Lights Out: Technology and Automation Podcast by MakingChips

Nick Goellner
  • 0,0 (0)
  • МЕНЕДЖМЕНТ

Inspiring and teaching Manufacturing Leaders in the areas of automation.

  1. 31 ОКТ.

    The Real Takeaways from EMO: Monitoring, AI, and the Changing Face of Automation

    In this episode of Lights Out, we debrief from one of the largest manufacturing technology shows in the world—EMO Hannover. From automation and adaptive controls to AI-driven machining and the evolving economics of shop ownership, the team unpacks what's really changing in manufacturing and what's just noise. As the hosts reflect on trends like the shift from horizontal to 5-axis machining centers, the rise of machine monitoring and IoT integrations, and the reality of underused OEM technology, they dig into what these patterns mean for modern shops aiming to run smarter—not just harder. The conversation covers more than just new gadgets on the trade-show floor—it's about how cultural adoption, change management, and continuous improvement determine whether those technologies actually deliver ROI.  We explore the parallels between software as a service and machine tool ownership models, the challenge of aligning shop-floor teams around innovation, and why data-driven manufacturing will define the next generation of top shops. Whether you're a shop owner wondering which investments will truly pay off, or a manufacturing leader preparing your business for the next wave of automation, this episode offers practical insights drawn straight from the global stage.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:22) Achieve RASRAM with SMW Autoblok  (1:58) IMTS vs. EMO: Comparing global manufacturing events (6:52) Eric's three major takeaways from EMO (8:23) What's driving the shift from Horizontal to 5-axis? (10:10) The acquisition of Heller (and what it signals about market dynamics) (11:52) Why one-and-done machining is critical in today's talent-scarce environment (14:30) OEM strategy shift: Removing underused tech to lower sticker prices (16:00) Adoption gaps: Why built-in monitoring often goes unused (18:16) Investing in your business is an investment in ProShop ERP (19:52) Lessons from CRM and SaaS adoption (22:05) How technology should be offered and priced to match real shop behavior (25:18) The argument for offering advanced tech as optional—not standard—to increase real adoption (26:18) Lights-Out intermission: Eric's unexpected award-winning hobby (28:56) Monitoring explosion: Using data to drive continuous improvement (32:40) The case for hiring a dedicated integrator or continuous improvement lead in every modern shop (36:27) Why offering monitoring and condition-control tools lowers risk and improves adoption (39:30) Debating whether machine builders are truly adapting their business models (42:52) Three practical tips to takeaway from this episode of Lights Out (44:48) Join us at Top Shops 2025 (Get 20% off with code MAK20) Resources & People Mentioned Achieve RASRAM with SMW Autoblok  Join us at Top Shops 2025 (Get 20% off with code MAK20) Investing in your business is an investment in ProShop ERP Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    46 мин.

  2. 17 ОКТ.

    Coached—Not Just Monitored: How the Best Shops Turn Data into Action

    You can collect data all day—but if you're not using it to coach your team, you're missing the point. In this episode of Lights Out, hosts Nick Goellner and Dave Vuyk wrap up their "Mindset Shifts for Lights Out Legends" series with one final transformation: moving from a monitored shop to a coached one. Drawing on lessons from Nick's recent talk at the Automated Shop Conference, the hosts unpack how to turn dashboards into decisions and metrics into motivation. They explain why dashboards don't make chips, how to turn OEE from a vanity metric into a coaching tool, and how to align both machines and people toward a shared goal of improvement. Nick also introduces the idea of the "other OEE"—Overall Employee Engagement—and explores how the best shops connect coaching, culture, and continuous improvement into measurable performance. From building the right tech stack (ERP, MES, and machine monitoring) to running better daily standups, this conversation breaks down what it really takes to lead a high-performance, data-driven manufacturing team. Whether you're running one shift or lights out, this episode will challenge how you think about data, leadership, and what it means to truly coach your people toward operational excellence.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:24) Why Verdant Commercial Capital is a partner in your business (2:50) Highlights from Nick's trip to EMO (and global trends about machine monitoring) (7:30) Recap of previous Lights Out mindset shifts  (8:25) "Dashboards don't make chips" — why data without action is waste (9:14) The difference between a head coach and a head monitor in manufacturing (13:11) How cadenced meetings and daily standups drive accountability (14:30) Why starting manual helps validate processes before investing in tech (15:45) Breaking down ERP, MES, and machine monitoring (and how they work together) (20:33) Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog (21:13) Defining OEE: availability × performance × quality as the shop's north star metric (23:05) Adaptive vs. accelerated performance—why slowing down can speed you up (27:09) What world-class OEE looks like and why most shops start around 20% (29:13) Coaching strategies to improve machine availability and uptime (32:00) How capturing downtime reasons reveals the real improvement opportunities (33:46) Dissecting the other OEE: Overall Employee Engagement (38:09) Turning OEE into a coaching tool rather than a vanity metric (40:12) Football and manufacturing: how coaching and data awareness drive success (42:21) Use Hire MFG Leaders for your next hire Resources & People Mentioned Why Verdant Commercial Capital is a partner in your business Check out the SMW Autoblok catalog Use Hire MFG Leaders for your next hire Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    43 мин.

