Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering

Razorleaf Corp.

Welcome to 'Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering,' the ultimate podcast for all things digital in the manufacturing industry by Razorleaf. Join us as we take a deep dive into the multifaceted world of digital transformation, exploring topics such as the digital thread, digital twins, IDEs, model-based strategies and delving into the frontiers of cutting-edge technologies like PLM, MES, Integration, and more. Our expert hosts, Jonathan Scott, Jen Ferello, Juliann Grant, and Eric Doubell, will be your guides, providing valuable insights, captivating interviews, and the latest industry updates to ensure you remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, a business leader, or simply curious about the digital realm in manufacturing, this podcast is your essential resource for staying sharp and well-informed.

  1. HACE 3 DÍAS

    #126: Digital Product Series: iBase-t Solumina

    Inside Solumina: The Digital Backbone for Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing What does it take to manage manufacturing where failure simply isn’t an option? In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott continue their digital product series with Sung Kim, CTO of iBase-t, for a deep dive into the Solumina platform—a manufacturing operations management system designed specifically for complex, highly regulated industries like aerospace and defense. Unlike traditional manufacturing systems that simply record what happened, Solumina is designed to actively guide production processes, enforce quality requirements, and maintain full traceability across the product lifecycle. Sung explains how the platform connects engineering intent to shop floor execution, integrating capabilities like MES, embedded quality management, supplier quality, MRO, and model-based manufacturing into a unified operational data model. The conversation explores the architecture behind the platform—from early two-tier systems to today’s cloud-native, microservices-based infrastructure—and how Solumina enables organizations to scale across global manufacturing sites while maintaining compliance, security, and operational continuity. If you’re curious about how modern manufacturing systems evolve from systems of record into systems that guide what happens next, this episode delivers a rare look under the hood. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why MES alone isn’t enough for complex aerospace and defense manufacturingHow Solumin integrates MES, quality management, MRO, and supplier quality into one platformWhy a unified operational data model is critical for AI in manufacturingHow manufacturers integrate Solumina with PLM, ERP, and shop floor systemsWhat model-based manufacturing looks like in real-world productionWhy cloud-native architecture and microservices matter for manufacturing softwareHow digital systems help preserve institutional knowledge as experienced workers retireKey Topics Discussed Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) platformsAerospace and defense manufacturing systemsDigital thread and model based enterpriseEmbedded quality management systems (EQMS)Supplier quality integrationMaintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) workflowsAI-driven manufacturing operationsCloud-native industrial software architectureAbout the Guest: Sung Kim is the Chief Technology Officer at iBase-t, where he leads the company’s long-term technology vision and product architecture for the Lumina manufacturing operations platform. With more than 20 years of experience as a technology architect and computer scientist, Sung focuses on building scalable, secure systems for complex, highly regulated manufacturing environments. Before joining iBase-t, Sung worked in telecommunications and academia, teaching undergraduate and graduate students while publishing research in leading international journals and conferences, including ACM and IEEE. His work today centers on advancing modern, cloud-native manufacturing platforms that connect engineering, production, quality, and maintenance across the digital thread. 📩 Subscribe for more conversations on digital engineering and product innovation 💬 Share your experiences or questions in the comments Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    35 min
  2. 3 MAR

    #125: Strategic Patterns for Implementing AI in Manufacturing

    AI is everywhere right now—but in digital engineering and manufacturing, many leaders are still asking the same question: where does it actually help? In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with Dr. Diego Tamburini of CIMdata to separate hype from implementation reality. With decades of experience spanning Microsoft, Autodesk, and Siemens Digital Industries, Diego shares how organizations are applying AI today—not in theory, but inside real engineering and manufacturing environments. The discussion introduces five practical patterns of AI adoption, explains why many proof-of-concepts fail to scale, and explores emerging applications like AI-assisted workflows, predictive models, and natural-language interaction with engineering systems. Most importantly, the conversation reframes AI not as a technology trend, but as a decision framework leaders must apply carefully to solve the right problems. Key Takeaways Why today’s AI surge is driven largely by generative AI exposure—not a sudden invention of new intelligenceThe five patterns companies are using to implement AI, from vendor-embedded tools to fully custom modelsHow Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) allows organizations to connect AI across enterprise systems without retraining modelsWhy many AI pilots fail due to unclear use cases, poor measurement, or data that cannot scaleHow AI is changing the way engineers interact with software—moving from menus to natural-language workflowsReal industrial applications already delivering value, including predictive maintenance, quality analysis, and simulation accelerationThe importance of aligning AI adoption with skills, governance, and measurable KPIs from the start👤 Guest Information Dr. Diego Tamburini Executive Consultant, CIMdata Leads the company’s AI practice, helping industrial organizations apply AI to digital engineering and manufacturing transformation. Former Director of Engineering Agility at Microsoft, where he helped integrate AI into engineering workflows and marketplace platforms. Previously held leadership and strategy roles at Autodesk and Siemens Digital Industries Software, with more than 25 years of experience in CAD, CAM, CAE, and PLM innovation.  👉 Connect with Dr. Tamburini to learn more about practical AI adoption in industrial environments. If this episode helped clarify how AI fits into engineering and manufacturing: Subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering on your favorite podcast platformShare this episode with a colleague evaluating AI initiatives Leave a review to help more listeners find the showMusic is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    43 min
  3. 24 FEB

