Connected Shopfloor

proGrow

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The Connected Shopfloor, powered by proGrow, explores topics such as the evolution of industry, digital transformation and innovation on the shop floor. The goal is simple: to connect factories, share knowledge and inspire change across the industrial sector.

-4 DIAS

Controlling the Source, Owning the Market with Maurizio Decio | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

After 30 years as a high-level executive for global giants like Unilever, Barry Callebaut, and Bunge, Maurizio decided to take a leap of faith during a global pandemic. In this episode, we dive deep into his decision to acquire Alojas, a potato starch and pulse processing factory in Latvia, and how he transformed a company on the brink of bankruptcy into a thriving business. Maurizio shares invaluable insights on strategic acquisition, explaining why buying distressed assets can be the smartest move for an entrepreneur. He also discusses the 80/20 rule of profit, detailing how to use commodities to pay the bills while simultaneously building high-margin specialty products. Drawing lessons from industry leaders like Ferrero, he touches on the importance of vertical integration and controlling the supply chain from the ground up. Furthermore, the conversation explores modern leadership, specifically why engineers need a business mindset and how to foster a culture that values disagreement and synthesis. Maurizio concludes by discussing growth and resilience, using his experiences running marathons and moving a family across Europe during a lockdown to explain why discomfort is the ultimate catalyst for professional and personal development. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a business student, or a corporate professional, Maurizio’s methodical approach to strategy, operational efficiency, and innovation offers a roadmap to success in any industry.

57 min
25/03

A Day in the Life of a Consultant with Mike Lane | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Shopfloor Podcast, host Marco Tschan welcomes a specialist who truly understands what happens when the high-level theory of the boardroom meets the gritty reality of the machine. Mike Lane is a veteran of the manufacturing world with over 17 years spent in the trenches of management consulting. Having optimized operations for global giants like Accenture and Hitachi, Mike’s expertise spans across aerospace foundries, paper mills, and international food and beverage plants. While he is a master of the "nuts and bolts" of performance, focusing on OEE, Lean, and Root Cause Analysis, his secret weapon is actually his background in HR and Sales. This unique combination gives him a distinct edge in tackling the most difficult part of any industrial transformation: changing human behavior. The conversation dives deep into the "hard truths" of operational change, beginning with a provocative look at why so many "perfect" Lean systems eventually fail. Mike shares his perspective on whether manufacturing actually suffers from technical problems, or if these are simply leadership issues disguised as technical ones. Drawing from his extensive experience conducting DILO (Day In The Life Of) studies, Mike reveals the most common "lies" we tell ourselves about how we spend our time on the shop floor and discusses how much an employee’s behavior truly changes the moment they know they are being observed. As the episode unfolds, Marco and Mike explore the sensory side of consulting, discussing how a seasoned expert can judge the health of a factory by sound alone. They also tackle the tension between traditional methods and the digital frontier, questioning if the psychological power of a physical whiteboard is being lost in the era of iPads and "Smart Factories." This episode is a masterclass in practical manufacturing wisdom. It concludes with a powerful reflection on Industry 4.0, examining why, even 20 years into the future, we might still be struggling with the same basic human communication issues despite our advanced AI.

59 min
11/03

AI, Your New Factory Teammate with Miguel Félix | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Miguel Félix, Production Director at Prenso-Metal, to explore the front lines of industrial transformation. From its roots in 1992 to becoming a Tier 1/Tier 2 powerhouse in the automotive sector, Prenso-Metal represents the pinnacle of Portuguese precision engineering. With a background in International Trade and a Master’s in Business Management, Miguel brings a strategic perspective to the technical world of metal forming. He plays a pivotal role at Prenso-Metal, a company specializing in fine blanking, progressive stamping, and high-speed welding for the global automotive industry. We dive into how AI and IoT are moving from buzzwords to the factory floor, revolutionizing the way production is managed in real-time. Miguel breaks down how digital tools are the secret to cutting delays and costs, providing a practical roadmap for innovation in an industry that’s traditionally been a bit more conservative. We also talk about the "balancing act"— keeping quality and speed high while navigating the red tape and cultural barriers that often slow down new tech. But it’s not just about the machines. We get into the human side of manufacturing, with Miguel sharing raw insights on leadership, resilience, and staying authentic. We explore what it’s really like to manage generational shifts and family dynamics in a 100% Portuguese-capital business, and how European manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve when competing with Asian markets through smart innovation and vertical integration.

