In this episode brought to you by Smithtek, hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes chat with Deependra Shekhawat, a seasoned solutions architect from Amazon Web Services (AWS). They discuss industry trends, such as keeping some workloads on-premises in sectors like energy and utilities and leveraging the cloud for cost savings and efficiency. The conversation touches on cloud adoption challenges, the role of leadership in driving change, and the importance of upskilling employees and forming the right partnerships. They also explore the shift from OT to cloud migration, ensuring cybersecurity, and setting up secure environments for OT data, including predictive maintenance and the role of generative AI in the energy sector. Tune in to learn more about the latest advancements in cloud and IoT from industry experts.

00:00 Introduction to Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast

00:28 Introducing Deependra Shekhawat from AWS

01:15 Deependra’s First Steps in Cloud Computing

05:30 Scalability and Benefits of Cloud Computing

09:45 Cloud Computing for Small Businesses

12:35 AWS and the Energy Sector

16:22 Integrating Generative AI in Asset Management

21:40 The Role of AI in Purchasing and Maintenance Logistics

24:52 AWS Generative AI Agents for Energy

27:34 Implementing Secure Cloud Foundations

31:22 Cybersecurity Challenges in Cloud Adoption

34:10 Discussing AWS Tools for Secure Connectivity

36:59 Organizational Change Management in Cloud Adoption

40:22 Enhancing Digital Fluency Among Leaders

43:18 Preparing for IDAPAC Conference Presentation

45:30 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

This Episode Is Brought To You By Smithtek.

Smithtek provides turn-key hardware and software for remote monitoring and control, supporting a wide range of industrial protocols and offering a web-based SCADA system. Designed and built in Perth, Western Australia, their solutions make asset management easy for industries like agriculture, mining, and automation, ensuring reliable and real time control.

Smithtek is committed to providing reliable, Australian-made solutions for remote asset management. Our systems are designed to be intuitive and adaptable, making integration with existing infrastructure straightforward. We prioritize simplicity in user experience, ensuring that our technology is accessible for all levels of technical expertise.

For more information, visit ⁠www.smithtek.com.au⁠.

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Connect with Deependra on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deependrashekhawat/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Join hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes as they chat with IoT expert Freddie Coertze in this episode, brought to you by Smithtek. They discuss the transformative power of IoT in industries, covering how it improves collaboration, asset management, and business alignment. Freddie shares real-world examples like energy savings in manufacturing and smarter monitoring in agriculture, while offering a fresh perspective on moving beyond traditional proof-of-concept models. Learn how AI-driven predictive maintenance, sensor data, and digital strategies are paving the way for successful IoT projects.

This Episode Is Brought To You By Smithtek.

Smithtek provides turn-key hardware and software for remote monitoring and control, supporting a wide range of industrial protocols and offering a web-based SCADA system. Designed and built in Perth, Western Australia, their solutions make asset managementeasy for industries like agriculture, mining, and automation, ensuring reliable and realtimecontrol.

Smithtek is committed to providing reliable, Australian-made solutions for remote asset management. Our systems are designed to be intuitive and adaptable, making integrationwith existing infrastructure straightforward. We prioritize simplicity in user experience, ensuring that our technology is accessible for all levels of technical expertise.

For more information, visit www.smithtek.com.au.

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00:00 Introduction to the episode and hosts

01:10 Freddie Coertze’s background and journey in IoT

04:36 Importance of stakeholder involvement in IoT projects

06:52 Aligning IoT solutions with business strategy

09:18 Excitement and continuous learning in the IoT space

11:45 Use cases: Condition monitoring of assets

16:28 Automating production processes in chemical tank management

20:52 The benefits of reducing labor costs through automation

24:12 Lights-out manufacturing and technological advancements

27:30 Integrating sensor data through ERP systems

32:41 Optimizing motor life with IoT technologies

36:19 The evolution and benefits of pump scheduling

39:58 Challenges in implementing IoT for asset visibility

42:30 Adapting to and making the most of emerging technologies

46:11 Personal growth and trends in the IoT industry

50:12 IFM’s digital tools and future goals in predictive maintenance

54:23 Distributed AI models for localized data insights

57:54 Industrial use cases and client success stories

1:03:48 Advantages of IP-rated devices in field operations

1:06:32 The importance of digitization and digitalization

1:09:16 Integrating IT and OT for better decision-making

1:12:41 Emphasis on practical application over trend chasing

1:16:04 The need for use case-driven solutions and security

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Connect with Freddie on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/freddie-coertze-b24972155/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

