EnergyTech Podcast

Opsite Energy

Energy Innovation meets Industrial Technology: There is finally a podcast that balances technical depth with real-world applicability for field teams, operations groups, and senior leaders who want to see a real return on technology , IiOT, and AI Investments

  1. 4d ago

    Ignition 2027: AI Agents, 10× Faster Historians and What Comes Next - Ep 110

    What does Ignition 2027 mean for industrial AI, SCADA teams, and large-scale operations? Kevin McClusky, Chief Technology Architect at Inductive Automation, joins Jeff Perry and Mike Flores at the OpSite Energy Control Center in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, to break down the major announcements from ICC 2026. Kevin explains the Inductive Automation and Tiger Data partnership, the new Enterprise Historian Module for TimescaleDB, and benchmark targets that could reshape how large industrial systems store and retrieve time-series data. The conversation explores how greater historian scale can support richer analysis and help organizations prepare operational data for AI. They also examine Ignition Catalyst, including Catalyst Core, AI-assisted development, diagnostics, and the Catalyst Agent Module. Kevin shares practical examples for custom agents, alarm analysis, operator questions, drilling and completions, exploration, leak detection, and well optimization. The discussion goes beyond tools. Kevin explains why normalized data, trustworthy context, technical infrastructure, and organizational willingness all determine whether a promising demonstration becomes a sustainable production deployment. They also discuss why MQTT Sparkplug and OPC UA serve different roles—and why Ignition intends to support both. IN THIS EPISODE ⚡ Major announcements from ICC 2026 and Ignition 2027 ⚡ The Tiger Data partnership and TimescaleDB for Ignition ⚡ Enterprise historian scale, retrieval speed, and compression ⚡ Why more data can create a higher-fidelity operational picture ⚡ Catalyst Core, AI-assisted development, and diagnostics ⚡ Building custom agents with the Catalyst Agent Module ⚡ Alarm analysis and plain-language operational insights ⚡ AI opportunities in drilling, completions, exploration, and production ⚡ Trustworthy context, normalized data, and AI readiness ⚡ Why MQTT Sparkplug and OPC UA are complementary ⚡ The technology and organizational gaps that derail production deployments ⚡ Leak detection, well optimization, and the next wave of industrial AI Which Ignition 2027 capability could create the most value for your operation: AI-assisted engineering, enterprise historian scale, or custom operational agents? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe to the Energy Tech Podcast, presented by OpSite Energy, for practical conversations about industrial technology, AI, automation, and digital transformation across energy and critical infrastructure. CHAPTERS 00:00 Kevin McClusky joins the Energy Tech Podcast 01:03 ICC 2026 takeaways 03:18 The Ignition community and ecosystem 05:07 Why Inductive Automation partnered with Tiger Data 07:32 Enterprise Historian performance and compression 09:04 Data quantity, quality, and AI readiness 11:28 Choosing the right historian tier 13:49 Why Inductive Automation built Catalyst 15:20 Catalyst Core, diagnostics, and agents 16:41 AI-assisted development inside Ignition 18:47 Why Catalyst Core is included with Ignition 20:34 Communicating AI value to industrial customers 23:17 Building custom agents inside Ignition 24:30 Alarm analysis and operator insights 26:27 AI agents for drilling, completions, and exploration 30:32 Trustworthy context and normalized industrial data 33:47 MQTT, OPC UA, legacy assets, and the UNS 40:00 Why impressive demos fail in production 41:33 Technology barriers and organizational politics 45:56 Consensus without agreement 47:20 Ignition as a technology tipping point 48:34 The next two years of industrial AI 50:08 Leak detection and well optimization 52:15 Closing thoughts WEBSITES AND RESOURCES\ Inductive Automation: [https://inductiveautomation.com/](https://inductiveautomation.com/) Ignition 2027 preview: [https://pages.inductiveautomation.com/ignition-2027](https://pages.inductiveautomation.com/ignition-2027) Ignition Catalyst: [https://links.inductiveautomation.com/blog/ignition-catalyst-our-safetyfirst-approach-to-ai-in-ignition-2027](https://links.inductiveautomation.com/blog/ignition-catalyst-our-safetyfirst-approach-to-ai-in-ignition-2027) Tiger Data: [https://www.tigerdata.com/](https://www.tigerdata.com) OpSite Energy: [https://opsiteenergy.com/](https://opsiteenergy.com) Listen to the EnergyTech Podcast: [https://opsiteenergy.podbean.com](https://opsiteenergy.podbean.com) MUSIC “Fast Life” by Uygar Duzgun Courtesy of Epidemic Sound [https://www.epidemicsound.com](https://www.epidemicsound.com) #IndustrialAI #IgnitionSCADA #EnergyTechPodcast

