emaint – Industrial Talk

Nikki Smith and Niccolette Hyland at Xcelerate 2026

Scott MacKenzie — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Nikki Smith with Lineage and Niccolette Hyland with Fluke about “Women in Reliability”.

Overview

The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by Fluke, featured a discussion on women in reliability with Nikki Smith and Niccolette Hyland. Nikki, with 18 years in reliability, shared her journey from safety to engineering after her husband's workplace accident. Niccolette , in marketing, highlighted the importance of women in engineering and reliability, citing her experience with male-dominated fields. They discussed the cultural impact at Fluke, emphasizing teamwork and psychological safety. Nikki mentioned Lineage Logistics' 500+ sites and their CMMS implementation, aiming for 100% completion in North America. The conversation underscored the need for diverse perspectives in reliability and the potential of AI to enhance maintenance.

Outline

Fluke's Xcelerate Event Overview

Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by Fluke, highlighting the Xcelerate event.
Scott praises industry professionals for their innovation and collaboration, promoting the event in Austin, Texas.
The podcast aims to celebrate industry heroes and their contributions to making the world a better place.

Introduction of Women in Reliability Panel

Scott introduces the panel on women in reliability, featuring Niccolette and Nikki.
Scott acknowledges the male-dominated nature of the industry and expresses excitement about the female participants.
Nikki Smith, shares her background, working for Lineage Logistics in reliability for 18 years.
Nikki mentions her Canadian background and her journey into reliability after her husband's workplace accident.

Niccolette's Background and Event Planning

Niccolette, introduces herself, mentioning her role in marketing and event logistics.
Niccolette discusses her transition from a male-dominated field to event planning and her passion for women in engineering and reliability.
Scott and Niccolette discuss the importance of women in reliability and the need for diverse perspectives.
Niccolette shares her experience with Fluke's Women in Utility conference and the success of the women in reliability panel at Xcelerate.

Nikki's Journey into Reliability and Safety

Scott asks Nikki about her journey into reliability and safety.
Nikki recounts her husband's workplace accident and her subsequent focus on safety and reliability.
Nikki describes her role at Lineage Logistics, a global organization with 500+ sites, and their focus on food logistics.
Nikki discusses the implementation of CMMS systems at Lineage, starting with x4 and transitioning to x5 for better enterprise-wide visibility.

Challenges and Successes in Implementing CMMS Systems

Scott inquires about the challenges and successes of implementing CMMS systems at Lineage.
Nikki explains the importance of standardization and framework for successful implementations.
Nikki highlights the ongoing implementation journey, with 104 sites live on x5 and the goal of completing North America within three months.
Nikki emphasizes the need for user engagement and feedback to build a better system.

Women in Reliability and Diversity in Teams

Scott and Nikki discuss the importance of diversity in reliability teams.
Nikki explains how different perspectives from women bring new ideas and improve reliability.
Nikki shares her experience with mentors and the value of having supportive men in the industry.
Nikki encourages women to step up and take opportunities in male-dominated fields.

Fluke's Culture and Client Impact

Scott and Niccolette discuss the culture at Fluke and its impact on clients.
Niccolette highlights the supportive and collaborative environment at Fluke, which helps clients feel comfortable and engaged.
Niccolette shares her experience with client interactions at Xcelerate and the positive feedback from clients.
Nikki adds that Fluke's team approach and willingness to help create a positive work environment.

The Role of Culture in Attracting Talent

Scott and Niccolette discuss the role of culture in attracting and retaining talent.
Niccolette emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for employees.
Niccolette shares her experience with Fluke's autonomy and support for special projects and team collaboration.
Nikki adds that a positive culture helps in attracting young talent and fostering a sense of belonging.

The Future of Reliability and AI

Scott and Niccolette discuss the future of reliability and the role of AI.
Niccolette highlights the new AI features launched by Fluke and their potential to revolutionize reliability and maintenance.
Niccolette emphasizes the need for companies to push the envelope and adopt new technologies.
Niccolette shares examples of how AI can improve efficiency and reduce frustration in reliability tasks.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing gratitude to Nikki and Niccolette for their insights.
Scott provides contact information for Nikki and Niccolette for listeners interested in reaching out.
Scott encourages listeners to connect with Industrial Talk and share their stories to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders.
Scott promotes the upcoming conversations and events from Xcelerate, highlighting the importance of celebrating industry professionals.

