Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at FABTECH and talking to Ed Youdell, President and CEO at Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) about "Inspiring future manufacturing professionals by attracting, developing and engaging".

Scott MacKenzie interviews Ed Youdell, President and CEO of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association International (FMA), at FABTECH in Orlando. Ed discusses FMA's mission to attract, develop, and engage the next generation of manufacturing professionals through scholarships, summer camps, and inclusion camps for diverse groups. He highlights the importance of combating outdated perceptions of manufacturing and emphasizes the role of AI and advanced technology in the industry. Ed also mentions FMA's annual meeting in Phoenix and encourages manufacturers to stay updated with technology through FMA's resources and events.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to FMA through their website at www.fma-mfg.org to learn more about their programs and how to get involved.
[ ] Connect with Ed Youdell on LinkedIn to continue the discussion.
[ ] Attend FABTECH, the must-attend event for the manufacturing industry, either in Orlando this year or in Chicago next year.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

The podcast is recorded at FABTECH in Orlando, with plans to move to Chicago next year.
Ed Youdell shares his background, mentioning his role as President and CEO of FMA since 2012.
He discusses his early career in publishing operations and the flagship magazine, "The Fabricator."
Ed talks about his Midwest roots and his father's influence in the manufacturing industry.
He expresses his mission to provide opportunities in manufacturing and help people understand its benefits.
FABTECH and Space Exploration
Scott and Ed discuss the excitement of Fabtech and the innovative technologies showcased there.
Ed shares his experience of meeting Dr. Peggy Whitson, a renowned astronaut and keynote speaker at Fabtech.
They talk about the advancements in space exploration and the engineering marvels of SpaceX.
Scott expresses his admiration for the engineering feats and the impact on the manufacturing industry.
Overview of FMA and Its Mission
Ed explains the three core initiatives of FMA: Attract, Develop, and Engage.
He details the charitable foundation's efforts in providing scholarships and funding for technical schools and community colleges.
Ed highlights the importance of community college and technical school programs in preparing the workforce quickly.
He discusses the organization's efforts to attract students to manufacturing careers through scholarships and summer camps.
FMA's Educational and Training Programs
Ed describes the summer manufacturing camps for kids aged 10 to 16, focusing on various manufacturing skills.
He mentions the inclusion camps for high-functioning autistic kids and those with disabilities to develop soft skills and practical manufacturing training.
Ed emphasizes the importance of providing opportunities for young people to explore manufacturing careers.
He discusses the organization's role in providing technical training and education programs for mid-career professionals.
Engagement and Networking Opportunities
Ed talks about the annual meeting of FMA, scheduled for the end of February at the Gila River resort near Phoenix.
He highlights the importance of peer-to-peer networking and learning from industry leaders at events like Fabtech.
Scott and Ed discuss the rapid changes in technology and the need for manufacturers to stay current.
Ed mentions the technology tours organized by FMA to help members understand the latest advancements.
Measuring Success and Overcoming Perceptions
Scott asks about measuring the success of FMA's programs in inspiring the next generation of manufacturers.
Ed acknowledges the difficulty in measuring success but emphasizes the importance of exposing students to manufacturing careers.
They discuss the need to combat outdated perceptions of manufacturing as dark, dangerous, and dirty.
Ed encourages young people to explore manufacturing careers and highlights the advanced technology and safety measures in the industry.
Future Trends and AI in Manufacturing
Scott and Ed discuss the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manufacturing industry.
Ed explains that AI will primarily benefit advanced manufacturing equipment and software, helping manufacturers perform better.
They talk about the practical applications of AI and the importance of having a technology plan for job shop owners.
Ed mentions the role of FMA in providing insights and guidance on AI through their publications and websites.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Ed provides the website, www.fma.org, as the main contact point for FMA.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to FMA for support and resources.
They wrap up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of Fabtech and the role of FMA in supporting the manufacturing industry.

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Industrial Talk is onsite at Accruent Insights and talking to Jason, Client Director at Microsoft about "The demands for AI and need for a powerful infrastructure".