  2. Oct 21

    SCADA, Edge AI & Low-Bandwidth Video | Videosoft Global - Ep109

    Live video can overwhelm the same low-bandwidth networks that carry SCADA data. Stewart McCone, CEO of Videosoft Global, joins host Mike Flores to explain how video compression and efficient transmission can make remote video monitoring practical for oil and gas operators. Recorded at the 2026 ENTELEC Fall Seminar in Odessa, Texas, this conversation explores getting useful live video from remote facilities while managing limited network capacity. Stewart describes a 30,000-camera project for a major U.S. midstream company and shares what has changed since his last appearance on the Energy Tech Podcast. They also discuss integrating with existing cameras and video management systems (VMS), securing video feeds, and expanding remote visibility through drones and mobile devices. Stewart outlines Videosoft’s plans to develop AI features with partners and explores where edge processing could help. IN THIS EPISODE ⚡ Video compression for constrained SCADA and satellite networks ⚡ Managing latency, buffering, and unreliable connections ⚡ Video security, encryption, and certificate management ⚡ Integration with existing cameras and legacy VMS platforms ⚡ Potential edge AI and optical gas imaging applications ⚡ BVLOS drones, mobile video, and site-based proofs of concept What’s the biggest obstacle to live video at your remote sites: bandwidth, reliability, security, or legacy integration? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe to the Energy Tech Podcast, presented by OpSite Energy, for conversations with the people building and using technology across oil and gas, energy, and critical infrastructure. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome from ENTELEC in Odessa 01:16 What Videosoft does for low-bandwidth video 02:11 Video as operational information 04:24 Growth after a 30,000-camera deployment 06:25 Avoiding video bottlenecks on SCADA networks 08:09 Unstable links, buffering, and packet loss 09:52 Video security, encryption, and certificates 11:51 Edge AI and Videosoft’s development plans 13:19 Optical gas imaging and edge processing 14:23 Integrating with legacy cameras and VMS 16:09 BVLOS drones and mobile video 18:06 Starting a proof of concept 19:20 What’s next for Videosoft in 2027 20:16 Upstream applications and closing thoughts WEBSITES & RESOURCES Videosoft Global: https://www.videosoftglobal.com/ Videosoft for energy and oil & gas: https://www.videosoftglobal.com/industries/energy/ How Videosoft works: https://www.videosoftglobal.com/solutions/how-does-it-work/ ENTELEC: https://www.entelec.org/ OpSite Energy: https://opsiteenergy.com/ Listen to the Energy Tech Podcast: https://opsiteenergy.podbean.com/ MUSIC “Fast Life” by Uygar Duzgun Courtesy of Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/ #SCADA #OilAndGas #EnergyTechPodcast

