Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Frederic Baudart, Product Program Manager at Fluke about "Advanced tools for Asset Management".

Scott MacKenzie interviews Frederic Fluke at Xcelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, about the Fluke Corporation's process tool and instrumentation business. Frederic explains the company's focus on user-friendly tools for technicians and engineers, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback and the integration of AI for advanced data analysis. He highlights the need for continuous learning and the role of Fluke as a thought leader in the industry. Frederic also discusses the challenges and opportunities post-COVID, including the importance of critical thinking and the development of the next generation of professionals.

Action Items
[ ] Connect with Frederick Broad to discuss thought leadership, products, and other topics related to Fluke.
Outline
Introduction and Event Overview
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
Scott welcomes listeners to Accelerate 2025, an event in Austin, Texas, highlighting the Reliability Lab Floor's bustling activity.
Scott expresses excitement about the upcoming conversation with Frederic Fluke, noting the lack of preparation for the discussion.

Overview of Fluke Corporation and Process Tool Business
Frederic explains his role at Fluke Industrial, leading the process tool and instrumentation business.
He describes the portfolio of tools designed for technicians, engineers, and reliability management professionals.
The tools include pressure transmitters, temperature transmitters, and voltmeters, with capabilities for measurement and calibration.
Frederic emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the tools, designed with the end-user's needs in mind.
User-Friendly Tools and Market Needs
Scott inquires about the user-friendliness of the tools, noting the importance of intuitive design.
Frederic confirms that the tools are designed to be user-friendly, considering the knowledge and needs of the end-users.
He discusses the importance of iterating on tools based on customer feedback and market needs.
Frederic highlights the role of Voice of the Customer (VoC) in product development, emphasizing the need to understand customer requirements before creating new tools.
Advancements in Technology and Customer Engagement
Scott and Frederic discuss the rapid advancements in technology and the need for continuous learning.
Frederic explains the importance of educating customers and providing expertise beyond just the tools.
He shares his experience of visiting customer facilities to understand their needs and challenges.
Frederic emphasizes the importance of customer partnerships in developing tools that meet their specific requirements.
Incorporating AI and Digitalization
Scott and Frederic discuss the integration of AI and digitalization into Fluke's tools and processes.
Frederic explains the collaboration with Fortive and other Fluke divisions to incorporate AI into their products and workstreams.
He highlights the potential of AI in analyzing large datasets to provide actionable insights.
Frederic notes that the adoption of AI is still in its early stages, with significant potential for future growth.
Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption
Scott and Frederic discuss the challenges of effectively analyzing large datasets to gain tactical insights.
Frederic emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies.
He predicts that the widespread adoption of AI will take 3-5 years, with a focus on understanding and applying its benefits.
Frederic highlights the need for critical thinking and ideation in the development and implementation of AI-driven solutions.
Future of AI and Workforce Development
Frederic expresses excitement about the post-COVID era, with increased opportunities for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
He notes the impact of AI tools like ChatGPT and the need for continuous learning to adapt to new technologies.
Frederic emphasizes the importance of inspiring the next generation to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Scott and Frederic discuss the balance between bringing manufacturing back and addressing workforce development challenges.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Scott thanks Frederic for the insightful conversation and highlights the importance of trusted individuals in the industry.
Frederic provides his contact information for further discussions on thought leadership and product development.
Scott encourages listeners to connect with Frederic and other industry professionals through the Industrial Talk Podcast.

FREDERIC BAUDART'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederic-baudart-cmrp/
Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/
Company Website: https://www.fluke.com/en-us

0 0

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Kellie De Pooter, Director, Global Marketing and Internal Communications at G&W Electric Co. about "A resilient and reliable grid".

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial talk podcast featuring Kellie De Pooter, Global Director of Marketing and Communications at G&W Electric. Kellie discusses the growth of the DistribyTech event in Dallas, Texas, and the importance of collaboration with utilities. G&W Electric's booth features an innovation corner for customer feedback on new products. They focus on resiliency, reliability, and digitalization, using sensing technology and condition-based monitoring to improve grid performance. Kellie highlights a successful collaboration with a customer on a 69 kV apparatus. The conversation also touches on the increasing demand for power due to AI and data centers, emphasizing the need for efficient data utilization.

