Industrial Talk Media

Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Max Cundiff, Industrial Sector Manager at Chevron about "Asset Management Lubrication Solution".

The conversation features an introduction to three new podcasts within the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity. The main discussion is with Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants, who explains the company's integrated oil production process and the importance of lubricant quality. He highlights the issue of varnish in lubricants, which can be mitigated by Chevron's products, and discusses the company's research and development efforts. Cundiff also touches on the importance of fluid analysis and the potential for energy efficiency improvements in manufacturing.

Action Items
[ ] @Scott Mackenzie - Post Max Cundiff's contact information and LinkedIn profile on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can easily reach him.
[ ] Help customers enroll in Chevron's Lube Watch fluid analysis program, including advising on which tests to run, sampling frequency, and proper sample collection procedures.
Outline
The podcast is recorded live at the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, focusing on asset management, reliability, and maintenance.
Scott mentions the importance of the conference for professionals in these fields and introduces the guest, Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants.
Max Cundiff's Background and Role at Chevron
Max Cundiff introduces himself as the industrial sector manager at Chevron Lubricants, responsible for developing go-to-market strategies for industrial products and services.
Max has been with Chevron for 14 years, spending the last 10 years in customer-facing roles, understanding operational challenges and solving them.
Chevron is the only fully integrated oil company, refining crude oil into base oil, the main ingredient in lubricants, and controlling the process in-house.
Max explains the importance of research and development, spending years testing technology before commercializing it to solve specific industry challenges.
Challenges and Solutions in Lubricant Industry
Max discusses the issue of varnish in circulating oil systems, a byproduct of degraded lubricant, and the challenges it poses to equipment.
Traditional methods of dealing with varnish, like disassembling equipment or using solvents, can be costly and cause downtime.
Chevron's product, Bar Tech ISC, allows systems to run for extended periods without immediate downtime, reducing the impact of varnish.
Max explains the factors that contribute to varnish formation, such as temperature and water contamination, and how Chevron's products can help mitigate these issues.
Chevron's Product Development and Customer Support
Max highlights Chevron's commitment to research and development, constantly pushing the envelope to provide new products and solutions.
Chevron collaborates with industry committees and customers to understand and address the challenges faced by different segments.
Max emphasizes the importance of understanding the problem before developing a solution, ensuring that Chevron's products are tailored to specific industry needs.
Chevron provides detailed processes and support, including lubrication engineers, to help customers manage the transition to new products and maintain equipment.
Future of Lubricant Technology and Sustainability
Max discusses the future of lubricant technology, focusing on extending drain intervals and improving energy efficiency.
Chevron's product, Clarity Elites, a synthetic product, has shown significant improvements in energy efficiency, benefiting both the bottom line and sustainability goals.
Max explains the importance of fluid analysis in determining the health of oil and the machine, similar to taking blood tests for human health.
Chevron's sampling program, Lube Watch Fluid Analysis, helps customers set up the right tests and interpret results accurately.
Environmental Considerations and Customer Support
Max addresses the environmental impact of lubricants, mentioning Chevron's introduction of bio-based products and renewable base stocks.
Chevron does not currently use recycled oil in its products but focuses on sustainability through bio-based solutions.

MAX CUNDIFF'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/max-cundiff-66865224/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chevron/
Company Website: https://www.chevron.com/

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Industrial Talk is talking to Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering about "Industrial Parts Washers".

Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering, discussed their industrial wash systems on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Better Engineering, founded in 1960, specializes in aqueous parts washers for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and food and pharmaceutical. Hiss highlighted the importance of cleanliness in manufacturing, noting that their systems can process parts at high throughputs, ensuring quality control. The company also employs sensors to monitor equipment and proactively alert customers to maintenance needs. Better Engineering is expanding into automation and traceability in food and pharmaceutical industries to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Outline
Introduction of Ryan Hiss and Better Engineering
Scott introduces Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering, and discusses his background.
Ryan shares his journey from Baltimore to California, his education, and his career in software sales before joining Better Engineering.
Ryan talks about his father's retirement and his role in taking over the family business.
Ryan provides a brief history of Better Engineering, founded in 1960 by his grandfather, and its evolution over the years.
Better Engineering's Products and Services
Ryan explains Better Engineering's focus on industrial wash systems, also known as aqueous parts washers.
Better Engineering offers a variety of wash systems, including small parts washers, conveyor washers, rotary basket washers, and custom units.
Ryan highlights the company's work with major space, aerospace, automotive, and food and pharmaceutical OEMs.
Ryan discusses the importance of cleanliness in manufacturing and the role of industrial washers in maintaining quality control.
Challenges and Solutions in Industrial Washing
Ryan explains the need for high-throughput wash systems in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
Better Engineering's systems are designed to meet specific cleanliness standards and are tested using standard equipment.
Ryan discusses the flexibility of Better Engineering's wash systems, which are modular by design to accommodate different customer requirements.
Ryan shares examples of how Better Engineering modifies existing systems to meet new application needs.
Data Collection and AI in Manufacturing
Ryan talks about the use of sensors in Better Engineering's wash systems to monitor and maintain equipment.
Better Engineering collects data on various parameters, such as vibration, temperature, and chemistry concentration, to ensure optimal performance.
Ryan explains the importance of traceability in food and pharmaceutical industries, where data is used to track and verify cleanliness.
Better Engineering provides interfaces to send data to customers' SCADA systems or offers their own UI for data reporting.
Future of Better Engineering and Industrial Washers
Ryan discusses the company's focus on automation and the integration of sensors and data collection in their wash systems.
Better Engineering is expanding its work in the food and pharmaceutical industries, where automation is increasingly important.
Ryan highlights the challenges of cleaning large containers by hand and the benefits of automating this process.
Better Engineering aims to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure consistent cleanliness in manufacturing.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Ryan provides contact information for Better Engineering, including email and phone number, and encourages listeners to connect on LinkedIn.
Scott thanks Ryan for the conversation and emphasizes the importance of telling the human story in industry.
Scott invites listeners to reach out to Industrial Talk for more information and to schedule on-site interviews.
The podcast concludes with a reminder of the importance of human interaction and storytelling in industrial manufacturing.

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!

RYAN HISS' CONTACT INFORMATION:

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

Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-engineering-mfg.-inc./

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

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Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Maureen Gribble, CMRP, N.A. Sales Enablement Lead at UE Systems about "Ultrasound Condition Monitoring".

The conversation introduces three new podcasts under the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity. Maureen Gribble from UE Systems discusses her 14-year tenure with the company, emphasizing their ultrasound technology and customer support. She highlights the increasing presence of women in the industry and UE Systems' use of AI in their On Track system for predictive maintenance. The discussion also touches on the importance of marketing in the industry and the need for continuous innovation to address workforce shortages.

Action Items
[ ] Connect with Maureen Gribble on LinkedIn
[ ] Explore the possibility of adding a marketing track to the SMRP conference
Outline
Introduction of New Podcasts
Scott introduces three new podcasts under the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity.
"Ask Molly" aims to provide straight, jargon-free insights into marketing and sales from an industrial perspective.
"Business Beatitudes" will discuss leadership virtues like generosity and humility and how they contribute to business success.
"The Human Patch" will explore the human aspect of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of human connections in cybersecurity efforts.
Welcome to Industrial Talk
The platform celebrates industry professionals for their boldness, bravery, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
Scott mentions the broadcast from the SMRP conference, emphasizing its importance for engineering, asset management, maintenance, and reliability professionals.
The excitement of meeting people like Maureen Gribble is highlighted, with Scott expressing enthusiasm for the conversation.
Maureen Gribble's Background and Role
Scott introduces Maureen Gribble, who works at UE Systems, and mentions her previous appearances on the show.
Maureen shares her background, mentioning her 14 years at UE Systems and her involvement in the maintenance and reliability world since 2006.
Scott and Maureen discuss the changes in the industry, noting the increased presence of women at the SMRP conference.
Maureen emphasizes the importance of women in the industry and the need for them to step up and take on leadership roles.
UE Systems and Its Innovations
Maureen explains that UE Systems manufactures and sells ultrasound technology, with over 50 years of experience in the field.
The company focuses on providing the best ultrasound solutions for customers, emphasizing customer support and excellence.
Maureen highlights the company's commitment to innovation, mentioning their latest technologies like ultrasound for auto and IoT solutions.
The conversation touches on the importance of making technology user-friendly and ensuring it is not left unused.
Marketing and Technology in Industry
Speaker 1 and Maureen discuss the challenges of marketing in the industry, noting that many companies do not do it well.
Maureen mentions UE Systems' marketing team, led by Brittany Stover, and their efforts to stay current with new marketing trends.
The conversation covers the impact of AI on search results, with Maureen noting the need for companies to adapt to new marketing strategies.
Speaker 1 and Maureen agree on the importance of continuous innovation and marketing to stay relevant in the industry.
AI and Data Insights at UE Systems
Maureen explains how UE Systems uses AI with their on-track system to analyze data from bearings and other assets.
The company employs data scientists to interpret the data and provide valuable insights to customers.
Scott and Maureen discuss the potential disruptions in the industry due to AI and data insights.
The conversation highlights the importance of using technology to make operations more efficient and reduce the need for human resources.
Conclusion and Future Plans
Scott and Maureen wrap up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of attending the SMRP conference and connecting with industry professionals.
Maureen encourages listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn for further discussions.
Scott reiterates the importance of the Industrial Talk Podcast Network and its three new podcasts: "Ask Molly," "Business Beatitudes," and "The Human Patch."
The conversation ends with a call to action for listeners to stay bold, brave, and innovative in their respective fields.

