Kevin Clark with Naonprecise

Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Clark discuss the evolving landscape of asset management and maintenance at the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas. They highlight the significant increase in vendors from 130 to 220, indicating a growing interest in innovative solutions. Kevin emphasizes the importance of data quality, noting that much of the data collected is irrelevant for AI and that system-generated data can reduce errors. They also discuss the cultural shift needed for AI adoption, the potential for false positives to undermine trust, and the role of human oversight. The conversation concludes with a focus on the growing importance of data in industrial processes.

Action Items

• [ ] Attend the SMRP conference in 2026
• [ ] Connect with Kevin Clark

Outline

Kevin Clark's Introduction and Conference Overview

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast and its focus on industrial innovations and trends.
• Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Kevin Clark is introduced as a guest, and his company, Nanoprecise, is mentioned.
• The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about Kevin's attendance at the conference.

Growth and Quality of Vendors at SMRP

• Kevin Clark notes the significant increase in vendors from 130 to 220 at the conference.
• Scott MacKenzie and Kevin discuss the high quality of practitioners attending the conference.
• The conversation touches on the renaissance in the industry, with Nancy Reagan being a notable figure in RCM.
• Kevin explains how RCM is evolving with the help of technology, making it more programmatic and data-driven.

Challenges and Opportunities in Data Collection

• Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Clark discuss the challenges of data quality and the importance of contextual data for AI.
• Kevin explains how system-generated data can reduce errors and improve data quality.
• Scott shares a personal story about the challenges of handling large amounts of data in real-time.
• The conversation highlights the need for better data management and the role of AI in improving data quality.

AI and Human Interface in Maintenance

• Kevin Clark emphasizes the importance of human involvement in AI-driven maintenance processes.
• Scott and Kevin discuss the cultural shift needed for AI adoption and the potential for false positives to undermine trust.
• Kevin shares a story about a personal experience with AI and the importance of using AI in daily life to understand its capabilities.
• The conversation explores the balance between AI and human expertise in maintaining trust and reliability in maintenance processes.

AI's Role in Business Decisions and Personal Use

• Kevin Clark shares an anecdote about a colleague using AI for car maintenance and the importance of personal experience with AI.
• Scott MacKenzie and Kevin discuss the role of AI in business decisions and the need for objective views of AI.
• The conversation touches on the potential for AI to replace traditional search methods like Google.
• Kevin highlights the importance of continuous learning and updating AI models to maintain accuracy and relevance.

Trust and Reliability in AI-Driven Systems

• Kevin Clark discusses the challenges of trusting AI-driven systems and the potential for false positives to disrupt operations.
• Scott MacKenzie and Kevin explore the importance of maintaining human oversight in AI-driven processes.
• The conversation highlights the need for continuous monitoring and validation of AI-generated data.
• Kevin shares insights on the cultural shift required for successful AI adoption in maintenance and operations.

The Future of AI and Data Management

• Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Clark discuss the future of AI and its role in data management and maintenance processes.
• Kevin emphasizes the importance of contextual data and the need for better data management practices.
• The conversation touches on the potential for AI to reduce the volume of data while improving its quality.
• Scott and Kevin explore the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI with existing systems and processes.

Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity

• Scott MacKenzie brings up the topic of quantum computing and its potential impact on cybersecurity.
• Kevin Clark discusses the challenges of protecting assets and technology from nefarious actors.
• The conversation highlights the need for continuous updates in cybersecurity measures to keep up with new technologies.
• Scott and Kevin explore the potential for quantum computing to revolutionize data management and maintenance processes.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott MacKenzie wraps up the conversation by emphasizing the importance of connecting with industry professionals like Kevin Clark.
• Kevin provides his contact information and encourages listeners to reach out to him on LinkedIn.
• Scott highlights the value of the SMRP conference and encourages listeners to plan their attendance for the next year.
• The podcast concludes with a reminder of the importance of data in driving innovation and improving maintenance processes.