The Integrate Intelligently Podcast

CADTALK Software
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How does your business integrate? It's a question that can have a lot of answers - from integrating people to integrating systems. Or more often, it's finding ways for both to work together to achieve greatness. That's what we believe integrating intelligently means. At CADTALK Software, we specialize in helping manufacturing companies optimize their engineering to manufacturing handoff through the power of intelligent CAD to ERP integration. Maybe you're a manufacturing engineer and you are tired of manual data entry, and you want to learn more about what integration looks like. Or maybe you're in an entirely different SaaS field and want to hear more stories of ERP integrations. Join CADTALK's brotherly duo, CEO Scott Brickler and CRO Jeff Brickler, for The Integrate Intelligently Podcast. We explore what it means to integrate intelligently in manufacturing, engineering, and beyond.

  1. 3D AGO

    Why Your ERP Isn't Delivering What It Promised - CADTALK CEO Scott Brickler, Part 1

    Manufacturers spend six or seven figures on ERP systems — and most aren't getting the ROI they were promised. CADTALK CEO Scott Brickler explains why the ERP isn't the problem, and what is. In this episode, Scott and host John Thomas discuss: Why the bill of material is the engine everything in manufacturing ERP runs on — and why getting it right is harder than anyone admitsThe "ERP demo problem" — why it always works in demos, and what happens when real data hits the systemWhy "consistently wrong" beats "sporadically right" — and what that means for your engineering dataKey takeaway: "Your ERP is only as good as the data you feed it." Connect with CADTALK: https://cadtalk.com

    14 min

  2. FEB 23

    Your Factory Already Runs on AI — You Just Don't Call It That - Rob Jolliffe of Sabre Limited, Part 3

    Here's a take that might surprise you: manufacturing has had AI longer than almost any other industry. In this episode — "Your Factory Already Runs on AI — You Just Don't Call It That" — Rob Jolliffe, CEO of Sabre Limited, wraps up his conversation with hosts Jeff and Scott Brickler by tackling the AI hype head-on. Rob makes the case that MRP is an expert system, manufacturing has been running on AI for decades — so why does the current conversation feel so disconnected? The discussion covers why AI pitches keep missing the mark with manufacturers, where the real opportunity lies (it's not replacing what already works), and practical use cases like automated vendor follow-up, real-time material substitution, and intelligent PO review. Rob and Scott explore why the most valuable AI applications are the tasks that are too onerous for humans at scale but too costly to skip. Key Takeaways: MRP and finite capacity planning are expert systems — manufacturing has had AI for decadesCurrent AI pitches often try to solve problems existing systems already handleThe real opportunity is in tasks too onerous for humans: vendor follow-up, PO review, material substitutionsAI should enable the thousands of small decisions humans currently skipBusiness Central's extension model allows add-ons to coexist without conflictGoldratt's insight: the obvious use case for new technology is rarely the most valuable oneConnect with our guest: Rob Jolliffe | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjolliffe/ Sabre Limited: https://www.sabrelimited.com Follow CADTALK: CADTALK's Website: https://cadtalk.com Follow CADTALK on YouTube (video episodes found here): https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667 Follow CADTALK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

    15 min

  3. FEB 16

    Build-A-Bear ERP: Why Configurable Beats Custom for ETO Manufacturers - Rob Jolliffe of Sabre Limited, Part 2

    Why do standard ERP production modules keep failing engineer-to-order manufacturers? In this episode — “Build-A-Bear ERP: Why Configurable Beats Custom for ETO Manufacturers” — Rob Jolliffe, CEO of Sabre Limited, continues his conversation with hosts Jeff and Scott Brickler, diving deep into the unique challenges of ETO manufacturing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Rob shares the story of a die builder whose million-dollar product was held up by a $10 guide pin, and explains why the Projects module — not production orders — is the right approach for ETO companies in BC. The conversation covers why traditional production modules make a fatal assumption for ETO, how Business Central’s AppSource ecosystem creates a “Build-A-Bear ERP” that can be configured without customization, and what ETO manufacturers should look for in a BC partner. Key Takeaways: - Standard ERP production modules assume R&D is complete — a fatal mismatch for ETO - Business Central’s Projects module handles phased BOMs, progressive invoicing, and engineering-to-purchasing coordination - The AppSource ecosystem (9,000+ apps) creates competitive pressure that keeps add-ons innovating - The “Build-A-Bear ERP” model gives BC long-term staying power vs. monolithic competitors - Not every BC partner understands ETO — ask about their Projects methodology before signing - CAD integration readiness is a critical success factor for ETO implementations Connect with our guest: Rob Jolliffe | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjolliffe/ Sabre Limited: https://www.sabrelimited.com Follow CADTALK: CADTALK’s Website: https://cadtalk.com Follow CADTALK on YouTube (video episodes found here): https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667 Follow CADTALK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadtalk Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to ETO Manufacturing Challenges 01:45 The Million-Dollar Die Story 04:00 Why Production Modules Fail ETO 06:15 The Valve Assembly Example 08:00 Why Projects Beat Production Orders in Business Central 10:15 Phased BOMs, Progressive Invoicing, and Onsite Work Tracking 12:00 Business Central vs. Infor: Scoring Manufacturing and Accounting 13:45 The AppSource Ecosystem and the “Build-A-Bear ERP” 15:30 What to Look for in a BC Partner for ETO 17:00 CAD Integration Readiness and the Role of CADTALK