Action Items
[ ] Integrate G&W's sensing technologies into their overhead reclosers and underground switches to provide more granular data to utilities.
[ ] Explore ways to seamlessly integrate the data from G&W's solutions into utilities' own cloud/SCADA systems.
[ ] Collaborate with customers to pilot G&W's new condition-based monitoring and asset management solutions.
Outline
Kellie De Pooter G&W Electric: Introduction and Event Overview
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting its focus on industry innovations and professionals.
Scott welcomes listeners and mentions the event being broadcasted from DistribuTech in Dallas, Texas.
Scott introduces Kellie De Pooter, Global Director of Marketing and Communications for G&W Electric, and praises her previous appearances on the show.
Kellie De Pooter confirms her presence at the event and discusses the growth of the event, noting its global expansion.
Kellie De Pooter's Role and G&W Electric's Booth
Kellie De Pooter explains her role at G&W Electric, a 120-year-old company based in Chicago, and their products for utilities and commercial/industrial customers.
Scott comments on the impressive booth setup by G&W Electric, which won an award last year.
Kellie describes the innovation corner in their booth, which is invite-only and used to gather customer feedback on new, unmarketed products.
The innovation corner allows for collaborative problem-solving and potential development of new solutions.
Challenges in the Utility Sector
Scott and Kellie discuss the challenges faced by the utility sector, including increasing power demand and the need for modernization and digitalization.
Kellie emphasizes the importance of resiliency and reliability of the grid, and the role of AI and other technologies in addressing these challenges.
G&W Electric is investing in sensing technology and condition-based monitoring to help utilities make better decisions and improve grid reliability.
The company is working with a partner to test and develop these technologies, with plans to scale them across the industry.
Data Integration and Analytics
Scott inquires about the process of integrating data from G&W Electric's apparatus into the cloud and how it is analyzed.
Kellie explains that the data is currently being pushed to the partner's cloud, but plans are in place to integrate with utilities' existing systems.
The analytics provided by the partner help utilities identify issues and make more informed decisions.
Scott and Kellie discuss the potential for real-time data to be fed to the ISO for better grid management.
Impact of AI and Data Centers
Scott and Kellie discuss the impact of AI and data centers on the utility sector, noting the increasing demand for power and the need for efficient solutions.
Kellie highlights the importance of leveraging data to improve decision-making and grid reliability.
The conversation touches on the competition in the AI space and the need for rapid innovation to meet growing demands.
Scott shares his experience with neural nets and the challenges of data analysis, emphasizing the need for actionable insights.
Customer Collaboration and Innovation
Kelly shares a success story about a collaboration with a customer to develop a 69 kV apparatus, highlighting G&W Electric's focus on customer needs.
Scott and Kelly discuss the importance of collaboration and listening to customer feedback to drive innovation.
Kelly mentions the positive response from customers to the innovation corner and other solutions being showcased at the event.
The conversation concludes with Scott praising Kelly's contributions and encouraging listeners to connect with her and G and W Electric.

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

KELLIE DE POOTER'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-de-pooter-profile/
Copany LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/g&w-electric-co-/

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

1 0

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen 2025 and talking to Efrain Garcia, President and Co-Founder at Allstream Energy Partners about "Emerging Technology in the Power Industry".

Scott MacKenzie and Efrain Garcia discuss the evolving energy landscape, emphasizing the intersection of traditional oil and gas with emerging data center and AI demands. Efrain, founder of Allstream Insiders, highlights the significant announcement by Chevron and GE Vernova for 4 gigawatts of power, equivalent to supplying 3 million homes. They note the infrastructure challenges and the growing importance of natural gas for data centers. Efrain's platform, Allstream Insiders, aggregates industry news and events, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation. They also touch on the potential of small modular reactors and the need for proper cooling in data centers.

