Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Paul Bernard, President/CEO at ARCOS about "Scaling technology companies for long-term success".

Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, featuring Paul Bernard, President and CEO of ARCOS, a company that helps utilities manage call-outs, crew management, and damage assessment. Arcos' solutions integrate with various systems like asset management and GIS to provide linemen with real-time, situational awareness, enhancing safety and efficiency. The company, backed by Vista, has grown significantly, integrating acquisitions like Clearion for vegetation management. Arcos' platform is configurable and user-friendly, crucial for adoption by linemen. The company aims to expand beyond utilities into other industries with similar needs.

Action Items
[ ] Explore expanding ARCOS' solutions to international markets.
[ ] Investigate acquiring a company to enhance ARCOS' vegetation management capabilities.
[ ] Make the Arcos platform more configurable and user-friendly for customers.
Outline
Introduction and Overview of Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industrial innovations and trends.
Scott mentions a free ebook and workbook available on Industrial Talk, highlighting five elements of successful companies: educate, collaborate, innovate, invest in culture, and communicate effectively.
Speaker 1 provides a brief introduction to Scott MacKenzie, describing him as a passionate industry professional dedicated to transferring cutting-edge industry innovations and trends.
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, broadcasting from Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and introduces Paul, the guest for the episode.
Paul Bernard's Background and Role at Arcos
Paul Bernard introduces himself as the president and CEO of ARCOS, joining the company eight months ago.
Paul shares his extensive experience in growing and developing companies, particularly in software, and his background in taking companies from $5 million to over $100 million in revenue.
Paul explains his role at Arcos, focusing on understanding markets, competition, and creating a competitive moat, as well as driving operational execution and scalability.
Scott MacKenzie asks Paul to elaborate on ARCOS, its history, and its current offerings.
Arcos' History and Solutions
Paul explains that ARCOS was founded 25 years ago to address the issue of call-out for utilities, particularly in situations where utility workers are needed at odd hours.
Arcos has sold its call-out solution to over 23 of the top 25 utilities in America, providing a plum job opportunity for young utility workers.
Paul discusses the acquisition of additional companies like Crew Manager, which helps manage resources and equipment once they are in the field.
ARCOS' solution integrates with various systems like asset management, workforce management, and outage management systems, providing linemen with situational awareness and the tools they need to work safely and effectively.
Integration and Safety Features of Arcos' Solutions
Scott MacKenzie inquires about the agnostic nature of ARCOS' solutions and their ability to incorporate design requirements.
Paul confirms that ARCOS' solutions integrate with various systems, presenting information to linemen about different voltages, equipment, and other relevant details.
Paul emphasizes the importance of safety, particularly in de-energizing circuits, and shares a success story from Hurricane Helene where ARCOS' system helped avoid dangerous situations.
Paul highlights the mutual aid aspect of ARCOS' system, where different utilities can use the same system to coordinate restoration efforts, leading to significant lead generation for Arcos.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Utility Space
Scott MacKenzie and Paul discuss the challenges and opportunities in the utility space, including the increasing demand for power due to data centers, AI, and climate change.
Paul explains the efficiency play that ARCOS offers, helping utilities manage their resources and infrastructure more effectively.
Scott and Paul discuss the importance of vegetation management, which typically consumes 30% of a utility's budget, and how Arcos' solutions can help with this.
Paul mentions the acquisition of Clearion, a company that helps with vegetation management, and the potential for future acquisitions to expand Arcos' capabilities.

PAUL BERNARD'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbernard2/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arcos/
Company Website: https://www.arcos-inc.com/

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Industrial Talk is talking to Kevin Turpin, Chief Executive Officer at Weavix about "Connecting disconnected workers for operational success".

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast celebrating professionals and their innovations. Kevin Turpin, CEO of Weavix, discusses their platform that enhances industrial communication and problem-solving. Weavix offers a real-time communication system that integrates data and translation, improving efficiency and safety. Turpin highlights a case where a five-minute reduction in pushback time for an airline could save $1.5 billion. Weavix's platform, which can be implemented quickly, aims to connect and empower the workforce, reducing incidents and improving operational efficiency. The platform also offers customer support directly on the device.