MAUREEN GRIBBLE'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-gribble-cmrp-a87a2513/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ue-systems/
Company Website: https://www.uesystems.com/en-gb/

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Industrial Talk is talking to Nikki Gonzales, Director of Business Development at Weintek USA about "HMI - Human Machine Interface".

Scott Mackenzie hosts Nikki Gonzales on the Industrial Talk Podcast to discuss the human-machine interface (HMI). Nikki shares her background, including her Icelandic roots and career journey in sales engineering and AI startups. She highlights Win Tech, a Taiwanese company specializing in HMIs, which manufactures over 2 million HMIs annually. Win Tech's HMIs are known for their durability, connectivity, and cost-effectiveness. Nikki emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the challenges in industrial B2B sales. She also mentions her podcast, Automation Ladies, and encourages listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn.

Action Items
[ ] Check out the Wintec website at automation.io
[ ] Listen to Nikki's podcast "Automation Ladies"
[ ] Reach out to Nikki Gonzales
Outline

Nikki Gonzales's Background and Career Journey
Nikki shares her background, mentioning her move from Iceland to the U.S. in middle school and her father's career as an electrical engineer.
She describes her early work experiences, starting with her father's small business and progressing through various roles in sales engineering and marketing.
Nikki discusses her career path, including her work with sensor manufacturers, machine vision, motion control, software design, and AI startups.
She highlights her recent role with a startup focused on supply chain software and inventory management, and her current position with Win Tech, an HMI manufacturer.
Challenges in Industrial B2B Sales
Scott and Nikki discuss the challenges of industrial B2B sales, particularly the complex landscape shaped by historical laws and regulations.
Nikki explains the historical context of industrial sales, including the restrictions on manufacturers selling directly to consumers and the reliance on regional distributors.
They discuss the differences in sales practices between the U.S. and Europe, where such restrictions are considered anti-competitive.
Nikki shares her experiences with the complexities of industrial B2B sales, including the difficulties in digitalizing and simplifying the buying process.
Win Tech and HMI Technology
Nikki provides an overview of Win Tech, a Taiwanese company specializing in HMIs, and its history of innovation in touchscreen technology.
She explains the role of HMIs in industrial automation, describing them as the interface between humans and machines.
Nikki highlights Win Tech's focus on manufacturing high-quality, long-lasting HMIs and their software, which is available for free to users.
She discusses the versatility of Win Tech's HMIs, which can serve as both operator interfaces and connectivity gateways for industrial machines.
Win Tech's Impact and Innovations
Nikki shares examples of Win Tech's impact, including their work with major manufacturers like FANUC and their role in connecting old and new industrial assets.
She describes Win Tech's approach to manufacturing, emphasizing quality and the ability to adapt to changing market needs.
Nikki highlights the company's commitment to continuous innovation and their ability to deliver products quickly, even during supply chain disruptions.
She discusses the benefits of Win Tech's HMIs, including their cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and advanced features for industrial automation.
Nikki's Personal and Professional Insights
Nikki reflects on her career journey, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adapting to new challenges.
She shares her experiences with balancing work and family life, particularly during her time with the startup.
Nikki discusses her passion for automation and her efforts to educate and inspire others in the industry.
She highlights the importance of networking and collaboration in the industry, encouraging listeners to connect with her and other professionals.
Conclusion and Contact Information
Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing gratitude to Nikki for her insights and engaging discussion.
He provides contact information for Nikki, including her LinkedIn profile and the Win Tech website.
Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Nikki and explore the resources available through Win Tech and the Industrial Talk Podcast Network.
He reiterates the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in the industry, emphasizing the value of platforms like Industrial Talk in fostering these connections.

