Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship

Frank Lamb, Automation Business Consultant & Trainer

In today’s age of rapid technological advancement, many find themselves navigating the complex world of automation and control systems, often feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the ever-changing landscape. Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.  Join host Frank Lamb, an automation expert, and the author of “PLC Hardware and Programming - Multi-Platform”, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting in Industrial Automation”and ”Industrial Automation: Hands On” (just to mention just a few).  Frank will break down the multifaceted world of industrial automation and empower you to master the technology of tomorrow. Each episode of "Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb" offers engaging discussions filled with expertise, innovation, and inspiration. Together, we'll dive into the essential components of Industrial Control Systems, Machine Automation, and the development of cutting-edge Automation Skills. Explore the dynamic roles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Controls Engineers, and Technicians as they shape the future of Machine Design and Control Engineering. Whether you're tackling the intricacies of modern Manufacturing processes or honing your skills in Instrumentation, we provide an informative platform tailored to Automation Enthusiasts eager to bridge the skills gap. Our conversations with industry leaders and specialists will provide clarity and direction on advancing your career and optimizing industrial systems. Tune in for insightful answers to top industry questions, including: How can Industrial Control Systems transform my operations? What are the latest trends in Machine Automation I should be aware of?How do I leverage PLCs for enhanced process control?What skills should a Controls Engineer prioritize for future growth? How can I integrate Machine Design with Control Engineering effectively? Join us weekly as we dissect the complexities of automation and share strategies for success. With each episode, you'll gain invaluable insights, feel more connected to the automation community, and be reminded that navigating technology's evolution is a shared journey. Let’s embark on this path of innovation and mastery—because the future of automation is here, and it's waiting for you to lead it.

  1. 12/31/2025

    #15: Decoding 2025 and a Roadmap for 2026

    Fifteen years ago I was inspired by Chris Guillebeau (https://chrisguillebeau.com/) and accomplished some life goals over just a few years. One of his methods of working on multiple goals simultaneously is to do an annual review of the previous year and make plans for the next. It has been a while since I have done this, so I decided to do mine this year on my podcast. TAKEAWAYS The influence of Chris Guillebeau and the Annual Review (01:00 – 3:00) In 2010 I bought Chris Guillebeau’s book “The Art of Non-Conformity”, which influenced me to accomplish a few bucket list items over the following couple of years. Every year he does an annual review, so I am using this in part to motivate myself. My past year (03:20 – 19:00) I did some things on purpose, and some other things just kind of happened. The year started well, but kind of got off track with acquiring a bunch of old equipment. I did take some fun trips and started this podcast, but didn’t accomplish many of the things I had planned on. Next Year’s Goals: Marketing (19:00 – 20:40) I have taken on a marketing intern and hope to do better with that aspect of my business this year. My Calendar (20:40 – 22:40) I can look back over the past 12 years and see the work I have done since 2012, this has been a useful tool. More on the Roadmap and Marketing (22:40 – 32:20) Successes and failures in goalsetting. Mixed results on extracurricular activities, some awesome trips but I am starting to feel my age. What are your goals for next year? Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com, https://chrisguillebeau.com/  CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    32 min

  2. 12/16/2025

    #14: Drop Into the Deep End: Navigating Unfamiliar Processes with Familiar Tools

    How does a typical subcontracting job work in system integration? You have a scope of work and you are about to visit a plant for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Join me as I walk you through a trip to a fresh application. TAKEAWAYS Subcontracting to Patrick Bunn and BAC (01:00 – 3:20) Patrick is a familiar face from a previous podcast. The Scope of Work (SOW) and an overview of the application. Communications and other items on the SOW (3:20 – 6:00) Fixing a communications issue and how previous experience with unknown applications at ABD helped provide confidence. More on the process. How important is it to understand it? (6:00 – 12:10) The hydrogen process and layout of the facility, reformers and the control systems. The purpose of the visit. Changes to the code, and information on the SCADA systems. Mapping and documentation (12:10 – 13:20) Why mapping and written documentation is important for both the customer and future integrators. Leveraging what you know (15:00 – 20:00) Where to start? The discovery process and organizing a plan. When you aren’t familiar with a plant, procedures and where things are, it’s important to start with what you already know. Some of the things that you need to know in system integration jobs, drawing on previous experiences. You will not understand everything immediately! (20:00 – 26:30) Learning on the fly. Again, documentation. Who to talk to and ask questions? Lesson learned on toggling pushbuttons. More on how to approach unfamiliar applications. Starting with the basics can lead to more complex design jobs. Building trust, interfacing with customers. (26:30 – 30:15) Some advice on working with new customers, making things reversible, asking questions. Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com, https://www.bunnautomation.com/ CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    31 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    #13: Automation Marketing Tips with Emily Merritt of Clearlead Marketing

