Richard Leurig with Accruent

Scott MacKenzie and Richard Leurig discuss the Accruent Insights 2024 conference in San Antonio, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback and innovation. Richard, the new president of Accruent, highlights the company's shift from individual products to interconnected ecosystems, known as the "better everyday way." Accruent serves diverse industries, including higher education and asset management, offering solutions for space planning, facilities maintenance, and asset management. The conversation also touches on the rapid pace of technological change, the role of AI, and the importance of cybersecurity. Richard emphasizes Accruent's commitment to continuous improvement and customer-centric innovation.

Action Items

• [ ] Connect with Richard Leurig on LinkedIn or email him at richard.laurg@accruent.com to learn more about Accruent.
• [ ] Explore Accruent's solutions and how they can help manage facilities and assets across the entire lifecycle.

Outline

Welcome and Introduction to the Event

• Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast and introduces the event, Accruent Insights 2024, being held in San Antonio.
• Scott and Richard discuss the Riverwalk in San Antonio, expressing their admiration for the area.
• Scott sets the stage for the podcast, mentioning the focus on Accruent and the users at the event.
• Richard shares his excitement about the conference and its purpose.

Insights from the Conference

• Richard explains that the conference is not just about roadmaps but also about gathering insights from customers.
• He mentions that feedback from the previous year's conference significantly influenced their innovation.
• The conference aims to understand common trends across different customer segments.
• Scott acknowledges the importance of customer feedback and insights in driving innovation.

Richard's Role and Vision for Accruent

• Scott asks Richard about his role as the new president of Accruent and his vision for the company.
• Richard emphasizes building an innovation culture and maintaining a customer-first approach.
• He discusses the transition from individual point products to interconnected ecosystems, known as the "better everyday way."
• Richard highlights the importance of continuous improvement and adapting to the ever-changing needs of their customers.

Overview of Accruent's Products and Services

• Scott inquires about Accruent and the technologies that make up the company.
• Richard explains that Accruent serves a diverse group of customers, primarily in workplace and higher education.
• He details the various products and services offered, including space planning, facilities maintenance, lease administration, and asset management.
• Richard mentions the integration of IoT, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection in their solutions.

Change Management and Internal Transformation

• Scott asks how Accruent helps companies transition to their comprehensive solutions.
• Richard describes the internal transformation process, which involved combining best-in-class products into cohesive solutions.
• He explains the concept of "de-silification" and the importance of serving customers with a full set of solutions.
• Richard notes that the momentum behind this transformation was evident at the previous year's conference.

Consulting and Partner Network

• Scott inquires about the support Accruent provides for customers looking to transition to their solutions.
• Richard confirms that they have solution consultants and a professional services team to assist with transformations.
• He mentions the importance of channel partners and technology partners in providing industry-specific consulting.
• Richard emphasizes the holistic approach to installing and supporting Accruent products.

Customer Adoption and Business Challenges

• Scott asks about customer concerns regarding the speed of innovation and technology changes.
• Richard explains that customers adopt changes for various reasons, such as business challenges, sustainability, or productivity mandates.
• He mentions the importance of making business cases to executives for adopting new technologies.
• Richard highlights examples of how Accruent's solutions help customers with predictive maintenance and energy efficiency.

Future Trends and Generative AI

• Scott asks about future trends and technologies that Accruent is focusing on.
• Richard discusses the emergence of generative AI and its potential impact on maintenance technicians.
• He emphasizes the importance of ensuring the safety and security of AI-driven solutions.
• Richard mentions the need for segmenting AI to prevent it from pulling information from the public internet.

Cybersecurity and Information Security

• Scott and Richard discuss the importance of cybersecurity in the context of connected environments.
• Richard explains that Accruent has a robust cybersecurity and information security practice, leveraging resources from Fortive.
• He highlights the importance of staying up-to-date with emerging trends and vulnerabilities.
• Richard mentions the transition to cloud and SaaS solutions and the need for customers to feel secure with these products.

Relationship with Fortive and Facilities and Asset Life Cycle (FAL)

• Scott inquires about Accruent's relationship with Fortive and the FAL group.
• Richard explains that Fortive is made up of 18 operating companies, each with its own focus.
• He describes the FAL group, which includes Accruent, Service Channel, and Gordian, and their focus on the entire life cycle of facilities and assets.
• Richard highlights the integration of Fortive tools and practices to build products more efficiently and innovatively.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing his admiration for the event and Accruent's innovation culture.
• He provides Richard's contact information for listeners interested in learning more about Accruent.
• Scott thanks Richard for his time and insights, and they conclude the podcast.