________

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Amy Williams from Skellig Automation joins hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes to dive into the world of industrial IoT and automation in life sciences. Learn about Amy’s journey into life sciences, challenges in the pharmaceutical industry, and the potential of digital tools like the Unified Namespace and Industry 4.0. Discover how new technologies are improving data management and making healthcare more accessible. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the future of life sciences and the digital revolution.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:30 Introduction of Amy Williams 01:45 Amy’s Background in Life Sciences and Automation 05:32 Paper vs. Digital Workflow in Pharmaceuticals 08:40 Insights on Graph Databases 10:50 GraphQL and Database Automation 13:00 The Future Landscape of Tech in Life Sciences 15:12 The Role of Biosimilars in Healthcare 17:35 Addressing US Drug Shortages 20:05 Skellig’s Initiatives in Supply Chain Digitalization 22:16 Challenges in Technology Adoption 24:40 Amy's Influences and Family Background 27:00 From College to Automation Engineering 30:15 Transitioning to Life Sciences 33:03 Personal Health Journey and its Impact 36:22 Making Healthcare More Accessible 38:40 Inefficiencies in Manufacturing and Costs to Patients 42:10 Advocacy for Industry Change 44:00 Upcoming News on Industry Innovations 46:30 Advice for Embracing Industry 4.0 49:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Connect with Amy on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-williams-a8974b114/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

This week we welcome Keiran Stokes, Director and Head of Technology at Thred, all the way from New Zealand. Keiran shares his unique journey from being an industrial electrician to a control systems engineer and then co-founding Thred. Throughout this insightful discussion, you will gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of industrial data engineering, the role of digital twins, and the importance of context in data analytics.

Keiran sheds light on the challenges of integrating industrial systems, the shortage of data engineers in the sector, and Thred’s revolutionary approach to bridging the gap between Industry 4.0 promises and current technology. This episode is perfect for anyone interested in the forefront of IIoT innovations and looking to understand the real-world applications and obstacles in the industry.

About:

Keiran Stokes is a leader in IT/OT integration and data strategy, renowned for his expertise in converging operational and information technologies to drive digital transformation. With a strong focus on supporting New Zealand’s industrial sector, Keiran specialises in enterprise and data architecture, helping businesses unlock productivity through digital solutions. His passion for bridging the gap between the factory floor and the cloud has positioned him as a thought leader in operational data, as well as in the engineering and operations that transform that data into insights and actionable improvements.

00:00 Introduction to Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast 00:35 Introduction to Guest: Keiran Stokes 01:45 Keiran Stokes' Journey: From Electrician to IIoT Expert 05:12 Transition into Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Development 08:23 Founding of Thred: Mission and Goals 11:03 Differences Between Industrial and IT Systems 14:17 Challenges of Industrial Data Sharing 17:02 Importance of Domain Knowledge in Industrial Data Engineering 20:50 The Role of Knowledge Graphs in Data Contextualization 25:11 Insights on Large Language Models (LLMs) 28:44 Overview of Thred's New Tool: 3 Cloud 32:30 Concepts of Digital Twins and Real-time Cobot Replication 36:15 Industry Challenges and Solutions for Small Manufacturers 39:42 Data Engineering and DataOps in the Industrial Sector 42:15 Open Source Software in Industrial Applications 45:50 Final Thoughts: Closing Gaps in Industrial Data 48:37 Listener Takeaways on IIoT Innovations and Challenges 52:10 Episode Wrap-Up and Future Discussions

Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and updates on the future of Industrial Internet of Things and automation!

