Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering

Razorleaf Corp.
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

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. 1d ago ·  Video

    140: Share PLM Summit 2026 Recap

    Human-Centered PLM, Practical AI, and the Future of Digital Engineering What happens when you take a traditional PLM conference out of a corporate convention center and place it inside a Spanish bodega with a dirt floor? According to the attendees of the Share PLM Summit 2026, you create an environment where people—not technology—become the focus of the conversation. In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott welcome Razorleaf International team members Ashish Kulkarni and Luc Van Helmerijck to share their firsthand experiences from the Share PLM Summit in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain. The discussion explores standout presentations, emerging AI use cases, organizational change management, and why Share PLM continues to redefine what a modern industry conference can be. Key Topics Discussed: A Different Kind of PLM Conference Unlike traditional industry events, Share PLM intentionally creates a more human-centered experience. The unique venue, informal atmosphere, and collaborative discussions encourage meaningful conversations about the people side of digital transformation. The Mood Barometer: Measuring Change Management Success One of the most memorable presentations came from Andreas Wank of Pepperl+Fuchs, who shared his company's PLM implementation journey through a "mood barometer." Instead of focusing solely on project milestones, the presentation tracked employee sentiment throughout the project lifecycle, highlighting the critical role organizational change management plays in successful PLM deployments. Practical AI Use Cases in PLM Antonio Casaschi from ASSA ABLOY presented eight real-world AI applications being used across the organization. Rather than discussing AI as a future possibility, the presentation demonstrated practical ways AI can help companies better capture, organize, and leverage institutional knowledge. Key takeaways included: AI should augment people, not replace them.The greatest value comes from solving business problems, not simply deploying technology.Organizations should focus on current-generation AI capabilities rather than outdated perceptions of AI tools.AI Happens With People, Not To People A presentation from Share PLM co-founder Helena Gutierrez emphasized a powerful concept: "Make AI something that happens with people and not to people." Her framework highlighted how organizations can automate commodity tasks while elevating uniquely human contributions such as creativity, decision-making, and strategic thinking. PLM's Role in the AI Era While AI dominated many conversations, attendees agreed that PLM remains foundational. Rather than replacing PLM, AI is creating new opportunities to improve adoption, simplify implementation, and enhance productivity across product development organizations. The Concept of "Cognitive Surrender" Industry thought leader Jos Voskuil explored both the promise and risks of AI, introducing the concept of "cognitive surrender"—the growing tendency for people to outsource thinking to AI systems. The discussion balanced optimism about innovation with caution about maintaining critical thinking skills in an AI-driven world. Networking That Actually Matters Beyond the presentations, attendees highlighted the value of the event's networking opportunities. The informal setting fostered meaningful conversations among consultants, software providers, customers, and industry leaders, leading to potential partnerships, customer discussions, and collaboration opportunities. Episode Highlights: Why Share PLM's unconventional format continues to resonate with attendeesHow Pepperl+Fuchs used employee sentiment to guide a PLM transformationEight practical AI use cases being deployed at ASSA ABLOYReal-world examples of AI augmenting product lifecycle managementThe growing debate: Is AI evolutionary or disruptive for PLM?Lessons learned from industry leaders navigating digital transformationHow Razorleaf's Clover integration platform sparked conversations across the eventFeatured Guests: Ashish Kulkarni Director of Growth, Razorleaf International Luc Van Helmerijck Business Development and Strategic Alliances Leader, Razorleaf International Listen and Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering and join us as we explore the technologies, processes, and people shaping the future of product development and manufacturing. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    40 min

