i4 Automation Podcast

i4 Automation

 A podcast from Andrew & Tom of i4 Automation about the automation industry and updates about the latest tools and equipment they offer from Unitronics and other manufacturers. Including some little bits of knowledge and queries answered along the way. Everything you need to know about factory automation. 

Episodes

  1. JAN 6

    Questions and Answers about i4 Automation aims and ambitions (Podcast 6)

    Episode 6 Why did you decide to start your own business? Tell us what your company does. On a basic level, we import and distribute electrical controllers (Programmable Logic Controllers with integrated screens). But more than that, we build in-depth relationships with our customers so we can really understand how they can get the most from automation. We help them specify cost effective solutions and we then support them through the complete machine build journey from concept to full production. Why did you decide to start your own business? I have worked for many different companies over the years and this has given me an in-depth understanding of the automation industry, and as a result, I started to realise that I could offer a better solution than the competition. I absolutely love what I do, so taking control of my own destiny felt like a natural next step.  I recognised an amazing opportunity with Unitronics as I felt they offered a great solution that would benefit from a technical distributor. No one else in the industry was offering this so it seemed like the perfect time to explore the potential a partnership with them had to offer. Other control companies see software and support as revenue streams. I could see that the integrated display and controller Unitronics offered would be a cost-effective solution for many OEM’s and machine builders.  When / how did you start your business? After seeing what felt like such a missed opportunity within the industry, I really felt like it was the right time to take a risk and try and build something great. The business actually started in my garage! So it makes me incredibly proud to see how we’ve grown from fairly humble beginnings. What do you think was your biggest obstacle when you first started?  Getting people to change! For engineers working on cutting edge technology, you would think that would be pretty easy. Unfortunately, if a project had been recently completed, people seemed to stick with what was familiar, rather than explore something new and take the risk. However, we countered this with free training, support and engineering time to fast track our customers’ applications. What main things do you think contributed to the growth of your business? Listening. Talking with our customers and taking the time to understand their requirements. Many people just don’t take the time to do this. We want to have lasting relationships with people we work with so they know they can rely on our expertise as well as our products. If we don’t have the hardware to meet our customers’ needs we tell them so, as Unitronic’s are always coming out with something new. I truly believe in generating a trusting relationship with my customers and being an extra resource to them. How do you stay on top of industry trends? Visiting customers to see what challenges they are facing and how we can be of assistance. We’re not a huge business with a faceless contact centre. We’re people who care and want to get the very best outcome for our customer’s projects. Face to face visits and being regularly available to them means we get a much deeper understanding of what they need.  How do you balance life with running a business? It’s very possible I work too hard and I do find it difficult to switch off… I’m certain that’s what my wife would say anyway. I suppose that’s what comes with owning a business and loving what you do. However, any free time I get I do enjoy getting out on my bicycle and regularly commute into the office by bike across our local bridal ways. I often turn up to work covered in mud… good job we have a shower at the office! How have you managed to keep the business going over the last 15 years, considering ‘The great recession’, Covid and the current financial climate.  Keeping costs to a minimum, adapting and willing to listen to customers ideas.

    17 min
  2. 12/23/2025

    Its a wrap 2025 reviewed in 9 social media highlights plus surprise quiz for Andrew (Podcast 5)

    9. Protocols Without Limits: Integration Done Right Avoid future integration headaches by choosing the right protocols from the start. Webinar: December 17th. (waiting for the link to this interesting overview) 8. Webinar: Pay-Per-Use — Redefining Machine Sales Learn how OEMs are transitioning to PPU models, where customers pay based on actual machine usage. Practical Control & Smart Data Collection – Live Webinar Recording 7. Pump Control Without the Complexity Reliable, flexible pump control for applications from pasteurisation and HVAC to biogas, clean water, and fountains. https://www.unitronicsplc.com/how-to-optimize-pump-control-hvac-water-management-oil-gas-agriculture/ 6. Real-Time Weather Data Inside Your PLC See how Unlogic's REST API function blocks can pull live weather data directly into your control system. https://lnkd.in/dRaeSg88 Spanish - Spain 5. CFR 21 Part 11 Made Simple with UniStream® Built-in features that streamline validation, compliance, and audits. https://www.unitronicsplc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Unitronics-Vision-PLCHMI-FDA-21-CFR-.pdf 4. Servo-Based Motion and PLC Controls Deliver Precision for Heat-Staking Automation at Rutland Plastics https://www.ien.eu/article/servo-based-motion-and-plc-controls-deliver-precision-for-heat-staking-automation-at-rutland-plastics/ 3. Automation That Preserves Tradition Thanks to IEN Europe Magazine for featuring how smart automation helps Raw Milk Company scale production without compromising traditional methods. https://shorturl.at/lL8QW 2. Award Winner: UniStream Built-In 15.6” First place in Control Engineering’s 2025 Product of the Year Awards — Control Systems category. Sorry, no link for this. NUMBER 1.  Meet the New 21.5” HMI Panel Our biggest HMI panel yet—designed for maximum visibility and performance. https://www.unitronicsplc.com/Download/unitronics_shared/NewHMIDISPLAY21.5.pdf

    18 min

About

 A podcast from Andrew & Tom of i4 Automation about the automation industry and updates about the latest tools and equipment they offer from Unitronics and other manufacturers. Including some little bits of knowledge and queries answered along the way. Everything you need to know about factory automation.