  3. 26 СЕНТ.

    Adaptive Over Aggressive: Redefining Lights-Out Manufacturing with Camoren Schley

    Lights-out manufacturing isn't just about adding robots or running machines overnight — it's about creating a culture and a system where your shop can perform at its peak without constant human intervention. In this episode of Lights Out, hosts Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and David Vuyk sit down with innovator and entrepreneur Camoren Schley of Slytek to explore the technologies and mindsets making true lights-out operations possible. Camoren's story begins in his grandfather's Denver manufacturing shop and evolves into a journey of building and selling high-pressure coolant systems, developing machine monitoring technology, and launching Slytek's advanced adaptive control solutions. He's not just creating products—he's redefining how small and mid-sized shops can compete with enterprise-level operations. This episode dives into the mindset shift from being aggressive to adaptive and reactive to predictive—a crucial transformation for any shop looking to scale its production, reduce tool wear, and embrace automation. Camoren explains how adaptive controls, process monitoring, and integrated machine intelligence can help shops run longer, safer, and smarter while dramatically cutting costs. Listeners will also hear real-world examples of shops that implemented Slytek technology to move from constant babysitting and tool breakage to fully unattended overnight production. Whether you're running five machines or 150, this conversation shows how measuring, monitoring, and coaching can unlock the next level of performance. Finally, the hosts discuss how Slytek's holistic approach—from machine monitoring to process control to coaching—bridges the gap between data and decision-making. It's a blueprint for any manufacturer looking to shift from firefighting to future-proofing.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:20) Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP (2:48) Why we get to record this episode in person (6:12) Camoren's family manufacturing legacy and how it shaped his approach to problem-solving (8:44) From repairing high-pressure coolant systems to designing his own solutions (11:10) Early machine monitoring experiments and the surprising boost in operator productivity (13:03) Founding Slytek and expanding into tool optimization and adaptive control technology (16:08) Adaptive controls—what they are and why small and mid-size shops need them (17:54) How Slytek's adaptive controls mimic an expert machinist adjusting feed rates in real time (20:23) Shifting from aggressive to adaptive mindsets (A case study on tool breakage) (26:33) Beyond the spindle: Coolant concentration, chip management, and process monitoring (29:37) Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) (30:35) Slytek's process monitoring in graphite electrode manufacturing (33:43) The "villains" of lights-out manufacturing and how to measure before you manage (38:53) Understanding ROI: tailoring technology to solve the right problem for your shop (43:30) Coaching, accountability, and helping shops turn data into action (46:38) Why Slytek technology is built for small and mid-sized shops as well as big players (48:35) Your Lights Out "Plan of Action" to implement immediately  (53:05) Why you need to listen to Machine Shop Mastery Resources & People Mentioned Invest in your business by investing in ProShop ERP Phoenix Heat Treating Grow your top and bottom-line with CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Why you need to listen to Machine Shop Mastery Connect with Camoren Schley Connect on LinkedIn Slytek Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    55 мин.

  4. 12 СЕНТ.