Action Items
[ ] Explore how Weavix's platform could integrate with the company's existing systems and processes to drive operational improvements.
[ ] Consider implementing Weavix to enhance communication, collaboration, and problem-solving for the frontline workforce.
[ ] Reach out to hello@weavix.com or connect with Kevin Turpin on LinkedIn to learn more about Weavix's solutions.
Outline
Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott highlights the importance of industrial professionals in solving daily problems and making the world a better place.
The podcast aims to celebrate industry professionals and their contributions to the industry.
Scott introduces Kevin Turpin from Weavix, a company focused on better communication and insights in industrial operations.
Challenges in Industrial Communication
Scott discusses the need for faster information exchange in the industry, emphasizing the importance of real-time insights.
Scott mentions the slow pace of traditional media and the need for immediate information to drive company success.
Scott introduces the Industrial News Network (INN) as a platform to provide real-time updates and insights for industrial professionals.
Scott expresses his passion for speed and the importance of solving problems quickly in the industry.
Introduction of Kevin Turpin and Weavix
Kevin Turpin introduces himself as the CEO of Weavix, a company focused on connecting the disconnected workforce.
Kevin shares his background, mentioning his previous startups and his mission to help frontline workers.
Kevin explains the origin of the name Weavix, emphasizing the company's goal to weave together different parts of the workforce.
Scott and Kevin discuss the importance of communication and technology in solving industrial problems.
Weavix's Solution for Industrial Communication
Kevin explains how Weavix addresses the limitations of traditional radio communication by providing a purpose-built device.
The device integrates various communication technologies, including cellular and Wi-Fi, to provide real-time data and translation.
Kevin highlights the importance of noise cancellation and other features to improve communication in noisy environments.
Weavix's platform orchestrates communication to solve problems quickly, reducing frustration and turnover among workers.
Use Cases and Benefits of Weavix
Kevin provides a use case involving a tug problem at an airport, demonstrating how Weavix's platform can quickly resolve issues.
The platform identifies the right individuals to contact based on the user's role and location.
Weavix's data analytics help identify recurring problems, providing valuable insights for preventative maintenance.
Kevin emphasizes the importance of accurate data and the company's goal to help workers succeed in their roles.
Implementation and Integration of Weavix
Kevin discusses the ease of implementing Weavix, mentioning a large auto manufacturer that implemented 1000 devices in two days.
Weavix's platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, with customer support available on the device.
The platform integrates with existing systems through APIs, allowing for seamless data transfer and analysis.
Kevin highlights the company's vision of being a hub for all communication and data needs, from the moment workers enter the facility until they leave.
Value and Impact of Weavix
Kevin explains the significant cost savings that can be achieved through improved communication and problem-solving.
Weavix's platform ensures data accuracy, reducing the issue of bad data and providing long-term insights.
The platform enhances safety by reducing incidents and improving communication among workers.
Kevin emphasizes the importance of educating and engaging the workforce to achieve operational efficiency and improve overall performance.

KEVIN TURPIN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-turpin-3a697568/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weavix/
company Website: https://weavix.com/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at Hexagon LIVE and talking to Meir Givon and Tom Givon with GIV Solutions about "Hexagon's ALI solution in action".

Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, featuring industry professionals and their innovations. At Hexagon Live 2025 in Las Vegas, he interviews Meir and Tom from GIV Solutions, discussing their use of Hexagon AI for asset management and lifecycle intelligence. Meir highlights their change management approach, emphasizing the importance of psychology and training to empower users. Tom shares success stories, including the integration of 18 systems for the Tel Aviv metro line and the management of the National Police Academy's cadets. GIV Solutions' redundant, on-premises systems ensure reliability and continuous operation. The company's growth and customer trust are underscored by their long-term contracts and numerous references.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Meir and Tom at GIV Solutions to learn more about their solutions and partnership approach.
[ ] Understand how GIV Solutions is able to provide a stable, reliable platform that enables customers to manage change and adopt new technologies over the long term.
[ ] Discuss the redundancy and on-premise deployment approach used for critical infrastructure projects like the Tel Aviv metro line.
Outline
Hexagon Live 2025 Event Overview
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting its focus on industry innovations and professionals.
Scott MacKenzie thanks the audience for their support and introduces the conversation from Hexagon Live 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Scott MacKenzie mentions GIV Solutions and their use of Hexagon AI, emphasizing their deployment for customer bases.
Scott MacKenzie sets the stage for a detailed conversation with Meir and Tom from GIV Solutions, highlighting their passion for problem-solving and solution deployment.
Introduction to GIV Solutions and Their Team
Meir shares his excitement about the event and the evolution of technology and recognition for GIV Solutions.
Meir introduces Tom, highlighting his experience with complex projects in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which were successful and awarded.
Scott MacKenzie and Meir discuss the rapid pace of technological advancement and the challenge of human adoption.
Meir explains GIV Solutions' approach to change management, focusing on psychology and empowering customers to understand and adopt new technologies.
Challenges and Solutions in Critical Infrastructure
Meir discusses the differences between manufacturing and service-intensive infrastructure organizations.
Meir explains why ERP systems are not ideal for service-intensive organizations and highlights the common challenges of life cycle management and intelligence.
Meir emphasizes the use of Hexagon AI as a platform for various industries, including smart cities, campuses, hospitals, energy, and utilities.
Meir explains how GIV Solutions' solutions help organizations manage their infrastructure and reduce risk, creating a holistic management tool.
Transition to Octave and Its Impact
Scott MacKenzie asks about the impact of the transition from Hexagon AI to Octave on customers.
Meir explains the internal perspective of the transition, including the acquisition of EAM from Yep and the creation of a business opportunity.
Meir details the benefits of combining different divisions under one company, including alignment of targets and acceleration of solutions.
Meir reassures customers that the transition will not affect their operations and will actually improve the quality and go-to-market of solutions.
Customer Trust and Long-Term Relationships
Scott MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of stability and trust for customers.
Meir highlights the long-term commitment of GIV Solutions, with contracts lasting up to 25 years and a focus on reliability and risk reduction.
Meir shares customer testimonials and case studies, showcasing the success and trust in GIV Solutions' solutions.
Meir explains the flexibility of GIV Solutions' platform and the ability to adapt to organizational changes quickly.
GIV Solutions' Growth and Market Position
Meir discusses the growth of GIV Solutions, including the addition of new team members and the company's continuous expansion.
Meir highlights the company's innovation and the approval of innovation grants by the Israeli Innovation Authority.
Meir explains the company's ability to manage multiple projects globally and the trust they have built with customers.