45 min
23/02

The Human Ingredient in the Food Industry with Masha Vis-Mertens | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

Masha Vis-Mertens, currently CHRO at Corbion, is a "Career Chameleon" with over 20 years of leadership at Cargill and Barry Callebaut. Her expertise spans the high-pressure world of Global Sales to the complexities of Supply Chain and HR across the EMEA region. With an academic background in International Supply Chain Management and European Studies, she bridges technical strategy with human-centric leadership. Beyond the office, Masha is a chocolate enthusiast who finds balance through manual activities and gardening at her home in France. In this episode of the podcast, Marco Tschan sits down with Masha Vis-Mertens for an insightful exploration of leadership and career evolution within the global food industry. Drawing from her extensive experience across diverse corporate landscapes, Masha reflects on the "Career Chameleon" mindset, the ability to adapt across functions, from the high-stakes pressure of sales to the strategic complexities of human resources. The conversation highlights how cultural nuances and company size fundamentally shape corporate identity, offering a rare look at the differences between managing public quarterly demands and private sector growth. The dialogue shifts toward the future of work, specifically addressing the dual impact of AI and automation on both the office and the factory floor. Masha provides a nuanced perspective on how technology is blurring traditional professional lines while simultaneously increasing the value of genuine human interaction. She emphasizes that while digital tools can optimize processes, the core of successful customer relationships and organizational health remains rooted in authentic, unpolished communication and curiosity. Furthermore, the episode tackles the evolving expectations of the modern workforce. Masha discusses the challenge of managing a new generation of talent that seeks rapid progression and purpose, sharing valuable strategies for balancing technical expertise with leadership development. By focusing on the intersection of people, processes, and international perspectives, this conversation provides a roadmap for professionals looking to navigate the complexities of a tech-driven, globalized market while remaining grounded in human-centric leadership.

55 min
4/02

Bridging the Atlantic Shopfloor with Luis Moreno | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Shopfloor Podcast, Marco Tschan welcomes Luis Moreno, the Plant Manager at Megapack in Peru, for an in-depth discussion on the transformation of the flexible packaging industry. The conversation centers on a significant milestone for the sector: the successful remote digitization of a manufacturing plant located thousands of miles away from the technical support team. Luis provides a detailed account of how they managed this overseas implementation, proving that geographical distance is no longer a constraint for industrial modernization when supported by clear communication and robust digital tools.The dialogue extends beyond technical implementation to explore the broader industrial landscape in South America. Luis shares his perspective on the essential shift toward automation and the growing pressure to balance operational efficiency with the global demand for sustainable packaging solutions. He examines the complexities of these transitions, particularly regarding cost management and the integration of artificial intelligence into daily production workflows.Furthermore, the episode addresses the critical human element of plant management. Luis discusses the challenges of leading a new generation of talent and the importance of creating a workplace culture that values rapid growth and purposeful career paths. A key highlight of the interview is the focus on organizational agility, specifically how viewing mistakes as learning opportunities can accelerate a factory’s path to excellence. This conversation serves as a comprehensive case study for leaders looking to scale their operations and embrace the future of global manufacturing.

