In this episode of Manufacturing Hub , we welcome back Billy Albritton for a deep dive into the evolving world of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. Billy first joined us on Episode 23, and now almost 200 episodes later, he returns to share his perspective on how far the space has come and what the future holds. Billy walks us through his journey from the military to advanced manufacturing and ultimately to becoming a leading voice in the AI and digital transformation space. We explore ho...
Jul 03, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 212
AI is making headlines across every industry, but how much of it is actually being used on the manufacturing floor? In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, Vlad and Dave return to the whiteboard to explore practical and real-world applications of artificial intelligence in manufacturing. From pre-operations to live production, this session covers how AI is being used today across CAD tools, BOM generation, predictive maintenance, system optimization, and machine vision. We also talk through the ri...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 211
In this special edition of Manufacturing Hub, we take you inside one of the most transparent and technically rigorous events in industrial automation: ProveIt 2025 . Created by Walker Reynolds and the team at 4.0 Solutions, ProveIt brings together 36 vendors to solve real manufacturing problems inside a live virtual factory environment. Everything is connected through a Unified Namespace and powered by real-time MQTT infrastructure. Unlike traditional expos, ProveIt is not about product demos. I...
Jun 16, 2025•2 hr 54 min•Ep. 210
Welcome back to Manufacturing Hub! In this special episode, we dive into an Automate 2025 preview, joined by Brian Priebe from Mach Controls and James Brown from 4IR Solutions. We break down what to expect at Automate next week in Detroit (May 12 to 15), booth highlights, technology trends, and hands-on insights into cutting-edge industrial solutions like Unified Namespace, Dockerized PLCs, AI applications in manufacturing, and more. Topics discussed: ✅ What's new at Automate 2025 ✅ The Mach Con...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 209
In Episode 209 of Manufacturing Hub, we sit down with Dylan to explore the full spectrum of automation—from his early hands-on experiences in PLC programming all the way to architecting full-scale SCADA and MES systems. If you're looking to understand what it really takes to grow a career in industrial automation, this conversation delivers raw insights, practical lessons, and battle-tested strategies from the plant floor to the boardroom. Dylan shares how his career evolved from service technic...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 208
In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, co-hosts Vlad and Dave turn the spotlight on themselves and share deeply practical stories from the front lines of industrial transformation. With decades of experience consulting across manufacturing verticals, they unpack some of the most pressing (and often misunderstood) topics shaping the future of factories today—from aging infrastructure and insurance-driven cybersecurity to real-world applications of artificial intelligence and organizational change....
May 08, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 207
In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome Amy Williams, Systems Architect at Skellig, for a deep dive into the world of life sciences manufacturing, a rarely explored but incredibly complex part of the industrial landscape. From her roots in biomolecular chemical engineering to her hands-on role in Operation Warp Speed, Amy walks us through what it's really like to build and validate manufacturing systems for pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications under FDA regulation. 💊🧪 We expl...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 206
We’re kicking off a new theme—Faces You Should Know in Manufacturing—with none other than Ryan Cahalane, Managing Partner at Axiom Manufacturing Systems. Ryan’s path through manufacturing is anything but ordinary: from plant floor engineering at Goodyear, to leadership roles at GE, Rockwell Automation, OSIsoft, and more, Ryan has worked every angle of the manufacturing ecosystem. In this episode, Ryan joins Dave and Vlad to unpack the biggest real challenges manufacturers are facing today—not th...
Apr 24, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 205
Welcome back to a special Thursday edition of Manufacturing Hub! In this episode, we dive deep into one of the standout presentations from the Prove It conference — featuring Travis Cox from Inductive Automation and Arlen Nipper from Cirrus Link Solutions. 🎥 We start by reflecting on the Prove It showcase, where Travis and Arlen demonstrated the power of Unified Namespace (UNS) and MQTT across every layer of the solution stack — from Edge devices, to the Ignition Gateway, to the Cloud. ➡️ Watch...
Apr 17, 2025•39 min•Ep. 204
In Episode 204 of Manufacturing Hub, we wrap up our month-long ERP series with Glenn from Waites. Glenn shares a practical framework for understanding ERP systems—perfect for engineers, plant managers, and anyone who’s struggled with clunky ERP software. We break down key modules like Financials, Supply Chain, MES, and Asset Management, and explore how modern tools are reshaping ERP usability. 🔹 What You’ll Learn: Glenn’s 3-part ERP mental model: Master Data, Transactions, Workflow The differen...
