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 applications
✅ Joltek’s training and upskilling initiatives + Kaplan’s focus on Ignition & automation strategy
✅ 2025 predictions: The impact of automation, labor shortages, and investment shifts
✅ Upcoming podcast themes and trade shows for next year
✅ Tech deep dives: Servers, NAS, and 3D printing for industrial use

🔗 References & Mentions:
Books: Main Street Millionaire by Cody Sanchez
Podcast: My First Million by Sam Parr & Shaan Puri
3D Printing Tech: Bamboo Labs A1
Tech Infrastructure: Dell Rack Server, Synology NAS, Ignition 8.3
Upcoming Trade Shows: ICC, Automate, SPS, Hannover Messe, ProveIt, Realize Live
Podcast Themes for 2025: AI, Digital Transformation, Industrial Data, Robotics, Systems Architecture, Training & Upskilling

If you're in manufacturing, automation, or industrial technology and want to collaborate, reach out to Vlad or Dave. Stay tuned for an exciting 2025!

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

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 encountered as he transitioned from technical roles into sales engineering, growing from one of the first hires in his division to leading a 30-plus-person team today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Kent explains the role of a sales engineer and how it differs from traditional technical sales. He breaks down how sales engineers bridge technical expertise and customer engagement, ensuring that solutions meet real-world manufacturing challenges. He also discusses the growth of Inductive Automation, the company culture that has fueled his success, and how the Ignition platform has shaped the industrial automation industry.

Another key topic in this discussion is the Ignition Community Conference (ICC), which has become a central event for the Ignition ecosystem. Kent shares how the Build-a-Thon, a live competition where integrators showcase their automation skills, became a major attraction and why it highlights the true power of rapid development with Ignition.

Insights on Future Industry Trends
Kent provides his perspective on where the industry is heading, especially in terms of IT-OT convergence. He discusses how containerization and DevOps principles are making their way into manufacturing and why version control and structured deployments will become the norm. He also shares insights on how Ignition’s flexibility enables organizations to modernize their operations and prepare for the future.

Career Lessons and Key Takeaways
This episode is filled with valuable career advice for engineers and professionals looking to move into sales or leadership roles. Kent emphasizes the importance of working for a company that aligns with your goals rather than constantly chasing small pay increases. He discusses the need for clear communication, initiative, and the ability to adapt to different work styles.

For those considering a transition from technical roles to sales engineering, Kent breaks down the key skills required, the training process, and how Inductive Automation prepares its team members for success. He also highlights the importance of building a reputation within an organization, taking on new challenges, and creating opportunities through proactive engagement.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Fun Moments
Beyond the technical and career discussions, Kent shares some of the most entertaining moments from his time at Inductive Automation. He talks about how an impromptu on-stage rap performance during an Ignition product launch unexpectedly boosted his visibility within the company. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Inductive Automation uses its own software for internal processes, from CRM and training to office automation.

Who Should Watch This Episode?
This conversation is ideal for industrial professionals looking to understand the role of sales engineering, engineers considering a move into customer-facing roles, and manufacturing leaders exploring Ignition’s capabilities. It also offers practical career insights for anyone looking to grow within their organization and stand out in the industry.

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow Manufacturing Hub for weekly conversations on manufacturing, automation, and technology.

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

References
1. Inductive Automation & Ignition SCADA

• Inductive Automation - Official Website
  https://inductiveautomation.com/
• Ignition SCADA - Overview & Features
  https://inductiveautomation.com/scada/
• Download Ignition (Free Trial & Maker Edition for Personal Use)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/downloads/
• Ignition Exchange (Free Industrial Automation Templates & Modules)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/exchange/
• Ignition Community Conference (ICC) – Annual Conference
  https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/icc/
• Inductive Automation’s YouTube Channel (Webinars, Case Studies, Training)
  https://www.youtube.com/@InductiveAutomation

2. Sales Engineering & Career Development

• The Sales Engineer Handbook: A Guide to Sales Engineering & Technical Sales (Patrick Pissang)
  https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Engineer-Handbook-Technical-Engineering/dp/3982171402
• Mastering Technical Sales: The Sales Engineer’s Handbook (John Care, Aron Bohlig)
  https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Technical-Sales-Engineers-Handbook/dp/1608324262
• Harvard Business Review - What Makes a Great Sales Engineer?
  https://hbr.org/2019/04/what-makes-a-great-sales-engineer
• LinkedIn Sales Engineering Community – Discussions, Networking, and Career Advice
  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8948750/