  2. Jun 9 ·  Video

    #139: Digital Product Series - Tech Soft 3D

    The Company Behind the Software You Use Every Day  If you've worked with CAD, PLM, simulation, or digital engineering software, chances are you've relied on Tech Soft 3D technology—even if you've never heard of the company. In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with Jonathan Girroir, Technical Evangelist at Tech Soft 3D, to explore the foundational technologies that power hundreds of engineering applications across the industry.  Jonathan Girroir explains how Tech Soft 3D provides the "building blocks" behind many of the world's leading engineering software platforms, including data translation, visualization, simulation, and graphics technologies used by more than 750 companies. From major software vendors to aerospace manufacturers and emerging startups, Tech Soft 3D enables organizations to access, visualize, and exchange complex engineering data more efficiently.  The conversation also explores the company's unique position within the digital engineering ecosystem, where customers, competitors, and partners often overlap. Jonathan Girroir shares how Tech Soft 3D works with industry leaders such as Autodesk, Siemens, and Dassault Systèmes while simultaneously helping software vendors and manufacturers build next-generation engineering solutions.  Finally, the discussion turns to artificial intelligence and the future of engineering data. Rather than focusing on chatbots and assistants, Tech Soft 3D is investing in ways to prepare, structure, and leverage engineering data for machine learning applications, helping organizations unlock insights from CAD models, metadata, manufacturing information, and product structures.  Key Topics Discussed:  What Tech Soft 3D does and why it's embedded in so many engineering applications The role of data translation, visualization, and interoperability in digital engineering Supporting CAD, PLM, simulation, and manufacturing software ecosystems How manufacturers use software components to build custom internal applications The importance of engineering data access and data quality Tech Soft 3D's relationships with major software vendors and technology partners Cloud, desktop, mobile, and hybrid deployment strategies The future of AI and machine learning in engineering environments Why organizations should begin experimenting with AI tools today Memorable Quote: "We're the company that everybody uses but nobody knows."  Key Takeaways: Tech Soft 3D Powers the Industry Behind the Scenes Many of the engineering applications professionals use every day rely on Tech Soft 3D technology for data translation, graphics, simulation, and visualization capabilities. Engineering Data Is the Foundation for AI As AI adoption grows, the ability to access, clean, structure, and understand engineering data becomes increasingly important. Tech Soft 3D is focused on enabling machine learning applications that work directly with engineering models and product data. Manufacturers Are Building More Custom Software Beyond software vendors, many large manufacturers are creating internal applications tailored to their unique workflows, leveraging software components rather than building everything from scratch. AI Literacy Matters Organizations don't need all the answers today, but they do need to start experimenting. Understanding how AI tools work and where they can provide value will be essential for future competitiveness.  About Our Guest:  Jonathan Girroir is Technical Evangelist at Tech Soft 3D. With more than two decades of experience in 3D data translation, simulation, and computer graphics, he helps organizations accelerate innovation through engineering software technologies and digital engineering solutions.   Listen, Subscribe, and Stay Sharp  Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering for conversations with industry leaders, technology innovators, and practitioners shaping the future of product development, manufacturing, and digital transformation.  Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    35 min

  3. Jun 2

    #138: How SMBs Can Break Into The Defense Industrial Base

    Is your manufacturing business leaving defense contracts on the table? In this episode of Stay Sharp: Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with two returning experts to break down one of the most misunderstood opportunities in manufacturing: the Defense Industrial Base. Whether you're running a five-person shop or a 500-person operation, there is a lane for you in the DIB, and today's guests explain exactly how to find it. Guests: Steve Nichols heads the public sector and defense group at Razorleaf, bringing decades of experience across technology, operations, strategy, and business development spanning organizations from startups to large enterprises including Silicon Graphics, CACI, MRI Software, and Razorleaf Government Solutions. John Biagioni is the President of Lampin Corporation and brings deep manufacturing expertise shaped by a career that started on the shop floor as a machinist. He has nearly a decade of leadership experience as president of Dynisco, Viatran, and DJ Instruments, holds four patents in sensing and rheological instruments, and is a published authority on operational strategy. What You'll Take Away: What the Defense Industrial Base actually is, including the NIB, the hidden DIB, the Marine Industrial Base, and sub-categories most SMBs never hear aboutWhy the DLA currently has 22,000 non-bidded parts and what that gap means for small manufacturersHow CMMC certification works, what it costs ($50K to $200K+), and why you can actually include that cost in your first bidThe difference between CUI and classified information, and why the safe move is to protect everythingWhy poor data quality on aging weapon systems creates both friction and opportunity for SMBsWhat it means to be the "easy button" for a prime contractor, and why that's a smarter goal than chasing prime status yourselfHow the variable capacity model, or "Uberization" of the DIB, could give smaller shops a real entry point into defense contractsState-level grants (including $30,000 programs in Massachusetts and Connecticut) that can offset CMMC compliance costsFirst steps any SMB can take today: SAMs registration, getting a CAGE code, connecting with prime supplier portals, and joining DIB-focused industry groupsKey Insight: The government's goal of building a Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network means the Department of Defense is actively looking for shops with verified process capabilities, not just finished products. If your shop can demonstrate capacity, you could be "put in stasis" and called on when demand spikes. Resources Mentioned: DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) non-bidded parts spreadsheet available for public download at dla.mil SAM.gov: System for Award Management, the starting point for any DIB entry PIEE: Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment for vendor registration CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification): cybercoe.osd.mil Razorleaf Government Solutions Lampin Corporation Contact the Stay Sharp team: podcast@razorleaf.com Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Stay Sharp: Digital Engineering on your favorite podcast platform and leave us a review. It helps us reach more engineers, operators, and manufacturing leaders doing the hard work of keeping industry sharp. Got a topic you want us to cover? Email us at podcast@razorleaf.com or drop a comment wherever you're listening.  Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    43 min

