James Smejkal with CAP Logistics

Scott MacKenzie hosts James Smejkal, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at CAP Logistics, to discuss asset management, reliability, and supply chain planning. James emphasizes the importance of having a plan to minimize downtime, noting that two-thirds of industrial companies experience unplanned outages monthly, costing $100,000-$125,000 per hour. He highlights CAP Logistics’ unique approach, using technology and long-term employee tenure to provide customized solutions. James will speak at the Outages Conference in Calgary on downtime and reliability, focusing on maximizing plant outage time for maintenance. He encourages listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn for insights and best practices.

Todd Beckerdite with Ajinomoto Foods

The discussion with Todd Beckerdite, a Senior Manager of Maintenance Foundation at Ajinomoto Foods, focused on the integration of AI in maintenance and reliability. Richard Leurig highlighted the evolution of generative AI, emphasizing its seamless integration into workflows. Todd discussed the potential of AI in creating decision trees for maintenance, reducing downtime, and predictive maintenance. He also mentioned the importance of connecting older equipment to modern communication devices for data collection. The conversation also touched on the interplay of AI, IoT, and sustainability, and the need for accurate data gathering for regulatory reporting and energy efficiency.

Brian Hronchek with Eruditio

Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 31 and talking to Brian Hronchek, Principal Trainer at Eruditio about “In the oversaturated world of Technology it always gets down to the people”. 

Scott MacKenzie and Brian Hronchek discuss the importance of people in industrial innovation and the challenges faced in the reliability, maintenance, and asset management sectors. Brian shares his background, including his service in the Marines and transition to the reliability field at US Steel. They highlight the disconnect between the availability of technology and the lack of trained personnel, attributing it to a shift in corporate focus from employees and customers to shareholders in the 1970s. Brian emphasizes that investing in employee training and development can increase retention and productivity. They conclude that a cultural shift towards valuing people is crucial for long-term success in industry.

Steven Hudson with Fluke Reliability

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 24 and talking to Steven Hudson, Director of Professional Services with Fluke Reliability about “Vibration solutions to effectively and efficiently monitor your assets”.

Scott MacKenzie and Steven Hudson discussed the use of advanced vibration monitoring and analytics in industrial settings, while Stephen Hudson emphasized the importance of vibration analysis in asset management. They highlighted the benefits of wireless sensors, automated diagnostics, and real-time monitoring, with Hudson emphasizing the value of high-quality data and accurate analysis.

Christian Silbernagel with Fluke Reliability

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 24 and talking to Christian Silbernagel, Head of Sales Americas with Fluke Reliability about “Gaining time and efficiency with trustworthy data”.

During the conversation, Scott MacKenzie and Christian discussed the integration of Azima’s validated vibration data into Fluke’s portfolio, highlighting the importance of validated data in maintenance and reliability. They also explored the potential of AI diagnostics in asset management, emphasizing efficiency and scalability gains. Finally, they discussed maximizing efficiency and retention in manufacturing, with a focus on cost savings and efficiency gains through the use of AI and other technologies.