvement plans.
The platform includes assessments for work management, reliability engineering, materials management, and capital delivery design.
Work Stream Packages and Practitioner Tools
Tara introduces the work stream packages, which provide detailed best practices and tools for various disciplines.
The platform includes practitioner tools such as critical spares analysis worksheets, asset criticality calculators, and FMEA/EMP tools.
Tara emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and the ability to add new resources and tools over time.
The platform supports global operations with translations into multiple languages, including Japanese, German, French, and Italian.
E-Learning and Certification
Tara discusses the e-learning courses available in the platform, which cover key topics in maintenance, reliability, and asset management.
The courses are modularized, allowing organizations to level set their workforce and provide professional development opportunities.
The platform also includes a reliability engineering certification program, which can be completed through the platform's coursework.
Tara highlights the benefits of e-learning, including high engagement rates and the ability to onboard new employees efficiently.
Feedback and Support
Tara explains the feedback loop and support mechanisms available to users of the LCESmartr platform.
The platform includes a dedicated communications channel for customers to provide feedback and request support.
Tara mentions the reporting dashboard for leaders to monitor user activity and assess progress.
The platform supports multiple sites and groups, allowing organizations to measure and improve performance across different locations.
Benefits and Success Stories
Tara shares success stories and the benefits of using the LCESmartr platform, including improved employee engagement and retention.
The platform has shown significant savings in spare parts and reduced carrying costs.
Tara emphasizes the importance of sustaining a culture of reliability and continuous improvement.
The platform focuses on people, processes, and technology to create safe and efficient work environments.

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Industrial Talk is onsite at IoT Solutions World Congress and talking to Laia Garcia Padro, Security Awareness Manager at Ackcent Cybersecurity about "The human solution to cybersecurity".

Scott MacKenzie announces a webinar on adapting to new China tariffs in manufacturing, featuring Eric Millinger and Jorge Filio. The podcast, hosted by Scott, features Laia Garcia Padro with Ackcent discussing cybersecurity, emphasizing the human element in security. Laia, from Barcelona, explains that 90% of cyber incidents involve human error, advocating for early security integration and continuous education. She highlights the importance of unique passwords, password managers, and a security-conscious culture within organizations. Laia also mentions Ackcent's services, including auditing, monitoring, and response teams, and stresses the need for readiness against evolving cyber threats.

Action Items
[ ] Promote the webinar and encourage attendance.
[ ] Provide tips on things to do and places to go in Barcelona.
[ ] Connect with Laia Garcia Padro on LinkedIn to learn more about the human aspect of cyber security.
Outline
Webinar Announcement and Introduction
Scott MacKenzie announces a webinar titled "Post Election Manufacturing Adapting to New China Tariffs in 2025" featuring Eric Millinger and Jorge Filio.
The webinar will focus on metal casting and fabrication, scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, from 12 to 1 PM Eastern Standard Time.
Scott emphasizes the importance of educating, collaborating, and innovating within the manufacturing market.
The webinar will be available on demand for those who cannot attend live, highlighting the support from Redstone Manufacturing.
Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
Speaker 2 introduces Scott MacKenzie as a passionate industry professional dedicated to sharing innovations and trends in manufacturing.
Scott thanks the listeners for their support and celebrates industrial professionals for their boldness, bravery, and problem-solving skills.
The podcast is broadcasting from IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, focusing on cybersecurity.
Scott introduces Laia Garcia Padro with Ackcent, the guest for the episode, and mentions her local connection to Barcelona.
Laia Ackcent's Background and Role
Laia shares her background, including her education in law, management, and psychology, and her career shift into cybersecurity.
She explains her current role in securing the human part of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of understanding risks and changing behaviors.
Scott and Laia discuss the human component in technology and its significance in the manufacturing industry.
Laia mentions that her company, Ackcent, is celebrating its 10th anniversary and she has been with the company for eight years.
The Human Component in Cybersecurity
Scott and Laia discuss the reluctance of manufacturers to address cybersecurity concerns, focusing on the human aspect.
Laia explains that early integration of security measures is crucial to avoid complications later on.
They talk about the common misconception that cybersecurity is an obstacle rather than a necessary precaution.
Laia highlights the importance of being aware of the risks and partnering with experts to stay updated on evolving threats.
Educating and Training Employees
Laia emphasizes the need for continuous education and awareness among employees to prevent cybersecurity incidents.
She discusses the challenges of changing habits, such as reusing passwords, and the importance of using tools like password managers.
Scott and Laia talk about the role of new hires in maintaining security culture and the importance of starting from the basics.
Laia stresses the importance of creating a culture where employees feel responsible and comfortable reporting security issues.
Handling Cybersecurity Incidents
Laia explains Ackcent's approach to handling cybersecurity incidents, including auditing environments for vulnerabilities and monitoring for threats.
She describes the role of the blue team in responding to alarms and addressing potential threats.
Scott and Laia discuss the importance of collaboration within the cybersecurity industry to share knowledge and address new threats.
Laia highlights the evolving nature of cybercrime and the need for organizations to stay vigilant and prepared.
The Role of Trusted Individuals in Cybersecurity
Scott and Laia discuss the importance of finding trusted individuals to help with cybersecurity efforts.
Laia mentions that Ackcent provides various services beyond her role, including auditing and monitoring.
They talk about the importance of having a baseline of security measures to reduce the risk of cyberattacks.