    #124: 3DEXPERIENCE World 2026 Wrap Up

    In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, we break down the biggest themes and takeaways from 3DEXPERIENCE World (formerly SolidWorks World), held this year in Houston. The message was loud and clear: AI is here — and Dassault Systèmes is betting big on it. From the headline-making partnership with NVIDIA to live AI demos inside the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, the event showcased ambitious plans for AI-driven engineering workflows. But beyond the stage announcements, what are customers actually asking about? And what does this shift mean for data strategy, PLM adoption, and long-term system decisions? Juliann Grant discusses the highlights of the event with the attending Razorleaf team, Jonathan Scott, Francois Schlub, and Andrew Halley as they share what really stood out — including conversations happening off-stage. Key Themes from the Event AI Everywhere — But What Does It Really Mean? AI agents embedded in SolidWorks workflowsLive demos showing rapid simulation and design iterationPartnership announcement between Dassault Systèmes and NVIDIAThe broader message: AI as a force multiplier, not just a chatbotData Is the Foundation Why clean, structured product data matters more than everThe push toward centralizing data in the 3DEXPERIENCE platformIntegration challenges across ERP, PDM, and PLM systems“Garbage in, garbage out” — especially with AIAdoption Still Matters More Than Hype Real-world customer questions about migration and workflowsPDM Pro vs. Manage vs. 3DEXPERIENCE decisionsCloud adoption realitiesLegacy systems vs. startup-native cloud environmentsEducation & the Next Generation Expanded focus on 3DEXPERIENCE EDUHigh school and university programs teaching platform tools earlyThe long-term shift in engineering workforce readinessThe Big Question: Is AI Replacing Engineers? A recurring theme throughout the conference: If AI compresses hours of work into minutes… what changes for engineering teams? We explore the tension between productivity gains and workforce impact — and what it may mean for the future of digital engineering. Guests in This Episode Juliann Grant – HostJonathan Scott – HostAndrew Halley – Senior Director of PartnershipsFrançois Schlub– Sales ExecutiveThe Event Takeaways AI dominated the headlines. But customers are still focused on: Getting PLM foundations rightManaging migration pathsStructuring and governing product dataEnsuring successful user adoptionThe shift is real — but the groundwork still matters. If you couldn’t make it to Houston, this recap gives you the highlights, insights, and honest takeaways from the floor. 👉 Have questions about 3DEXPERIENCE, AI strategy, or PLM adoption? Reach out to the team at Razorleaf. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    32 min
  4. 17 FEB

    #123: Digital Product Series: iBase-t

    Digital engineering gets a lot of attention. But what happens after the design is complete? In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, we sit down with Naveen Poonian, CEO of iBase-t, to explore why execution — not just engineering — is the real battleground of digital transformation in aerospace and defense. From Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) to Supplier Quality Management (SQM) and Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO), we unpack how digital tools connect engineering, production, service, and compliance into a true lifecycle ecosystem. We also explore:  Why complex discrete manufacturing requires a different approachThe shift toward model-based enterpriseHow AI is being applied to real execution problemsWhat makes digital transformation succeed (and fail)The culture behind iBase-t’s family-owned legacyIf you're navigating digital manufacturing, aerospace innovation, or operational transformation, this conversation delivers practical insight grounded in real-world execution. Key Takeaways Execution is the missing link between digital engineering and real-world manufacturing outcomes. Aerospace and defense demand precision, traceability, and compliance at every stage.MES and MOM platforms must connect deeply with supply chain and MRO processes.AI must solve real operational problems — not just exist as a feature.Digital transformation requires partnership, focus, and strong organizational alignment.The future is model-based, interoperable, and data-driven.  Guest - Naveen Poonian CEO, iBase-t Aerospace and defense technology leader focused on manufacturing execution, lifecycle transformation, and operational excellence. Resources & Mentions iBase-tiBase-t Excelerate ConferenceModel-Based Enterprise (MBE)Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM)Supplier Quality Management (SQM)Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO)Connect With Us 📩 Have questions or topic ideas? Email: podcast@razorleaf.com 💬 Leave a comment — we read them all ⭐ Subscribe for future conversations on digital engineering and manufacturing If you found value in this episode, please share it with a colleague in aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    41 min
  5. 10 FEB