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

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2026. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

NIKKI SMITH'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smith-nikki-260a3786/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onelineage/

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

NICCOLETTE HYLAND'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niccolette-h-4214505b/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/

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

PODCAST VIDEO:

THE STRATEGIC REASON “WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST”:

OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES:

NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us

Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/

Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/

Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/

Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html

Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/

Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/

Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/

We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/

YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX:

LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/

Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link

Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/

Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

Business Beatitude the Book

Do you desire a more joy-filled, deeply-enduring sense of accomplishment and success? Live your business the way you want to live with the BUSINESS BEATITUDES…The Bridge connecting sacrifice to success. YOU NEED THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

The post Nikki Smith and Niccolette Hyland at Xcelerate 2026 appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Julian Knabe with Fluke

Scott MacKenzie — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Julian Knabe, Senior Director with Fluke about “Leverage AI and Technology to adapt and evolve to market demands”.

The conversation features Scott Mackenzie from the Industrial Talk podcast discussing the Fluke Xcelerate event in Austin, Texas, with Julian Knabe, a finance professional at Fluke. Julian shares his experience transitioning from cost-cutting to strategic finance, focusing on growth and customer impact. He highlights Fluke's extensive product portfolio, including over 50,000 SKUs, and identifies high-growth markets like data centers, distributed energy, renewables, and defense. The discussion emphasizes the importance of AI and technology in enhancing efficiency and customer workflows, and the need for companies to adapt and innovate to meet evolving market demands.

Outline

Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview

Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the Fluke Xcelerate event in Austin, Texas.
The event focused on reliability, predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostics.
Fluke's commitment to smarter, faster, and reliable operations was emphasized.
Listeners are encouraged to visit fluke.com for more information.

Introduction to Julian Knabe

Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and celebrates industry professionals.
Julian Knabe, a finance professional from Fluke, is introduced as the guest for the podcast.
Julian shares his background, including his recent move to Fluke and his previous roles in Europe and the US.
Julian discusses his transition from cost-cutting to strategic finance at Fluke.

Market Landscape and Growth Areas

Julian explains Fluke's extensive product portfolio with over 50,000 SKUs.
He identifies high-growth markets such as data centers, distributed energy, renewables, and defense.
The importance of innovation and the need for fast customer support in these markets are discussed.
Julian highlights the role of Fluke's tools in helping customers maintain smooth operations.

Challenges and Solutions in Data Center Maintenance

Scott and Julian discuss the challenges of maintaining data centers, including power needs and cooling capabilities.
Julian emphasizes the importance of preventing disruptions to ensure smooth operations.
Fluke's portfolio of devices and solutions play a crucial role in maintaining data center reliability.
The conversation touches on the evolving nature of the data center market and the need for continuous innovation.

Fluke's Adaptability and Innovation

Julian credits Fluke's teams for their ability to adapt to rapid changes and maintain high operational speed.
The company's flexibility and adaptability, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, are highlighted.
Fluke's brand recognition and reputation for reliability are discussed.
The increasing role of software in Fluke's product offerings is noted.

AI and Technology Integration

Scott and Julian discuss the integration of AI and technology in Fluke's solutions.
The importance of understanding customer workflows and simplifying their processes is emphasized.
Fluke's AI innovations, including AR and AI offerings, are mentioned.
The conversation highlights the role of AI in enhancing efficiency and learning within the industry.

Future of Work and Talent Retention

Julian discusses the importance of attracting and retaining talent in the industry.
The role of technology in making work more efficient and accessible for younger professionals is highlighted.
The conversation touches on the need for companies to invest in and support the development of new skills.
The potential for AI to bridge the knowledge gap between older and younger technicians is discussed.

