Bill Cappel and Kyle Slagle with Cross Discipline Engineering

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech and talking to Bill Cappel and Kyle Slagle with Cross Discipline Engineering about “In a rapidly changing utility market, listening and driving to a solution is key”.

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from Distribute Tech in Orlando, highlighting the importance of innovation and problem-solving in the utility and power industries. Bill Cappel and Kyle Slagle from Cross Discipline Engineering discuss their roles in addressing complex challenges such as achieving carbon neutrality without sacrificing reliability. They emphasize the need for prioritizing goals, understanding client needs, and staying updated with regulatory changes. They also stress the importance of standardization and updating outdated standards. Bill and Kyle share their backgrounds in military and utility operations, respectively, and offer their services through Cross Discipline Engineering, encouraging listeners to reach out for solutions.

Bill Johnson with TDI Technologies

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech and talking to Bill Johnson, President and CEO of  TDi Technologies about “Protecting your connected assets with Console Works”.

Scott MacKenzie and Bill Johnson discussed the challenges of remote access in industrial environments, particularly in terms of cybersecurity. Bill explained how his company’s product, Console Works, provides secure remote access to assets while controlling who can access them. Scott emphasized the importance of separating insiders and vendors, and Bill highlighted the need to validate users and keep the platform free of viruses and malware. The speakers also discussed the importance of directly connecting to industrial control systems for security and accuracy, and the need for zero trust foundations in critical infrastructure security. They stressed the value of validating information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and security.

Danny Petrecca with Locusview

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech and talking to Danny Petrecca, Vice President of Business Development with Locusview about “Digital Construction Management – digitally streamlining utility’s construction”.

Utilities face budget cuts, regulatory hurdles, and interest rate fluctuations, while digitization can alleviate these pressures and improve operational efficiency. Innovation and problem-solving are key to addressing challenges, with a scarcity of contractors and resources in the digitization journey. Traditional paper-based construction management is inefficient, and implementing mobile technology can simplify workflows and make them more efficient. New technologies such as GNSS receivers and mobile devices have the potential to revolutionize the industry.

Wayne Adams with J W Adams and Associates

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Wayne Adams, Global Sales with J.W. Adams and Associates about “The many challenges and solutions impacting power generation today”.

Scott MacKenzie and Wayne Adams discussed the potential of hydrogen as a renewable energy source, while Scott MacKenzie and Wayne Adams explored the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a low-carbon future. MacKenzie highlighted the need for large-scale implementation of renewables, while Wayne emphasized the importance of addressing waste heat generated by power plants. Both speakers acknowledged the limitations of relying solely on natural gas and emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that includes renewable energy sources and small modular reactors. Later, Scott MacKenzie and Wayne discussed the potential of nuclear power and various engineering solutions for sustainable energy generation, with MacKenzie supporting nuclear power due to its stability and need for a reliable energy source, while Wayne highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in the industry.