    18 min

  4. FEB 9

    Why Fixed-Fee ERP Implementations Win for Manufacturers - Rob Jolliffe of Sabre Limited, Part 1

    Why do most ERP projects still bill by the hour — when no manufacturer would ever charge their own customers that way? In this episode, Rob Jolliffe, CEO of Sabre Limited, joins hosts Jeff and Scott Brickler to challenge one of the ERP industry’s most deeply embedded practices: time-and-material billing. Rob shares how a blunt question from a production manager forced him to rethink how he runs projects — and how the fixed-fee model he built at Sabre has changed outcomes for his customers. Rob breaks down how he applies Eli Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints and lean manufacturing principles to ERP projects, why tiered packaging nearly eliminates scope creep, and why a mandatory post-go-live support contract was the single best decision he’s made for customer retention. Whether you’re evaluating ERP partners, planning a Business Central implementation, or just tired of surprise invoices — this one’s for you. Key Takeaways: - Time-and-material billing creates perverse incentives - Fixed-fee pricing forces process discipline and consistency - Tiered packaging nearly eliminates scope creep - Lean manufacturing principles apply directly to ERP project management - A mandatory post-go-live support contract removes the fear of calling for help - Operations managers (not traditional PMs) drive consistency across all projects Connect with our guest: Rob Jolliffe | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjolliffe/ Sabre Limited: https://www.sabrelimited.com Follow CADTALK: CADTALK’s Website: https://cadtalk.com Follow CADTALK on YouTube (video episodes found here): https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667 Follow CADTALK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadtalk Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 02:30 Rob Jolliffe’s Background in Manufacturing and ERP 05:15 The Question That Changed Everything 08:00 Why Time-and-Material Billing Creates Perverse Incentives 11:00 How Fixed-Fee Implementation Actually Works 14:30 Tiered Packaging: Managing Scope Without Arguments 17:15 Shifting the Right Work to Customers 19:30 Applying Lean Thinking and Theory of Constraints to ERP Projects 21:45 Operations Managers vs. Traditional Project Managers 23:00 The Mandatory One-Year Support Contract

    25 min

  5. 12/19/2025

    From Doer to Director: How to Build an AI-Ready Manufacturing Team

    This episode is part of our "Future-Proof" mini-series on the Integrate Intelligently Podcast. Over three episodes, we're exploring how manufacturing leaders can build AI-ready teams—from understanding the technology to attracting talent to creating a culture that embraces change. Download our companion guide "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" linked below. From Doer to Director: How to Build an AI-Ready Manufacturing Team AI adoption isn't optional—it's inevitable. In this series finale, we tackle the human side of AI transformation: overcoming fear, building an AI-fluent culture, and developing the skills that will matter most in the years ahead. In this episode: Why "truth-seeking and truth-telling" is the foundation of AI leadershipThe 92% rule: automate most of your job, then direct the restWhy learning isn't an event—it's a compounding processThe irony: to avoid being replaced by AI, you need to learn AIWhy people won't be replaced by AI—they'll be replaced by people using AIFeatured insight: "The irony to not be replaced by AI is to learn AI." Resources: - Download the guide: "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" | https://cadtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AI-and-Talent-Acquisition.pdf - Try the ROI Calculator: https://cadtalk.com/calculating-the-cadtalk-difference/ - Request a demo: https://cadtalk.com/demo/ Connect with us: Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/ Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/ #ManufacturingAI #DigitalTransformation #IntegrateIntelligently

    14 min

  6. 12/12/2025

    Why AI is Your Secret Weapon for Recruiting

    This episode is part of our "Future-Proof" mini-series on the Integrate Intelligently Podcast. Over three episodes, we're exploring how manufacturing leaders can build AI-ready teams—from understanding the technology to attracting talent to creating a culture that embraces change. Download our companion guide "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" linked below. The Compelling Vision: Why AI is Your Secret Weapon for Recruiting The talent crisis in manufacturing is real—baby boomers are retiring, fewer young people are entering the industry, and you're competing with the Teslas and SpaceXs of the world. In this episode, we explore how AI can transform your recruiting process AND make your company more attractive to top talent. In this episode: Why "hiring is a sales funnel"—and how AI applies to every stageUsing AI for candidate scoring, outreach automation, and interview analysisThe difference between a "career" and a "job"—and why your AI vision mattersHow to position even traditional manufacturing roles as exciting opportunitiesCapturing institutional knowledge before it walks out the doorFeatured insight: "The thing that attracts people to a company is a compelling vision... the difference between a career and a job." Resources: - Download the guide: "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" - Try the ROI Calculator - Request a demo Connect with us: Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/ Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/ #ManufacturingAI #DigitalTransformation #IntegrateIntelligently