    From Fixed to Mixed: Mindset Shifts That Power Lights-Out Manufacturing, Ep #24

    In this episode of Lights Out, Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and Dave Vuyk take listeners inside the mindset shifts powering the next wave of lights-out manufacturing. Forget just "working harder" — this conversation is about working smarter, breaking out of fixed thinking, and unlocking massive gains without adding headcount or square footage. The trio opens by sharing the personal routines and disciplines that keep them at peak performance, then pivots to the real topic: transforming machine shops from fixed to mixed mindsets. By rethinking workholding, machine real estate, and cycle times, they reveal how shops can multiply throughput, free up operators, and set the stage for full automation. Drawing on real-world examples — from Swiss shops running uninterrupted for 15 years to small teams like Imago Manufacturing using "time freedom" as a business model — Nick, Eric, and Dave show how modular workholding and extended cycles aren't just efficiency hacks. They're the foundation of the automated mindset that drives profitability, sustainability, and freedom. Whether you run five spindles or fifty, this episode gives you the blueprint to shift your thinking, increase ROI, and build a shop that runs at its best even when you're not there. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:28) Invest in your shop by investing in ProShop ERP (3:11) Our morning routines and personal disciplines — how we build leadership habits (6:38) The 3 pillars of health: mental, physical, and spiritual wellness (8:00) How we're building communication and speaking skills (10:34) The five key mindset shifts we're making (11:52) Breaking down fixed vs. mixed mindset (14:47) The ROI of self-centering vises and zero-point systems (19:59) Mixing parts, programs, and setups for longer unattended runs (21:21) Partner with CLA to improve profitability and efficiency (23:05) Change management tips: How to get your team on board (26:00) Lessons from Swiss manufacturing and 15 years of lights-out performance (28:45) Moving from operated to automated: Implementing pallet systems and external setups (31:14) Running a growth experiment starting with our existing machines and vises (33:22) Covering the case study of Feinberg Machining (36:15) Imago Manufacturing: Why we think small shops can win big (39:04) Mega shops vs. networks of high-performing small shops (40:48) Next episode: adaptive vs. aggressive and predictive vs. reactive mindsets (41:20) Listen to the Machine Shop Mastery podcast to level up your shop Resources Mentioned Invest in your shop by investing in ProShop ERP Partner with CLA to improve profitability and efficiency 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Imago Precision Machining's episode of Lights Out Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    43 мин.

  5. 29 АВГ.

    Carrying the Legacy Forward: Yuto Matsuura on Family, Precision, and the Future of Automation

    In this episode of Lights Out, we sit down with a special guest who embodies both tradition and innovation: Yuto Matsuura, fourth-generation leader of Matsuura Machinery. His story is one of legacy, expectation, and transformation—from the weight of inheriting a century-old family business to finding his own passion for manufacturing and automation. We talk openly about the realities of stepping into leadership at a young age. Yuto shares how making a life-changing decision at just fifteen felt more like an obligation than a choice—and how, over time, he turned that responsibility into a genuine calling. His journey, marked by international education, personal turning points, and the influence of his grandfather's legacy, highlights what it really means to steward a family company into the future. From there, we dive into what makes Matsuura unique in the world of automation. Yuto explains why build quality is the foundation of true "lights out" reliability, why five-axis machines aren't just for complex aerospace parts, and why standardization is the hidden key to successful unattended machining. His insights into precision, trust, and process reliability reveal why Matsuura has earned its reputation as one of the world's most respected automation leaders. Yuto opens up about his vision for the next decade—focusing on people, processes, and ERP-driven efficiency in the face of labor shortages. He reflects on what he's most proud of so far, both personally and for the company, and why building relationships has always been at the heart of Matsuura's success. This conversation goes beyond machine tools—it's about carrying a legacy, honoring sacrifice, and shaping the future of manufacturing. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:27) Investing in ProShop is an investment in your shop (2:56) Learn about Yuto Matsuura and his family's four-generation legacy (6:26) Making the decision at 15 to commit to Matsuura during Japan's recession (8:43) Feeling obligation versus genuine passion in carrying on the legacy (11:30) Outside expectations—from classmates to relatives—about his future role (13:13) Why his father limited family involvement to one successor (14:44) Yuto's education abroad (earning a master's degree in Canada in one year) (18:38) The influence of his grandfather's legacy and the promise to honor it through work (21:33) Grow your top and bottom line with CLA (23:16) Why Matsuura has become synonymous with automation and precision (27:38) Real-world examples of reliability: Matsuura machines running 15 years straight (30:49) Why five-axis with pallet changers is the foundation of flexible automation (34:28) Standardization as the milestone for successful automation adoption (37:47) Yuto's vision for the next 10–20 years: ERP, processes, and overcoming labor shortages (40:35) Why people and recruiting are as important as technology in manufacturing (41:54) What Yuto is most proud of: dealership networks, global partnerships, and digital transformation (44:26) How online marketing transformed both Matsuura's reach and his own leadership confidence (50:54) "Load the workpiece, push the button, and go home to your family." (51:20) Why you should listen to Machine Shop Mastery  Resources Mentioned Investing in ProShop is an investment in your shop Grow your top and bottom line with CLA Why you should listen to Machine Shop Mastery  Connect with Yuto Matsuura Matsuura Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify

    53 мин.

