The Human and Machine Podcast - podcast cover

The Human and Machine Podcast

We’re at a pivotal moment in the evolution of human innovation and machine automation. The Human and Machine, a podcast by Element8, will help you make sense of the latest industrial technology and the challenges and opportunities impacting manufacturing today. Your hosts Jaco Markwat and Leonard Smit will bring you real stories and insights from the community shaping the industry we love.
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Episodes

Ep 31 | The Modern Industrial IT Team

In this episode, we host Leon Potgieter from Hulamin . We discuss a cohesive Industrial IT team's roles, skills and culture. We delve into data silos, supply chain delays and other industry challenges. But also short-term optimisation opportunities and the importance of continuous learning. Let us know if you find our discussion helpful or have anything to add! We'd love to hear from you....

May 22, 202356 minEp. 31

Ep 30 | Impact through infrastructure

In this episode, we host Kenney O'kennedy and Riaan Du Plessis from Zutari . We speak about how Zutari Solutionists integrate technical mastery with creative intelligence and digital acumen to co-create enduring infrastructure to benefit all. We also discuss the near-term view on renewable energy solutions and the importance of interoperable and future-fit solutions. Guest speaker info: Kenney O'kennedy Associate Industrial Engineer kenney.okennedy@zutari.com Riaan Du Plessis Associate Electrica...

Mar 09, 20231 hr 8 minEp. 30

Ep 28 l Sustainability as a data problem

In this first episode of 2022, we speak with Carolina Torres from Cognite , an Industrial software business that helps transform industrial data into customer value. We explore the crucial role data plays in the energy transition to a more sustainable future. The role of Industrial DataOps as the enabler. And the large-scale adoption of emerging technologies like AI, ML, and Robotics. If you're devoted to a future-proof digital and data system for a carbon-neutral future, join the conversation!...

Feb 25, 202255 minEp. 28

Ep 27 l By definition, HMI speaks to an interface for humans. And design should have this in mind.

In this episode, we speak with Ray Sensenbach, Product Design Manager at Inductive Automation. Designing an interface might seem like a second-tier priority for many engineers when creating their industrial applications since it appears to be a decorative detail. But, good interface design can increase operator productivity, decrease human error, and make operators feel more at ease. Ray shares his thoughts and practical approach to the power of user interface (UI) design.

Dec 13, 202150 minEp. 27

Ep 26 l A Transformation Journey: Data to Value in the Mining Sector

In a data-driven world, it’s critical that the people who need the data to make timely, strategic business decisions, to have access to it. In this episode, we speak with Almero Roux from Control Systems Integration. Integration and Mining sector veteran Almero shares his experience and learning on collecting, cleaning, and contextualising mass amounts of data. Their approach and philosophy followed and why a single version of the truth instils trust and drives information to action. Learn more ...

Nov 11, 20211 hrEp. 26

Ep 25 | South Africa's Manufacturing Opportunity with Vinesh Maharaj

The manufacturing sector is a crucial enabler of our economic recovery and remains a focus for government and the industry. Moreover, as a nation, we have an incredible Southern African opportunity. This episode explores experiences, challenges and actions with Vinesh Maharaj, Associate Director and Smart Manufacturing Lead at PwC. We also touch on Smart Manufacturing concepts, technology innovation and the crucial role of people and creativity.

Aug 10, 20211 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 25

Ep 24 | A courageous conversation with Devendree Ankiah

In an industry where women are historically under-represented, we have everything to gain. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have proved to drive business performance and innovation. In this episode, we host Devendree Ankiah, an engineer, wife and mother. We speak about the impact and importance of women in engineering. And her fascinating journey of leading by example. And demonstrating that a career in engineering can be a fulfilling and rewarding pursuit for women.

Jun 29, 20211 hr 13 minSeason 1Ep. 24

Ep 23 | The Brewery of the Future initiative with Christopher Clarke from AB InBev

In this conversation with Chris, Tech Supply Lead – Africa Zone at AB InBev, we hear about this exciting initiative driving productivity, flexibility and sustainability. Underpinned by a physical and digital transformation and a third vital pillar: A focus on the human element. The crucial role people play in adopting new technology and leading business transformation.