LAIA GARCIA PADRO'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laia-garcia-padró-870790158/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ackcent/
Company Website: https://ackcent.com/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at Accruent Insights and talking to Israel Ortiz, Senior Director at Accruent about "Accruent's Space Intelligence Platform for optimizing building assets".

Scott MacKenzie and Israel Ortiz discuss the evolution of Accruent's Space Intelligence (ASI) platform, which helps organizations optimize their workplace utilization and property management. ASI integrates data from various sources, including booking information, facility costs, and leasing data, to provide comprehensive insights. This enables decision-making on space consolidation, expansion, and energy management. Future plans include AI enhancements for scenario planning and recommendations. The platform aims to improve employee experience, collaboration, and cost efficiency by providing visual tools and data-driven suggestions. Ortiz emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in driving product development and staying ahead in the fast-evolving technology landscape.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Israel Ortiz (IOrtiz@accruent.com) to learn more about Accruent's Space Intelligence solution.
[ ] Connect with Israel Ortiz on LinkedIn.
Outline
Accruent Insights Event Introduction
Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast and the event, highlighting its importance and the presence of industrial professionals.
Scott mentions the location of the event in San Antonio, Texas, and the excitement surrounding it.
The platform is described as celebrating industrial professionals and their contributions to solving problems and changing the world.
Scott introduces Israel Ortiz, who is in the "hot seat" to discuss the event and his role.
Introduction to Israel Ortiz and ASI
Israel Ortiz explains the changes in his life since the previous year, including a shift in focus to ASI (Accruent Space Intelligence).
Israel describes ASI as a tool that helps workplaces function better, whether in higher education or corporate settings.
Scott inquires about the relevance of ASI in managing property vacancy, especially in the current real estate market.
Israel clarifies the concept of an asset, differentiating between industrial and building assets, and discusses the impact of COVID-19 on workplace utilization.
Challenges in Property Management and ASI Solutions
Israel discusses the challenges faced by property managers in determining the right portfolio of properties and the utilization of spaces.
He explains how ASI helps by providing a better snapshot of space utilization and occupancy, aiding in decision-making.
Scott asks for more details on how ASI works, prompting Israel to explain the manual processes previously used and how ASI streamlines these processes.
Israel highlights the integration of various data sources within ASI, including booking information, facility costs, and leasing data, to provide comprehensive insights.
AI and Future Enhancements in ASI
Israel mentions the future integration of AI in ASI to automate scenario planning and decision-making.
Scott inquires about the potential for digital twins, and Israel explains the current and future capabilities of interactive maps and Wi-Fi data gathering.
Israel shares examples of how ASI helps in reimagining office spaces for better collaboration and employee engagement.
The discussion touches on the importance of employee experience and how ASI can enhance it by providing insights into space utilization and employee behavior.
Energy Management and Customer Collaboration
Scott asks about energy management, and Israel confirms that it is a future area of exploration for ASI.
Israel explains the product line "Observe" and its potential for energy management integration.
Scott praises Accruent's customer-driven approach, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in developing effective solutions.
Israel reiterates the company's commitment to working closely with customers to ensure their needs are met and to stay ahead of market trends.
Technological Evolution and AI Potential
Israel discusses the rapid evolution of technology and its impact on solving problems more effectively.
Scott and Israel talk about the limitations of Excel and the need for more advanced solutions.
Israel shares an example of how Accruent helps customers gather facility condition information more efficiently.
The conversation highlights the potential of AI in providing recommendations and automating decision-making processes.
AI Applications and Customer Benefits
Israel explains how AI can provide recommendations for asset replacement and OEM selection based on data analysis.
He discusses the potential of AI in event management for higher education, using the example of the "bot Maurice" to streamline event planning.
Scott expresses confidence in Accruent's capabilities to deliver on AI-driven solutions.
The discussion concludes with Israel providing his contact information for listeners interested in learning more about ASI and Accruent.

