Episodes

  • John Gounaris with G&W Electric

    John Gounaris with G&W Electric
    Jul 19 2024
    Industrial Talk is chatting with John Gounaris, Vice President at G&W Electric Company about “The monumental changes impacting the utility market”. Scott MacKenzie and John from G&W Electric discussed the challenges faced by the utility industry, including technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and the need for a more decentralized grid. John shared his 20+ years of experience, highlighting the importance of innovation, collaboration, and data-driven insights to adapt to these changes. Scott joined the conversation and emphasized the need for utilities to be more nimble and adaptable, and for regulatory evolution to accommodate the integration of inverter-based resources. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with John on LinkedIn or visit G&W Electric's website (gwel.ec) for more information on their solutions.
    • [ ] Promote an industrial technology or podcast on the Industrial Talk platform to target the industry audience.
    • [ ] Consider partnering with G&W Electric to find problems on the grid worth solving through custom engineered solutions.

    Outline Utilities, power generation, and industry challenges with John from GE.
    • John Gounaris discusses challenges in the utility space with Scott MacKenzie.
    • Scott MacKenzie highlights the importance of podcasts for industry marketing and offers help in starting a podcast on Industrial Talk.
    • Scott MacKenzie emphasizes the importance of providing solutions to industry leaders.

    Solar eclipse and utility industry changes with 20+ year veteran.
    • John expresses excitement to be back home after a week in Canada, mentioning the solar eclipse and its potential impact on small communities.
    • John shares personal background, including their role in the utility industry, before discussing G&W's role in facilitating the industry's transition.

    The challenges of adapting to a changing electric power industry.
    • John highlights slow change in industry due to conservative mindset and need for reliable power.
    • Climate change impacts industry, causing more extreme weather events and pressure to green power production.
    • John: Decentralized grid with renewables, inverter-based resources, and baseload power.
    • Utilities need to be nimble in face of changing market dynamics and technological advancements.
    • John discusses the challenges of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid, including technical, regulatory, and knowledge gaps.
    • Utilities face a retirement wave, with experienced workers exiting the workforce and younger, less experienced replacements entering, creating a knowledge gap.

    Balancing grid transformation with affordability and reliability.
    • Utilities must adapt to changing power grid dynamics while managing consumer expectations.
    • John highlights the need for regulatory evolution to ensure affordable electricity for society.

    Improving grid efficiency and affordability for renewable energy sources.
    • John highlights the need for transmission reforms to integrate solar and wind resources into the grid, particularly in areas with high sunlight and wind resources.
    • John suggests building high-voltage DC technology to efficiently transmit power from one region to another, citing examples from China and Europe.
    • John: Need regulatory structures to help utilities upgrade transmission lines (28:13)
    • John: Electrification and decarbonization will require more generation capacity (28:13)

    The growth of electric power demand due to AI and data centers.
    • John: Data centers for AI and machine learning...
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    41 mins
  • Torsten Seehaus with Fluke Reliability

    Torsten Seehaus with Fluke Reliability
    Jul 17 2024
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 24 and talking to Torsten Seehaus, Strategy and Integration Leader with Fluke Reliability about "The powerful Azima solution transforming the asset management vibration market". Torsten Seehaus and Scott MacKenzie discussed the latest advancements in predictive maintenance technology, highlighting the significance of vibration measurement to predict potential machine failures. They also touched on the potential for increased automation in the future, while acknowledging the need for further development. Later, Scott and Torsten discussed the evolution of predictive maintenance and its growing popularity among customers, emphasizing the benefits of reduced downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improved customer satisfaction. Action Items
    • [ ] Integrate additional data sources beyond vibration into Azima's models.
    • [ ] Expand Azima's predictive capabilities to provide more specific failure predictions and recommended actions.
    • [ ] Further automate Azima's workflow from failure prediction to work order generation and completion tracking.

    Outline Predictive maintenance technology with Zima CEO.
    • Torsten, Fluke/Azima leader, discusses product management & acquisition.
    • Azima provides accurate insights on machine failures by leveraging decades of vibration data from various industries.
    • Torsten: AI model predicts failures based on data, with 60-70% of failures automated.
    • Torsten: Future goal is to increase automation level, balancing automation with human analysis.