May 18, 202148 minSeason 1Ep. 23

Ep 22 l Machine learning: From bootstrap to production

Machine Learning (ML) will revolutionise entire industries. And change the way we interact with data and use it to enable digital growth. We speak with machine learning crafters Dr. McElory Hoffman and Dr. Johan van der Merwe from Praelexis. They share why they believe in purpose before profit and explain the competitive advantage opportunity - the types of machine learning and the proven approach to building a data-driven enterprise. Visit them at www.praelexis.com...

Apr 12, 20211 hr 3 minSeason 1Ep. 22

Ep 21 l The (connected) edge is where the action is!

In this episode, we host Albertus from Zero Touch Edge Computing experts, Stratus. We speak about monitoring, security and high availability for edge environments. And how the way we acquire and manage data at the operational edge has transformed.

Mar 30, 202149 minSeason 1Ep. 21

Ep 18 l The role of the Unified Namespace with Walker Reynolds

In this insightful episode, we speak with Walker from Intellic Integration about the concept of the Unified Namespace . And the role it plays as you build out your Industry 4.0 and IIoT architecture. The Unified Namespace is also a key to get us to the holy grail: Cloud-enabled and closed-loop business processes, in real-time....

Dec 07, 20201 hr 6 minSeason 1Ep. 18

Ep 17 l How Manufacturing can increase Cyber Resilience, with Brian Pinnock

As Manufacturers transition to Industry 4.0, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. We speak with Brian Pinnock from Mimecast about the current threat landscape. And how manufacturers can better position themselves to address the challenges and risks of today’s rapidly changing security landscape. Learn more about Mimecast here: www.mimecast.com

Nov 23, 202041 minSeason 1Ep. 17

Ep 16 l Kudzai Manditereza: One engineer’s passion for building IIoT and AI systems

Kudzai has a passion for helping others. By finding a small piece of explanation that clarifies precisely, how something works. That passion led to the creation of Industry40.tv. Now a trustworthy and inspiring place to find everything you need to learn and master Industry4.0 technologies. This is his story. Learn more about Industry40.tv here: www.industry40.tv

Nov 13, 202056 minSeason 1Ep. 16

Ep 15 l Technology in 2020: BC and AC with Herman Scheepers

In this episode we host Herman Scheepers, a passionate data scientist and engineer. We chat about technologies that were generally investigated BC (Before COVID), but not yet implemented. And how those technologies are set to become mainstream and pervasive AC (After COVID).

Nov 06, 202050 minSeason 1Ep. 15

Ep 14 l Senele Goba: Igniting and nurturing the love for STEM

Senele is the Director of 4IR Innovations and non-Executive Director of the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA). But also the founder of Ososayensi Education Advancement NPO: Ososayensi (pronounced "Oh-So-Sciency") is an education initiative aimed at developing future-ready scientists within young school learners. In this inspiring episode, we speak with Senele about her passion for the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), working with youn...

Oct 27, 20201 hrSeason 1Ep. 14

Ep 13 l Online Educator and Industry 4.0 enthusiast with Walker Reynolds

Online Educator and Industry 4.0 enthusiast, Walker Reynolds, shares his inspiring personal journey with us. And passion for helping save and create middle-class jobs by making manufactures more efficient; leveraging IIoT and Industry 4.0 principles. Walker shares what Digital Transformation actually is, and what it's not. Why Digital Transformation only has a 10%-20% success rate and why OEE is a number you MUST be calculating. Join the Intellic Online Learning Center today and enjoy free IIoT ...

Oct 15, 20201 hr 5 minSeason 1Ep. 13

Ep 12 l The World of Data Science and Information Engineering with Leandra Webb-Ray

The most critical challenges facing manufacturers throughout the value chain are, fundamentally, data challenges. In this episode, we speak with Leandra, a Data Scientist with Decision Inc., about her fascinating role in leading the change and opportunity of information. Learn more about Decision Inc: www.decisioninc.com If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8.co.za or visit our website www.element8.co.za...

Oct 01, 202047 minSeason 1Ep. 12

Ep 11 l Thanks to bowling. A conversation with Travis Cox from Inductive Automation

Travis started with Inductive Automation in 2003 and has overseen numerous successful launches of HMI and SCADA projects. Travis shares his exciting journey, and a preview of Ignition 8.1, which adds impressive new features to Ignition Perspective. Learn more about Ignition 8.1: https://bit.ly/3kCk21m If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8.co.za or visit our website www.element8.co.za...