  3. Oct 20

    CSIA Certification: What It Means for System Integrators - Ep 108

    CSIA helps system integrators build stronger businesses and earn lasting customer trust. At ICC 2026 in Sacramento, Adrienne Meyer, CEO of the Control System Integrators Association, joins host Mike Flores to discuss the business practices behind a dependable industrial automation partner. From project management and customer relationships to third-party audits and certification, Adrienne explains how CSIA supports integration companies as they grow. She also shares why experienced firms continue getting recertified, how integrators learn from each other’s mistakes, and where AI fits into improving their businesses and helping customers. In this conversation: ⚡ CSIA’s mission to help system integrators run better businesses ⚡ Best practices for project management, finance, cybersecurity, and growth ⚡ What CSIA certification means for integrators and their customers ⚡ Training, special interest groups, and collaboration across the automation industry ⚡ Lessons from costly automation mistakes ⚡ Exploring AI for business efficiency and customer applications Whether you run a system integration company or choose partners for SCADA and industrial automation projects, this episode explores what supports a strong working relationship over the long haul. The Energy Tech Podcast is presented by OpSite Energy. Subscribe for practical conversations with the people building and using industrial technology. What matters most when you choose a system integrator? Share your experience in the comments. WEBSITES & RESOURCES CSIA — Control System Integrators Association: [https://controlsys.org/](https://controlsys.org/) CSIA Membership: [https://controlsys.org/join/](https://controlsys.org/join/) CSIA 2027 Conference — April 27–30, Nashville: [https://controlsys.org/upcoming-events/2027-csia-conference-home/](https://controlsys.org/upcoming-events/2027-csia-conference-home/) OpSite Energy: [https://opsiteenergy.com/](https://opsiteenergy.com/) Ignition by Inductive Automation: [https://inductiveautomation.com/](https://inductiveautomation.com/) CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to ICC 2026 and Adrienne Meyer 01:02 First impressions of ICC and the Ignition community 03:22 CSIA’s mission: Helping integrators run better businesses 06:12 CSIA Best Practices and Benchmarks 07:36 CSIA certification, audits, and customer trust 10:43 Why experienced integrators keep getting recertified 11:47 Training, special interest groups, and partner support 12:52 The CSIA conference and integrator collaboration 14:45 Learning from costly automation mistakes 16:24 AI for integrator efficiency and customer value 17:22 How to get involved with CSIA Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of [www.epidemicsound.com](https://www.epidemicsound.com) #CSIA #SystemIntegration #IndustrialAutomation #Ignition #EnergyTechPodcast

  4. Oct 19

    Why Smart Companies Make Bad Technology Decisions | Rich Tarity - Ep 107

    Why do smart companies still make bad technology decisions? Richard “Rich” Tarity, founder and CEO of truCX and author of The Intelligence Within, joins Jeff Perry and Mike Flores to discuss digital transformation, AI, and the costly gap between assumptions and evidence. Recorded from the OpSite Energy Control Center in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, with Rich joining remotely, this conversation explores why technology selection should begin with understanding the business. Rich explains how structured discovery, frontline knowledge, and stakeholder alignment can help teams define the right problem before choosing a platform. For leaders in oil and gas, utilities, and industrial operations, the discussion connects these ideas to technology projects, procurement, change management, and the pressure to deliver value faster. Rich also shares his vision for using AI and connected business data to uncover friction points while keeping human judgment central. IN THIS EPISODE ⚡ Why digital transformation projects struggle before implementation ⚡ The hidden cost of treating assumptions as requirements ⚡ Tapping into frontline expertise and tribal knowledge ⚡ Why meetings and consensus do not always create alignment ⚡ Using structured discovery to build clearer technology requirements ⚡ Lessons from a utility company’s discovery and procurement process ⚡ AI as an amplifier of human thinking and decision-making ⚡ Continuous improvement and the demand for faster results What slows technology decisions down most in your organization: unclear requirements, internal alignment, or vendor selection? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe to the Energy Tech Podcast for practical conversations about technology, AI, and digital transformation across energy and industrial operations. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and introduction to Richard Tarity 02:02 Rich’s background and The Intelligence Within 03:54 Why digital transformation projects fail 06:33 Who should be involved in technology decisions? 11:37 Assumptions, frontline expertise, and tribal knowledge 16:52 Why meetings do not guarantee alignment 19:48 Anonymous feedback and employee buy-in 22:52 Flawed discovery and connecting business data 25:17 The truCX discovery framework and AI roadmap 30:28 Applying discovery to energy and industrial projects 37:06 Speed, AI, and adapting to change 39:26 Turning business data into actionable signals 42:25 Discover first, decide second 43:54 Continuous improvement and future benchmarking 46:47 AI as an amplifier of human intelligence 49:15 A new generation of technology buyers 53:40 Where to find Rich, truCX, and the book WEBSITES & RESOURCES truCX: https://trucx.net/ Richard Tarity: https://richardtarity.com/ The Intelligence Within on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Intelligence-Within-Organizations-Breaking-Complex/dp/B0FCCRD3H2 Richard Tarity on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rtarity/ OpSite Energy: https://opsiteenergy.com/ Listen to the EnergyTech Podcast: https://opsiteenergy.podbean.com/ MUSIC “Fast Life” by Uygar Duzgun Courtesy of Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com/ #DigitalTransformation #ArtificialIntelligence #EnergyTechPodcast

