Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering

Razorleaf Corp.
Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering

Welcome to 'Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering,' the ultimate podcast for all things digital in the manufacturing industry by Razorleaf. Join us as we take a deep dive into the multifaceted world of digital transformation, exploring topics such as the digital thread, digital twins, IDEs, model-based strategies and delving into the frontiers of cutting-edge technologies like PLM, MES, Integration, and more. Our expert hosts, Jonathan Scott, Jen Ferello, Juliann Grant, and Eric Doubell, will be your guides, providing valuable insights, captivating interviews, and the latest industry updates to ensure you remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, a business leader, or simply curious about the digital realm in manufacturing, this podcast is your essential resource for staying sharp and well-informed.

  1. 3D AGO

    #88: Virtual Twins: Revolutionizing Manufacturing Processes

    In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, we go beyond the product digital twin and dive into the transformative world of virtual twins for manufacturing processes. Juliann and Jonathan are joined by Kevin Sullivan of Dassault Systèmes to explore how leading manufacturers are using process twins to simulate, optimize, and future-proof their factory operations. You’ll learn:   ✅ The difference between digital twins and virtual twins   ✅ How process twins drive efficiency, lean manufacturing, and pull-based production   ✅ Real-world use cases from bottling lines to automotive to greenfield factory builds   ✅ Why simulation matters more than ever in high-speed, high-volume production   ✅ How virtual twins support sustainability, supply chain resilience, and even human ergonomics Whether you’re designing a new facility or trying to modernize an existing one, this episode will give you practical insights on how to use virtual twins to cut costs, reduce risk, and increase adaptability. Topics Discussed: What sets a “virtual twin” apart from a standard digital twinExamples of product vs. process value in different industriesPlanning new factory builds with simulation-first strategiesCreating human and robot twins for safety and efficiencyIntegrating sustainability into manufacturing process designA roadmap for getting started and scaling virtual twin technologyResources  Contact: Have questions or want to connect with our guest? Drop us a line at 📧 podcast@razorleaf.com 📌 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    31 min
  2. JUN 10

    #87 Digital Twin Use Cases

    In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott welcome back Dr. Patrick Hillberg for his fourth appearance on the show. A professor and thought leader in PLM, systems thinking, and digital transformation, Dr. Hillberg joins the conversation to explore powerful and practical use cases for digital twins across industries. From Hollywood film sets and football fields to harbor cranes, commercial airliners, and collapsed buildings, this episode dives into how digital twins—and more importantly, digital threads—are being used to simulate, diagnose, and even prevent catastrophic events. 🔍 Highlights from the Episode: How Apollo 13's analog twin scene inspired a new way to understand digital twin value Real-world failure analysis: a Texas harbor crane collapse and the missed opportunity for a front-running simulation The tragic 737 door plug and MAX incidents—and what could have been prevented with a robust digital thread Digital twins in consumer tech: how your car app may already be a sparse but effective digital twin Why insurance companies might lead the charge in demanding front-running simulations for risk mitigation A strong case for designing your digital thread before you build your product Dr. Hillberg also walks us through the six foundational pillars of product lifecycle management, originally laid out by Michael Grieves, and reframes them as essential elements of a functioning digital twin ecosystem. Whether you're an engineer, innovator, or executive, this episode challenges you to rethink how you capture, use, and respond to real-time data—and how digital twins can be your most valuable asset in designing for safety, efficiency, and accountability. 🎧 Tune in to hear: The critical difference between a digital twin and a digital thread Why sparse twins can still deliver massive value How front-running simulations could prevent billion-dollar mistakes—and save lives 👉 Got a question for Patrick? Want to suggest a future topic? Leave us a comment or send an email to podcast@razorleaf.com. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    45 min
  3. JUN 3

    #86 Unpacking Digital Twin Series: MES IIOT

    What really goes into building a digital twin that delivers value? In this episode, Juliann and Jonathan welcome industry veteran Dan Miklovic to unpack how digital twins are evolving to encompass not just the product, but the process that creates it. With over 50 years in manufacturing—from the plant floor to analyst firms like Gartner—Dan brings unparalleled insight into what it takes to build accurate, actionable digital twins in today’s fast-moving industrial landscape. You’ll learn: The difference between MES, MOM, and IIoT—and why they matter How digital twins connect to digital threads (and why it’s more of a tapestry) Why capturing how something was built is as important as what was built The critical role of process data in enabling agility, quality, and sustainability How digital twins empower smarter decision-making in a world of AI, tariffs, and supply chain disruption Whether you work with engineered-to-order products or high-volume manufacturing, this conversation will change how you think about digital twins—from static snapshots to living, breathing models of your operation. 🔧 Topics Covered: MES vs MOM vs IIoT: Definitions and real-world relevance The evolution from hardwired sensors to cloud-connected IIoT Capturing the “as-built” truth for compliance and quality Using process twins for optimization and adaptability How Industry 4.0 and 5.0 shape digital manufacturing strategies Why accurate, timely data is foundational for AI and ML applications📨 Have a question for Dan or the Razorleaf team?  Email: podcast@razorleaf.com 📺 Watch on YouTube or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Until next time—work hard, and stay sharp. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    40 min
  4. MAY 27