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Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast, emphasizing education, collaboration, and innovation. He interviews Kieran Gilmurray, an expert in business technology with 30 years of experience. They discuss generative AI, highlighting its potential in industries like manufacturing. Kieran explains that generative AI, unlike traditional AI, allows for natural language queries and is more accessible and cost-effective. He stresses the importance of AI literacy, change management, and strategic business planning. Despite the hype, Kieran advises focusing on practical applications and ensuring AI is tied to business goals. He encourages continuous learning and collaboration to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Kieran Gilmurray on his website KieranGilmurray.com or on LinkedIn to learn more about generative AI and its applications.
[ ] Explore ways to incorporate generative AI into your manufacturing or business processes, focusing on automating mundane tasks and improving decision-making.
[ ] Implement a comprehensive education and change management program to help your team understand the benefits and risks of generative AI and how to use it effectively.
Outline
Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott thanks listeners for their support and highlights the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in the industry.
The podcast is described as the "Spotify for industry," aiming to amplify conversations and content related to industrial trends and innovations.
Scott mentions the importance of trusted professionals and the need for companies to be resilient and successful through innovation.
Announcement of Upcoming Event and Generative AI Discussion
Scott promotes an upcoming event by Iris, focusing on thermographic sustainability and factory tours.
He encourages listeners to sign up for the event, which will be available on demand.
Scott introduces the main topic of the episode: a conversation with Kieran Gil Murray about generative AI.
Kieran is described as a professional with extensive experience in business technology, automation, AI, and data analytics.
Kieran Gil Murray's Background and Experience
Kieran shares his background, mentioning his 30 years of experience in various roles and industries.
He emphasizes the importance of automation, AI, and data analytics in business transformation.
Kieran discusses his experience working with top organizations and the challenges of implementing technology in businesses.
He highlights the need for a balanced approach to technology, including running businesses during good and bad times to understand leadership effectively.
Understanding Generative AI
Kieran explains generative AI as a subset of artificial intelligence that mimics human skills and intellect.
He contrasts generative AI with traditional AI, which required significant resources and time to build and maintain.
Kieran describes how generative AI models like GPT-3 can provide answers to a wide variety of questions in human-like language.
He emphasizes the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of generative AI, making it a democratized technology.
Challenges and Accuracy of Generative AI
Scott asks about ensuring the accuracy of generative AI answers.
Kieran explains the concept of hallucinations in generative AI, where the model provides plausible but incorrect answers.
He shares examples of AI-generated content being used inappropriately, such as lawyers using AI-generated legal cases.
Kieran advises validating AI-generated answers by checking multiple sources, asking for references, and using other tools for cross-verification.
Practical Applications of Generative AI in Industry
Scott inquires about how manufacturers can leverage generative AI.
Kieran discusses the potential of AI in manufacturing, including predictive maintenance, quality control, and production optimization.
He emphasizes the importance of AI education and change management to convince and train employees.
Kieran highlights the need for a balanced approach, combining AI with human expertise to achieve productive outcomes.
Overcoming Resistance to Change and AI Adoption
Scott and Kieran discuss the challenges of overcoming resistance to change and AI adoption in organizations.
Kieran emphasizes the importance of change management and AI literacy for employees.
He shares examples of the decline in manufacturing jobs due to a lack of skills and the need for continuous education and training.
Kieran advises building teams for the future and considering a business strategy that includes people, technology, and skills development.