Distributed Energy and Market Trends

Julian shares insights on the growth and challenges of the distributed energy market.
The importance of flexibility and competitive advantages in the energy market are discussed.
The conversation touches on the impact of global events, such as the crisis in the Gulf region, on the energy market.
The role of new technologies, such as small nuclear power plants and fusion energy, in the future of energy is highlighted.

Fluke's Market Presence and Customer Satisfaction

Julian discusses Fluke's presence in various markets, including oil and gas, manufacturing, and defense.
The company's reputation for reliable products and customer satisfaction is emphasized.
The conversation highlights the importance of listening to market needs and continuously innovating.
Julian shares his pride in working for a company that makes customers happy and proud of their products.

Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Scott and Julian discuss the importance of inspiring the next generation of industrial leaders.
The conversation emphasizes the need for consistent communication and storytelling within the industry.
Julian shares his excitement about the future and the potential for exponential growth in technology.
The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to connect with Julian and stay tuned for future updates from Fluke.

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

JULIAN KNABE'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianknabe/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/

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

PODCAST VIDEO:

THE STRATEGIC REASON “WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST”:

OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES:

NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us

Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/

Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/

Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/

Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html

Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/

Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/

Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/

We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/

YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX:

LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/

Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link

Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/

Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

Business Beatitude the Book

TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

The post Julian Knabe with Fluke appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Vineet Thuvara with Fluke Corporation

Scott MacKenzie — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer with Fluke about “Busting the AI myths with reliability”.

Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer at Fluke, discussed his journey from mechanical engineering to leading product development at Microsoft and Amazon, and his current role at Fluke. He emphasized the importance of breaking myths about AI, particularly in industrial reliability, and highlighted Fluke's efforts to enhance technician efficiency using AI and AR. Thuvara shared that Fluke's new sensors and software aim to reduce unplanned downtime, which costs $50 billion weekly, by providing real-time, accurate data and insights. He also discussed the potential of AR glasses to improve safety and efficiency in technical fields.

Outline

Fluke Xcelerate Event Overview

Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the Fluke Xcelerate event.
The event featured high-energy keynotes, hands-on predictive maintenance tools, and breakthrough AI diagnostics.
Fluke's Xcelerate event is described as a launch pad for smarter, faster, and more reliable operations.
Listeners are encouraged to visit fluke.com for more information.

Introduction to Vineet Thuvara

Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and thanks them for their support.
Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer at Fluke, is introduced as the guest for the episode.
Vineet shares his background, including his education, work experience, and career transitions.
Vineet discusses his excitement about joining Fluke and the company's culture and people.

Vineet's Career Journey

Vineet details his educational background, including mechanical engineering and industrial design.
He shares his experience working at Microsoft, leading various product teams, including Xbox Kinect and Surface devices.
Vineet's tenure at Amazon, where he led the product team for Echo devices, is also mentioned.
He explains his transition to Fluke, driven by the company's culture and his personal connection to the brand.

Fluke's Culture and Brand Loyalty

Vineet talks about Fluke's long history and the loyalty of both employees and customers.
He shares a personal anecdote about his father using Fluke tools in the Indian Air Force.
Vineet emphasizes the importance of the transition from consumer electronics to industrial applications.
He discusses the goal of building a connected ecosystem of Fluke devices and software for predictive reliability.

Challenges and Opportunities in Industrial Reliability

Scott and Vineet discuss the challenges of running operations and the importance of proactive diagnostics.
Vineet highlights the need for seamless and efficient operations in the industrial space.
The conversation touches on the rapid advancements in technology and the human spirit's role in innovation.
Vineet shares his optimism about the future of industrial reliability and the potential of AI and connected devices.

Myths and Misconceptions in AI Adoption

Vineet introduces the topic of his presentation at the Fluke Xcelerate event, focusing on myths about AI.
He shares insights from a dinner with CXOs discussing the challenges of AI adoption.
Vineet explains the importance of breaking myths and assumptions to drive AI acceptance.
He uses the analogy of an elephant with a chain to illustrate the need to question long-held assumptions.

The Role of AI in Industrial Reliability

Vineet discusses the potential of AI to transform the workflow of technicians and improve efficiency.
He outlines the steps involved in a technician's workflow and the drudgery associated with it.
Vineet emphasizes the need for new tools and AI to automate repetitive tasks and improve data collection.
He highlights the importance of human involvement in the process to ensure accuracy and accountability.