Apr 13, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 203
In this episode, Dave and Vlad are joined by Jay and RJ from Total ETO to explore the often overlooked world of ERP for machine builders and systems integrators. While ERP conversations often focus on large-scale deployments like SAP or Oracle, this episode dives into the day-to-day of smaller, engineer-to-order (ETO) businesses—where spreadsheets still reign and project complexity is high. Jay and RJ share their unique perspectives—Jay coming from 25 years in automation and becoming a Total ETO...
Apr 10, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 202
What does it take to move from automation hype to practical, scalable solutions on the factory floor? In this deep-dive episode of Manufacturing Hub, recorded live at the ProveIt Conference, we’re joined by Benson Hougland, Vice President at Opto 22—a company that has been quietly shaping the future of industrial automation for over 50 years. Benson walks us through the journey of Opto 22: from its roots as the birthplace of the solid-state relay to becoming a leader in edge-native control platf...
Apr 03, 2025•31 min•Ep. 201
In Episode 201 of Manufacturing Hub, we sit down with Tim Brown, a veteran leader with over 40 years of experience across manufacturing, construction, and IT. From managing massive ERP transformations to navigating global M&A integrations, Tim shares a masterclass in how to make enterprise software actually work in complex industrial environments. We cover everything from: What it was like managing ERP during Y2K The critical difference between push vs. pull drivers for ERP change How merger...
Mar 30, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 200
In this episode recorded live at the ProveIt Conference, we sit down with Mark and Harry from Tatsoft, creators of the industrial IIoT platform Frameworks. We dive deep into how Tatsoft is redefining what a true industrial platform should be — built from the ground up for the factory floor, yet scalable across the enterprise. Mark and Harry walk us through: Their platform’s positioning as a SCADA, HMI, MES, and IIoT toolbox — all in one How Frameworks handles real-time data, from connectivity (M...
Mar 27, 2025•39 min•Ep. 199
Welcome back to Manufacturing Hub! This March 2025, we’re diving deep into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), exploring its critical role in manufacturing, the challenges of implementation, and the future of ERP solutions. This episode is sponsored by Talan, a leading firm specializing in ERP adoption, migration, and integration. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been a cornerstone of manufacturing operations for decades. They provide a centralized platform for managing finance, s...
Mar 20, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 198
Welcome to Episode 198 of Manufacturing Hub with Vlad and Dave! This week, we’re diving into a full recap of the Prove It conference—one of the biggest and most talked-about industrial automation events, held last week in Dallas, Texas. If you've been anywhere near LinkedIn, you've probably seen the buzz! What made Prove It different? A real-world factory simulation with imperfect data 40 vendors challenged to "prove" their solutions in real time Hard-hitting questions: What problem did you solv...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 197
We’re coming to you LIVE from the ProveIt Conference in Dallas, TX, where we’re witnessing one of the most groundbreaking manufacturing and industrial automation events in history. Hosted by Walker Reynolds and the 4.0 Solutions team, ProveIt brings together 36+ vendors, industry leaders, and a massive community to showcase real-world digital transformation solutions—all connected to a unified namespace (UNS) virtual factory. In this episode, Dave and Vlad from Manufacturing Hub go behind the sc...
Mar 10, 2025•58 min•Ep. 196
In this special episode of Manufacturing Hub , Dave Griffith and Vlad Romanov take a deep dive into the upcoming ProveIt Conference , happening next week in Dallas. This event, spearheaded by Walker Reynolds and Zack Scriven , brings together industry leaders, solution providers, and systems integrators to showcase their capabilities in Unified Namespace (UNS), edge computing, and industrial data operations . What We Cover in This Episode: ProveIt Conference Overview: What to expect, key themes,...