  6. 15 АВГ.

    The Automation Trap: Turning Struggle into a Lean Legacy

    After three episodes of grit, missteps, and breakthroughs, the story of Iron Clunk Machining comes to its conclusion—and its rebirth as Iron Wheel Manufacturing. This isn't just the end of a narrative—it's proof that the right combination of lean principles, selective automation, and engaged leadership can completely transform a struggling shop into a thriving, joyful workplace. Twelve months after hitting rock bottom, Gary's shop is unrecognizable. A fresh coat of paint and spotless windows signal more than cosmetic changes—they reflect a culture rebuilt from the inside out. Palletized automation, in-process probing, and zero-point clamping now hum alongside a new metric: Overall Employee Engagement (OEEg), tracking continuous improvement efforts and idea adoption. Machines are running at world-class efficiency, but more importantly, people are empowered to innovate every day. With new aerospace and defense certifications in hand, Iron Wheel is no longer chasing low-margin scraps. Selective customer partnerships, a marquee rocket component contract, and lights-out production have created both profitability and peace of mind. Gary can finally take a vacation—confident the team has everything under control. The transformation comes full circle when Iron Wheel is featured as a Top Shop Turnaround, hosting tours to show others the path from chaos to control. As Klaus tells Gary, "Automation isn't a trap—it's freedom." And in this shop, that freedom now fuels not just productivity, but careers, creativity, and culture.  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:16) The real-life ROI of ProShop ERP (2:46) Intro to the final episode of The Automation Trap series (3:37) Recap—value stream mapping, bottlenecks, and early 5S changes (6:06) Iron Clunk reborn as Iron Wheel Manufacturing (6:40) Introduction of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metric (9:25) How OEE measures availability, performance, and quality of improvement ideas (10:47) Why tracking engagement and continuous improvement matters (12:34) Pairing lean systems with people-driven problem solving (14:00) Lean-first automation that supports flow, not chaos (18:21) From low-margin work to a joyful, profitable workplace (18:49) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (19:27) Leadership without micromanagement—ERP, QMS, and machine monitoring (21:27) Building quality into every function of the business (22:58) Eric explains the "Vision, founder, fit" model (24:14) Balancing shop success with personal life and vision (26:34) The role of people in shop transformations—staffing and recruitment (27:31) Full-circle moment—Iron Wheel hosts a Top Shop Turnaround tour (29:15) How long does it take to turn a shop around?  (33:07) Lean Principles + Smart Automation + Engaged People = Your Legacy (35:05) Future Lights Out episodes—practical implementation and tech focus (36:19) Teaser: Yuto Matsuura on automation and lights-out machining (38:50) Why you need to listen to Machine Shop Mastery Resources & People Mentioned The real-life ROI of ProShop ERP Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA The Machine Shop MBA on MakingChips Check out the Machine Shop Mastery podcast Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    40 мин.

  7. 1 АВГ.

    The Automation Trap: Saving a Shop with Systems, Not Spindles

    Welcome back to Lights Out, where we're continuing our deep dive into Iron Clunk's lean transformation—and this one is a turning point. After hitting rock bottom, Gary's found a lifeline in Klaus and the Lean Stream team. But this isn't a charity case—it's an investment. With tools like value stream mapping, theory of constraints, and 5S, Gary and his crew begin diagnosing their real problems: lost travelers, inefficient setups, no in-process inspection, and automation that added more chaos than value. In this episode, you'll hear how Gary starts to regain control—not just of his machines, but of his culture. Tim, Sarah, and the rest of the Lean Stream crew don't just swoop in with answers; they bring structure, empowerment, and a systematic approach to finding flow. Gary's team starts to see themselves not just as operators, but as problem solvers. We also talk about how the right automation, used in the right way, can unlock real ROI. This isn't about throwing tech at the problem—it's about building the systems that help technology thrive. And it all comes back to visibility, strategy, and aligning your team around what truly drives profit. If you've ever felt like your shop was one big mess of potential—this one's for you. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:31) Investing in ProShop is investing in your business (2:55) Post-Europe recap, dad life, and terrible accents (4:23) Recap: Gary's glimmer of hope and commitment to lean (5:55) Scene #1: Meet the Lean Stream team (7:37) Tim Woods = the 8 wastes explained (9:20) Acquiring messy shops with potential: the Gary investment thesis (10:35) Scene #2: Value Stream Mapping: identifying and solving bottlenecks (15:02) Shift the focus: it's not just about cycle time (17:00) Deburring in or outside the machine? Depends on your readiness (18:45) Scene #3: Daily standups and 5S in action (20:41) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (21:50) Real-world benefits of a clean, organized shop (22:32) Why 5S fails without standardization and sustainability (23:45) Scene #4: Lean automation vision, from inspection to pallets (25:00) In-process inspection integrated into the system (27:25) Flexibility and smarter job switching with pallets (28:07) The tradeoff: spindle utilization vs. quality (29:00) What's the right OEE target for high-mix shops? (29:43) Dinner scene: Linda's back, and so is hope (31:40) Klaus's story reminds Gary he's not alone (32:36) Final scene: A new future for Iron Clunk takes shape (34:07) Vision → Strategy → Tactics: the right order for shop success (35:30) Personalizing lean: what works for your goals (38:19) What kind of pie? (The real debate of the episode) (39:20) Teaser: next time, Gary takes the lead (39:41) Why you should listen to Machine Shop Mastery Resources & People Mentioned Investing in ProShop ERP is investing in your business Episode 12 of Lights Out Lean Process Improvement with Noah Goellner Traction Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    41 мин.