  5. Oct 14

    Claude Code for SCADA: Ignition, MCP & Industrial AI - Ep 106

    Claude Code, Ignition SCADA, and industrial AI are changing how automation projects get built. Jonathan Hottell of Proton Automation joins host Mike Flores at ENTELEC to discuss his experience building SCADA systems with Claude Code and developing an MCP server for Ignition. They explore why MQTT, open standards, and a unified namespace matter for bringing context to industrial data—and why that foundation matters for AI readiness in oil and gas. Jonathan also shares what changed his mind about AI and why faster development still requires engineering judgment and production testing. The conversation covers: • Using Claude Code and MCP with Ignition • MQTT adoption, legacy RTUs, and vendor lock-in • Unified namespace and contextualized SCADA data • AI’s role in supporting SCADA developers • The gap between a fast prototype and a production-ready system • Potential applications in alarm management and production forecasting • Local AI models, data security, and edge computing • A preview of Jonathan’s Ignition Oil and Gas Collective presentation Subscribe to the Energy Tech Podcast for conversations with the people building and using technology across oil and gas. Where would AI make the biggest difference in your SCADA workflow: development, alarm management, or data analysis? Let us know in the comments. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome and Jonathan Hottell introduction 01:13 MQTT adoption and legacy RTUs 03:08 Open standards and vendor lock-in 04:28 Unified namespace and AI-ready data 06:53 AI agents and the pace of change 07:42 Ignition MCP and building SCADA with Claude Code 09:06 Will AI replace SCADA developers? 12:20 From AI prototype to production-ready software 12:58 Ignition Oil and Gas Collective preview 15:40 Industrial AI use cases and sandbox testing 17:52 Local AI models and data security 20:41 Data orchestration, FlowFuse, and Node-RED 22:04 Edge computing and smaller AI models 23:47 OpSite alarm management and closing thoughts Music: “Fast Life” by Uygar Duzgun Courtesy of Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com #SCADA #Ignition #IndustrialAI

  6. Oct 12

    Coreflux + Ignition: Industrial Data Integration with MQTT - Ep 105

    How can industrial data move from PLCs and SCADA into business systems, cloud platforms, and AI workflows? Coreflux co-founder and CEO Hugo Vaz joins the Energy Tech Podcast to discuss MQTT, Ignition integration, and the Language of Things. Recorded at ICC 2026 in Sacramento, this conversation explores how Coreflux grew out of the frustrations of hands-on systems integration—and how its approach helps teams connect equipment, transform data, and build repeatable workflows. Host Mike Flores and Hugo discuss practical examples involving legacy systems, oil and gas operations, SAP, Snowflake, and Kafka. They also explore data governance and controlling what connected devices, applications, and AI agents can access or write. IN THIS EPISODE • Why Hugo helped build Coreflux after working as an integrator • MQTT, Sparkplug B, and unified namespace concepts • The Language of Things: actions, models, rules, and routes • Connecting legacy equipment and adding context to industrial data • Potential applications for drilling, completions, and distributed energy operations • Repeatable deployments using LoT Notebooks, VS Code, and Cursor • Connecting Ignition SCADA with SAP and other enterprise systems • Streaming data to Snowflake, Kafka, and cloud services • Reducing repetitive integration work while maintaining customization • Data governance and access controls for devices, applications, and AI agents If you work in SCADA, industrial automation, OT, systems integration, or energy operations, this episode offers a practical look at connecting field data with the rest of the business. CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome to the Energy Tech Podcast 01:02 Hugo’s First ICC: Collaboration and the Ignition Ecosystem 04:03 Why Coreflux Was Built: An Integrator’s Frustration 06:42 MQTT Integration and the Language of Things 09:33 Actions, Models, Rules, and Data Governance 12:17 Routes, Legacy Systems, and Sparkplug B 15:05 Oil and Gas Applications: Drilling, Completions, and Edge Data 18:33 LoT Notebooks and Repeatable Deployments 19:15 Coreflux Hub and Developer Tools 21:24 Connecting Coreflux, Ignition, and SAP 23:36 Snowflake, Kafka, Cloud Connectivity, and Scaling 25:21 REST APIs and AI-Assisted Connector Development 26:27 Reducing ETL Work and Time to Value 28:15 Final Takeaways and Closing GUEST Hugo Vaz — Co-Founder & CEO, Coreflux HOST Mike Flores PRODUCTION Jeff Perry PRESENTED BY OpSite Energy — Insight Driven Remote Optimization EXPLORE MORE Coreflux: https://www.coreflux.org/ Coreflux LoT Templates: https://templates.coreflux.org/ OpSite Energy: https://www.opsiteenergy.com/ Subscribe to the Energy Tech Podcast for conversations about industrial automation, modern SCADA, operational data, and technology in the energy industry. What is the hardest integration in your operation today? Tell us in the comments. #MQTT #IgnitionSCADA #IndustrialAutomation