Mar 08, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 195
Welcome to Manufacturing Hub , where we dive deep into the world of industrial automation, software, and digital transformation. In this episode, hosts Dave and Vlad are joined by Zach Scriven , an industrial automation expert, digital transformation evangelist, and a key player in the development of Prove It , a groundbreaking industry conference. This conversation explores a range of topics, from Zach’s personal journey in industrial automation and SCADA integration to his pioneering work in d...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 194
In this action-packed episode, our hosts kick off with exciting news about the upcoming Prove It Conference in Dallas and then welcome Kyle—a rising talent in the industrial automation space—to share his unique journey and insights. Episode Highlights Getting Started in Automation: Kyle recounts his transition from studying technology information management at UC Santa Cruz to diving headfirst into the world of SCADA, HMI design, and industrial automation with Inductive Automation. His early day...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 193
In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we dive into the world of industrial automation, PLC programming, and career development with Hans Schradermakers, an experienced automation engineer with more than 23 years in the industry. Hans has worked extensively with both Siemens and Rockwell software, specializing in developing, standardizing, testing, and commissioning automation solutions for major companies such as Nestlé, Hershey’s, Pepsi, Kellogg’s, and Pringles. The conversation begins with an ...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 192
As we enter 2025, the manufacturing and industrial automation sectors are facing a period of significant transformation. In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, Dave and Vlad outline their plans for the year, covering everything from the direction of the podcast to industry trends shaping the future of manufacturing. This episode kicks off with an overview of the podcast’s 2025 format, which continues to be structured around monthly themes. This year, topics such as ERP, modern maintenance strateg...
Feb 10, 2025•58 min•Ep. 191
In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, recorded live at ICC 2023, hosts Dave and Vlad welcome back James Burnand, CEO of 4IR Solutions, to discuss IT-OT convergence, the role of 4IR Solutions in the Ignition Community, and key takeaways from Ignition 8.3. 4IR Solutions and IT-OT Convergence 4IR Solutions is a Solutions Partner within the Ignition Community, focusing on OT as a Service to help manufacturers manage patching, security, and system monitoring—common pain points for system integrators....
Feb 06, 2025•17 min•Ep. 190
In this special episode of Manufacturing Hub, Vlad, and Dave reflect on the major lessons, projects, and trends from 2024 while laying out ambitious plans for 2025. They discuss the evolution of automation, AI, and industrial tech, share personal insights on business growth, and preview upcoming podcast themes and trade show appearances. Topics include: ✅ Key takeaways from 2024 in manufacturing, automation, and consulting ✅ The reality of AI in industrial settings—hype vs. practical application...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 189
Welcome back to Manufacturing Hub. In this episode, we sit down with Kent Melville, Director of Sales Engineering at Inductive Automation, to explore career growth, sales engineering, and the evolving landscape of industrial automation. Kent shares his fascinating journey, starting as a computer science graduate with a background in web development, ERP systems, and industrial automation before making his way into Inductive Automation. He takes us through the challenges and opportunities he enco...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 188
Manufacturing is a fast-moving industry with evolving technologies, shifting business priorities, and increasing demand for skilled professionals. Whether you’re just starting your career, looking to deepen your technical expertise, or considering a move into management, knowing how to navigate your journey can make all the difference. In this episode of The Manufacturing Hub, Vlad and Dave share career stories, key lessons, and valuable advice from their years of experience in manufacturing and...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 187
In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome back Jim Gavigan, founder of Industrial Insight and a leading expert in time-series data and manufacturing intelligence. Jim shares his fascinating journey from starting as a physical education major to becoming a data-driven problem solver in the manufacturing industry. His career is filled with invaluable lessons and hilarious anecdotes, making this episode both insightful and entertaining. We dive into Jim’s experiences transitioning from OT to...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 186
This week, Dave and Vlad are thrilled to be joined by Alicia Lomas, a powerhouse in manufacturing, automation, and leadership. Alicia shares her inspiring journey from studying chemical engineering to becoming a key figure in the controls and automation world. Along the way, she has worked with major brands like Chobani, where she helped revamp and optimize operations, and fast-paced startups like Redwood Materials, where she built automation teams and delivered large-scale projects. With years ...
Dec 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 185
In this in-depth conversation, Jason Waits, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Inductive Automation, provides a comprehensive exploration of Industrial Control System (ICS) cybersecurity. With decades of experience securing critical infrastructure and navigating the complexities of Operational Technology (OT) environments, Jason offers actionable insights into the current state and future of cybersecurity in industrial sectors like manufacturing, energy, and water treatment. The discus...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 184
In this expansive episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome back Justin Dean, an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, and business leader, for a deep dive into his incredible career journey. Justin has transitioned from a technical expert in control systems and automation to a successful entrepreneur and private equity professional, and in this conversation, he shares valuable insights for anyone navigating the intersection of engineering and business. We start by exploring Justin’s early career,...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 183