  8. 18 ИЮЛ.

    The Connected Advantage: Solving Real Problems with Hexagon's Digital Workforce

    In this special episode of Lights Out, we step away from the Automation Trap series for a special episode recorded at Hexagon Live, where the buzz wasn't just about race car simulators—but about revolutionizing shop floor productivity. We sit down with Darren Metherell, Head of Sales for Hexagon's Connected Worker team, to explore how modern manufacturing operations can digitize smarter, faster, and with less friction than ever before. Hexagon may be known for metrology and measurement tech, but as you'll hear in this conversation, they're playing a much bigger role in the factory of the future. Darren shares how Hexagon is helping mid-sized shops unlock value from the equipment and software they already have—without the six-figure consulting bill.  From paperless travelers to real-time dashboards, from tribal knowledge capture to KPI-driven gamification, the Connected Worker platform is all about helping you run a smarter shop, not just a busier one. The conversation hits on the deep-rooted challenges many shops face: communication gaps, generational shifts, underutilized data, and the overwhelming pressure to automate without disrupting flow. But as Darren explains, real solutions start with empathy, integration, and a roadmap—not a rip-and-replace mentality. Whether you're a job shop looking to go paperless or a multi-plant manufacturer chasing lights-out efficiency, this episode sheds light on how digital transformation can be practical, scalable, and ROI-positive from day one. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... (0:18) An investment in ProShop is an investment in your business  (2:00) Introducing Darren Metherell and recapping Hexagon Live (5:38) Darren's journey from VCR data collection to connected manufacturing (7:58) Hexagon's dual strategy: direct sales and enabling their channel (9:05) The paperless traveler solution: eliminating 6 inches of paperwork per job (11:30) Mike explains Hill Manufacturing's structure and core challenges (13:16) Tribal knowledge: Collecting data to actually using it for improvement (15:54) Dashboards and real-time visibility and gamifying performance (18:15) Breaking down OEE vs. spindle utilization (21:38) Grow your top and bottom-line with CLA (22:16) More Connected Worker workflows: quality, inventory, audits, training (26:51) How Hexagon tailors solutions to actual pain points (28:52) Capturing tribal knowledge as interactive digital checklists (30:14) Automating more lights-out hours: sensors, cameras, RFID (32:40) Bringing life to legacy equipment through smart retrofitting (34:10 Why time-to-value beats big custom builds every time (35:15) Making this tech accessible to 10-person shops—not just OEMs (36:32) What Darren's most excited about: unlocking value from existing systems (38:44) Mike reflects on buying shops with aging tech—and scaling anyway (39:43) Connected workers = empowered workers = future leaders (40:33) Check out the Machine Shop Mastery Podcast Resources & People Mentioned Hexagon Connected Worker Connect with Darren Metherell Hexagon Connect on LinkedIn Connect With Lights Out LinkedIn MakingChips.com Subscribe to Lights Out On Apple and Spotify Audio Production and Show Notes by - PODCAST FAST TRACK

    42 мин.
См. все (29)

Об этом подкасте

Inspiring and teaching Manufacturing Leaders in the areas of automation.

Информация

Вам может также понравиться