MEIR GIVON'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meir-givon-2b53b/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/giv-solutions/posts/?feedView=all
Company Website: https://giv-solutions.com/
TOM GIVON'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-givon/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Matt Neal and Sergey Kynev with Siemens Energy about "E-STATCOM and Data Centers and Impact to Power Quality".

Scott MacKenzie hosts a podcast celebrating industrial professionals and their innovations. In this episode, he discusses grid stability and solutions with Matt Neal and Sergey Kynev from Siemens Energy. They highlight the challenges of maintaining grid stability, particularly with the increasing demand from data centers. Siemens' solutions, such as STATCOM and E-STATCOM, provide reactive and active power control, enhancing grid stability and efficiency. The conversation also touches on the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including utilities, technology providers, and data center owners, to address the growing demands on the grid.

Action Items
[ ] Contact Siemens Energy through their website or Matt on LinkedIn to discuss any challenges related to grid stability and data center impacts.
[ ] Reach out to Sergey on LinkedIn or contact Siemens Energy to discuss further about STATCOM and E-STATCOM solutions.
[ ] Attend the IEEE conference in Austin to engage with the task forces and standard development groups involved in these topics.
Outline
Introduction and Overview 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 collaboration, education, and innovation in the industrial sector.
Scott mentions the availability of an e-book on industrial talk, which covers core components of successful industrial companies.
Scott announces the launch of an Industrial News Network to centralize industry information and make it more accessible.
Introduction of Matt and Sergey from Siemens Energy
Scott welcomes Matt Neal and Sergey Kynev from Siemens Energy to discuss challenges and solutions in the grid.
Scott and the guests discuss the importance of grid stability and the role of transmission and power generation in maintaining it.
Challenges and Solutions in Grid Stability
Scott and Matt discuss the need for more transmission lines and the challenges of building new infrastructure.
Sergey explains the concept of grid stability, focusing on frequency and voltage balance.
Sergey introduces STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) as a solution to control voltage and provide reactive power.
The conversation touches on the importance of strategically placing STATCOM devices in key transmission substations.
Modernization and Flexibility in Grid Solutions
Matt emphasizes the importance of working with partners and running studies to predict new load pockets and generation.
Sergey highlights the flexibility and adaptability of modern STATCOM devices compared to traditional solutions.
Scott and Matt discuss the need for nimble and automated solutions to meet the rapidly evolving demands of the grid.
The conversation covers the role of system operators and the importance of automation in maintaining grid stability.
Impact of Data Centers on Grid Stability
Scott and Sergey discuss the significant demand for power from data centers and the challenges they pose to the grid.
Sergey explains the unique load behavior of AI data centers, which peak within milliseconds or seconds.
Sergey introduces the concept of E-STATCOM, which combines STATCOM with energy storage to smooth out load fluctuations.
The conversation highlights the need for collaboration among stakeholders, including utilities, technology providers, and data center owners.
Future of Grid Solutions and Industry Collaboration
Matt and Sergey discuss the importance of aligning stakeholders to solve the challenges posed by data centers.
Scott emphasizes the need for a nimble mindset to address the rapid changes in the industry.
The conversation touches on the regulatory environment and the challenges of long-range planning in the utility sector.
Sergey and Matt encourage listeners to reach out and collaborate to find solutions to the challenges discussed.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Scott thanks Matt and Sergey for their insights and contributions to the conversation.
Sergey provides information on how to contact him through LinkedIn and upcoming events like the IEEE conference.
Matt suggests reaching out to Siemens Energy through their website or LinkedIn for further discussions.
Scott encourages listeners to stay connected and participate in the Industrial News Network to stay informed and succeed in the industry.