KIERAN GILMURRAY'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kierangilmurray/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thettg/
Company Website: https://thettg.com/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at FABTECH and talking to Doug Trout, Director at Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) about "PMA providing tools for manufacturing success".

Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of collaboration and innovation in the manufacturing industry, highlighting the Precision Metalforming Association (PMA) and its role in supporting industry professionals. They emphasize the value of trade shows like Fabtech, where exhibitors and attendees can connect, share knowledge, and showcase the latest technologies. Trout, the director of exhibitions, explains his role in organizing the metal forming section of FABTECH, which includes metal stamping, tool and die press automation, and robotics. He underscores the significance of having demonstrable products and the power of face-to-face interactions in fostering business relationships.

Action Items
[ ] Get in touch with Doug Trout at PMA (dtrout@pma.org) to learn more about exhibiting at Fabtech.
[ ] Check out the FABTECH website at fabtech-expo.com for information and resources on exhibiting.
[ ] Connect with Doug Trout on LinkedIn to stay updated on Fabtech and PMA.
Outline
Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and celebrates industry professionals for their boldness, bravery, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Scott MacKenzie mentions the sponsorship by PMA and encourages listeners to visit pma.org.
Scott MacKenzie highlights the excitement and passion at Fabtech in Orlando, Florida, emphasizing the vast technology on display.
Introduction of Doug Trout
Scott MacKenzie introduces Doug Trout, the director of exhibitions, and expresses excitement about the event.
Doug Trout shares his positive experience at FABTECH, despite initial concerns about the hurricane.
Doug Trout describes the success of the event, with exhibitors and attendees being extremely excited.
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the criteria for determining success at the event, focusing on interactions and solutions provided.
Collaboration and Technology at FABTECH
Doug Trout emphasizes the collegial and collaborative nature of the event, where exhibitors are open to helping attendees.
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of finding trusted individuals to help with manufacturing challenges.
Doug Trout highlights the collaboration among exhibitors, with each contributing to the overall success of the event.
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the wide range of technologies and solutions available at FABTECH, from metal stamping to robotics.
Innovation and Evolution at FABTECH
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the evolution of technology and innovation at Fabtech, with a focus on precision and automation.
Doug Trout shares his experience of being amazed by the latest technologies and the genius behind them.
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the role of AI and data analysis in enhancing manufacturing processes.
Doug Trout explains his role as the director of exhibitions, overseeing the metal forming section of the show.
Support and Resources for Exhibitors
Doug Trout describes the strategic management team responsible for organizing FABTECH and their respective responsibilities.
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of having demonstrable products and starting conversations with attendees.
Doug Trout shares a personal anecdote about the complexity of a simple metal part, highlighting the intellectual horsepower behind such innovations.
Doug Trout emphasizes the support and resources available for first-time exhibitors, including hand-holding and guidance.
Future of Trade Shows and Final Thoughts
Doug Trout discusses the ongoing relevance of trade shows, despite some skepticism about their future.
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout agree that face-to-face interactions and handshakes are irreplaceable in business relationships.
Doug Trout highlights the importance of exhibitors bringing their A game and making Fabtech their biggest marketing initiative of the year.
Scott MacKenzie and Doug Trout discuss the importance of collaboration and finding organizations like PMA to help with the manufacturing journey.
Closing Remarks and Contact Information
Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation, emphasizing the excitement and importance of FABTECH.
Doug Trout provides contact information for those interested in participating in Fabtech, including email and LinkedIn.
Scott MacKenzie thanks Doug Trout and encourages listeners to visit pma.org for more information.
The podcast concludes with a reminder to stay tuned for more conversations and to visit industrialtalk.com for more content.

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2023. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

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