Eric Thompson with IRISS

Scott MacKenzie hosts Eric Thompson on the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting IRISS' E-Sentry solution for asset management and reliability. Eric explains that E-Sentry is a condition-based monitoring software for critical electrical assets, integrating hardware and software to provide 24/7 monitoring. The solution includes sensors for ultrasound, temperature, humidity, and vibration, and can retrofit existing infrared (IR) windows with smart sensors. E-Sentry also offers a cloud-based platform for real-time alerts and AI assistance, aiming to enhance maintenance efficiency and safety. The conversation emphasizes the importance of digitalizing maintenance processes and the role of AI in addressing the "silver tsunami" of retiring experts.

Action Items

• [ ] Explore the IRISS website at IRISS.com to get more information on their product offerings and solutions.
• [ ] Connect with Eric Thompson on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest developments in industrial IoT and asset management technologies.
• [ ] Reach out to Eric Thompson at IRISS to learn more about E-Sentry and how it can solve challenges related to critical electrical asset management.

Outline

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
• Scott highlights the importance of celebrating industrial professionals and their contributions to solving daily problems.
• The podcast aims to provide insights into asset management, reliability, and maintenance, encouraging listeners to up their game.
• Scott mentions the marketing expertise of Industrial Talk, offering services to help industrial professionals amplify their messages and increase revenue.

Introduction of Eric Thompson and IRISS

• Scott introduces Eric Thompson, the Global AI OT Solutions Director at IRISS, and highlights Iris's focus on safety, reliability, and sustainability.
• Eric Thompson's background includes military service, industrial IoT, and contact center as a service, contributing to IRISS' solutions.
• Scott and Eric discuss Eric's military experience, specifically his service in the Coast Guard, and its impact on his career.
• Eric provides a brief overview of IRISS' 30-year history in the condition maintenance industry for electrical assets and their transition to digital solutions.

Overview of E-Sentry Solution

• Eric explains that E-Sentry is a condition-based monitoring solution for critical electrical assets, combining hardware and software.
• Iris creates its own sensors and gateways, providing 24/7 condition monitoring for electrical assets.
• The solution includes software as a service for digitalizing work orders and creating sensors for IR windows.
• Eric introduces the concept of a smart window, which embeds sensor technology into traditional IR windows, enhancing monitoring capabilities.

Details of Smart Windows and Sensor Technology

• Eric describes the smart window's ability to retrofit existing IR windows with sensors, providing real-time monitoring and alerts.
• The smart window can be used to create work orders automatically based on sensor data, streamlining maintenance processes.
• Scott and Eric discuss the benefits of the smart window, including improved safety and efficiency in electrical asset maintenance.
• Eric explains the DTU sensor (Delta Ultrasound Sensor) and its role in retrofitting existing IR windows with sensor technology.

Cloud vs. On-Premise Data Storage

• Eric discusses the option of storing data on-premise or in the cloud, addressing concerns about data security and network restrictions.
• The "tap and test" feature allows users to collect and view data locally without sending it to the cloud.
• Eric highlights the benefits of cloud-based data storage, including real-time alerts and analytics, and the integration with AI assistants.
• The AI assistant provides actionable insights and guidance for maintenance workers, bridging the gap left by the "silver tsunami" of retiring experts.

Integration with CMMS and Historical Data

• Eric explains how E-Sentry integrates with existing CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) to enhance asset management.
• The solution aims to be agnostic to specific CMMS systems, focusing on data aggregation and actionability.
• Eric discusses the importance of historical data in training AI models and the availability of data from various sources.
• The AI assistant leverages sensor data, manual data, and document data to provide maintenance guidance and create work orders.

Future of AI in Maintenance

• Eric shares his vision of AI assistants transforming the role of maintenance workers, making them more efficient and effective.
• The concept of a "citizen maintenance worker" is introduced, where AI provides the necessary knowledge and support for less experienced workers.
• Scott and Eric discuss the potential of AI to capture and preserve tribal knowledge, ensuring continuity in maintenance practices.
• The conversation touches on the broader implications of AI in industry, including re-skilling and the evolving role of maintenance professionals.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott wraps up the conversation, emphasizing the importance of E-Sentry in enhancing safety and reliability in critical electrical assets.
• Eric provides contact information for listeners interested in learning more about IRISS and E-Sentry.
• Scott encourages listeners to visit the IRISS website for more details and to reach out for a discussion about their specific needs and challenges.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of Industrial Talk's commitment to supporting industrial professionals and helping them succeed.