  7. Oct 12

    Turn Analog Assets into Connected Data | WIKA & LoRaWAN - Ep 104

    How much valuable operating data is still trapped on disconnected instruments, handwritten logs, and manual field rounds? WIKA joins the Energy Tech Podcast to explain how LoRaWAN and industrial IoT can bring that stranded data into your business. Recorded at the OpSite Energy Control Center in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with WIKA’s Britt Antley and Pete Miramontes to explore practical wireless monitoring for oil and gas, refineries, water utilities, and other industrial operations. Drawing on experience across Chevron and the process industries, Britt and Pete explain how operators can connect existing assets, reduce manual data collection, and evaluate the cost of adding visibility to equipment that has historically operated offline. In this episode: • What LoRaWAN is and where it fits in industrial operations • Long-range wireless communication and battery-powered sensors • Connecting existing 4–20 mA instruments through LoRaWAN bridges • Sensors, gateways, and the LoRaWAN network server • Moving data into Ignition, AVEVA PI, and enterprise platforms • MQTT, Sparkplug, APIs, and legacy integration options • LoRaWAN versus WirelessHART for monitoring applications • The three C’s: cost, complexity, and cybersecurity • Battery life, reporting intervals, and event-driven transmissions • Opportunities to reduce unnecessary field trips and manual readings • Applications for tank levels, pressure, water metering, and leak detection The discussion also explains why these monitoring applications have different requirements from process control and safety systems. Whether you manage production operations, develop SCADA systems, or evaluate industrial technology investments, this conversation offers a practical starting point for connecting more of your existing equipment. This is Part 1 of our WIKA conversation. Part 2 will focus on the instruments and a hands-on demonstration. Guests: Britt Antley and Pete Miramontes, WIKA Hosts: Jeff Perry and Mike Flores Presented by OpSite Energy Insight Driven Remote Optimization. Learn more: WIKA: https://www.wika.com OpSite Energy: https://www.opsiteenergy.com Subscribe for more conversations about SCADA, industrial automation, operational technology, remote operations, and the future of energy. What instrument or manual reading would you connect first? Tell us in the comments. #LoRaWAN #IndustrialIoT #OilAndGas 00:00 Opening outtakes with the WIKA team 01:52 Welcome to the Energy Tech Podcast 03:06 Meet Pete Miramontes and Britt Antley 07:45 Unlocking stranded data from analog assets 08:33 Reducing manual readings and field exposure 13:21 LoRaWAN explained: Range, power, and battery life 16:15 Architecture: Sensors, gateways, and network servers 18:08 Connecting to Ignition, AVEVA PI, and WIKA’s platform 19:49 Bringing 4–20 mA instruments onto LoRaWAN 22:19 Monitoring, reporting intervals, and event triggers 23:48 A closer look at WIKA’s bridge devices 25:46 LoRaWAN versus WirelessHART 29:47 The three C’s: Cost, complexity, and cybersecurity 32:20 Deployment cost lessons from Chevron 33:21 Simplifying installation and device onboarding 35:43 MQTT, Sparkplug, APIs, and legacy integrations 38:21 LoRaWAN cybersecurity and encryption 40:59 Data centers, water metering, and leak detection 42:11 Key takeaways and the Part 2 demo preview Music: “Fast Life” by Uygar Duzgun Courtesy of Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com