    Predictive maintenance software for industrial equipment.
    • The Azima system uses machine learning to analyze vibration data and predict when maintenance is needed.
    • The system can identify specific models and nameplates, and provide notifications based on vibration levels.
    • Torsten: Customers want predictive maintenance to avoid surprises, like bearing failure in 28 days.
    • Torsten: Predictive maintenance is getting more familiar, customers reacting to issues, like time-based maintenance.

    Using AI for predictive maintenance and inventory management.
    • Torsten: Voice downtime savings, automated work order management, and real-time monitoring.
    • Scott MacKenzie: Proactive planning, right-time work order generation, and effective work execution.
    • Torsten discussed inventory management challenges for multiple sites and customers, highlighting the importance of having the right spare parts in place at the right time.
    • Torsten mentioned Fluke Reliability and Xcelerate 2024, an event that showcased solutions to help industrial professionals succeed, including vibration AI and Azima.

    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! TORSTEN SEEHAUS' CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn:
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    17 mins
  • Jonathan Candel with Siemens BuildingX

    Jonathan Candel with Siemens BuildingX
    Jul 15 2024
    Industrial Talk is onsite at IoT Solutions World Congress and talking to Jonathan Candel, Global Solutions Architect with Siemens about "Architectural Design and thinking behind Building X". Scott MacKenzie and Jonathan Candel discuss the future of Building X, a platform designed to accommodate new use cases in smart buildings. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of understanding customer pain points and needs, while Scott highlights the platform's flexibility and scalability. Jonathan emphasizes the potential of AI and machine learning in building management, including cost-benefit analysis, predictive capabilities, and data-driven systems. The speakers discuss the need for a vendor-agnostic system that provides insights into energy consumption and emissions, and the importance of quick deployment and quantifiable value. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Jonathan on LinkedIn to learn more about Building X and how it can help customers.
    • [ ] Consider deploying a system like Building X to extract insights from building asset data and make more strategic operational decisions.
    • [ ] Promote the Building X platform and FTD capabilities to potential customers across various industry sectors.

    Outline AI in smart buildings with a solutions architect.
    • Scott Mackenzie welcomes Jonathan Candel to the podcast at IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona.
    • Jonathan Candel discusses his background and expertise in the industry with Scott.
    • Jonathan: Building X platform is flexible and meant to solve customer problems.
    • Jonathan: AI in smart buildings is different than problems solved by generative AI.

    Using AI and machine learning to optimize building energy consumption, with a focus on fault detection and diagnostics.
    • Jonathan questions whether AI or machine learning are necessary for energy efficiency, considering cost-benefit analysis and use case appropriateness.
    • Jonathan suggests that even small buildings can benefit from energy consumption tracking using their platform, depending on data volume and desired applications.
    • Jonathan highlights FTD (fault detection and diagnostics) as a new functionality that can detect issues in machines before they break down, saving costs and improving overall machine health.
    • The new functionality can be deployed across all assets to provide a comprehensive view of a building's health, with real-time dashboards for property managers to budget appropriately.
    • Jonathan highlights the importance of understanding the customer and their infrastructure before deploying a solution.
    • The solution design involves interfacing with existing infrastructure and making sense of the data.

    Using data analytics to optimize building efficiency.
    • The system can provide quantifiable value by saving energy and reducing emissions.
    • The platform empowers customers with data-driven insights to make strategic decisions.
    • Scott MacKenzie is excited about the future and sees potential for efficiency gains in building assets.

    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! JONATHAN CANDEL'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn:...
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    18 mins
  • Danny Petrecca with Locusview

    Danny Petrecca with Locusview
    Jul 12 2024
    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. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Danny on LinkedIn or the Locusview website for more information
    • [ ] Share Danny's contact information on the Industrial Talk podcast and social media platforms
    • [ ] Consider implementing a DCM solution like Locusview to improve construction management processes and data quality (Utilities mentioned) [Throughout]

    Outline Utility industry challenges with a focus on budget cuts and regulatory hurdles.
    • Scott Mackenzie interviews Danny Petrecca of Locus View at DistributeTech in Orlando.
    • Danny discusses utility budget cuts and regulatory challenges with Scott MacKenzie.