Connect with Keiran on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/keiran-stokes/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

In this episode, hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes welcome Yanesh Naidoo, the owner of Jendamark Automation.

With over 20 years of experience in advanced manufacturing technologies, Yanesh discusses his approach to managing a plant, addressing common stressors, and the critical role trust in technology plays in optimizing operations.

From his early days at Volkswagen to the current innovations driving Jendamark Automation, Yanesh shares insights into the intersection of AI, automation, and human-centric plant management. Perfect for industry professionals, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of industrial automation.

01:24 Managing a Plant: Common Stressors 03:40 Real-life Breakdown: Phil's Maintenance Experience 06:58 Low Stock Challenges & Communication 09:10 Utilizing Data to Reduce Stress 11:32 Building Trust in Systems and Technology 14:17 The Potential of AI in Plant Management 17:05 Industrial Copilots and Real-time Insights 19:46 AI Asking AI: The Future Vision 22:23 Transformative Potential of ChatGPT 24:50 Human Judgment in AI-Assisted Decision Making 28:06 Yanesh's Personal Anecdote: Technology Enhancing Human Life 31:45 Automation and Human Involvement 34:32 Transitioning to Digitized, Paperless Operations 37:43 Reducing Operator Stress Without Job Loss 40:20 Key Data Collection and WhatsApp Integration 42:18 CEO vs. Middle Management: Resistance to Visibility 45:37 Empowering Operators with Data 47:59 Continuous Improvement and Active Involvement 49:53 Using Data for Actionable Insights 52:14 Innovation Trends in Manufacturing 55:00 Technical Optimizations and Digital Business Challenges 58:35 Financial Difficulties in Digital Transformation 1:01:27 Importance of Customer Education and Tailored Marketing 1:04:12 Revamping Education on YouTube 1:06:41 Jendamark Innovations: Low-code IT OT Integration 1:09:10 Mechanical Innovations and Reduced Changeover Time 1:12:33 Automotive Industry Challenges and IT OT Integration 1:15:20 Vision for Future Production Lines 1:17:54 Digital Augmentation and Prescriptive AI 1:20:45 Technologies to Reduce Operator Stress 1:23:30 Operators' Mindset and Technology Adoption 1:26:00 Digital vs. Automation: Upskilling Workers 1:28:29 Case Study: Overcoming Resistance to Digitization

Connect with Yanesh on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaneshnaidoo/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about Jendamark Automation :https://www.jendamark.co.za/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Join hosts Ed Fuentes and Phil Seboa with industrial automation and IoT expert, Rene Gamero, as they dive into the transformative world of IIoT and automation. Rene shares insights on the practical advantages of Power over Ethernet, the intricacies of protocols like TCP/IP and MQTT, and the seamless integration of MariaDB databases on Linux platforms.

Learn about real-world applications, such as how Opto 22's equipment is revolutionizing clean water distribution in remote Andes regions and reducing operational costs for major franchises like McDonald's. With anecdotes on tech solutions, data-driven approaches, and the future of IIoT, this episode promises to be a treasure for tech enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

This episode is brought to you by Industry Sage Media.

00:00 Introduction to Unplugged IIoT Podcast 00:42 Welcome to Rene Gamero 01:19 Rene Gamero's Journey in Industrial Automation 04:31 Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Advantages 08:32 Efficient Protocols and Databases 11:35 Hardware Flexibility and Multi-Functional Use 16:02 Case Study: Clean Water Distribution in the Andes 21:45 Integrating Legacy Equipment with Modern Solutions 26:58 Real-world Applications: McDonald's Energy Management 32:11 Streamlining Installations with PoE and Linux 37:40 Data Collection, Visualization, and Real-time Monitoring 42:55 The Importance of Educating Customers 46:59 Embracing Kubernetes and Modern IT Tools in OT Environments 52:16 Closing Remarks and Future Discussions

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View the Episode Recap: https://industrysagemedia.com/the-role-of-tcp-ip-mqtt-and-vpn-in-iot-with-rene-gamero/

Connect with Rene on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/renegamero/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about Opto22: http://www.opto22.com/

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About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

In this episode of Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes welcome Bryce Anderson, founder of Life Cycle Controls. With over 25 years of experience in the building management systems (BMS) and building automation systems (BAS) industry, Bryce shares his journey from working with Johnson Controls in South Africa to establishing his own company in 2017.

