Connected Shopfloor

proGrow

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BUSINESS
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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.

1D AGO

From the US Navy to the Shopfloor with Robert Moak | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

In this episode of the Connected Shopfloor Podcast, we welcome Robert Moak, a veteran who truly understands the meaning of "command and control" in both a literal and industrial sense. Bob spent 22 years in the US Navy before transitioning into the trenches of manufacturing, bringing a unique perspective on leadership, discipline, and the high-stakes reality of shopfloor operations. The conversation dives deep into the "hard truths" of industrial management, starting with a provocative comparison: Is managing a ship's crew the same as managing a production line? Bob shares his journey from the structured hierarchy of the Navy, where rules are absolute and responsibility can land you in jail, to the complex, often messy world of civilian manufacturing where respect must be earned, not just commanded. As the episode unfolds, Marco and Bob tackle the critical gaps in modern production. They discuss the "lies" of perfect OEE figures, the vital (and often neglected) ritual of the Shift Handover, and Bob's battle-tested strategy for neutralizing "Bad Actors", those persistent equipment failures that drain a plant's profitability. This episode is a masterclass in operational accountability. It concludes with a forward-looking reflection on AI and Industry 4.0, questioning if we are losing our human curiosity to the machines we build.

1h 2m
APR 22

The High Cost of Low Quality with Júlio Leite | Connected Shopfloor Podcast

In this episode, Marco Tschan sits down with Júlio Leite, Operations Manager at WEDRONE, a company that is redefining the intersection of tradition and innovation. Established in 2020 as an R&D powerhouse, WEDRONE made waves in 2022 by acquiring a legacy firm with 70 years of aluminum die-casting expertise. Julio brings a fascinating "full-circle" perspective to the table: from starting his career as a machine operator in his father’s shop and teaching informatics, to holding leadership roles at global giants like Lear Corporation, Coindu, and Molaflex. We dive deep into the WEDRONE story and how a modern R&D-focused company is breathing new digital life into 70 years of die-casting know-how while navigating the high-stakes "gold standard" pressure of supplying Porsche, VW, and Bentley, where non-quality costs are measured in tens of thousands of Euros per minute. Julio shares the reality of their digital transformation, moving from paper and fax to 60+ IoT devices and computer vision on the path toward AI-driven root cause analysis. We also explore the human factor of manufacturing, discussing why Julio spends his day on the shop floor instead of behind a desk and how he uses "Birthday Coffee" meetings to build a culture of trust. Whether you're interested in the technicalities of one-piece flow in aluminum machining or the leadership philosophy of a man who values white wine as much as industrial efficiency, this episode is packed with veteran insights.

46 min
APR 8

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
MAR 25

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
MAR 11

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
FEB 23

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
FEB 4

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
JAN 26

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

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.

Creator

proGrow
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

22
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© proGrow
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Connected Shopfloor

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