    Digital construction management for utilities.
    • Danny has over 20 years of experience in the utilities industry, focusing on GIS and software for efficiency improvements.
    • Digital construction management (DCM) is a new space in utilities that needs more attention, encompassing all personas and data collection for capital construction projects.
    • The digital design process starts with an accurate system of record, but as-built data is often inaccurate and unfilled.
    • Field crews work off maps that differ from the designed plan, leading to confusion and inefficiencies.

    Improving construction workflows with mobile technology.
    • Danny explains challenges in implementing technology in construction field due to resistance from crews.
    • Danny: Mobile app captures only necessary data when completing work orders.
    • Danny describes how technology has made it easier to locate transformers, reducing the need for manual measurements and paperwork.
    • Danny notes that everyone now carries a mobile device, making it easier for people to use technology for everyday tasks.

    Digitizing construction and utility industries.
    • Danny highlights the ease of use of Locus's technology in the field, with customers reporting that it only takes a minute to map services.
    • Danny and Scott MacKenzie discuss the potential for Locus to become a go-to solution for mapping and managing infrastructure, with Danny expressing optimism about the company's growth.
    • Utilities face resource constraints and long waitlists for transformers, leading to pressure to digitize processes.
    • Danny from Locus View discusses power grid challenges and innovation on Industrial Talk.

    If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply contact us and let's have a quick conversation. ...
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    21 mins
  • Gerardo Pardo-Castellote with RTI

    Gerardo Pardo-Castellote with RTI
    Jul 10 2024
    Industrial Talk is onsite at OMG, Q1 Meeting and talking to Gerardo Pardo-Castellote, CTO of Real-Time Innovations (RTI) about "Data Distribution Services (DDS) - Ensuring systems can communicate". Scott MacKenzie and Gerardo discussed advancements in distributed systems and data management. Gerardo explained how their company, Real-Time Innovations, develops software infrastructure for robotic systems. They discussed the importance of modularity, interoperability, and security in complex systems, highlighting challenges such as latency, data security, and scalability in real-time innovations. They emphasized the need for a common language and protocol to enable communication and integration between different systems. Action Items
    • [ ] Look into getting involved with OMG (Object Management Group) to engage with others using DDS.
    • [ ] Provide Scott with contact details for RTI and information on how listeners can learn more about DDS and RTI's solutions.
    • [ ] Share recording of meeting on the industrial talk podcast for others interested in DDS.

    Outline DDS software platform for distributed systems.
    • Scott MacKenzie interviews Gr. Doe at OMG q1 meeting, discussing 20-year membership and hair.
    • Gerardo (Chief Technology Officer at Real Time Innovations) explains DDS as a software platform for building distributed systems, like an operating system.
    • Gerardo discusses how DDS has been around for 20 years and is used to manage low-level tasks in distributed systems, such as memory and file access management.

    Building complex systems with modular components and addressing latency issues in autonomous vehicles.
    • Gerardo: Data movement complexity requires software support for easy communication between applications.
    • Scott MacKenzie: Abstraction layers are needed to simplify data exchange between applications.
    • Gerardo explains modularity is key to building complex systems like autonomous vehicles, emphasizing the importance of interfaces and infrastructure to move data between components.
    • Gerardo discusses latency concerns in autonomous vehicles, highlighting the need for networking technology and real-time operating systems to minimize delays.

    Data-centric security and its importance in protecting sensitive information.
    • Gerardo discusses data-centric security, focusing on protecting data at the source rather than securing communication channels.
    • Insecurity is addressed by securing data flows with their own security measures, rather than relying on classic HDP-level security.
    • Existing businesses want to deploy DDS for efficient data management.

    Real-time data integration and security in industrial settings.
    • Gerardo explains how VBS (Virtual Business System) helps integrate systems with different protocols by providing a common language and interface.
    • The success of the internet's HTTP and REST protocols serve as an example for how normalizing communication protocols can facilitate integration and interoperability.
    • Gerardo discusses the importance of security and scalability in software-defined systems.
    • Gerardo discusses scalability of RTI's platform with Scott MacKenzie.
    • Gerardo shares contact information for RTI and OMG on industrial talk podcast.