Specializing in BMS design, training, and client-side support, Bryce provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within the BMS sector.

This episode delves into topics crucial for professionals in the BMS industry, technology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of building automation.

This episode is brought to you by Industry Sage Media.

00:00 Introduction to Unplugged IIoT Podcast

00:28 Meet Bryce Anderson: Founder of Life Cycle Controls

01:33 Bryce's Early Career and Experience with Johnson Controls

04:21 Transition from Project Engineer to BMS Project Manager

08:40 Founding Life Cycle Controls in 2017

11:05 Insights on BMS Upgrades and Client-Side Support

14:12 Challenges and Hands-On Experience in BMS Industry

17:00 The Inefficiency of Preventative Maintenance Contracts

19:43 The Impact of Energy Efficiency Rating Programs

23:55 Integrating Technology and Human Expertise

27:30 Debunking Wireless Sensor Myths in Construction

31:02 The Role of Data in BMS and the Issue with Cloud Servers

34:17 Addressing Data Ownership and Open Source Platforms

38:05 Energy-Saving Strategies and Government Programs

41:10 Using Building Management Systems for Power Usage Efficiency

44:30 Future Trends: AI vs. Human Training in Commercial Offices

47:44 Final Thoughts and Industry Insights from Bryce Anderson

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Connect with Bryce on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryce-anderson17

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about Lifecycle Controls: https://www.lifecyclecontrols.com.au/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Join hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes as they welcome principal engineer Lachlan Wright from PWD. Solutions. This episode of Unplugged dives deep into the world of industrial IoT, touching on Lachlan's career in automation, IIOT vs. IOT, the power of open frameworks, and the future of industrial automation. Lachlan shares his experiences with Raspberry Pi, Arduino, and emerging PLC technologies, alongside discussing the importance of data accessibility and the role of agile development in today's evolving tech landscape. Tune in for an enlightening conversation filled with valuable industry insights.

00:00 Introduction to Unplugged IIoT Podcast

00:45 Meet Lachlan Wright, Principal Engineer of PWD. Solutions

02:43 Phil’s Passion for 3D Object Creation and Gaming through Blender

04:22 Ed’s Journey with Python and Databasing

07:08 Versatility of Skills in Industrial and Control Systems

11:35 Lachlan’s Home Automation: PLC MQTT for Power Monitoring

14:58 Lachlan’s Experience with Chat GPT and New Facebook Tools

17:24 Phil on Llama 3.5 Models and Their Vast Resources

21:46 Lachlan’s Industrial Anecdote: PLC, TCP Driver, InfluxDB, and Ignition

27:15 Pitfalls of Agile Methodology in IoT Digital Transformation

32:03 Importance of Community Collaboration in Open Source

35:16 Evolving PLCs: The Role of Software and Programming Languages

38:45 Integration of Docker Containers in Development

41:18 User Experience and Visualization in Industrial Applications

43:09 Shift Towards Web Native Technology

44:38 From Traditional SCADA to the WebDev Mindset

48:49 Interest in Time Series Databases like InfluxDB and Timescale

50:20 Enthusiasm for Continuous Learning and Technology Exploration

52:35 Unique Solutions for Different Industries and Sites

55:10 Raspberry Pi and Beckhoff CX 7000 Series in IIoT Deployments

58:46 Cost-Effectiveness of New Systems like Octo 22 Groove and PLC Nexts

01:02:19 Adoption of Raspberry Pi for Initial Automation Testing

Connect with Lachlan on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/plcexpert/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

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About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com