Scott MacKenzie interviews Jason Meshell from Microsoft Azure at the Accruent Insights user conference in San Antonio. Meshell discusses the evolution of cloud computing, emphasizing its benefits over on-premises solutions, such as data security, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. He highlights Microsoft's strategic partnership with Accruent, which has enabled Accruent to leverage AI and cloud services for data-intensive tasks without the need for extensive on-site infrastructure. Meshell also touches on the environmental considerations, like power optimization and the strategic placement of data centers near power sources. He concludes by encouraging listeners to reach out to him on LinkedIn for further discussions.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Jason Meshell on LinkedIn (Jason Meshell) to discuss further collaboration opportunities.
Outline
Accruent Insights User Conference Introduction

Jason Meshell's Background and Microsoft Azure's Evolution
Jason Meshell shares his 25-year career in IT, including a decade at IBM and his transition to Microsoft during the cloud revolution.
He explains the evolution of Microsoft's cloud strategy, from the early days under Steve Ballmer to the current focus on cloud and mobile first.
Jason Meshell provides a detailed explanation of the transition from mainframe computing to the cloud, emphasizing the benefits of centralized data storage and processing.
He highlights the economic and security advantages of the cloud, comparing it to the physical mainframe setup.
The Importance of Cloud Adoption
Scott MacKenzie expresses curiosity about the reluctance of some organizations to adopt the cloud, seeking Jason Meshell's insights.
Jason Meshell uses a personal anecdote about data storage on phones to illustrate the benefits of cloud storage, including data replication and protection.
He emphasizes the scalability and reliability of cloud storage, contrasting it with the limitations of on-premises storage.
The conversation touches on the increasing demand for power to support server farms and the strategic placement of data centers near power sources.
Microsoft's Strategic Partnership with Accruent
Jason Meshell discusses the early stages of Microsoft's partnership with Accruent, focusing on data cleanup and application transformation.
He highlights the importance of clean data for effective AI implementation, noting that Accruent's early efforts in data cleanup gave them a competitive advantage.
The partnership has grown rapidly due to Accruent's proactive data management and the emergence of AI as a critical technology.
Jason Meshell compares the process of moving data to the cloud with decluttering a home, emphasizing the need for careful refactoring and planning.
The Role of AI and Data in Modern Business
Scott MacKenzie and Jason Meshell discuss the ongoing demand for data and AI solutions, with a focus on capturing and analyzing vast amounts of data.
Jason Meshell explains how Accruent uses IoT data to understand and optimize the use of facilities and assets, providing valuable insights for their clients.
He describes the benefits of cloud computing for temporary data processing, allowing organizations to rent compute power rather than owning it.
The conversation highlights the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of using cloud services for data-intensive projects.
Microsoft's Infrastructure and AI Power Optimization
Jason Meshell discusses Microsoft's efforts to optimize power usage in data centers, including the use of AI for power management.
He explains the strategic placement of data centers near power sources like hydroelectric dams and nuclear power plants to meet the growing demand for compute power.
The conversation touches on the challenges of infrastructure and transmission, with a focus on the need for efficient data center locations.
Jason Meshell emphasizes the importance of AI in making informed decisions about data center placement and power optimization.
The Future of Data and Cloud Computing
Scott MacKenzie and Jason Meshell discuss the exponential growth of data and the need for scalable cloud solutions.
Jason Meshell explains that Microsoft's capacity is limited by the speed at which concrete dries for new data centers, highlighting the demand for more capacity.
He mentions that Microsoft is actively seeking to purchase data centers from other companies to meet the growing demand for cloud services.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of AI and cloud computing, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and investment in infrastructure.

JASON MESHELL'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-meshell-8940051a2/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/microsoft/
Company Website: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/

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Scott MacKenzie interviews Justin Sirotin from OCTO, a company that designs complete customer experiences across various industries. OCTO, named after the octopus's adaptability, has been in operation for 15 years. Justin, with nearly 30 years in industrial design, emphasizes the importance of usability in technology. They discuss the challenges of integrating edge technology with utility grids to improve efficiency and user experience. Justin highlights the need for seamless, user-friendly designs to avoid user frustration. They also touch on the rapid prototyping and testing approach of companies like SpaceX and Formula One, which emphasize real-world testing and continuous improvement.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Justin on LinkedIn or through the Octo website to discuss further.
Outline
Introduction and Purpose of Industrial Talk

