Eduardo Langrafe with Netcon Americas

Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, featuring industry professionals like Eduardo from Netcon Americas. Eduardo, a computer engineer with 25 years in telecommunications, discusses Netcon's solutions for utilities, including turnkey ICT services and BSS/OSS operations support systems. He highlights the evolution from TDM to IP networks and the importance of telecommunications for grid reliability and corporate communications. Eduardo also explains Netcon's digital twin technology, which integrates data from various systems to simulate network performance and improve efficiency. He predicts a future with increased AI integration and larger capacity circuits.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Eduardo Langrafe on LinkedIn to discuss Netcon's solutions further.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• The podcast is sponsored by Siemens, focusing on smart infrastructure and grid software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
• Scott MacKenzie mentions the event location, Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and introduces the guest, Eduardo, from Netcon.

Eduardo's Background and Role at Netcon

• Eduardo introduces himself as a computer engineer with an MBA in strategic IT management, working in the telecommunications industry for over 25 years.
• He is the Operations Director at Netcon Americas, based out of Miami, providing solutions in telecommunications for utilities.
• Eduardo shares his experience in various areas of telecommunications, including submarine cables and the evolution from TDM systems to IP-based networks.
• Scott MacKenzie acknowledges the significant changes Eduardo has witnessed in the telecommunications industry over the years.

Netcon's Business Units and Solutions

• Eduardo explains Netcon's two major business units: ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and BSS/OSS (Business Support Systems).
• The ICT unit provides turnkey solutions for utilities, representing multiple industry vendors and handling installation, commissioning, testing, training, and technical support.
• The BSS/OSS unit represents software to manage telecommunications inventory and support the network lifecycle from planning to operations and maintenance.
• Scott MacKenzie inquires about Netcon's role in the utility space and how they fit into the evolving demands of the market.

Network Evolution and Utility Communications

• Eduardo discusses the evolution of telecommunications systems from TDM-based systems to IP networks and the transformation of legacy systems.
• Netcon supports utilities in improving their communication systems, including teleprotection and corporate communications between administrative buildings and substations.
• Video monitoring systems are also evolving to assist operations remotely, reducing the need for field crews.
• Scott MacKenzie shares an example of using telecommunications for communication between substations, highlighting its importance in utility operations.

Data Collection and Digital Twin Solutions

• Eduardo explains Netcon's solutions for data collection, including GIS-based software for mapping and documenting cable routes, splicing points, and substations.
• The software manages both passive assets (cables, splice cans, racks) and active network elements (switches, routers, multiplexers).
• Netcon's digital twin approach creates a live view of the network, integrating data from various systems like CRM and ERP.
• Scott MacKenzie asks about the ability to run simulations with the digital twin model, and Eduardo confirms that simulations can help identify network outages and their impact.

AI and Future Trends in Telecommunications

• Eduardo highlights the integration of AI with Netcon's solutions, providing analytics and prescriptive insights to improve network efficiency.
• He discusses the growth of AI in the telecommunications industry and the evolution towards larger capacity circuits and modern networks.
• Scott MacKenzie inquires about the future of the industry, and Eduardo predicts continued growth and advancements in AI and network capabilities.
• Eduardo shares that Netcon is representing new software specifically for data centers, allowing for 3D models and simulations of power consumption and rack utilization.

Contact Information and Closing Remarks

• Scott MacKenzie asks how listeners can contact Eduardo, and Eduardo provides his LinkedIn profile for further communication.
• Scott MacKenzie encourages listeners to reach out to Eduardo and highlights the importance of networking and collaboration in the industry.
• The podcast is sponsored by Siemens, promoting their smart infrastructure and grid software solutions.
• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the episode, emphasizing the importance of events like Distribute Tech and the growth of the industry, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future conversations.