56 min
26/01

proGrow One App Launch with Marco Tschan | Connected Shopfloor Summit 2025

𝗜𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆’𝘀 "𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿" 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲? In this keynote from the 3rd Connected Shopfloor Summit, Marco Tschan, CEO of proGrow, challenges industrial managers to bridge the "visibility gap" that still haunts many production lines. Using the Age of Discovery as an analogy, Marco explains that just as sailors needed the Polaris star to navigate, modern factories need a reliable "North Star": real-time OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). Throughout the session, Marco breaks down why traditional digitalization projects often fail due to high costs and long implementation periods. He introduces a new era of industrial agility with the proGrow One App, a solution that literally puts your factory in your pocket. By leveraging wireless IoT technology, proGrow has reduced machine installation time from an entire month to just 30 minutes, making Industry 4.0 accessible to any shopfloor. The highlight of the presentation is a live showcase of proGrow’s AI Chat. Marco demonstrates how managers can now "talk" to their machines, asking for real-time efficiency data, downtime causes, and even proactive recommendations on how to improve performance. With real-world examples from industry leaders like Simoldes and Quantal, this session proves that moving from manual logs to automated digital signals isn't just a tech upgrade, it’s a competitive necessity for the future of manufacturing. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗴𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴. Watch the full presentation to see how you can transform your shopfloor data into actionable intelligence. 👉 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘄: https://www.progrow.ai/app 🎁 Use the promocode 𝗦𝗢𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗘 to get your free IoT Device!

24 min
21/01

Who will win the textile race? With Rui Cernadas | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Shopfloor Podcast, Marco Tschan sits down with Rui Cernadas, the Chief Operating Officer at Adalberto Textile Solutions, to explore the intersection of high-level strategy and the reality of the factory floor. Rui’s career is a masterclass in operational evolution. From his early days at the Kaizen Institute to the high-stakes world of entrepreneurship and his current role leading one of Portugal’s most innovative textile manufacturers, Rui has seen it all. We dive into how his background in startups transformed his approach to traditional industry, why he believes a "founder mindset" is essential for modern leadership, and how to stay in control of production while managing global operations across continents. The conversation takes a deep dive into the textile industry’s biggest challenge: balancing growth with the urgent need for sustainability. Rui explains why technology and data must be more than just "noise”, they must be the primary drivers of ROI and the key to helping European companies compete on a global scale. We also touch on the future of the workforce, the role of AI in driving efficiency, and how to lead diverse teams through periods of constant change. Whether you're interested in the mechanics of a connected shopfloor or the leadership philosophy required to navigate Industry 4.0, this episode offers a 360-degree view of what it takes to transform a business from the inside out.

1 h 5 min
7/01

Decoding the Factory with João Rodrigues | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Shopfloor Podcast, we explore the essential bridge between precision engineering and strategic business vision. We are joined by João Rodrigues, Business Development Lead at IDentPrint, for an in-depth conversation on how identification and mobility systems are shaping the future of industrial operations. João shares his unique perspective as an engineer-turned-sales-leader, explaining why technology should never be implemented for its own sake, but rather as a direct solution to real-world business challenges. We discuss the importance of approaching the shopfloor with a critical eye to identify process gaps that often go unnoticed, from automating quality control through machine vision to replacing monotonous tasks with collaborative robotics. A central theme of this conversation is the "mindset" challenge. We explore why many organizations still hesitate to move away from paper-based processes, even when the return on investment is clear. João demystifies concepts like RFID, warning against the common mistake of trying to "build the house from the roof down" without a solid data infrastructure. Beyond the technology, we dive into the human side and the resilience required to thrive in the industrial sector. João draws a parallel between his passion for ultra-endurance trail running and the "sales-athlete" mentality needed to manage complex long-term partnerships in global environments like Marcopolo, Schneider Electric, and Vodafone. This is a must-watch conversation for anyone looking to understand how traceability, data transparency, and automation are creating truly autonomous and efficient operations in the era of Industry 4.0.

21 min

The Connected Shopfloor, powered by proGrow, explores topics such as the evolution of industry, digital transformation and innovation on the shop floor. The goal is simple: to connect factories, share knowledge and inspire change across the industrial sector.

Autoria

proGrow
Anos em atividade

2024 - 2026
Episódios

20
Classificação

Para todos
Copyright

© proGrow
Site do programa

Connected Shopfloor

Notícias

Notícias

Semanalmente
Negócios

Negócios

Semanalmente
Comédia

Comédia

Semanalmente