    If interested in being on the Industrial Talk show, simply
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    18 mins
  • Hartmut Hahn with Userlane

    Hartmut Hahn with Userlane
    Jul 8 2024
    Industrial Talk is chatting with Hartmut Hahn, CEO at Userlane about “Extracting greater value and user adoption out of your technology stack”. Scott MacKenzie and Hartmut Hahn discussed challenges in extracting value from technology stacks, optimizing software use, and reducing software spend. They emphasized the importance of data-driven insights and user engagement to identify areas of improvement. Hartmut highlighted their platform's ability to track user interactions and provide a framework for evaluating software use. Scott MacKenzie questioned how their approach could accommodate different organizational processes. Later, Hartmut discussed the role of predictive analytics in technology adoption, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of business processes and constant monitoring. The speakers also highlighted the importance of predicting user adoption and efficiency, reaching out to Hardware Lane company for collaboration, and leveraging technology to solve problems. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Userlane directly through their website or contact Hartmut Hahn on LinkedIn for a demo or trial of their software.
    • [ ] Promote industrial podcasts or technologies on the Industrial Talk platform by contacting Scott MacKenzie. (Podcast owners, technology companies)
    • [ ] Map out key business processes to track within Userlane's software once onboarding.

    Outline Using technology to extract value from digital transformation solutions.
    • Scott MacKenzie interviews Hartmut Hahn about Userlane platform insights.
    • Industrial talk provides a platform for podcasts and technology solutions to reach a wider audience.
    • Scott MacKenzie interviews Heartburn about technology solutions.

    Software usage and efficiency in large organizations.
    • Hartmut: Companies buy many software solutions, often without proper implementation.
    • Hartmut: Companies struggle with paying consultancies for software implementation.
    • Hartmut: Executives have gut feelings about software usage, but no data to back it up.
    • Hartmut: Userlane analyzes software stack to identify usage patterns, struggles, and areas for improvement.

    Process mapping and monitoring in software development.
    • Hartmut explains how their software tracks employee interactions across five dimensions to provide a score for each software, highlighting differences in implementation across organizations.
    • Hartmut emphasizes the importance of process mapping and its value in identifying areas for improvement.
    • Hartmut: Monitor processes constantly, adjust yellow/green indicators based on business needs.
    • Hartmut: Executives like constant monitoring, but may not know extent of Salesforce licenses or usage.

    Optimizing software spend and improving user experience.
    • Hartmut mentions realizing unnecessary software costs and Shadow IT usage.
    • Scott MacKenzie agrees, highlighting the importance of technology stack optimization.
    • Hartmut suggests optimizing software spend by identifying unused licenses and improving usage of business-critical software.
    • Hartmut offers solutions to increase employee engagement and motivation, such as creating interactive guides and content within the application.

    Technology efficiency and predictive analytics for business success.
    • Scott MacKenzie: Predicting user adoption, efficiency, and inefficiencies in technology.
    • Hartmut: Predicting new releases' impact on productivity, addressing inefficiencies.
    • Hartmut encourages listeners to reach out for collaboration on technology solutions.

    If interested in
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    29 mins
  • Claude Baudoin with OMG

    Claude Baudoin with OMG
    Jul 3 2024
    Industrial Talk is onsite at OMG, Q1 Meeting and talking to Claude Baudoin, Co-Chair of Business Modeling and Integration Task Force with OMG about "Standard Business Reporting Model (SBRM)". The conversation revolved around the need for a standardized business reporting model to improve efficiency and rigor in reporting across various domains. Claude Baudoin and Scott MacKenzie discussed the initiative's origins in response to increasing regulatory requirements and the importance of defining semantic relationships, constraints, and formulas. They also touched on the need to enhance reporting consistency and semantic rigor across domains, with a focus on standardizing a metamodel to enable tools to produce compliant reports. Later, Claude and Scott MacKenzie discussed the significance of standardization in the tech industry, with Claude emphasizing the importance of OMG standards like UML, and Scott MacKenzie highlighting the need for dynamic documents that keep up with time. Action Items
    • [ ] Continue discussions with regulators and agencies to adopt the SBRM standard for defining their report formats.
    • [ ] Market the SBRM standard to tool vendors so they can build software that produces compliant reports.
    • [ ] Reach out to Claude via email (claude@omg.org) or LinkedIn to learn more or get involved with OMG's work.