    15 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    On-Demand Humanity: Understanding AI's Real Potential in Manufacturing

    This episode is part of our "Future-Proof" mini-series on the Integrate Intelligently Podcast. Over three episodes, we're exploring how manufacturing leaders can build AI-ready teams—from understanding the technology to attracting talent to creating a culture that embraces change. Download our companion guide "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" linked below. On-Demand Humanity: Understanding AI's Real Potential in Manufacturing Everyone's talking about AI—but most of the conversation swings between utopia and dystopia. In this episode, we cut through the noise with a practical look at what AI actually is, where it came from, and why manufacturing is uniquely positioned to benefit. In this episode: - Why AI felt "sudden" (hint: exponential curves are deceiving) - The difference between generative AI and other forms of AI - Why LLMs are essentially "on-demand humanity"—and why they hallucinate just like humans do - How CADTALK became the first AI-driven integration in our space back in 2019 - Why manufacturing has massive untapped potential for AI adoption Resources: - Download the guide: "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" - Try the ROI Calculator - Request a demo Connect with us: Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/ Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/ #ManufacturingAI #DigitalTransformation #IntegrateIntelligently

    18 min

  8. 09/23/2025

    What Nobody Tells You About Buying a Company | M&A Integration with Steve Nunn

    Most companies spend millions buying a business, then try to save $50K on integration help. That's what Steve Nunn calls "stepping over dollars to pick up nickels." In this episode, Scott Brickler sits down with Steve Nunn—CEO of Intista and the expert who guided CADTALK through the acquisition and integration of Elmo Solutions. This isn't your typical M&A success story about financial engineering and cost savings. It's about what actually happens after you sign the papers—and why most acquisitions fail at exactly that point. Steve specializes in small-to-mid-sized business acquisitions (up to $1B) where success isn't measured by layoffs and synergies, but by whether your people stay, your culture survives, and your company can actually grow. What You'll Learn: - Why small business acquisitions need a fundamentally different approach than the airline mergers you see on the news - The hidden costs sellers DON'T prepare for (spoiler: old computers are just the beginning) - How to keep key employees engaged when they're expecting pink slips - Why cultural differences matter more than you think (especially with Canadian/Quebec acquisitions) - The "one word" that determines integration success - When to bring in outside help vs. trying to DIY your integration - Real talk about whether Scott would do it again (and what he'd do differently) Key Insight: The real work—and the real value—of an acquisition happens AFTER the signing. Most buyers focus on "can we afford this company?" when they should be asking "can we afford NOT to integrate it properly?" Whether you're considering your first acquisition, you're a serial acquirer, or you're just curious about how businesses grow through M&A, this conversation reveals the reality behind the spreadsheets. 🔗 Connect with Steve Nunn: https://intista.com 🔗 Learn more about CADTALK: https://cadtalk.com 📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for more strategic insights 📋 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 02:18 - How Steve Found His Calling in M&A Integration 07:14 - Small vs. Large Business Acquisitions: Why They're Different 11:16 - Scott's Decision to Hire an Integration Expert 16:38 - What to Expect: Planning the Elmo Integration 22:32 - Focus on People, Not Spreadsheets 27:26 - Cost vs. Value: The Nickels & Dollars Problem 33:21 - Cultural Challenges & What Surprised Scott 40:32 - Lessons Learned & Would They Do It Again? 46:00 - What's Next for Steve & Intista #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessAcquisitions #SmallBusiness #BusinessIntegration #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MAStrategy #EntrepreneurPodcast

    43 min
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About

How does your business integrate? It's a question that can have a lot of answers - from integrating people to integrating systems. Or more often, it's finding ways for both to work together to achieve greatness. That's what we believe integrating intelligently means. At CADTALK Software, we specialize in helping manufacturing companies optimize their engineering to manufacturing handoff through the power of intelligent CAD to ERP integration. Maybe you're a manufacturing engineer and you are tired of manual data entry, and you want to learn more about what integration looks like. Or maybe you're in an entirely different SaaS field and want to hear more stories of ERP integrations. Join CADTALK's brotherly duo, CEO Scott Brickler and CRO Jeff Brickler, for The Integrate Intelligently Podcast. We explore what it means to integrate intelligently in manufacturing, engineering, and beyond.

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