    How does marketing work for industrial system integrators? Emily Merritt of Clearlead Marketing discusses the ins and outs of marketing for companies and service providers in industrial automation. TAKEAWAYS Current projects (01:00 – 2:10) What Emily and Clearlead have been working on since OT SCADA CON this Summer How Emily got started in marketing (2:30 – 8:40) From technical writing and data analysis to the study of marketing in system integration. How  experiments form the marketing message. How she met her first system integrator client. Service marketing (8:40 – 16:35) The niche of industrial automation services. How does the initial message get created? Are potential customers responding to the message? How does marketing make sense for small companies? Booking appointments is different than creating a quality message. Working with customers to create Linked In content (18:15 – 21:20) Marketing requires effort from the customer. Some of the things that are required in creating a marketing campaign and message. Newsletters and e-mail lists (21:20 - 28:00) How to communicate with potential customers. Reuse of content, using AI. Should these be outsourced? There’s no wrong way to market (28:15-31:30) Try different methods, all methods have effects. Make sure you have a call to action! How this podcast evolved and whether I should have a newsletter (31:30-35:00) Emily’s advice on what to put in a newsletter. Is everything promotional and all content a marketing tool? Will it enhance the chances of making a sale? Is it good “bait”? Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com, https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymerritt-clearlead-marketing/, https://clearleadmarketing.com/, youtube.com/@Clearlead  CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    37 min

  4. 11/18/2025

    #12: Industrial Automation Products: An Overview

    What kind of products are used in Industrial Automation and manufacturing? Are computers used to control machines? Why are industrial components so expensive compared to commercial products? A look at some of the items used in manufacturing. TAKEAWAYS Controllers (01:00 – 7:20) Types of controllers: PLC, DCS, process and microcontrollers, timers and counters, computers, even pneumatic! Sensors (7:20 – 18:25) What do industrial sensors detect? Photoelectrics, Inductive and capacitive proximity switches, limit switches, buttons and switches are examples of “discrete” sensors. Analog sensors, linear current and voltage, thermocouples are examples of analog sensors. Color detection, encoders and resolvers, machine vision are examples of sensors that don’t fall cleanly into analog and discrete categories. Actuators (20:10 – 23:20) Things that move, fluid power and motors. Servos and steppers. Indicators… Actuator Controllers (23:20 – 29:20) fluid power accessories, VFDs and other motor controls.  Associated Devices (29:20-33:30) Transformers, fuses and breakers, power supplies, wire distribution, relays, enclosures, wire, labels etc. Software (33:30-34:20) SCADA, CAD, programming, sizing Machinery Types (34:20-37:50) A few of the types of machines you might see in a typical factory, process control and utilities. Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    39 min

  5. 11/04/2025

    #11: Starting a Small Business in Industrial Automation

    Do you have experience in manufacturing or industrial automation? Have you ever thought of starting your own business? This episode is for you!  TAKEAWAYS Product Sales   (01:00 – 12:00) Distributors, Manufacturers Reps and Online sales Services (12:00 – 19:30) Industrial electricians, panel fabrication, system integration, training and mechanical trades Machines and Systems (21:10 – 29:40) It can be difficult to organize small companies into categories Marketing Methods (29:40 – 32:50) Different ways of advertising and selling your product or service Funding (32:50-36:00) Different ways of funding your startup Six Tips on Starting a Business (36:00-41:30) Learn about business and your industry, start small, don’t borrow, network and other advice. Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    43 min

  6. 10/21/2025

    #10: Small system integrator and machine builder resource list

    This episode was extracted from an open Zoom webinar held in September, 2025. The topic included a list created for possible subcontracting. Please contact me at www.automationllc.com if you want to be included. TAKEAWAYS Workshop Business Model   (01:55 – 4:40) How Automation Workshops work, large system integrators What happens if projects aren’t bid? (4:40 – 6:00) Some of the items that may come up for bid About the list, categorizing integrators. (6:00 – 12:30) It can be difficult to organize small companies into categories Machine builders  (14:50 – 16:00) Fabrication and machine builder resources What should be private? (16:00-23:00) Not everything should be made public Qualifying and vetting (21:50-25:30) How do you know a company has expertise in a field? Peer ratings and project resumes would be valuable.  The value of a list (28:30-31:30) What is the purpose of this list and how might it work? Status of my stuff… (34:40-39:30) I have lots of old PLC components to sell, contact me if interested!   Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    42 min