    #Ep 122 - Product Line Engineering: MBSE for Batteries, Tools, and Beyond

    AI may dominate headlines, but the real transformation in product development is happening elsewhere—in how teams manage complexity across mechanics, electronics, and software without slowing time to market. In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott continue their conversation on Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) with Eran Reinshmidt and Safae El Abkari of Dassault Systèmes. This discussion moves beyond aerospace and defense to explore how MBSE is reshaping consumer product development—from small appliances and power tools to connected products and manufacturing systems. The conversation dives into virtual prototyping, multidisciplinary collaboration, faster trade studies, platform thinking, product line engineering, and why MBSE is becoming essential for consumer companies that need speed without chaos. 🔑 Key Takeaways Why consumer products now face the same complexity challenges as aerospace systemsHow MBSE enables parallel work across mechanical, electrical, and software teamsUsing virtual prototypes to test software months earlier than physical buildsHow parametric trade studies unlock better product decisions without slowing timelinesThe role of MBSE in product line engineering, modularity, and upgradeabilityWhy verification and validation must start earlier—and happen continuouslyHow MBSE principles are extending into manufacturing and factory variability 👤 Guest Information  Eran Reinshmidt Solution Leader, Consumer Industries – Dassault Systèmes Over 20 years of experience spanning furniture, home goods, appliances, sporting goods, apparel, and connected products. Safae El Abkari PhD, Engineering Sciences Leads the Perfectly Connected Product Solution at Dassault Systèmes, specializing in multidisciplinary product development and MBSE adoption. 👉 Follow both guests on LinkedIn for insights on MBSE and consumer product innovation. If this episode helped clarify how MBSE applies beyond aerospace: Subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering on your favorite podcast platformShare this episode with a colleague working in product development or manufacturingLeave a review to help more listeners find the showMusic is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    42 min
  6. 3 FEB

    #121: Digital Product Series: Sigmetrix - Why Tolerance Analysis Matters in Digital Engineering

    In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott continue the digital product series with a deep dive into mechanical variation management and tolerance analysis. Joined by James Stoddard, co-founder and research fellow at Sigmetrix, the conversation explores how tolerance analysis acts as a critical bridge between ideal CAD models and real-world manufactured parts. The discussion unpacks why variation can never be eliminated, how poor tolerance decisions quietly drive cost and quality issues, and why managing variation across the entire product lifecycle is essential for modern, model-based enterprises. Key Takeaways Why tolerance analysis is more than a final design check-it's a lifecycle disciplineHow variation breaks the digital thread between design and manufacturingThe tradeoff between tighter tolerances, higher quality, and rising costWhy GD&T is a language—and how misunderstanding it drives manufacturing riskHow tolerance analysis supports better decisions in design, manufacturing, and inspectionThe role of tolerance analysis in the transition from virtual models to real-world productionGuest: James Stoddard Co-Founder & Research Fellow, Sigmetrix James has spent over 25 years advancing tolerance analysis and mechanical variation management technologies, helping organizations improve quality while controlling cost. Resources Mentioned ●      Mechanical Variation Management ●      Tolerance Analysis ●      Model-Based Definition (MBD) ●      Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) ●      Digital Thread & Model-Based Enterprise (MBE)   If you found this episode valuable, subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague working in design, manufacturing, or quality. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    36 min
  7. 3 FEB

