Manufacturing Hub

Vlad Romanov & Dave Griffith
Manufacturing Hub Podcast

We bring you manufacturing news, insights, discuss opportunities, and cutting edge technologies. Our goal is to inform, educate, and inspire leaders and workers in manufacturing, automation, and related fields.

  1. 1 HR AGO

    Ep. 176 - Exploring Technical Sales & Engineering Careers in Industrial Automation w/ Ira Sharp

    This week Ira Sharp joins Dave and Vlad as we dive into non-traditional Engineering Careers. In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome Ira Sharp, Director of Marketing at Phoenix Contact, to dive into the unique blend of technical expertise and sales skills required for success in the industrial automation industry. After a brief hiatus, Vlad returns from vacation, looking refreshed and ready to engage in a compelling discussion with co-host Dave. Ira shares his journey from sales associate to technical product specialist, offering insights into how engineers can leverage their technical knowledge for sales and marketing roles. We explore the career path of sales engineers, the importance of building credibility, and Phoenix Contact’s successful apprenticeship program. This conversation offers valuable advice for anyone interested in bridging the gap between engineering and customer-facing roles while also discussing the nuances of technical sales and career growth within the industry. About Manufacturing Hub: Manufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly! ******Connect with Us Ira SharpVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLC#automation #manufacturing #robotics #ai

    1h 10m
  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 175 - The Human Aspect of Artificial Intelligence - w/ Humera Malik

    Join Dave and Vlad with our guest today, Humera Malik of Canvass AI. The conversation highlights the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in manufacturing, focusing on how the technology is evolving and its application in data-driven environments. Umaira Malik from Canvas AI shared her journey from the telecom sector to industrial AI, emphasizing the common challenge of data overload in manufacturing. Many companies have invested heavily in data infrastructure, collecting vast amounts of information from various sources like SCADA systems and data lakes. However, they often struggle to convert this data into actionable insights. The challenge isn’t just technical but also mental, as organizations need to shift their approach from simply hoarding data to leveraging it for decision-making. One key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of contextualizing AI as a tool for augmenting existing processes rather than replacing them. AI's role in manufacturing often revolves around optimizing long-standing operations like fermentation or batch processes. In such cases, AI can be used to predict outcomes and improve efficiency without completely overhauling traditional systems. For example, Humera describes how AI was used to optimize a 40-year-old fermentation process by predicting when to end a batch earlier, allowing for better resource utilization without compromising quality. This approach emphasizes the practical, incremental benefits AI can bring to industrial operations. The conversation also delves into the contrasting realities within the industry. While some manufacturing environments are advanced, equipped with process engineers who can handle sophisticated data analytics, many others are still in the early stages, using whiteboards or paper-based systems. These less digitized environments face challenges in understanding the potential of AI or even determining whether they have the necessary data to implement such solutions. The industry remains divided between those who are ready to adopt AI and those still grappling with foundational data issues. Humera also discusses how generative AI (Gen AI) can play a role in accelerating AI adoption in manufacturing. By using Gen AI to analyze existing data and assess whether it’s sufficient to solve specific problems, companies can bypass lengthy data transformation processes. This allows them to quickly evaluate the feasibility of AI solutions and make more informed decisions. The shift towards leveraging Gen AI represents a significant advancement, helping companies move past the initial uncertainty surrounding their data capabilities and enabling more widespread AI adoption across different manufacturing environments. Overall, the conversation reflects the growing importance of AI in industrial settings, the challenges of integrating it effectively, and the evolving tools that are helping bridge the gap between data collection and meaningful analysis. The focus on contextualizing AI as a supportive tool, rather than a disruptive force, aligns with the industry’s needs for gradual, value-driven improvements. About Manufacturing Hub: Manufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly! ******Connect with Us Humera MalikVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLC#automation #manufacturing #robotics #ai

    1h 14m
  3. 9 AUG

    Ep. 169 - Information At Scale - Aron Semle

    Join Dave and Vlad with Aron Semle of HighByte this Wednesday at 4pm EST! In Episode 169 of Manufacturing Hub, hosts Dave and Vlad engage in an discussion with Aaron Semle, the Chief Technology Officer of HiByte. The episode delves into the evolving field of Industrial DataOps, a concept that Aaron passionately advocates for, and explores his extensive career in the industry. Aaron Semle’s journey began with his foundational work on OPC UA and OPC drivers at Kepware, where he was deeply involved in developing communication solutions for industrial automation. This early experience laid the groundwork for his subsequent roles, including significant positions at PTC and a healthcare startup. His career trajectory reflects a broad understanding of how data integration and management have transformed across various sectors. Aaron defines Industrial DataOps as the adaptation of data operations principles specifically for the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Unlike traditional IT operations that often involve transferring data without a comprehensive context, Industrial DataOps focuses on managing data in a way that maintains and enhances its relevance within industrial environments. This approach emphasizes the importance of context and the specific needs of manufacturing processes, aiming to bridge the gap between IT and OT (Operational Technology). A key point Aaron makes is that Industrial DataOps is not just about technology but also about fostering collaboration between IT and OT teams. The success of data initiatives hinges on aligning these teams to address practical challenges effectively. Aaron stresses that while data contextualization is crucial, it should be driven by specific use cases rather than being applied uniformly across all scenarios. This targeted approach ensures that the data solutions implemented are practical and aligned with the operational realities of the manufacturing environment. The conversation highlights how Industrial DataOps can lead to significant benefits for manufacturers, including reduced costs, improved scalability, and enhanced operational efficiency. By leveraging data in a contextualized and strategic manner, manufacturers can make more informed decisions, streamline their operations, and achieve better overall performance. In conclusion, Aaron Semle’s insights underscore the transformative potential of Industrial DataOps in modern manufacturing. The episode offers a valuable perspective on how adapting data operations to the unique needs of the industrial sector can drive innovation and improve outcomes across the industry. About Manufacturing HubManufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly! **********Connect with Us Aron SemleVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLC#automation #manufacturing #robotics #industry40 #iioT

    1h 5m

About

We bring you manufacturing news, insights, discuss opportunities, and cutting edge technologies. Our goal is to inform, educate, and inspire leaders and workers in manufacturing, automation, and related fields.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada