Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

Ben Wynne of Intrepid Automation helps Smart Industry's Scott Achelpohl veer from the M&A soap opera and get into the weeds about what industrial 3D printing is doing for aerospace, defense, automotive, health care and semiconductor production.

Somya Kapoor, CEO of IFS Loops, explores the groundbreaking capabilities of digital workers during a recent conversation. She details how these industrial agents manage tasks like inventory replenishment and supplier orders, achieving impressive ROI in just weeks. Somya highlights the importance of technology readiness and discusses the emotional relief these agents provide to technicians. Additionally, she tackles the challenge of skills gaps in the workforce and emphasizes the need for effective change management to prevent AI pilot failures.

Discussion around mental health is still rare among industrial workers. It's a cultural issue that needs to be re-examined and made a workplace priority, says podcast guest Stephen Dummit, founder of Tradewinds Leadership.

Matthew Dixon, Swagelok's global technical lead for grab sampling, brings over 27 years of expertise to the table. He dives into the complexities of gas grab sampling, explaining the unique challenges it presents compared to liquid sampling. Matthew covers key system components for accuracy and safety, practical field mistakes to avoid, and the importance of representativeness in gas samples. He also discusses the evolving role of automation and online analyzers, emphasizing that there's still a vital need for traditional grab sampling.

In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Plant Services editor in chief Thomas Wilk speaks with ICML CEO Bryan Coggins and ICML Marketing Director Paul Hiller about the evolving culture of reliability and maintenance within industry. The conversation explores how ICML is strengthening its role through training, certification, and real-world case studies that demonstrate measurable ROI in lubrication management. Bryan shares insights from his diverse background in manufacturing and energy, emphasizing the importance of balancing long-term strategy with short-term results, while Paul highlights how ICML’s messaging and outreach are driving cultural and operational improvements across the sector.

Typically, Big Tech and software aren't manufacturing topics. The latest data products don't generally come out of a factory in a box or barrel. However, the rapid growth of AI is having a domino effect that's benefitting large manufacturers.  AI needs lots of computing power, creating opportunities for semiconductor makers to boost U.S. production. Construction companies are building data center facilities all over the country, creating manufacturing opportunities for construction materials and equipment. Tightly packed computer servers generate lots of heat, creating opportunities for materials companies and hydraulics manufacturers that can cool data centers.  And these data centers are super hungry for power. So, expect more gas-powered and renewable energy plants to be built in the near future (it's already happening but expect more). Makers of switchgear and grid-improvement systems also have full order books. Discussing this trend are four editors from Endeavor B2B: Robert Schoenberger, editor-in-chief of IndustryWeek Matt Vincent, editor-in-chief of Data Center Frontier John Caulfield, senior editor of Building Design + Construction James Morra, senior editor of Electronic Design

Manufacturers understand the skills gap: every day they recognize that do not have enough people or enough of the right people to execute the difficult and sometimes dirty, often dangerous tasks like pouring and forming molten materials, grinding or machining parts, treating and handling those parts, welding and finishing components and systems, etc. It’s more than a practical problem. It’s an economic and institutional crisis. The Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship and Learning program (METAL) established by the Dept. of Defense in 2024 is moving fast to resolve it, setting up and coordinating practical training in critical disciplines for metal casting and metal forging processes at seven universities, and drawing in fresh minds who ensure that knowledge and practical understanding continue to be available to engineers and investors in the decades ahead of us. Mike Kubacki, project coordinator for METAL describes the program and its progress.

Supply chain managers are employing a number of strategies to address the almost constant changes due to disruptions in the supply chain. Michelle Comerford, practice leader for the Industrial & Supply Chain practice at Biggins, Lacy, Shapiro & Company, explains what actions companies across the country need to be taking to stay on a steady course to supply chain proficiency.

Joe Kuhn, a CMRP-certified former plant manager and reliability consultant, dives into the essentials of blending predictive maintenance with practical problem solving. He cautions against over-relying on technology, emphasizing that it can signal issues but not provide solutions. Joe highlights the importance of on-the-floor investigation following condition monitoring, and urges starting predictive programs with targeted KPIs. He also shares common pitfalls to avoid and discusses how balancing tech with experienced insights fosters effective collaboration on the shop floor.

Trae Mazza, a Senior Security Engineer at RMC Global, specializes in offensive security and has uncovered critical flaws in Siemens' industrial networking devices. He discusses the alarming vulnerabilities in popular OT systems, detailing issues like weak passwords and hidden access points. Trae also highlights the risks posed by diagnostic tools and emphasizes the need for layered defenses and improved authentication protocols. With insights into the growing convergence of IT and OT threats, he sheds light on the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in industrial environments.