    Outline Standardization and innovation in industry with OMG experts.
    • Industry professionals gather at Q1 quarterly meeting to discuss solutions and standards.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Claude Boudoir discuss OMG's impact on technology standards and industry collaboration.

    Standardizing business reporting to improve accuracy and efficiency.
    • Standard Business Reporting model aims to make reports more rigorous and machine-readable.
    • Claude discusses how standardizing reporting can improve efficiency and accuracy in various industries.
    • Claude emphasizes importance of standardized reporting to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the financial industry.

    Standardizing business reporting using a metamodel to ensure consistency and accuracy.
    • Claude explains the Standard Business Reporting model as a metamodel for various industries.
    • Claude: Standardize metamodel for semantic relationships in reports (OMG)
    • Claude: Tool vendors will create models compliant with standardized metamodel (SBRM)

    Standardizing business reporting with OMG.
    • Claude explains the importance of marketing the standard to regulators and industry stakeholders.
    • Claude and Scott MacKenzie discuss the need for iterative feedback and vetting of the standard.
    • OMG standardizes documents through iterative revisions, ensuring dynamic updates.
    • Scott MacKenzie interviews Claude about OMG's work in standardizing business reporting.
    • Claude provides valuable insights on the challenges of creating regulatory reports.

    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...
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    23 mins
  • Brett Smith with Siemens

    Brett Smith with Siemens
    Jul 1 2024
    Industrial Talk is onsite at IoT Solutions World Congress and talking to Brett Smith, Global Partner Business Development Lead with Siemens about "Smart building solutions to optimize the efficiency of your building assets". Brett Smith emphasizes the importance of technology in making buildings more autonomous, profitable, and sustainable. Scott MacKenzie highlights the significance of IoT solutions and networking with industry professionals. The speakers discuss the potential of AI and machine learning to optimize building operations, energy efficiency, and performance. They emphasize the importance of understanding occupancy and energy usage patterns to make informed decisions and achieve cost savings and profitability. Both speakers highlight the potential for autonomous decision-making within buildings without human intervention, with the goal of improving sustainability, profitability, and efficiency. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Brett Smith on LinkedIn or through industrialtalk.com for more information on Siemens' Building x platform
    • [ ] Attend future IoT Solutions World Congress events to learn from customers and network with experts like Brett Smith
    • [ ] Consider building an industrial talk podcast to share your story and gain more traction and attention

    Outline Smart buildings, sustainability, and technology with industry professional Brett Smith.
    • Scott Mackenzie interviews industry professionals at IoT Solutions World Congress in Barcelona.
    • Brett Smith discusses Siemens' smart building platform, Building x, and its sustainability features.

    Using technology to optimize building efficiency and profitability.
    • Brett explains how building management technology can improve energy efficiency by tracking live data and predicting maintenance needs.
    • Brett highlights the potential for autonomous buildings to operate more efficiently and sustainably, using data and machine learning to make decisions without human intervention.
    • Brett provides examples of how this can lead to significant cost savings and increased profitability for building owners and occupants.
    • Brett explains how a building management system can detect and diagnose faults, providing cost savings.

    Using AI and cloud technology for energy management.
    • AI-powered platform tracks building data to forecast energy usage up to 6 years in advance.
    • Brett explains how Comfy AI uses AWS cloud infrastructure for machine learning and AI applications.
    • Brett explains how the tool uses AI to analyze data and forecast building performance.
    • The tool allows customers to connect their global portfolio of buildings without needing to physically visit sites.

    IoT solutions and autonomous buildings with Brett Smith from Siemens.
    • Speaker discusses customers' desire for autonomous building solutions with data-driven recommendations.
    • Brett Smith, Siemens expert, shares insights at IoT Solutions World Congress.

    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! BRETT SMITH'S CONTACT INFORMATION: Personal LinkedIn:
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    22 mins