Addressing the Data Tsunami

Vineet addresses the common myth that AI creates too much data, leading to information overload.
He explains how new tools and AI can help derive meaningful insights from large datasets.
Vineet mentions a partnership with Treon to showcase new sensors and data collection tools.
He discusses the importance of maintaining a high signal-to-noise ratio in data collection.

AI's Impact on Human Productivity

Vineet addresses the myth that AI will eliminate the need for human involvement.
He argues that AI accelerates human efforts and transforms the nature of work.
Vineet shares examples of how AI is used in product management and research at Fluke.
He emphasizes the importance of human accountability and oversight in AI-driven processes.

Enhancing Technician Efficiency with AI

Vineet discusses the potential of AI to improve technician efficiency and reduce costs.
He highlights the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and the challenges of managing large manuals.
Vineet explains how AI can automate the process of accessing and using SOPs.
He shares examples of how AI can streamline data collection and reporting for technicians.

The Future of AR in Industrial Applications

Vineet introduces the concept of using AR glasses to enhance technician interactions with devices.
He explains how AR can provide hands-free data collection and analysis.
Vineet discusses the benefits of AR for new career technicians and experienced professionals.
He highlights the potential for AR to improve safety and efficiency in industrial settings.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Scott wraps up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of networking and learning at events like Fluke Xcelerate.
Vineet provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn.
Scott reiterates the importance of the Fluke Xcelerate event and the value of connecting with industry professionals.
The episode concludes with a reminder to visit industrialtalk.com for more information and to connect with the podcast.

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

VINEET THUVARA'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tvineet/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/

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

PODCAST VIDEO:

THE STRATEGIC REASON “WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST”:

OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES:

NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us

Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/

Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/

Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/

Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html

Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/

Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/

Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/

We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/

YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX:

LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/

Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link

Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/

Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

Business Beatitude the Book

TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

The post Vineet Thuvara with Fluke Corporation appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni with Fluke

Scott MacKenzie — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2026 and talking to Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni about “eMaint and the impact AI has on asset management”.

At Fluke's Xcelerate 2026 event, Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni introduced new AI features in eMaint, a maintenance management system. They highlighted four key features: AI-driven email data interaction, SOP generation from OEM manuals, natural language work order creation, and multilingual document translation. The AI features received significant interest, with 40 customers eager to join the beta test. The system ensures data quality, supports structured data ingestion, and allows for real-time updates. Future plans include enhancing work order management and leveraging historical data for better decision-making and asset management.

Outline

Xcelerate 2026 Event Overview

Scott introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting the importance of industrial professionals and the event Xcelerate 2026.
Scott mentions the event's focus on real-world strategies, predictive maintenance tools, and AI diagnostics.
Scott emphasizes the importance of attending the event and mentions the swag received on site.
Scott introduces Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni, who have been on the hot seat before.

Introduction of AI Features in eMaint

Jay Hack announces the launch of their first AI features in eMaint, which were well-received during the intro presentation.
Jay mentions that 40 customers in the audience wanted to sign up for the beta test immediately.
Navin confirms positive feedback from customers and customer success managers.
Jay and Navin discuss the importance of AI in improving operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

AI Assistant for Email Data Interaction

Jay explains the AI assistant feature that allows users to interact with email data in a chat GPT-style fashion.
Jay provides a use case where users can query the system to get intelligent responses about asset information.
Navin discusses how the AI assistant improves access to historical work orders and other data without the need for additional queries.
Jay emphasizes the importance of having good quality data for the AI assistant to be effective.

SOP Generation and Document Digitization

Jay introduces the SOP generation feature, which allows users to upload OEM repair manuals and generate preventive maintenance procedures.
Jay explains that the SOPs need to be validated by the customer to ensure accuracy.
Navin discusses the process of digitizing user manuals and other documents to make them accessible through the AI assistant.
Jay and Navin highlight the benefits of having the latest and most accurate documentation available in real-time.