  4. May 26

    #137: CIMdata PLM/PDT Road Map Wrap Up

    What happens when you lock hundreds of PLM practitioners, digital engineering leaders, and top aerospace and defense minds in a room to talk about AI? You get a reality check. In this episode, Juliann Grant, Jonathan Scott, and Andrew Halley sit down to recap the packed two-day CIMdata PLM/PDT Roadmap 2026 Conference held just outside Washington, D.C. Forget the polished vendor slides and standard generative AI hype—this is a look into the "messy data" reality that engineering teams face behind closed doors. The team breaks down real-world case studies from industry giants, handles the core questions of data governance, and discusses why AI won't magically fix a broken digital thread—but why you must start using it anyway. Key Takeaways The "20-Year-Old" Analogy: AI in the engineering space right now behaves like a brilliant 20-year-old: it has an incredible memory but zero real-world intent or contextual experience. It requires guardrails and continuous guidance.Progress Over Perfection: Waiting for 100% perfect data before implementing AI leads to "analysis paralysis". Industry frontrunners are building out specific use cases, failing fast, and correcting workflows on the fly.Use-Case Driven ROI: High-impact applications must focus on process shrinkage. If an AI project cannot clearly map to saving manual time, it likely won't survive past the proof-of-concept phase.Monolithic vs. Best of Breed: While legacy PLM vendors continue pushing all-in-one monolithic architectures, end-users are loudly demanding interoperability and seamless integrations.Main Points & Deep Dives Real-World Case Studies:  Cummins: Implemented an AI-driven search capability across legacy engineering documentation to radically accelerate internal data retrieval.Eaton: Used intelligent automation to shrink a complex RFP response process for custom turbochargers from four experts and six months down to one person and one week—without removing engineering review from the loop.MIT Lincoln Lab: Reimagined their historical paper-based processes into a digital format, emphasizing that half of their engineering center resources go strictly toward driving user adoption, not just building the tech.The Interoperability Battle: A review of the exhibition floor, tracking how traditional PLM providers (Aras, Contact PLM, Dassault, PTC) match up against modern digital thread and integration specialists.The Governance Hurdle: How to safely address data exposure, restrict private customer data, and define explicit system access when introducing AI into enterprise architectures.Guests & Resources Mentioned ●      Guest: Andrew Halley, Global Partnership and Alliances Leader, Razorleaf ●      Event Host:CIMdata (PLM/PDT Roadmap North America 2026) ●      Speakers Highlighted: Dr. Martin Eigner, Denise Fitzgerald (MIT Lincoln Lab), Diego Tamburini (CIMdata), Vishwajeet Uddanwadiker (Boeing) Clean data in, clean insights out! If this episode got you thinking about cleaning up your own digital house, we want to hear from you. 📩 Connect with us: Drop a comment or reach out directly at podcast@razorleaf.com.  ⭐ Support the show: If you found value in this deep dive, please give us a review or follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    34 min

  5. May 19

    #136: What is Master Data Management and Who Owns It?