MATT NEAL'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-neal-2aa75b7/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemens-energy/
Company Website: https://www.siemens-energy.com/global/en/home.html
SERGEY KYNEV'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergeykynev/

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Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Alan Ross, Managing Editor at APC Media about "Insights into the Dynamic Utility/Energy Market".

Scott MacKenzie and Alan Ross discuss the five elements of successful companies: education, collaboration, innovation, culture investment, and communication. They highlight the importance of trust and innovation in the power industry, noting Siemens' leadership. Ross emphasizes the need for condition-based maintenance and the formation of the Safety and Reliability Association (SARA) to address electrical safety and reliability. He also discusses the impact of renewable energy on the grid and the importance of promoting women in the industry. The conversation concludes with a call to action for industry professionals to engage with SARA and download free resources from Industrial Talk.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Alan Ross (alan.ross@apc.media) to learn more about SARA and get involved.
[ ] Download the free ebook and workbook from industrial talk.
[ ] Explore the Siemens website (siemens.com) to learn about their smart infrastructure and grid software solutions.
Outline
Introduction and Podcast Overview
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott mentions a free ebook and workbook available on Industrial Talk, highlighting five elements of successful companies: education, collaboration, innovation, culture investment, and effective communication.

Welcome to Distribute Tech and Siemens Sponsorship
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software.
Scott and Alan Ross discuss their excitement about being at the event and their recent podcast appearances.
Scott and Alan Ross share light-hearted banter about their appearances and the importance of looking dapper in the industry.
Scott and Alan Ross discuss the busy nature of the event and the importance of smaller vendors in the industry.
Discussion on Trust and Innovation in the Power Industry
Scott MacKenzie expresses concerns about finding trusted individuals in the renaissance of technology and innovation in the power generation and utilities sectors.
Alan Ross emphasizes the trustworthiness and character of people in the power industry, highlighting Siemens as a highly innovative company.
Alan Ross shares a saying about Siemens, "No one ever got fired for buying from Siemens," and discusses the consolidation of major players in the industry.
Alan Ross explains the shift from transactional sales to problem-solving and the importance of listening to customer needs.
Renaissance in the Power Industry and Travel Opportunities
Alan Ross discusses the renaissance in the industrial, commercial, and utility power industry, noting its global impact.
Scott MacKenzie and Alan Ross talk about the travel opportunities in the industry and the exciting challenges it presents.
Alan Ross shares insights about his company, APC Media, and its operations in Croatia, highlighting the European tilt of their operations.
Alan Ross provides statistics about their readership, including the mix of professionals and the focus on various aspects of the power industry.
Promoting Women in the Power Industry
Speaker 3 discusses the importance of promoting women in the power industry and the challenges they face.
Scott MacKenzie and Speaker 3 talk about the Women in Clean Tech event they sponsored and the profile of women in power systems.
Alan Ross shares examples of women in significant positions of authority in the industry, emphasizing the need for more promotion and recognition.
Scott MacKenzie and Speaker 3 discuss the demand for individuals in the industry and the role of women in meeting this demand.
Formation of the Safety and Reliability Association
Alan Ross shares the story of forming the Safety and Reliability Association (SARA) after retiring from the Electric Power Reliability Alliance (EPRA).
The new organization aims to focus on electrical and mechanical safety and reliability, addressing the needs of the changing industry.
Alan Ross explains the board members and their roles, highlighting the importance of practical knowledge and better practices.
The first working group of SARA is focused on creating a gap analysis for implementing an Electrical Maintenance Program (EMP).
Condition-Based Maintenance and Electrical Asset Management
Scott MacKenzie and Alan Ross discuss the shift from time-based to condition-based maintenance for electrical assets.
Alan Ross explains the benefits of using data to identify and address issues in electrical equipment, saving time and money.
The importance of proactive maintenance to prevent equipment failure and improve overall reliability is emphasized.

ALAN ROSS' CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amrstr179/
Company Website: https://apc.media/

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