Work Order Generation and Prioritization

Jay introduces the work order generation feature, which allows users to create work orders by speaking into their smartphones.
Navin discusses how the feature can help prioritize work orders based on their criticality and importance.
Jay and Navin emphasize the importance of having a complete and contextualized work order to improve maintenance operations.
Navin mentions that the roadmap includes allowing users to close work orders through the system.

Translation and Language Support

Jay introduces the translation feature, which allows users to translate dense documentation into other languages.
Jay explains that the feature is particularly useful for customers operating in multiple countries.
Navin discusses the process of validating translated information and the importance of having accurate translations.
Jay and Navin highlight the benefits of having a multilingual AI solution to support global operations.

Future of AI in Maintenance Operations

Jay discusses the future possibilities of using AI to track and analyze asset data and maintenance tech proficiency.
Jay mentions that AI can help infer the rate of learning and competency of maintenance techs.
Navin discusses the potential for normalizing data across different geographic locations to improve decision-making.
Jay and Navin emphasize the importance of having a secure and reliable AI solution to support maintenance operations.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Jay and Navin provide their contact information for listeners who want to connect with them on LinkedIn.
Scott wraps up the podcast, encouraging listeners to attend Xcelerate 2027 and connect with industry professionals.
Scott emphasizes the importance of being bold, brave, and innovative in the industrial field.
The podcast concludes with a reminder to stay tuned for future episodes and events.

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

JAY HACK'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayhack1/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-corporation/

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

NAVIN KULKARNI'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/navinkulkarni/

PODCAST VIDEO:

THE STRATEGIC REASON “WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST”:

OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES:

NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us

Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/

Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/

Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/

Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html

Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/

Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/

Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/

We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/

YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX:

LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/

Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link

Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/

Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

Business Beatitude the Book

TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

The post Jay Hack and Navin Kulkarni with Fluke appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Curt Chamberlain with Utility Performance Consultants

Scott MacKenzie — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Curt Chamberlain, Managing Consultant at Utility Performance Consultants about “Leveraging the EMaint solution for the Utility Market”.

Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Curt Chamberlain, a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility sectors. Chamberlain discusses his work with utilities like OG&E and a large Northeast utility, focusing on SAP implementations to cut OPEX by a billion dollars. He also details his projects with EMaint and Deep Blue, including a tight five-month implementation of EMaint for a pipeline company and a subsequent 18-month transition to EMaint's X5. Chamberlain highlights the challenges of regulatory compliance and the potential of AI in maintenance, emphasizing the need for substantial data to drive AI effectiveness.

Action Items

[ ] Connect with Curt Chamberlain on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast

Speaker 1 introduces Scott Mackenzie as the host of the industrial talk podcast, highlighting his dedication to industry innovations and trends.
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of industry professionals and their contributions.
Scott mentions the early morning conversation at the Accelerate conference, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
Scott promotes Fluke Reliability, encouraging listeners to visit their website for more information on asset management, maintenance, and reliability.

Discussion on Autonomous Vehicles and Personal Experiences

Scott and Curt discuss their experiences with autonomous vehicles, including taking one to a cigar shop and a short ride in another one.
They share their thoughts on the comfort and safety of autonomous vehicles, with Speaker 2 expressing a desire to take one to the airport.
Scott and Speaker 2 talk about the strange feeling of being in a car with no visible driver and the future of autonomous vehicles.

Background on Curt Chamberlain

Curt introduces himself as a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility business, particularly in maintenance and process improvement.
He shares his background in the utility industry, starting in the mid-90s, and his work with various utilities, including OG and E.
Curt describes his role in implementing SAP for OG and E, including payroll, maintenance, and other business systems.
He mentions his recent work with a large utility in the Northeast, focusing on cutting a billion dollars in operating costs through SAP implementation.

Implementation of E-Mate and Challenges

Curt discusses his work with EMaint, a crude pipeline company, and the implementation of their asset management system.
He describes the tight deadline and the challenges of transferring 389,000 historical work orders from the old system to E-Mate.
Curt explains the regulatory requirements for maintaining historical data and the complexity of the implementation process.
He shares the success of the implementation and the transition to E-Mate's new product, X5, which was pioneered by his team.