    Master Data Management Explained: Why Clean Data Matters More Than Ever Data fuels every digital initiative — but who’s actually managing it? In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, Jonathan Scott and Juliann Grant sit down with Razorleaf’s Ann Garcia to unpack the fundamentals of Master Data Management (MDM) and why it plays a critical role in modern digital engineering environments. With more than 30 years of experience across medical device, consumer packaged goods, and manufacturing industries, Ann brings a practical perspective to one of the most misunderstood topics in digital transformation: data ownership, governance, and lifecycle management. The conversation explores what master data actually is, how it differs from transactional and reference data, and why organizations struggle to define and manage it consistently across systems like PLM, ERP, and manufacturing platforms. The team also dives into: The difference between master data, transactional data, and reference data Why data governance often becomes more complex as organizations grow The role of master data during PLM and ERP implementations How mergers, acquisitions, and global operations impact data quality Why defining data standards early matters for digital transformation The relationship between clean master data, digital thread initiatives, and AI readiness How organizations balance speed with data accuracy during system rollouts Ann also shares real-world examples of how poor data definitions and inconsistent ownership can create downstream challenges — and why many companies underestimate the effort required to maintain clean, trusted data across the enterprise. As AI and analytics become increasingly important in manufacturing and engineering environments, this episode highlights a foundational truth: clean insights require clean data. If your organization is investing in PLM, ERP, digital thread, AI, or enterprise modernization, this conversation offers an important look at the often-overlooked infrastructure behind successful digital transformation. Featured Guest Ann Garcia – Data management and governance professional with 30+ years of experience supporting manufacturing, medical device, CPG, and enterprise transformation initiatives. Listen & Subscribe Follow Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering for conversations about digital transformation, PLM, manufacturing systems, engineering data, AI, and the future of connected product development. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    39 min

  6. May 12

    #135: iBase-t Excelerate 2026 Wrap Up

    What’s driving the future of manufacturing execution, MRO, and digital operations in aerospace and defense?  In this special on-site episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, the Razorleaf team recaps their experience at the iBase-t Excelerate 2026 conference in National Harbor. Jonathan Scott and Juliann Grant share insights from customer presentations, emerging AI strategies, MES modernization efforts, and the growing push toward model-based manufacturing. From practical upgrade strategies to global deployment challenges, this episode explores how manufacturers are balancing innovation with operational realities. The event highlighted a clear industry shift: manufacturers are under increasing pressure to modernize quickly while maintaining quality, compliance, and production continuity. Discussions throughout the conference focused on pragmatic digital transformation, data integration across the “golden triangle” of ERP, PLM, and MES, and how AI can be securely and effectively embedded into enterprise systems. The team also discusses: GE Aerospace’s large-scale Solumina deployment for MRO and sustainment iBase-t’s practical AI strategy and security-first approach Real-world MES upgrade lessons from Honeywell and Razorleaf Global rollout strategies across multiple manufacturing sites Model-based work instructions and AI-powered data ingestion Integration architecture challenges and the role of connected data Why manufacturers are moving faster than ever to eliminate paper processes Beyond the technology, the episode captures the collaborative spirit of the iBase-t community — where even competitors openly share lessons learned to improve manufacturing outcomes across the industry. If you’re involved in MES, manufacturing operations, aerospace and defense, or digital transformation initiatives, this episode offers a grounded look at where the industry is heading next. Listen & Subscribe Stay connected with Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering for conversations focused on digital transformation, manufacturing technology, PLM, MES, AI, and the future of product innovation.  Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    15 min