3. IT-OT Convergence & Industrial Automation Trends

• ISA (International Society of Automation) – IT-OT Convergence Resources
  https://www.isa.org/topics/it-ot-convergence
• Industrial DevOps and Containerization in Manufacturing (Inductive Automation Blog)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/article/modernizing-scada-with-devops/
• Understanding Unified Namespace (UNS) and MQTT for Industrial Automation
  https://cirrus-link.com/what-is-unified-namespace/
• ISA-95 Standard – Best Practices for IT and OT Integration
  https://www.isa.org/standards-and-publications/isa-standards/isa-95

4. Home Automation & Ignition for Personal Use

• Ignition Maker Edition (Free Version for Personal & Home Automation Projects)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition/maker-edition/
• Home Automation with Ignition - Community Projects & Discussions
  https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/tags/home-automation
• Travis Cox on Using Ignition for Smart Home Automation (Podcast)
  https://www.theautomatorpodcast.com/episodes/travis-cox-home-automation-ignition

5. Kent Melville & Inductive Automation Socials

• Kent Melville on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentmelville/
• Inductive Automation on LinkedIn
  

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 industrial automation. They’ll discuss what it takes to grow in the industry, the skills that have been most valuable in their careers, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.

Topics covered in this episode:
How to transition from an entry-level role to an advanced technical position
The key skills manufacturing professionals need to stay relevant
What engineers should consider when moving into management
Lessons learned from real-world manufacturing projects
Common pitfalls to avoid in career development
The importance of networking, continuous learning, and adaptability
Vlad and Dave will also be answering live questions from the audience. If you’re listening to this as a podcast, remember that you can join the conversation live every Wednesday at 4 PM Eastern / 1 PM Pacific on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Beyond career advice, this episode will also provide a sneak peek into The Manufacturing Hub’s 2025 plans. The podcast has long focused on monthly themes covering a wide range of manufacturing topics, from automation and digital transformation to industrial cybersecurity and AI in production. Vlad and Dave have been working on new themes for the upcoming year, and they’re excited to hear your thoughts.

If you have suggestions for future topics, guest recommendations, or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out. This community is built around shared knowledge and open discussions, and every contribution helps shape the conversation.

Why This Episode Matters
For anyone in the manufacturing space, career growth is not just about mastering technical skills—it’s about understanding industry trends, learning from others' experiences, and positioning yourself for future opportunities. As automation continues to reshape the industry and new technologies emerge, professionals who can adapt, lead, and problem-solve will be in high demand.

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Join Vlad and Dave live each week to engage with the community and stay up to date on the latest trends in manufacturing, automation, industrial software, and technology.

About Manufacturing Hub:

Manufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly!

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

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 IT, the challenges of balancing technical work with sales as a business owner, and his thoughts on the value of certifications versus hands-on learning. Jim also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of data historians, including his expertise with OSIsoft PI, Tableau, and Power BI, while offering advice for manufacturers looking to optimize their data.

One of the highlights of this episode is Jim’s unforgettable story about his senior project—a tale of problem-solving under pressure that shaped his approach to engineering and business. It’s a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the willingness to learn.

Whether you're passionate about data-driven manufacturing, exploring career growth, or just looking for some inspiration, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with more insights from industry experts!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel to stay updated on the latest conversations with industry leaders. Hit the bell 🔔 to never miss an episode!

Thank you for tuning in to Manufacturing Hub. See you next week!

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

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 of hands-on experience in both legacy manufacturing environments and cutting-edge greenfield facilities, Alicia brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation.

In this episode, Alicia opens up about her transition from process engineering to controls engineering and the lessons learned while navigating these fields. She explains how mentors shaped her career, how she tackled the steep learning curves of PLC programming, and why curiosity and emotional intelligence are essential for success in automation. Alicia also talks about her experience building high-performing technical teams, hiring engineers from diverse backgrounds, and fostering a culture of mentorship and growth.