Transition to Deep Blue and Current Projects

Curt talks about his retirement and subsequent return to work with Deep Blue, a company in the water business.
He describes the company's operations in Midland, Texas, and their role in treating and disposing of water used in hydraulic fracking.
Curt explains the challenges of treating water to meet regulatory standards and the company's goal of using 100% treated water.
He mentions the potential for future acquisitions and the increase in work orders, currently running at 1500 per month.

Exploration of AI and Technology in Maintenance

Scott asks Curt about his thoughts on AI and its potential in the maintenance industry.
Curt expresses skepticism about the current hype around AI, emphasizing the need for a significant amount of data for AI to be effective.
He discusses the potential for AI in industries with established data collections, such as big refineries, but sees limited immediate use for AI in his current company.
Curt highlights the importance of operational excellence and the challenges of getting companies to invest in preventive maintenance.

Observations from the Reliability Lab Floor

Scott asks Speaker 2 about his impressions of the Reliability Lab Floor at the conference.
Curt praises the Fluke tools and the potential for vibration analysis and other maintenance technologies.
He discusses the challenges of getting companies to adopt new maintenance practices and the importance of data in improving reliability.
Curt shares his experiences with spin-off companies from large oil companies and the run-to-fail mentality that often prevails.

Conclusion and Contact Information

Scott thanks Curt for the conversation and asks how listeners can get in touch with him.
Curt provides his LinkedIn profile and expresses his willingness to connect and discuss industry topics.
Scott wraps up the podcast, promoting the Xcelerate 2026 conference and encouraging listeners to visit the Fluke Reliability website.
The podcast ends with a reminder to stay tuned for future episodes and to connect with Scott and other industry professionals.

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

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2025. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

CURT CHAMBERLAIN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-chamberlain-74b65b50/

PODCAST VIDEO:

THE STRATEGIC REASON “WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST”:

OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES:

NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us

Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/

Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/

Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/

Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html

Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/

Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/

Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/

We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/

YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX:

LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/

Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link

Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/

Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

Business Beatitude the Book

TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

The post Curt Chamberlain with Utility Performance Consultants appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Michael Mills with Fluke Reliability

Scott MacKenzie — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Michael Mills, Technical Sales Manager at Fluke Reliability about “Connected Reliability with EMaint”.

Scott MacKenzie interviews Michael Mills, Technical Sales Manager at Fluke Reliability, about the eMaint X5 system. X5, the third version in three years, is a scalable, cloud-based system designed for global deployment, integrating data from various locations and currencies. It supports standardized benchmarking and offers a unified dashboard for executive views. X5 also includes a spare parts inventory section and integrates with Azima's vibration analysis for automated work order generation. Future developments focus on standardization, mobile enhancements, and AI/machine learning to improve data accuracy and user experience.

Action Items

[ ] Reach out to Michael Mills on LinkedIn to connect and learn more about email and Fluke Reliability's solutions.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome

Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners and thanks them for their support, mentioning the platform's celebration of industry professionals.
Scott MacKenzie announces the broadcast from the Xcelerate 2025 event, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
Scott MacKenzie introduces Michael Mills, the Technical Sales Manager with Fluke Reliability, and expresses excitement about discussing various topics.

Discussion on Autonomous Cars and Personal Backgrounds

Scott MacKenzie and Michael Mills discuss their experiences with autonomous cars, specifically Waymo.
Michael Mills shares his positive experience with the autonomous car, noting the absence of a driver.
Scott MacKenzie mentions his son's experience with the autonomous car and expresses excitement about the future of such technology.
Michael Mills provides a brief background on himself, mentioning his 10-year tenure with Fluke Reliability and his focus on software and integrated systems.

Overview of eMaint X5 System

Scott MacKenzie expresses enthusiasm for the connected reliability effort at Fluke Reliability.
Michael Mills explains the evolution of the eMaint system, from X3 to X5, highlighting the modern technology and scalability of X5.
Michael Mills discusses the global deployment capabilities of X5, including support for different currencies and time zones.
Scott MacKenzie inquires about the system's ability to provide an executive view of data across multiple sites, and Michael Mills confirms its capabilities.