  7. 10/07/2025

    #09: Interview with Patrick Bunn, System Integrator and owner of Bunn Automation Consulting

    Patrick Bunn has had an inspiring career, moving from plant maintenance into system integration, taking on ever more advanced roles solving problems and designing process controls. Hear how he started his company by subcontracting and picking up new customers.  TAKEAWAYS How Pat got his start in technology    (01:10 – 3:10) Patrick started his industrial automation journey as an intern at a railroad company in 2002 After graduation, Patrick worked at a steel plant for 9 years (3:15 – 5:00) First job after college as an electrical technician. Working at Revere and learning to develop systems (5:30 – 7:35) Patrick moves into integration and design for 7 years. Moving into Process Controls and DCS (7:40 – 8:50) Moving on to Hargrove and Distributed Control Systems. Contracting and Subcontracting (9:00-10:30) Patrick builds a side business. Networking is Everything (11:00-13:30) Meeting customers and vendors through networking. Vetting your Vendors, Organizations and Certifications (13:30-18:00) Qualifications of subcontractors and the value of outside certifications or recommendations Getting experience and Patrick’s future plans (20:00-23:40) Discussion of customer needs, functional specs and more. A bit on Rockwell PlantPax (23:40-29:00) How PlantPax works in the Rockwell ecosystem, Honeywell DCS, more on starting out.   Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.bunnautomation.com CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    38 min

  8. 09/23/2025

    #08: Vlad Romanov, Adventures in System Integration and Entrepreneurship

    Vlad Romanov has had an extensive career in industry from system integration in large companies to startups and entrepreneurship. He has built training platforms, created a successful podcast and now does digital transformation consulting. This episode provides tactical insights on automation-related business and serial entrepreneurship. TAKEAWAYS How Vlad got his start in technology    (01:00 – 2:10) As a child Vlad learns hands-on electronics with his Dad. Electrical Engineering (2:15 – 5:30) How does engineering school really apply to your eventual career? Working in Industry (5:30 – 16:30) How Vlad gained experience at Mitsubishi, Proctor and Gamble and Kraft/Heinz Creating PLC Videos  (16:30 – 18:50) Vlad creates PLC training videos on the side, founding SolisPLC Why Vlad pursued an MBA (20:00-23:00) Vlad decides to learn more about the business side of industry The Manufacturing Hub (23:45-28:50) The Manufacturing Hub Podcast is created with Dave Griffith What Vlad is doing now in Joltek (29:00-36:00) Starting a Digital Transformation & Industrial Automation Consulting company Other ways small integrators can get jobs (36:00-43:40) Frank discusses a hypothetical small integration marketing model with Vlad, referrals and the dangers of subcontracting. Are certifications valuable? (43:40-48:50) Vlad expounds on the value of course and skill certifications   Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.solisplc.com, www.joltek.com, CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc YouTube: @automationllc

    53 min
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About

In today’s age of rapid technological advancement, many find themselves navigating the complex world of automation and control systems, often feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the ever-changing landscape. Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.  Join host Frank Lamb, an automation expert, and the author of “PLC Hardware and Programming - Multi-Platform”, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting in Industrial Automation”and ”Industrial Automation: Hands On” (just to mention just a few).  Frank will break down the multifaceted world of industrial automation and empower you to master the technology of tomorrow. Each episode of "Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb" offers engaging discussions filled with expertise, innovation, and inspiration. Together, we'll dive into the essential components of Industrial Control Systems, Machine Automation, and the development of cutting-edge Automation Skills. Explore the dynamic roles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Controls Engineers, and Technicians as they shape the future of Machine Design and Control Engineering. Whether you're tackling the intricacies of modern Manufacturing processes or honing your skills in Instrumentation, we provide an informative platform tailored to Automation Enthusiasts eager to bridge the skills gap. Our conversations with industry leaders and specialists will provide clarity and direction on advancing your career and optimizing industrial systems. Tune in for insightful answers to top industry questions, including: How can Industrial Control Systems transform my operations? What are the latest trends in Machine Automation I should be aware of?How do I leverage PLCs for enhanced process control?What skills should a Controls Engineer prioritize for future growth? How can I integrate Machine Design with Control Engineering effectively? Join us weekly as we dissect the complexities of automation and share strategies for success. With each episode, you'll gain invaluable insights, feel more connected to the automation community, and be reminded that navigating technology's evolution is a shared journey. Let’s embark on this path of innovation and mastery—because the future of automation is here, and it's waiting for you to lead it.

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