  7. May 6

    #134: The Flex Factor-How Retail Rewrote the Rules of PLM

    What happens when traditional Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) meets the fast-moving world of retail and apparel? In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, hosts Juliann Grant and Jonathan Scott sit down with returning guest Brion Carroll to explore how PLM evolved beyond engineering-heavy industries into fashion, footwear, and retail. Brion shares firsthand insights from building one of the first retail-focused PLM solutions—revealing why apparel required a completely different mindset, how FlexPLM was born, and what lessons every industry can take from retail’s speed, complexity, and creativity. From colorways and line planning to supplier collaboration and real-time change, this conversation uncovers how retail pushed PLM to become more flexible, visual, and business-centric. Key Topics Covered Why traditional PLM didn’t work for apparel and retailThe shift from “parts and assemblies” to materials and stylesUnderstanding style, colorways, and seasonal product variationWhy costing comes before design in footwearThe role of suppliers as active collaborators in product developmentHow line planning and merchandising changed PLMThe need for visual, intuitive user experiencesManaging rapid, continuous change vs. formal engineering change processesThe importance of multi-team collaboration across the businessBuilding FlexPLM and lessons from early customers like Timberland and ReebokWhy a single, shared bill of materials (BOM) mattersConnecting PLM with upstream and downstream systems (ERP, supply chain, etc.)Key Takeaways 1. PLM Must Serve the Entire Business Retail proved that PLM isn’t just for engineering—it must support design, merchandising, sourcing, supply chain, and more. 2. One Product, Many Views A unified BOM with multiple views enables different teams to work from the same data without duplication or inconsistency. 3. Speed Changes Everything Retail operates in rapid, iterative cycles—requiring PLM systems to be flexible, responsive, and user-friendly. 4. User Experience Matters Creative teams need visual, intuitive interfaces—not engineering-style data structures. 5. Collaboration is Critical From internal teams to global suppliers, successful PLM depends on seamless data sharing and connectivity. Notable Quote “There’s really no difference in the core of PLM across industries—the difference is how you apply it and who you bring into the process.”  About the Guest Brion Carroll is CEO and Principal Consultant at Digital Solution Group, LLC and a pioneer in PLM, including early development of retail-focused solutions like FlexPLM. He has decades of experience helping organizations connect product data across the digital thread—from concept to market. Listen & Subscribe Stay tuned for more conversations on digital engineering, PLM, and the technologies shaping product innovation. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    47 min

  8. Apr 28

    #133: Aras ACE 2026 - Innovation, AI, and Community

    What’s next for the Aras Innovator community heading into 2026? In this episode of Stay Sharp in Digital Engineering, the Razorleaf team recaps insights from ACE 2026—Aras Community Event (ACE) 2026—the annual gathering for users of Aras Innovator. Featured Hosts and Guests: Jonathan Scott – Co-host, Razorleaf Juliann Grant – Co-host, Razorleaf Milan Obradovic – Aras Pre-Sales Architect, Razorleaf Steven Binstock – Senior Solution Architect, Razorleaf From bold AI vision to the growing impact of Innovator Edge, the conversation explores how Aras is evolving beyond traditional PLM—focusing on user-centric experiences, flexible architectures, and empowering customers to build their own solutions. Whether you attended ACE or missed it, this episode delivers key takeaways, standout moments, and what it all means for the future of digital engineering.  Key Takeaways: AI is the headline—but vision leads the story Rather than flashy product launches, ACE 2026 emphasized direction: how AI will be embedded into workflows, decision-making, and the broader digital thread. “Meet users where they are” is the new PLM mantra Aras is shifting toward task-based, accessible experiences that extend beyond traditional interfaces—bringing PLM to more users across the enterprise. InnovatorEdge is a major catalyst The platform enables lightweight, targeted apps and micro-experiences that connect users to PLM data without requiring full system access. The digital thread is becoming more actionable With AI and new architecture in place, organizations are closer than ever to truly connecting data across engineering, manufacturing, and service. Community remains a defining strength From open Q&A sessions to collaborative demos, ACE continues to stand out for its transparency and user-driven innovation. From AI-driven experiences to flexible app ecosystems, ACE 2026 made one thing clear: PLM is evolving—and Aras Corporation is building the foundation for what comes next. If You Found This Episode Valuable: Follow or subscribe to Stay Sharp on your favorite podcast platformLeave a review to help more listeners find the showShare this episode with a colleague or friendStay Sharp. Music is considered “royalty-free” and discovered on Story Blocks. Technical Podcast Support by Jon Keur at Wayfare Recording Co. © 2026 Razorleaf Corp. All Rights Reserved.

    31 min
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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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