Episodes | Industrial Talk

Eric Thompson with IRISS

Scott MacKenzie hosts Eric Thompson on the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting IRISS’ E-Sentry solution for asset management and reliability. Eric explains that E-Sentry is a condition-based monitoring software for critical electrical assets, integrating hardware and software to provide 24/7 monitoring. The solution includes sensors for ultrasound, temperature, humidity, and vibration, and can retrofit existing infrared (IR) windows with smart sensors. E-Sentry also offers a cloud-based platform for real-time alerts and AI assistance, aiming to enhance maintenance efficiency and safety. The conversation emphasizes the importance of digitalizing maintenance processes and the role of AI in addressing the “silver tsunami” of retiring experts.

Tom Kurtz with Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Tom Kurtz, Vice President at Hexagon Asset Lifecycle Intelligence about “Utility Asset Management Solutions”.

Scott MacKenzie and Tom Kurtz discuss the importance of asset management in the utility space, highlighting the challenges of tracking and maintaining assets that are not easily visible. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates strategy and execution, leveraging technologies like Hexagon’s EAM and network design systems. Kurtz explains how Hexagon’s solutions help manage the entire asset life cycle, from maintenance requests to predictive reliability, and stresses the importance of user adoption and data management. They also touch on the benefits of visualizing assets in 3D for better field operations and the role of project portfolio planning in construction and capital investment.

Sue-Ann Prentice with Fluke Reliability

Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Sue-Ann Prentice, CMO at Fluke Reliability about “vibrant culture focused on solutions”.

Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from the Xcelerate 2025 event by Fluke Reliability, celebrating industry professionals. Sue-Ann Prentice from Fluke discusses the success of the event, highlighting the energy, collaboration, and innovation among attendees. They discuss the importance of education, collaboration, and innovation in solving industry problems. Sue-Ann emphasizes the role of customer insights in driving innovation and the collective effort with partners to enhance technology. They also touch on the future of AI and machine learning in industrial applications. The conversation concludes with plans for the next Accelerate event and encourages listeners to connect with Fluke Reliability.

Darrell Dowd with Access Technology Group

Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen 2025 and talking to Darrell Dowd, International BD at Access Technology Group about “Confined Space Safety”.

Darrell Dowd, Country Manager for Access Technology Group, discussed their innovative solution for enhancing safety and efficiency in confined spaces during shutdowns, turnarounds, and outages. The system uses digital technology, including cameras and communication devices, to monitor and assist workers remotely. This reduces the need for physical observers, centralizing control and improving response times in emergencies. The setup typically takes six man-hours per space, and the system includes continuous gas monitoring. Despite initial pushback, workers appreciate the efficiency and safety benefits. Contact details for Access Technology Group are available on LinkedIn.

Marcus McCarthy with Siemens Grid Software

Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Marcus McCarthy, Sr. Vice President at Siemens Grid Software about “Energy Solutions for the Future”.

Scott MacKenzie and Marcus McCarthy discuss the evolving utility industry and the role of digital twins in improving efficiency and reliability. Marcus highlights the challenges of aging infrastructure, increased power demand, and the need for carbon removal. He emphasizes the importance of accurate digital models for better planning and decision-making. Marcus explains how Siemens’ digital twin solutions enable real-time operations and scenario simulations, enhancing network management. They also touch on the practicality of cloud technology and the industry’s readiness to adopt new technologies. The conversation underscores the urgency for utilities to invest in digital twins to meet future energy demands and optimize grid performance.

The world is changing fast! Industrial businesses are juggling every facet of business maintenance and growth, ranging from technological/digital media adaptations to cash flow management and operational efficiency challenges. How do industrial business leaders stay current while managing growth and casting vision for the future? The answers could be found in a learning environment, but never before has there been a place for continuing education in the industrial business arena. UNTIL NOW…

The INDUSTRIAL ACADEMY IS HERE. Finally there is a clearinghouse for all things industrial to assist the business leader. Course offerings provide up-to-date applicable information in business development, technology, finance, operations and leadership presented in an engaging, movement-oriented manner by those in the know. These professionals don’t just talk the talk. They walk the walk with purpose and passion for building not just the industrial business but also the people who make things happen.

The Industrial Talk Podcast family looks forward to learning and growing with you!

When I was in elementary school, our teacher would show us films of industrial professionals making our lives better. For me, these films instilled the passion for industry.

Today, industry has come along way from when I was a boy. It is innovative and focused on solving problems. In short, it’s really cool and exciting.

We need to teach children, around the world, and bring back the “Cool” and “Exciting” and why industry is a wonderful profession. That means we need industrial professionals to re-instill this industrial passion.

This is the Purpose of Industrial Pop. It is an online learning management platform (LMP) dedicated to educating our youth in the ever expanding and innovative world of industry. We also provide this LMP for our teachers to share with their class.

These are very exciting times for industry and we must begin educating our future and it starts with you. If you are interested, please contact me at: https://industrialtalk.com/contact/ and just let me know that you are interested in positively impacting our future industry leaders.