Currency and Scalability of eMaint X5

Scott MacKenzie asks about the system's handling of currency and exchange rates, and Michael Mills confirms its ability to pull and translate data from different databases.
Michael Mills discusses the ongoing development and integration of new technologies like Zima and Proof Technica into the eMaint system.
Scott MacKenzie and Michael Mills discuss the architectural vision of eMate as a hub for seamless connectivity and integration with other systems.
Michael Mills emphasizes the importance of standardization and the ability to scale the system across multiple locations.

Cloud Transition and Support

Scott MacKenzie and Michael Mills discuss the transition from on-premise to cloud-based systems, with eMaint being one of the first to adopt a SaaS platform.
Michael Mills highlights the benefits of cloud-based systems, including faster updates and reduced maintenance requirements.
Scott MacKenzie expresses amazement at companies still reluctant to adopt cloud solutions, and Michael Mills explains the ease of updates and support in cloud environments.
Michael Mills mentions the support team's ability to access and manage the system remotely, enhancing efficiency and reducing travel time.

Integration with Azima and Vibration Analysis

Scott MacKenzie inquires about the integration of Azima's vibration expertise with eMaint, and Michael Mills explains the proof of concept integration.
Michael Mills describes how Azima's analysis results can generate work orders within eMaint, streamlining maintenance processes.
Scott MacKenzie and Michael Mills discuss the automation of work orders and the removal of human intervention in mundane tasks.
Michael Mills emphasizes the importance of accurate data and the role of Azima in providing actionable insights for maintenance planning.

Inventory Management and Tool Tracking

Scott MacKenzie asks about the warehouse component of eMaint, and Michael Mills explains the system's spare parts inventory management.
Michael Mills discusses the integration of purchasing processes with ERPs and other resource planning software.
Scott MacKenzie highlights the importance of having all necessary tools and equipment readily available for technicians.
Michael Mills explains the role of eMaint in managing inventory and tool tracking, ensuring accurate data and efficient maintenance processes.

Minimizing Pencil Whipping and Future Directions

Scott MacKenzie inquires about minimizing pencil whipping, and Michael Mills explains the use of structured data and audit trails to prevent inaccurate data entry.
Michael Mills discusses the importance of reinforcing business processes to ensure compliance and accurate data.
Scott MacKenzie asks about the future direction of eMaint, and Michael Mills outlines three key themes: standardization, mobile enhancements, and AI/machine learning.
Michael Mills highlights the ongoing development of eMaint's mobile app, integration with food tools, and the use of AI to improve data querying and user experience.

Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Scott MacKenzie expresses excitement about the future of eMaint and the ongoing innovations in the industry.
Michael Mills provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to connect with him on LinkedIn.
Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of building a network of industry professionals and the value of the Xcelerate 2025 event.
Scott MacKenzie thanks Michael Mills for the conversation and encourages listeners to visit the Industrial Talk website for more information.

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

MICHAEL MILLS' CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelmills-technicalsales/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-reliability/posts/?feedView=all

Company Website: https://reliability.fluke.com/

PODCAST VIDEO:

THE STRATEGIC REASON “WHY YOU NEED TO PODCAST”:

OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES:

NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us

Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/

Arduino: https://www.arduino.cc/

Fictiv: https://www.fictiv.com/

Hitachi Vantara: https://www.hitachivantara.com/en-us/home.html

Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/

Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/

Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/

We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/

YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX:

LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/

Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link

Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/

Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

Business Beatitude the Book

TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

The post Michael Mills with Fluke Reliability appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Paraic O’Lochlainn with Fluke Reliability

Scott MacKenzie — Wed, 08 May 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 24 and talking to Paraic O'Lochlainn, Vice President, International Sales with Fluke Reliability about “Emaint's cutting-edge solutions in asset management”.

Scott MacKenzie and O'Locklann discussed the growth of Fluke Reliability and its software solutions outside of the Americas, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer problems and industry trends. They further explored the advancement of maintenance management software, which has transformed from a plant-level solution to a group-wide deployed solution. They also discussed the capabilities and benefits of X5, a solution designed to meet the needs of enterprise customers, and O'Locklann shared their experience with Azima, an email platform for asset management in industry.