Sep 21, 202050 minSeason 1Ep. 11

Ep 10 l The New SCADA: The creation of Ignition by Inductive Automation

In this episode, we chat with Colby Clegg from Inductive Automation. Colby is the VP of Technology and has been with Inductive Automation since the company’s formation. And is one of the original designers of the Ignition software: Built from the ground up with IT-friendly technology. Colby shares insights from the early days and what shaped the vision for “The New SCADA”. And the incredible community that’s formed up around it, turning great ideas into reality. Learn more about Inductive Automa...

Sep 03, 202049 minSeason 1Ep. 10

Ep 09 l Digital Transformation in the Manufacturing and Production world

New digital technologies make it possible to gather and analyse more significant amounts of data across machines and functions. But, digital transformation requires more than just purchasing and implementing software or hardware. It can be a massive, and at times, seemingly overwhelming undertaking. Where do you even start? Wilhelm Swart shares some practical insights and wisdom to consider as you embark on your journey. Learn more about BluESP at www.bluesp.co.za If you want to feature on our s...

Aug 25, 202057 minSeason 1Ep. 9

Ep 08 l The life of a young Maintenance Engineer

Maintenance management is a combination of systems, best practices and trained personnel all focused on the same goal. In this episode, we speak with Kagiso Nxumalo from Kellogg’s South Africa, about the importance of skills, teamwork and continuous learning for the smooth and efficient workings of an industrial plant. Learn more about Kellogg's at www.kelloggs.co.za If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8.co.za or visit our web...

Aug 19, 202044 minSeason 1Ep. 8

Ep 07 l The industry has observed declining IOT sensor cost: Which should mean greater use in manufacturing.

In this episode, we speak with Altmar du Toit from Hive IoT. Altie shares observations and experience when scaling IIoT investments. We also hear about the Safe-Trace contact tracing solution, co-developed with Aguru Business Solutions. Safe-Trace assists facility managers to trace all possible Covid-19 contacts. And is a proudly South African digital engineering effort. Learn more about Hive IoT at www.hive-iot.com If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let ...

Aug 14, 202051 minSeason 1Ep. 7

Ep 06 l IIoT extends control of your Operations to the very edge

We chat with Louis van Wyk from BCX about what's required to make this a reality. And the potential barriers we face to adoption in manufacturing. Learn more about BCX at www.bcx.co.za If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8.co.za or visit our website www.element8.co.za

Aug 07, 202050 minSeason 1Ep. 6

Ep 05 l Arlen Nipper, Co-Inventor of MQTT, shares his incredible journey. And his vision for IIoT

Arlen Nipper is an industry legend: President and CTO at Cirrus Link and Co-Inventor of MQTT. We spoke with Arlen about his background and the genesis of MQTT. How it has evolved for mission-critical industrial applications, through Sparkplug. And how vendors like AVEVA, Inductive Automation and Opto 22 unlocks the full potential of MQTT. Learn more about Cirrus Link at www.cirrus-link.com If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8...

Jul 30, 202052 minSeason 1Ep. 5

Ep 04 l The importance of Information and the value of adding context to Plant Data

In this episode we chat with Jeff Knepper, from Canary Labs. Jeff shares why connecting decision makers to process data, and giving them easy to use analysis tools is a winning combination. Learn more about Canary Labs at www.canarylabs.com If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8.co.za or visit our website www.element8.co.za...

Jul 22, 202047 minSeason 1Ep. 4

Ep 03 l The importance of Innovation and Teamwork in the Food and Beverage Industry

One of the significant challenges almost all businesses are facing has been from the effects of COVID-19. But managing supply chain disruption is not new to Food and Beverage manufacturers. In this episode, we speak with Francois Theron from Clover, SA's leading branded food and beverage group. Francois shares how they have adopted new tech, the drivers pushing innovation and the importance of cross-functional teamwork. Learn more about Clover at www.clover.co.za If you want to feature on our sh...

Jul 14, 202044 minSeason 1Ep. 3

Ep 02 l Human-Centred availability of Data and Information

In this episode, we speak with Graeme Welton, Founder and Managing Director of Flow Software. We dive into tech start-up strategies and entrepreneurial advice for engineers. And how the Flow product was born to transform and make data available to decision-makers. Learn more about Flow at www.flow-software.com If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8.co.za or visit our website www.element8.co.za...

Jul 07, 202045 minSeason 1Ep. 2
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