MESA Knows Smart Manufacturing

MESA Knows Smart Manufacturing

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"MESA Knows" is a semi-regular discussion lead by the MESA International Knowledge Committee Working Group. Group chair, Chris Monchinski, leads a panel of regular experts from the working group and invited guests to discuss topics that are relevant to the application of Analytics and Data Science to Industrial Digital Transformation.

12/19/2025

The importance of Maturity Models in Digital Transformation

A good maturity model doesn’t tell you how advanced you are—it tells you what risks you’re carrying and what you should do next. There maybe some skepticism out there on the value of maturity models and assessments; however, this is not just consultant-speak. A maturity model is a structured way to answer one of the hardest questions in digital transformation: What are we ready for—and what are we not ready foryet?

36 min
10/24/2025

Industrial Cybersecurity in the age of AI

As manufacturers accelerate their use of artificial intelligence to optimize production, improve quality, and predict maintenance, the cybersecurity stakes have never been higher. This episode explores how AI is reshaping the industrial control system (ICS) landscape — creating both powerful new defense tools and complex new vulnerabilities. Our panel of experts dives into how standards like ISA/IEC 62443, NIST CSF 2.0, and MESA’s Smart Manufacturing Model are evolving to address AI-driven risk. We’ll discuss practical steps for securing connected plants, protecting data integrity, and maintaining trust in AI-assisted automation. Listeners will learn: How AI is expanding the ICS attack surface — and how it can also strengthen defenses The role of governance, standards, and data integrity in an AI-enabled OT environment Real-world insights on zero trust, digital twins for cybersecurity, and the convergence of IT/OT security Join MESA’s host and subject-matter experts as they examine what it takes to build secure, intelligent, and resilient manufacturing systems in the age of AI.

38 min
09/02/2025

What to expect at Smart Manufacturing Now 2025

As we gear up for the upcoming Smart Manufacturing Now 2025 event, I have had the privilege of moderating a special podcast with MESA members who have been at the forefront of applying AI in manufacturing. This isn’t just about the hype — it’s about real stories from the plant floor: Successes that show AI’s true impact on productivity and qualityChallenges that reveal what it really takes to deploy AI in operationsSurprising lessons about workforce adoption and cultureA look ahead at where the next breakthroughs may come from This podcast is your sneak peek into the kinds of insights, stories, and forward-looking discussions you can expect at Smart Manufacturing Now. Give us a listen and don’t miss the event — join the conversation shaping the future of manufacturing. #SmartManufacturingNow #MESA #SmartManufacturing #AI

46 min
07/31/2025

Smart Manufacturing Now Preview

A special MESA Knows podcast episode previewing what’s coming at Smart Manufacturing Now! Our third year conducting this important virtual event, Hear what to expect from the event, who’s speaking, and why this is the gathering for manufacturing leaders driving digital transformation. Don’t miss the insights, energy, and opportunities coming your way. https://mesa.org/smart-manufacturing-now/

26 min
07/01/2025

Data Integrity by Design

In this episode, we dive into the critical role of data integrity by design in enabling the future of smart manufacturing in the life sciences industry. As Pharma 4.0 initiatives gain traction, leading organizations are shifting from reactive compliance to proactive data governance strategies that embed quality, traceability, and trust directly into their digital systems. Our expert guests will explore how companies are operationalizing ALCOA+ principles—ensuring data is Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, and more—and aligning with the FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) to future-proof their digital infrastructure. We'll discuss real-world strategiesfor building data integrity into system design, enabling seamless regulatory readiness and supporting the ethical, effective deployment of AI in regulated environments. Whether you're a digital transformation leader, a quality professional, or an AI innovator in life sciences, this episode will offer insights into how your organization can design for trust—right from the start.

50 min
06/02/2025

Manufacturing Addresses the Challenge of Tariffs

In this episode, we sit down with manufacturers and supply chain experts to explore how today’svolatile trade environment is forcing a strategic rethink across the industry. From shifting sourcing decisions and rising costs to accelerating reshoring and digital investments, we unpack how tariffs and uncertainty are no longer just a policy issue — they’re an operational reality. I am joined by several members of our Knowledge Committee as well as special guest Robert Cohen, Senior Fellow at the Economic Strategy Institute. Our guests share real-world stories of how they’re adapting: Rethinking just-in-time vs. just-in-case inventoryUsing digital twins and simulation to plan around disruptionAdjusting capital investment to favor agility and automationNavigating compliance across borders while lobbying for clarity at homeWe also dig into the role of predictive analytics, supply chain visibility, and policy advocacy —and what forward-looking manufacturers are doing now to prepare for what’s next. Whether you're navigating sourcing headaches, retooling your production strategy, or trying to future-proof your business model, this episode delivers insight you won’t want to miss.

1h 21m
05/05/2025

Making Manufacturing Analytics and AI Matter - The Survey

What’s really driving success with analytics and AI in manufacturing? In this episode, we dive into the latest industry survey results with Julie Fraser of Tech-Clarity to uncover what’s working, what’s not, and what leading manufacturers are doing differently. Don’t miss this data-driven conversation that puts real-world insight behind the buzz. This full survey report is available from MESA. It represents the next installment in the biennial survey that MESA has been creating for 2 decades now. There is a wealth to learn from our history of these surveys, from both current state as well as the trends that we can observe through the 21st century.

54 min
03/22/2025

What is Your Return on Data

Following on the heels of a great community discussion, I have Joanne Friedmann and Khris Kammer discuss the elevation of data to the forefront of IT/OT architecture. Embedded in that is a thinking about the value of data and how it be measured, your Return on Data. Smart manufacturing and the MESA model place data at the foundation of any effective architecture. There is a significant shift in IT/OT where data is becoming the core driver of architecture decisions, rather than just an afterthought. Traditional IT/OT architectures were built around applications, with data being managed as a byproduct. Now, data-first architectures ensure that storage, processing, and movement of data are optimized for real-time decision-making, analytics, and AI-driven automation. AI and machine learning models thrive on high-quality, well-structured data. Data must be easily accessible across different systems (ERP, MES, SCADA, etc.). Organizations are implementing unified data governance frameworks to ensure consistency, security, and compliance. Modern architectures use event-driven models to react in real-time, which is critical for smart manufacturing and predictive maintenance. Manufacturing execution system (MES) platforms will evolve to be data-first, prioritizing real-time analytics. AI-driven decision-making will require IT systems to be built around data streams, not just applications. Data interoperability between legacy and modern systems will be crucial.

47 min

"MESA Knows" is a semi-regular discussion lead by the MESA International Knowledge Committee Working Group. Group chair, Chris Monchinski, leads a panel of regular experts from the working group and invited guests to discuss topics that are relevant to the application of Analytics and Data Science to Industrial Digital Transformation.

Creator

MESA Knows Smart Manufacturing
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

24
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© MESA Knows Smart Manufacturing
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MESA Knows Smart Manufacturing