Action Items

[ ] Reach out to Paraic O'Locklainn on LinkedIn for more information about Fluke Reliability's solutions
[ ] Promote Fluke Reliability's Xcelerate 2025 user conference for asset management and reliability professionals
[ ] Follow Paraic and Fluke Reliability on social media and LinkedIn for future updates

Outline

Industrial reliability solutions and customer success stories.

Scott welcomes listeners to the industrial talk podcast and thanks them for their support.
Paraic describes the Xcelerate 2024 user conference as a great event for asset management, maintenance, and reliability professionals.
Paraic discusses Fluke Reliability's software solutions, mentioning their evolution from email sales to end-to-end connected reliability.
Paraic shares their background in enterprise software and how they've seen the industry evolve from CMMS to x5 solutions.

Software upgrade from x4 to x5, with focus on ease of use, user experience, and global reporting capabilities.

Paraic highlights user-friendly software's importance for efficient work management.
Paraic discusses the importance of migration path for customers transitioning from x4 to x5, highlighting the need for a standardized process globally.
Paraic emphasizes the value of x5 for multislice, multi-language, and multi-currency organizations, providing a single pane of glass for global reporting.
Paraic highlights x5's configurability, scalability, and simplicity in deployment, allowing customers to see a direct impact in a matter of months.
The development of x5 began a few years ago, with customer beta testing starting in 2019, and the solution evolving based on customer needs.

Email platform for asset management in manufacturing.

Paraic highlights X5's expanded functionality and scalability compared to X4.
Speaker discusses Azima integration with email platform for critical asset maintenance.
Scott MacKenzie and O'Lochlainn discuss the importance of managing and tracking assets in manufacturing.
O'Lochlainn shares his experience with an email platform and its user-friendly interface.

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

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Marketing Process Course” for Greater Success in 2024. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!

PARAIC O'LOCHLAINN'S CONTACT INFORMATION:

Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/polochlainn/

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluke-reliability/

Company Website: https://reliability.fluke.com/

PODCAST VIDEO:

OTHER GREAT INDUSTRIAL RESOURCES:

NEOM: https://www.neom.com/en-us

Hexagon: https://hexagon.com/

Siemens: https://www.siemens.com/global/en.html

Palo Alto Networks: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/ot-security-tco

Palo Alto Networks Report HERE.

Hitachi Digital Services: https://hitachids.com/

CAP Logistics: https://www.caplogistics.com/

Industrial Marketing Solutions: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-marketing/

Industrial Academy: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial-academy/

Industrial Dojo: https://industrialtalk.com/industrial_dojo/

We the 15: https://www.wethe15.org/

YOUR INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL TOOLBOX:

LifterLMS: Get One Month Free for $1 – https://lifterlms.com/

Active Campaign: Active Campaign Link

Social Jukebox: https://www.socialjukebox.com/

Industrial Academy (One Month Free Access And One Free License For Future Industrial Leader):

Business Beatitude the Book

TAP INTO YOUR INDUSTRIAL SOUL, RESERVE YOUR COPY NOW! BE BOLD. BE BRAVE. DARE GREATLY AND CHANGE THE WORLD. GET THE BUSINESS BEATITUDES!

Reserve My Copy and My 25% Discount

The post Paraic O’Lochlainn with Fluke Reliability appeared first on Industrial Talk.

Bill Green with Fluke Reliability

Scott MacKenzie — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:00:00 +0000

On this week's Industrial Talk we're onsite at Xcelerate 23 in Orlando, FL and talking to Bill Green, VP, Customer Success, Fluke Reliability about “Listening to your user community is central to a vibrant reliability program”. Get the answers to your “Reliability” questions along with Joe's unique insight on the “How” on this Industrial Talk interview!

Finally, get your exclusive free access to the Industrial Academy and a series on “Why You Need To Podcast” for Greater Success in 2023. All links designed for keeping you current in this rapidly changing Industrial Market. Learn! Grow! Enjoy!