Scott highlights the platform's mission to amplify messages and support industry professionals worldwide.
He expresses his admiration for industry professionals who solve problems and make the world a better place.
Scott mentions the ease of getting involved with Industrial Talk for those interested in amplifying their message or technology.
Introduction of Justin and OCTO
Scott introduces Justin and his company, OCTO, and explains the company's name and its origin.
Justin shares the story behind the name OCTO, which was inspired by the adaptability of an octopus.
Justin explains that the name OCTO is a shortened version of octopus, as the full name was unavailable.
Scott and Justin engage in a light-hearted discussion about the name and its superhero-like connotations.
Justin's Background and OCTO's Services
Justin provides a brief overview of his background in industrial design and his nearly 30 years of experience in the field.
He explains that OCTO designs complete customer experiences, including pre-product, product, and post-product services.
Justin mentions that he has started several companies and also teaches manufacturing techniques at the Rhode Island School of Design.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing constraints and building market-validated creative solutions.
Challenges and Insights from Teaching Industrial Design
Justin discusses the challenges of staying current in the industry and the impact of his students on his learning.
He shares his experiences visiting factories in Vietnam and China to stay informed about production processes.
Justin highlights the generational differences in attitudes towards consumption and the environment.
He emphasizes the importance of efficiency and zero waste in the manufacturing sector.
The Role of Design in Technology and User Experience
Scott and Justin discuss the importance of designing technology that is user-friendly and meets the needs of end-users.
Justin explains that OCTO's role is to connect technology with user needs, ensuring seamless integration and usability.
They discuss the evolution of the design field from being seen as just making things pretty to being integral to functionality.
Justin shares an anecdote about a client who believed that complex software should be hard to use, illustrating the shift in thinking.
Designing for the Utility Grid and User Experience
Scott and Justin delve into the complexities of designing for the utility grid and the challenges of integrating new technologies.
Justin explains the role of OCTO in translating edge technology into software that utilities can consume.
They discuss the importance of understanding the needs of both the utility operators and the edge technology providers.
Justin shares the challenges of articulating the opportunity and building trust with clients.
The Future of Design and Automation in Manufacturing
Justin predicts that the gap between the sophistication of consumer technology and industrial technology will continue to close.
He emphasizes the importance of automation and business practice automation in improving efficiency and margins.
Justin shares his observations from visiting factories in Vietnam, highlighting the focus on driving up margins through technology.
They discuss the competitive pressures on domestic manufacturers to adopt efficient practices quickly.
SpaceX and the Impact of Rapid Prototyping and Testing
Scott and Justin discuss the rapid prototyping and testing approach of SpaceX, drawing parallels with consumer technology.
Justin highlights the importance of testing and learning in real-world conditions, as seen in Formula One racing.
They discuss the benefits of this approach in driving down costs and improving efficiency.
Justin shares his admiration for SpaceX's innovative approach and its impact on the space industry.

JUSTIN SIROTIN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-sirotin-983b233/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/octo-product-development/
Company Website: https://www.octopd.com/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at IoT Solutions World Congress and talking to Tom Mack and Darin Briskman with Imply about "Your IoT strategy begins and ends with data and ability to access the insights".

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from the IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona, featuring Darin and Tom from Imply. Imply specializes in real-time analytics for IoT data, offering a database that integrates data from various sources for end-to-end solutions. They emphasize the importance of collecting and analyzing data in real-time to improve efficiency and decision-making in manufacturing and other industries. They discuss the challenges of dealing with large volumes of data, the need for clean data, and the role of historical data in contextualizing current events. The conversation also touches on the importance of user-relevant data presentation and the evolving landscape of IoT and SCADA systems.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Tom (VP of EMEA at Imply) to learn more about Imply's offerings.
[ ] Connect with Darin (Imply) on LinkedIn to discuss potential use cases and solutions.
[ ] Visit Imply's website (imply.io) to download whitepapers and case studies.
Outline
Overview of Imply and IoT Data Analytics
Darin explains the concept of IoT, emphasizing the importance of data in managing physical assets.
The discussion highlights the two main challenges: acquiring data and utilizing it effectively.
Imply focuses on real-time analytics and provides a database designed for IoT, offering an end-to-end solution.
Scott acknowledges the importance of data and asks for more details about Imply's offerings and partnerships.
Tom's Role and Use Cases
Tom introduces himself as the VP of EMEA for Imply, responsible for sales and implementations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Scott inquires about the use cases and how Imply's solutions can benefit manufacturers.
Darin elaborates on the importance of real-time data for quality control, supply chain management, and decision-making.
The discussion includes the need for technical infrastructure to handle streamed data and provide real-time visualization and automated alerts.
Normalizing and Utilizing Data
Scott asks about normalizing data from multiple vendors and relationships.
Tom confirms that Imply can handle data from various sources, including IoT devices, climate data, and partner supply chains.
The importance of understanding and addressing issues in real-time is emphasized to prevent negative impacts on customers and reputation.
Scott inquires about customization versus standardization, and Tom explains the standardization of data collection and processing methods.
Historical vs. Real-Time Data
Scott and Darin discuss the importance of real-time data over historical data for decision-making.
Darin explains that while historical data can provide context, the focus should be on current data to address immediate issues.
Tom shares examples of clients who had to clean up historical data to make it usable for real-time analysis.
The discussion highlights the need for fast aggregation and roll-ups to make large volumes of data manageable for human analysis.
IoT and SCADA Systems
Scott and Darin discuss the evolution of SCADA systems and their role in managing industrial systems.
Tom explains the history of SCADA systems and their expansion from electrical and water systems to various industrial applications.
The conversation touches on the importance of data-driven decision-making in the industrial world.
Tom emphasizes the need for a business-driven approach to data collection and analysis.
Electric Vehicle Chargers and Consumer Data
Tom shares a case study of Wallbox, a client in Barcelona that uses Imply's solutions for electric vehicle chargers.
The discussion highlights the importance of real-time data for triaging and resolving issues with EV chargers.
Scott and Tom discuss the consumer's interest in real-time data, such as charging times and locations.
The conversation emphasizes the need for relevant and meaningful data presentation to improve user experience.
Data Cleanliness and Relevance
Scott and Darin discuss the importance of clean data for effective analysis.
Tom advises focusing on current data rather than historical data for immediate decision-making.
Tom shares examples of clients who had to clean up historical data to make it usable for real-time analysis.
The discussion highlights the need for fast aggregation and roll-ups to manage large volumes of data.