NIKKI GONZALES' CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-gonzales/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/weintek-usa-inc./
Company Website: https://www.weintekusa.com/
Podcast Link: https://www.linkedin.com/company/automation-ladies/

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Industrial Talk is talking to Dan Anderson, Director of Business Development at ReliabilityX about "Asset management and Reliability best practices".

Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Dan Anderson, a reliability and asset management expert. Dan discusses the importance of integrating asset management and maintenance reliability practices within organizations. He emphasizes the need for a high-level policy and strategic asset management plan (SAMP) to drive these efforts. Dan highlights the benefits of proactive maintenance, citing a case study where a company saved significant costs by implementing best practices. He also stresses the importance of top-down management commitment and continuous reassessment to sustain these improvements. Dan provides contact information for further discussions on these topics.

Action Items
[ ] Reach out to Dan Anderson at ReliabilityX to further discuss reliability and asset management best practices for the organization.
[ ] Conduct a loss analysis to quantify the financial impact of downtime and short/stop times on production
[ ] Develop a business case to justify investment in reliability improvement initiatives like planners, reliability engineers, and predictive maintenance technologies
Outline
Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
Scott introduces Dan Anderson, highlighting his expertise in asset management, reliability, and his role as the chairman of the board of SMRP.

Scott talks about Accelerate with Fluke Reliability, praising its user conference and encouraging listeners to attend if they are interested in asset management and maintenance.
Scott introduces the Barcelona Cyber Security Congress, emphasizing its importance for cyber security and digitalization in the industry.
Introduction of Dan Anderson and His Background
Scott reintroduces Dan Anderson, emphasizing his expertise in asset management and reliability.
Dan provides a brief background, mentioning his role as the Director of Business Development at ReliabilityX and his position as the chairman of the board of SMRP.
Scott and Dan discuss the importance of the SMRP annual conference and the positive interactions they had there.
Dan shares his experience of dressing up for the SMRP annual conference, highlighting the professional atmosphere.
Differences Between Asset Management and Reliability
Dan explains the differences between asset management and reliability, noting that asset management is more strategic and driven by executive leadership.
Dan describes the importance of a policy and a strategic asset management plan (SAMP) in asset management.
Dan contrasts this with reliability, which involves day-to-day maintenance and proactive measures to ensure equipment is running smoothly.
Scott and Dan discuss the importance of having a policy that is well-thought-out and not overly complex.
Best Practices for Reliability and Asset Management
Dan shares insights from Bruce Western at PGT Windows, who implemented best practices in asset management and reliability.
Dan explains the process of developing a policy and a strategic asset management plan, emphasizing the importance of executive leadership.
Dan discusses the need for a business case to justify investments in reliability and asset management, using examples of cost savings from reduced downtime and overtime expenses.
Scott and Dan talk about the challenges of sustaining these practices over time and the importance of top-down management commitment.
Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Best Practices
Scott and Dan discuss the challenges of changing organizational culture to be more proactive and less reactive.
Dan emphasizes the importance of change management and the need to reward proactive behaviors to sustain best practices.
Scott shares an example of a company with unused thermography equipment, highlighting the need for proper implementation and execution.
Dan explains the financial benefits of reliability and asset management, especially for companies operating at full capacity.
Engaging with ReliabilityX for Improvement
Scott poses a challenge to Dan about how to sustain reliability and asset management practices over time.
Dan suggests starting with education and assessments to develop a business case and understand the organization's current state.
Dan explains the importance of reassessments and re-energizing the workforce to maintain best practices.
Scott and Dan discuss the role of third-party consultants like ReliabilityX in providing ongoing support and training.

DAN ANDERSON'S CONTACT INFORMATION:
Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danandersonlinkedinprofile/
Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reliabilityx/posts/?feedView=all
Company Website: https://reliabilityx.com/

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