Dilraj Kahai and Eric Shufelt with 21Tech

Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Dilraj and Eric from 21 Tech, discussing asset management and AI solutions. They highlight the challenges of integrating AI into asset management due to incomplete and dirty data. 21 Tech's approach involves developing AI point solutions to automate processes and clean data incrementally, making it more manageable for clients. They focus on public sector industries like transit, utilities, and public works, offering pre-built solutions to expand market reach. Eric Shufelt emphasizes the importance of understanding client needs and processes to ensure successful implementations and continuous improvement of systems.

Action Items

• [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Follow up with Eric Shufelt on LinkedIn to discuss 21 Tech's professional services offerings and how they can help organizations improve their asset management processes.
• [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Connect with Dilraj Kahai and Eric Shufelt to learn more about 21 Tech's approach to leveraging AI and Hexagon's software to solve industry-specific challenges.
• [ ] Explore opportunities to collaborate with 21 Tech on bringing AI-powered asset management solutions to the transportation, utilities, and public works sectors.

Outline

Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
• Scott welcomes the audience and highlights the importance of the industrial sector, including manufacturing, oil and gas, and data.
• Scott introduces the guests, Dilraj and Eric, from 21 Tech, and praises their contributions to the industry.
• The podcast aims to celebrate industry professionals and their contributions to solving daily problems.

Introduction of Guests and Initial Discussion

• Scott Mackenzie introduces Dilraj and Eric, highlighting their roles and contributions to the industry.
• Dilraj introduces Eric Schmidt, Vice President of Professional Services at 21 Tech, as a brilliant mind in asset management.
• Dilraj and Eric discuss the progress and changes in the industry since their last conversation.
• Scott Mackenzie refers to the current industrial landscape as an "industrial Renaissance," indicating the rapid advancements and changes.

Challenges in Asset Management and AI Integration

• Dilraj discusses the challenges companies face in integrating AI into asset management, particularly the issue of incomplete and dirty data.
• 21 Tech has developed AI solutions to automate processes and clean up data, making it more efficient and reliable.
• Scott Mackenzie and Dilraj discuss the importance of clean data in making informed decisions and avoiding bad decisions based on dirty data.
• 21 Tech's AI solutions help automate data entry and ensure pristine data, saving time and improving efficiency.

Addressing Historical Data and Incremental AI Solutions

• Dilraj explains how 21 Tech addresses the issue of historical data, either by starting clean from now or using AI to clean up old data.
• The AI solutions provide incremental steps to clean data, making the process less overwhelming and more manageable.
• Scott Mackenzie and Dilraj discuss the importance of having clean data for accurate insights and decision-making.
• 21 Tech's approach helps organizations incrementally improve their data quality without overwhelming them with the entire task at once.

Impact of Octave and Market Expansion

• Dilraj discusses the impact of Octave, a software company focused on improving their solutions, on 21 Tech's business.
• Octave has partnered with 21 Tech to expand into new markets, particularly in public sector utilities, transit, and public works.
• 21 Tech has developed pre-built solutions for these markets, making it easier and more affordable for organizations to adopt their technology.
• The partnership with Octave allows 21 Tech to focus on specific industries and provide tailored solutions, enhancing their credibility and market presence.

Challenges in the Utility Sector

• Scott Mackenzie and Dilraj discuss the challenges faced by the utility sector, including aging infrastructure, demand for power, and the need for smart grids.
• Dilraj highlights the efficiency and operational challenges faced by utilities, particularly in power generation and water utilities.
• 21 Tech's solutions help utilities improve operational efficiency and manage diverse power sources, addressing specific problems like underground storage tanks.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of low-risk solutions and operational efficiency in the utility sector.

AI and Data Management in Transit Agencies

• Dilraj discusses the use of AI in transit agencies, including the use of iPhones to monitor rail tracks and improve maintenance efficiency.
• The AI solutions help transit agencies save money and improve maintenance processes, making them more efficient and reliable.
• Scott Mackenzie and Dilraj discuss the gap between technology advancements and user adoption, emphasizing the need for incremental steps.
• 21 Tech's approach helps organizations bridge this gap by providing manageable and consumable solutions.

Introduction of Eric Shufelt and Professional Services

• Eric Shufelt introduces himself, highlighting his 25-year experience in the industry and his role at 21 Tech.
• Eric explains the concept of professional services, focusing on business process understanding and consultation.
• The professional services team at 21 Tech combines industry experience and product knowledge to provide tailored solutions.
• Eric emphasizes the importance of understanding organizational objectives and aligning solutions to meet these goals.

Meeting Client Needs and Implementation Strategies

• Eric discusses the importance of meeting clients where they are and taking a journey together to improve maintenance maturity.
• Scott Mackenzie and Eric highlight the challenges of implementing new systems and the need for a structured approach.
• Eric emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and maintenance of the solution, treating it as an asset.
• The conversation underscores the need for a process-driven approach to implementation and the importance of visibility and accountability.

Contact Information and Closing Remarks

• Eric provides contact information for 21 Tech, including their new website and his personal contact details.
• Scott Mackenzie encourages the audience to connect with Dilraj and Eric and to bring them into their decision-making processes.
• The podcast aims to amplify the voices of industry professionals and celebrate their contributions to the industry.
• Scott Mackenzie concludes the episode by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the industrial sector.