    #85 Software Digital Twins Boosting Reliability Through DevOps

    In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott continue their Digital Twin series—this time focusing on software digital twins. While hardware digital twins often dominate the conversation, software-based twins are playing an increasingly vital role in modern engineering and manufacturing. Juliann and Jonathan break down what software digital twins actually are (hint: it’s not always straightforward), where they live in the tech ecosystem, and how they power everything from simulation and testing to configuration management and DevOps pipelines. They also explore how these twins are used differently depending on whether software is the product or part of a larger physical system—like a smart refrigerator or a modern aircraft. You’ll learn about: The difference between digital twins for software-only products vs. cyber-physical systemsHow DevOps and Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) tools support digital twin environmentsThe role of emulators and virtual machines in simulating real-world software performanceWhy configuration management is critical to successful digital twin implementationHow industries like aerospace and automotive use software digital twins for reliability and safety Key Quote:  "Software digital twins may not always be visible—but they're absolutely vital when lives, safety, and product performance are on the line." 💡 Want to join the conversation or request a follow-up episode? Email us at podcast@razorleaf.com or leave a comment wherever you listen. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    35 min
  5. MAY 20

    #84: CIMdata PLM Roadmap May 2025 Recap

    In this episode, Juliann and Jonathan dive into insights from the CIMdata PLM Roadmap and PDT Conference, held May 7–8 in Tysons Corner, VA. With this year’s theme—“PLM’s Integral Role in Digital Transformation: From Strategy to Execution”—they reflect on the event’s most powerful takeaways and presentations that explore how PLM can evolve from a tech initiative to an enterprise-wide business enabler. 💡 What you'll learn in this episode: Key trends shaping PLM in 2025, from digital threads to AI readinessWhy clear business cases and executive sponsorship are essential for PLM successThe critical (but often overlooked) role of data in transformation strategiesReal-world insights from companies like Airbus, Boeing, Hollister, and Hitachi EnergyA behind-the-scenes look at the Aerospace & Defense PLM Action Group’s findings on digital thread use casesHighlights from Dr. Martin Eigner’s 40-year retrospective on PLM evolutionWhether you're an engineering leader, IT professional, or digital transformation strategist, this recap offers practical frameworks and honest reflections to help your PLM strategy drive real business outcomes. 🔗 Resources & Mentions: CIMdata & Eurostep PLM Roadmap/PDT ConferenceA&D PLM Action Group Digital Thread ResearchFeatured Speakers: Dr. Martin Eigner, Caroline Gustafson (Hitachi Energy), Stacy Burgart (Hollister), Kenny Swope (Boeing) 📍Next stop: PLM Roadmap Europe – November in Paris – Learn more at cimdata.com Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    22 min
  6. MAY 13

    #83: Sustainability in PLM: A Pathway Forward

    In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott are joined by renowned PLM thought leader and sustainability advocate, Jos Voskuil, co-founder of the PLM Green Global Alliance. Together, they unpack the evolving role of sustainability within the world of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) and digital engineering. From the European Green Deal to the growing importance of lifecycle assessment (LCA), this episode explores how environmental impact is shaping how products are designed, manufactured, and maintained. 🔍 Topics Covered: What sustainability really means in the context of PLMRegulatory drivers like RoHS, REACH, and the EU Digital Product PassportThe shift from hazardous material tracking to full carbon reportingWhy “right to repair” and circular economy models are gaining tractionHow the product-as-a-service model transforms business sustainabilityPractical steps for manufacturers to begin measuring environmental impactReal-world examples of data-driven PLM and the use of digital twinsTools and databases supporting sustainability analysis (e.g., EcoInvent, LCA, AI-driven platforms)The importance of model-based systems engineering and connected data 🌍 Key Insight:  Sustainability is no longer a side concern—it’s becoming a central factor in product innovation and compliance. And while regulations are often the spark, digital transformation is the fuel that helps companies prepare, respond, and lead. 📩 Got questions or feedback? Email us at podcast@razorleaf.com or drop a comment wherever you listen. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2024 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    40 min

About

Welcome to 'Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering,' the ultimate podcast for all things digital in the manufacturing industry by Razorleaf. Join us as we take a deep dive into the multifaceted world of digital transformation, exploring topics such as the digital thread, digital twins, IDEs, model-based strategies and delving into the frontiers of cutting-edge technologies like PLM, MES, Integration, and more. Our expert hosts, Jonathan Scott, Jen Ferello, Juliann Grant, and Eric Doubell, will be your guides, providing valuable insights, captivating interviews, and the latest industry updates to ensure you remain at the forefront of the ever-evolving digital landscape. Whether you're a technology enthusiast, a business leader, or simply curious about the digital realm in manufacturing, this podcast is your essential resource for staying sharp and well-informed.

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