TOM MACK'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommack1/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imply/
Company Website: https://imply.io/
DARIN BRISKMAN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briskmad/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at Accruent Insights and talking to Brooke Huling, Chief Product Officer at Accruent about "Developing a strategic North Star for your technology".

Brooke Huling, Chief Product Officer at Accruent, discussed the company's customer-centric approach and strategic direction. Accruent's portfolio includes 14 products, each with unique needs, from large, complex use cases to SaaS solutions. Huling emphasized the importance of listening to customers and adapting strategies accordingly. For 2025, Accruent plans to enhance connectivity through an integration hub and data as a service, including using Snowflake for data storage. They are also focusing on AI-driven anomaly detection, such as predicting refrigeration leaks. Huling highlighted sustainability efforts, including a large carbon recapture plant in West Texas, supported by Accruent's engineering document management solution.

Action Items
[ ] Connect with Brooke on LinkedIn to discuss Accruent's products and solutions further.
[ ] Attend the Accruent Insights 2025 conference to learn more about the company's future plans.
Outline
Introduction of Brooke Huling and Her Role
Brooke Huling explains her role as Chief Product Officer (CPO) and her extensive experience in product management.
She shares her background, including working at Dell and various startups, and her passion for solving global problems with software.
Brooke emphasizes the importance of customer conversations and collaboration with her team and executives.
Scott MacKenzie asks Brooke about her strategy for keeping products relevant and moving forward.
Product Strategy and Customer-Centric Approach
Brooke discusses the different approaches needed for various products, from large, complex use cases to SaaS, cloud-based solutions.
She highlights the importance of listening to customers and adapting strategies based on their needs.
Brooke introduces the concept of the "North Star" as a guiding vision for the company's products and strategy.
She explains that the North Star involves moving products forward with a unified approach, including access to data, modern APIs, and common reporting.
2025 Plans and Integration Hub
Brooke outlines the company's plans for 2025, including the development of an integration hub for easier product integration.
She mentions the use of Snowflake as a data repository to enhance integration and data accessibility.
Scott and Brooke discuss the challenges and benefits of APIs in connecting different applications and customer needs.
Brooke emphasizes the importance of a common API framework and data lake for seamless connectivity across products.
Connectivity and AI Integration
Brooke talks about the company's efforts to achieve connectivity across their 14+ products and partner products.
She highlights the integration of various products, such as Service Channel, Lucerne, and Observe Red Eye, and the future plans for 2025.
Brooke discusses the role of AI in their products, including anomaly detection in refrigeration and predicting leaks.
She shares her personal interest in AI and the company's approach to integrating AI in a secure and meaningful way.
Sustainability and AI Use Cases
Brooke shares a story about a customer in Houston using their products to build a large carbon recapture plant.
She explains how the plant recaptures carbon from the air and converts it into a powder for use in wells, helping to offset carbon emissions.
Brooke discusses the company's role in supporting sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment.
She highlights the importance of using AI for practical applications, such as predicting leaks and reducing environmental impact.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Scott MacKenzie wraps up the interview, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, education, and innovation at events like Crew Insights.
Brooke provides her contact information, encouraging listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn.
Scott encourages listeners to attend Crew Insights 2025 and to reach out to Industrial Talk for more information.

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 “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!

BROOKE HULING'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-huling-0871028/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/accruent/

Company Website: https://www.accruent.com/

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