Todd Beckerdite with Ajinomoto Foods

The discussion with Todd Beckerdite, a Senior Manager of Maintenance Foundation at Ajinomoto Foods, focused on the integration of AI in maintenance and reliability. Richard Leurig highlighted the evolution of generative AI, emphasizing its seamless integration into workflows. Todd discussed the potential of AI in creating decision trees for maintenance, reducing downtime, and predictive maintenance. He also mentioned the importance of connecting older equipment to modern communication devices for data collection. The conversation also touched on the interplay of AI, IoT, and sustainability, and the need for accurate data gathering for regulatory reporting and energy efficiency.

Action Items

• [ ] Investigate adopting AI technologies to help with maintenance tasks like decision trees for troubleshooting
• [ ] Continue conversations on how emerging AI capabilities can be integrated into day-to-day work without users knowing they interact with AI
• [ ] Evaluate ability to connect existing equipment sensors to gather more operational data for predictive maintenance

Outline

In the News: AI and Facilities Management

• Eric Cook introduces the episode and the guest, Todd Beckerdite, who is an expert in maintenance and operations.
• Richard Leurig discusses the evolution of generative AI (Gen AI) and its seamless integration into workflows.
• Richard inquires if AI will become so commonplace that users won't know they're interacting with it.
• Eric believes AI will become part of daily life, with future developments still to be seen.

Challenges and Accuracy of AI in Maintenance

• Richard mentions issues with AI tools like ChatGPT and Google Bard, questioning how to ensure accuracy.
• Eric explains the evolution of AI models towards accuracy and the importance of getting information right in facilities management.
• Richard imagines AI tools helping with factory floor repairs, referencing Microsoft HoloLens.
• Eric agrees, noting AI's potential to summarize information from multiple sources and guide technicians.

Todd Beckerdite on AI Adoption in Maintenance

• Richard introduces Todd Beckerdite and asks about AI adoption in maintenance and reliability.
• Todd Beckerdite mentions limited AI use in his company but expresses interest in AI for decision trees and troubleshooting.
• Todd discusses the potential for AI to reduce downtime by eliminating guesswork in maintenance.
• Todd also mentions VR in oil and gas and the military, suggesting AI could interface with VR for maintenance.

Predictive Maintenance and IoT Integration

• Eric asks Todd about the interplay of AI, IoT, and other automation in predictive maintenance.
• Todd discusses the goal of true predictive maintenance and the current state of predictive technologies like SCADA, oil analysis, and vibration analysis.
• Todd emphasizes the need for AI to build its own upper and lower limits for alerts based on equipment performance.
• Todd highlights the importance of connecting older equipment to modern communication devices for data collection.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Manufacturing

• Richard and Todd discuss the integration of sustainability initiatives with predictive maintenance and energy usage.
• Todd explains Ajinomoto's initiatives to reduce energy footprint and waste, including recycling and optimizing utility bills.
• Todd inquires about the impact of equipment failures and replacements on sustainability.
• Todd mentions the company's efforts to recycle materials and reduce wastewater and food solids.

Regulatory Reporting and Energy Consumption

• Eric asks Richard Lurie about regulatory requirements and sustainability reporting.
• Richard explains the global initiatives and mandates for energy consumption and regulatory reporting.
• Richard discusses the benefits of gathering data for regulatory reporting, which can improve equipment reliability and efficiency.
• Richard highlights the cost efficiency of proactive energy management and the integration of sustainability with predictive maintenance.

Rapid Fire Questions and Innovations

• Eric initiates a rapid fire question round with Todd and Richard.
• Eric asks about favorite innovations, with Todd mentioning CMMS and SCADA systems, and Richard mentioning the PC and mobile devices.
• Eric asks about innovations they wish would go away, with Todd mentioning smartphones and Richard mentioning excessive messaging.
• Eric asks about AI voices, with Todd and Richard sharing their preferences for authoritative and humorous voices, respectively.

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

• Eric asks Todd about something unknown from his LinkedIn profile, revealing his love for travel.
• Eric wraps up the conversation, with Richard emphasizing the rapid pace of AI and predictive maintenance evolution.
• Eric highlights the importance of balancing technology with the human element in maintenance and operations.
• Eric thanks Todd and Richard for their contributions and concludes the episode.