Action Items
[ ] Attend future Power Gen events to stay connected with the latest industry trends and innovations.
[ ] Explore opportunities for traditional oil and gas companies to collaborate with data center operators and leverage their expertise in areas like computational fluid dynamics and smart contract development.
[ ] Reach out to Efrain Garcia on LinkedIn or visit allstreaminsiders.com to learn more about the emerging data center power market.
Outline
Scott introduces Efrain Garcia, the founder of Allstream Insiders, and mentions their previous online interactions.
Efrain Garcia's Background and Industry Insights
Efrain Garcia shares his background, mentioning his traditional oil and gas experience and his interest in the emerging market of data centers and AI.
Efrain discusses the significant announcements in the energy sector, such as Chevron's joint venture with GE Vernova for up to four gigawatts of power.
Scott and Efrain discuss the challenges in the power generation sector, particularly the infrastructure needed to transport massive generating assets.
Efrain mentions the importance of manufacturing and engineering in catching up with the evolving technology in the energy sector.
Allstream Insiders and Digital Magazine
Efrain introduces Allstream Insiders, a digital magazine focused on the positive aspects of the energy industry.
Efrain explains the origin of Allstream Insiders, inspired by a podcast on post-pandemic success and the importance of education and collaboration.
Efrain shares his experience in creating a platform for educational and entertaining content, which later evolved into a media production company.
Efrain discusses the creation of Midstream Calendar, a platform to help the industry keep track of events, which gained significant traction during COVID-19.
Future Trends and Emerging Markets
Efrain talks about the future trends in the energy sector, emphasizing the growing demand for power from data centers and the role of natural gas.
Efrain mentions the collaboration between traditional midstream companies and data centers, such as Energy Transfer's long-term agreement for natural gas.
Scott and Efrain discuss the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs) and the rapid adoption of innovative solutions in the next 5-10 years.
Efrain highlights the importance of creating a platform like Allstream Insiders to provide a comprehensive view of the energy sector and help companies plan ahead.
Challenges and Opportunities in Data Centers
Scott and Efrain discuss the challenges and opportunities in the data center sector, including the need for proper cooling systems and the potential for hot spots.
Efrain shares his experience with computational fluid dynamics to ensure proper cooling in data centers.
Scott mentions the presence of data centers in regular office buildings and the importance of efficient cooling systems.
Efrain talks about the partnership with an engineering group to bring high-value engineering to the US and help with peaks and valleys in data center operations.
AI and Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector
Efrain discusses the role of AI in the energy sector, including the use of AI chips in hazardous area cameras.
Efrain mentions the concerns about AI models being trained on industry data and the need for cybersecurity measures.
Scott and Efrain discuss the potential of AI in contracts and the importance of protecting industry data.
Efrain highlights the need for continuous education and market analysis to stay updated with the evolving trends in the energy sector.

EFRAIN GARCIA'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efrain-garcia-a5220527/
Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/allstream-energy-partners/posts/?feedView=all
Company Website: https://allstreamep.com/

3 1

Scott MacKenzie and Tom Wilk discuss the Xcelerate 2025 conference in Austin, Texas, highlighting the importance of asset management, maintenance, and reliability. Tom shares his experience with Plant Services Magazine and the evolution of the conference, emphasizing the adoption of Fluke's E-Maint system by SKF, which is rolling out to 81 plants. They discuss the benefits of a CMMS for sustaining best practices and the importance of AI and mobile components in modern maintenance. Tom also notes the growing interest among younger workers in professional certifications and the need for universities to adapt to industry changes.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Tom Wilk (T Wilk) at Endeavor B2B.com or on LinkedIn to further discuss the topics covered in the meeting.
Outline

Introduction of Tom Wilk and His Role
Scott MacKenzie introduces Tom Wilkes, who has been with Plant Services Magazine for 10 years.
Tom Wilkes shares his background, including his role at Plant Services Magazine and his involvement in the Accelerate conference.
Tom discusses the evolution of the conference from an EMA user group to a thought leadership event focusing on plant floor operations and best practices.
Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the importance of connected reliability and the various solutions offered by Fluke Reliability.
Customer Success Stories and Implementation of E-Main
Tom shares a press briefing from SKF about their successful implementation of E-Main across 81 plants worldwide.
The success of E-Main led SKF's management to mandate its use across all plants due to the return on investment and streamlined work processes.
Tom highlights the various ways different plants are using E-Main to optimize their maintenance programs and data management.
Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the sustainability of these solutions and the importance of a CMMS in maintaining best practices and collective memory for the plant.
Challenges and Solutions in Reliability and Maintenance
Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the challenges of finding skilled individuals and the impact of the "silver tsunami" on organizational knowledge.
Tom emphasizes the importance of investing in systems like E-Main to reduce the learning curve for new employees and maintain organizational knowledge.
The mobile aspect of CMMS systems is highlighted as a key factor in getting buy-in from younger technicians.
Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the importance of having a system like E-Main to capture and maintain organizational knowledge.
Evolution of the Xcelerate Conference and Customer Focus
Tom notes the subtle but significant change in the messaging at the Xcelerate conference this year, focusing more on tools already being used rather than future visions.
The conference has shifted to a more customer-centric approach, meeting plants where they are and offering support and partnership.
Scott MacKenzie appreciates this approach, as it provides a clearer path for organizations to achieve their goals.
The conference fosters collaboration and community, with attendees sharing their success stories and learning from each other.
Importance of Training and Professional Certifications
Tom discusses the interest of younger workers in professional certifications in reliability and maintenance, such as CMRP and CRL.
The conference emphasizes the importance of investing in both training and technology to build a sustainable program.
Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the three legs of a stool: education, collaboration, and innovation, which are all represented at the Xcelerate conference.
The future of the industry will see more adoption of AI assistance to help technicians with data input and decision-making.
AI and Data Collection in Reliability and Maintenance
Tom highlights the adoption of AI chatbots to help technicians input work order instructions and capture data more consistently.
A presentation at the University of Tennessee demonstrated the use of AI chatbots to improve planning, scheduling, and inventory management.
Scott MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of minimizing "pencil whipping" and achieving accurate data collection.
The use of AI chatbots can help improve the bottom line and make it easier for maintenance managers to report positive results to leadership.
Executive Buy-In and Process Improvement
Tom recommends going to the operations team to identify stoppages on the plant floor and implement process improvements.
Collaborative process improvement wins can help build a case for investing in technology to predict failures and improve efficiency.
Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the importance of human interaction and the challenges of finding the right talent.

TOM WILK'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wilkt/
Company LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/endeavor-business-media/
Company Website: https://www.endeavorbusinessmedia.com/

0 0

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Milouni Sheth and Jeff Foley with Siemens about "RUGGEDCOM and securing utility assets.

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, featuring Jeff and Milouni from Siemens. They discuss the evolution of utility challenges, such as increased costs and digitalization, and the role of technology in addressing these issues. Jeff, with 24 years at Siemens, focuses on cybersecurity for critical infrastructures, while Milouni, with over 20 years in marketing, emphasizes the importance of secure, reliable, and redundant communication solutions. They highlight Siemens' efforts in digital substations, use cases, and AI integration to enhance efficiency and security. The conversation underscores the need for continuous innovation and collaboration in the utility sector.

Action Items
[ ] Connect with Milouni and Jeff on LinkedIn to discuss Siemens' offerings further.
[ ] Develop more collaboration and communication between interconnected utilities to drive innovation.
[ ] Assess legacy infrastructure and implement segmentation, firewalls, and intrusion detection to add security layers.
[ ] Explore use cases for digital substation solutions to address utility challenges.
[ ] Investigate how AI can be leveraged to enhance cybersecurity and efficiency, while addressing potential risks.
Outline
Introduction and Welcome
Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and professionals.
Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving global problems.
The podcast is sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
Scott comments on the growth of the conference compared to previous years and reflects on the evolution of the utility industry.
Milouni discusses the ongoing challenges faced by utilities, including increased costs and digitalization, and the advancements in technology that help address these challenges.
Scott and Milouni agree on the significant progress made in technology over the past few decades, which has improved the ability to tackle utility issues.
Professional Backgrounds and Roles
Milouni introduces herself, sharing her extensive experience in marketing, particularly in the electric power industry.
Milouni emphasizes the ever-evolving nature of the utility industry and the importance of communication infrastructure in digitalization.
Jeff shares his background, detailing his 24 years at Siemens, focusing on communications, telecom, and cybersecurity for critical infrastructures.
Jeff highlights the constant evolution and changing requirements in the utility sector, which necessitate continuous adaptation and innovation.
Challenges and Solutions in Utility Modernization
Scott and Jeff discuss the challenges of modernizing utilities, including the need for more efficient and cost-effective solutions.
Milouni explains Siemens' approach to helping utilities transition to digital substations, which offers significant benefits in addressing current challenges.
Jeff elaborates on the use cases developed by Siemens to guide customers through the digitalization process, providing architectural and implementation insights.
The conversation touches on the importance of collaboration and communication between utilities and regulatory bodies to drive efficiency and compliance.
Legacy Systems and Security
Scott inquires about the challenges of integrating legacy systems with modern solutions, particularly in terms of security.
Jeff explains that security can be added to existing networks through segmentation and the use of advanced firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
Milouni emphasizes the importance of secure, reliable, and redundant communication solutions in enabling digitalization and ensuring regulatory compliance.
The discussion highlights the need for a holistic approach to cybersecurity, considering both legacy and modern systems.
Future Trends and AI in Utility Management
Milouni discusses the role of AI in enhancing cybersecurity and efficiency in the utility sector.
Scott and Jeff agree on the importance of trusted partners in implementing AI and other advanced technologies.
Jeff mentions Siemens' work on zero-touch and AI solutions, which help automate and secure utility networks.
The conversation underscores the need for continuous improvement and adaptation in cybersecurity and digitalization efforts.

MILOUUNI SHETH'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milounisheth/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemens/posts/?feedView=all
Company Website: https://www.siemens.com/global/en.html
JEFF FOLEY'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-foley-4042362/

1 0