  8. Oct 11

    LoRaWAN for Oil & Gas: Unlocking Stranded Data with WIKA - Ep 105

    How much valuable operating data is still trapped on disconnected instruments, handwritten logs, and manual field rounds? WIKA joins the Energy Tech Podcast to explain how LoRaWAN and industrial IoT can bring that stranded data into your business. Recorded at the OpSite Energy Control Center in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with WIKA’s Britt Antley and Pete Miramontes to explore practical wireless monitoring for oil and gas, refineries, water utilities, and other industrial operations. Drawing on experience across Chevron and the process industries, Britt and Pete explain how operators can connect existing assets, reduce manual data collection, and evaluate the cost of adding visibility to equipment that has historically operated offline. In this episode: • What LoRaWAN is and where it fits in industrial operations • Long-range wireless communication and battery-powered sensors • Connecting existing 4–20 mA instruments through LoRaWAN bridges • Sensors, gateways, and the LoRaWAN network server • Moving data into Ignition, AVEVA PI, and enterprise platforms • MQTT, Sparkplug, APIs, and legacy integration options • LoRaWAN versus WirelessHART for monitoring applications • The three C’s: cost, complexity, and cybersecurity • Battery life, reporting intervals, and event-driven transmissions • Opportunities to reduce unnecessary field trips and manual readings • Applications for tank levels, pressure, water metering, and leak detection The discussion also explains why these monitoring applications have different requirements from process control and safety systems. Whether you manage production operations, develop SCADA systems, or evaluate industrial technology investments, this conversation offers a practical starting point for connecting more of your existing equipment. This is Part 1 of our WIKA conversation. Part 2 will focus on the instruments and a hands-on demonstration. Guests: Britt Antley and Pete Miramontes, WIKA Hosts: Jeff Perry and Mike Flores Presented by OpSite Energy Insight Driven Remote Optimization. Learn more: WIKA: https://www.wika.com OpSite Energy: https://www.opsiteenergy.com Subscribe for more conversations about SCADA, industrial automation, operational technology, remote operations, and the future of energy. What instrument or manual reading would you connect first? Tell us in the comments. #LoRaWAN #IndustrialIoT #OilAndGas 00:00 Opening outtakes with the WIKA team 01:52 Welcome to the Energy Tech Podcast 03:06 Meet Pete Miramontes and Britt Antley 07:45 Unlocking stranded data from analog assets 08:33 Reducing manual readings and field exposure 13:21 LoRaWAN explained: Range, power, and battery life 16:15 Architecture: Sensors, gateways, and network servers 18:08 Connecting to Ignition, AVEVA PI, and WIKA’s platform 19:49 Bringing 4–20 mA instruments onto LoRaWAN 22:19 Monitoring, reporting intervals, and event triggers 23:48 A closer look at WIKA’s bridge devices 25:46 LoRaWAN versus WirelessHART 29:47 The three C’s: Cost, complexity, and cybersecurity 32:20 Deployment cost lessons from Chevron 33:21 Simplifying installation and device onboarding 35:43 MQTT, Sparkplug, APIs, and legacy integrations 38:21 LoRaWAN cybersecurity and encryption 40:59 Data centers, water metering, and leak detection 42:11 Key takeaways and the Part 2 demo preview Music: “Fast Life” by Uygar Duzgun Courtesy of Epidemic Sound https://www.epidemicsound.com

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Energy Innovation meets Industrial Technology: There is finally a podcast that balances technical depth with real-world applicability for field teams, operations groups, and senior leaders who want to see a real return on technology , IiOT, and AI Investments

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