    #125: Strategic Patterns for Implementing AI in Manufacturing

    AI is everywhere right now—but in digital engineering and manufacturing, many leaders are still asking the same question: where does it actually help?  In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with Dr. Diego Tamburini of CIMdata to separate hype from implementation reality. With decades of experience spanning Microsoft, Autodesk, and Siemens Digital Industries, Diego shares how organizations are applying AI today—not in theory, but inside real engineering and manufacturing environments. The discussion introduces five practical patterns of AI adoption, explains why many proof-of-concepts fail to scale, and explores emerging applications like AI-assisted workflows, predictive models, and natural-language interaction with engineering systems. Most importantly, the conversation reframes AI not as a technology trend, but as a decision framework leaders must apply carefully to solve the right problems. Key Takeaways Why today’s AI surge is driven largely by generative AI exposure—not a sudden invention of new intelligenceThe five patterns companies are using to implement AI, from vendor-embedded tools to fully custom modelsHow Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) allows organizations to connect AI across enterprise systems without retraining modelsWhy many AI pilots fail due to unclear use cases, poor measurement, or data that cannot scaleHow AI is changing the way engineers interact with software—moving from menus to natural-language workflowsReal industrial applications already delivering value, including predictive maintenance, quality analysis, and simulation accelerationThe importance of aligning AI adoption with skills, governance, and measurable KPIs from the start 👤 Guest Information Dr. Diego Tamburini Executive Consultant, CIMdata Leads the company’s AI practice, helping industrial organizations apply AI to digital engineering and manufacturing transformation. Former Director of Engineering Agility at Microsoft, where he helped integrate AI into engineering workflows and marketplace platforms. Previously held leadership and strategy roles at Autodesk and Siemens Digital Industries Software, with more than 25 years of experience in CAD, CAM, CAE, and PLM innovation.  👉 Connect with Dr. Tamburini to learn more about practical AI adoption in industrial environments. If this episode helped clarify how AI fits into engineering and manufacturing:Subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering on your favorite podcast platformShare this episode with a colleague evaluating AI initiativesLeave a review to help more listeners find the showMusic is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    43 min
  8. 27 ENE

    #120 : Private Equity, SaaS, and Software Risk in Digital Engineering

    Episode Summary How risky is it to buy engineering software from a company owned by private equity? Does SaaS actually reduce risk—or introduce new problems? And what should technology buyers really be evaluating in today’s rapidly consolidating digital engineering market? In this episode of Stay Sharp, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with industry analyst Monica Schnitger, President and Principal Analyst at Schnitger Corporation. With nearly two decades of experience advising software vendors, investors, and technology buyers, Monica offers a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at private equity, SaaS adoption, cloud realities, and how buyers can make smarter, lower-risk decisions. This conversation cuts through common myths and focuses on what actually matters when selecting engineering, PLM, CAD, and simulation software in 2026 and beyond. Key Takeaways Why private equity ownership is often less risky than buyers assumeWhat really determines software risk: usability, fit, vendor trust, and longevityHow SaaS and cloud delivery are reshaping buying expectations—and support gapsWhy reseller and channel consolidation is accelerating across the industryThe difference between AI hype and practical, usable innovationHow digital twins, UX improvements, and hybrid cloud models are quietly advancingPractical advice for evaluating software purchases without chasing shiny objectsAbout the Guest Monica Schnitger is President and Principal Analyst at Schnitger Corporation, where she advises engineering software vendors, investors, and enterprise buyers. She brings deep expertise across CAD, CAE, PLM, and digital engineering ecosystems, with a background in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from MIT and an MBA from Babson College. Resources Mentioned ●      Engineering software risk evaluation ●      SaaS and cloud adoption in digital engineering ●      Private equity trends in software ●      Digital twins and PLM evolution   If you found this episode valuable: ●      ✅ Follow or subscribe to Stay Sharp on your favorite podcast platform ●      ⭐ Leave a review to help more listeners find the show ●      📤 Share this episode with a colleague evaluating engineering software Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    46 min

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Welcome to 'Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering,' the ultimate podcast for all things digital in the manufacturing industry by Razorleaf. Join us as we take a deep dive into the multifaceted world of digital transformation, exploring topics such as the digital thread, digital twins, IDEs, model-based strategies and delving into the frontiers of cutting-edge technologies like PLM, MES, Integration, and more. Our expert hosts, Jonathan Scott, Jen Ferello, Juliann Grant, and Eric Doubell, will be your guides, providing valuable insights, captivating interviews, and the latest industry updates to ensure you remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, a business leader, or simply curious about the digital realm in manufacturing, this podcast is your essential resource for staying sharp and well-informed.