We take a deep dive into the complexities of choosing the right control platforms, including Alicia’s candid comparison of Siemens and Rockwell, and her decision-making process when leading automation strategy for a startup. She also discusses the importance of data collection, MES systems, and predictive maintenance, emphasizing how organizations can start small and scale their digital transformation efforts over time.

Alicia shares her thoughts on the convergence of IT and OT, the future of automation, and how collaboration between controls engineers, software developers, and IT professionals will shape the industry. Her optimism for the future is inspiring, as she envisions a world where technology, processes, and people come together to solve complex manufacturing challenges.

Whether you’re an automation veteran, a newcomer to the industry, or simply curious about the future of manufacturing, this episode is packed with actionable insights, career advice, and thought-provoking discussions.

📖 Book Recommendation:
Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna – A must-read for anyone looking to lead with empathy, integrity, and self-awareness in today’s fast-paced world.

💬 Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear from you! What trends are you seeing in the automation industry? How do you see IT/OT convergence playing a role in the factories of the future? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

👉 Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn: Alicia Lomas

👉 Follow Manufacturing Hub for more episodes and insights!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel to stay updated on the latest conversations with industry leaders. Hit the bell 🔔 to never miss an episode!

Thank you for tuning in to Manufacturing Hub. See you next week!

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• Alicia Lomas
• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

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 discussion begins with an overview of what makes ICS cybersecurity distinct from traditional IT security. Jason explains how OT systems prioritize availability and safety, presenting unique challenges compared to the confidentiality-driven focus of IT. The conversation highlights key vulnerabilities in ICS environments, such as legacy systems that lack modern security features, poorly designed protocols without encryption, and the risks posed by IT/OT convergence.

Jason dives into common attack vectors, including social engineering (phishing), lateral movement from IT to OT networks, and physical access breaches. He explores real-world case studies like the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, the Oldsmar water treatment plant hack, and the Stuxnet worm, illustrating how these vulnerabilities have been exploited and the lessons they offer for building stronger defenses.

The video also emphasizes the critical role of compliance and standards, such as ISA/IEC 62443, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and CIS Controls. Jason underscores the difference between compliance and real security, advocating for a "security first, compliance second" philosophy to ensure that organizations focus on mitigating actual risks rather than merely checking regulatory boxes.

As the conversation unfolds, Jason discusses the role of vendors and OEMs in securing ICS environments, detailing how Inductive Automation uses proactive measures like Pwn2Own competitions, bug bounty programs, and detailed security hardening guides to improve the security of their products. He highlights the importance of collaboration between vendors and customers to address challenges like long equipment lifecycles and the growing adoption of cloud services.

Emerging technologies also take center stage, with Jason exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming threat detection and response, while also enabling more sophisticated attacks like personalized phishing and adaptive malware. He addresses the implications of IT/OT convergence, emphasizing the need for collaboration between traditionally siloed teams and the importance of building shared security frameworks.

For organizations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity posture, Jason offers practical steps, starting with foundational measures like asset management and configuration baselines. He explains how leveraging free resources, such as CIS Benchmarks, and creating a roadmap for cybersecurity maturity can help organizations of all sizes navigate these challenges, even with limited budgets.

Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction and Overview of ICS Cybersecurity
3:15 – Meet Jason Waits: Background and Journey to CISO
6:45 – What Is ICS Cybersecurity? Key Differences Between IT and OT
10:30 – The Importance of Availability and Safety in OT Systems
13:50 – Challenges of Legacy Systems and Long Equipment Lifecycles
17:20 – Attack Vectors: Social Engineering, Lateral Movement, and Physical Access
20:10 – Case Studies: Colonial Pipeline, Oldsmar Water Treatment Plant, and Stuxnet
25:35 – Compliance vs. Security: Jason’s “Security First, Compliance Second” Philosophy
30:00 – The Role of Vendors and OEMs in Cybersecurity
34:45 – Inductive Automation’s Approach: Pwn2Own, Bug Bounties, and Security Hardening Guides
40:00 – Emerging Technologies: AI in Threat Detection and the Risks of Sophisticated Phishing
45:10 – The Growing Adoption of Cloud in ICS and Its Implications
50:00 – IT/OT Convergence: Opportunities and Challenges
55:15 – Practical Steps for Organizations: Asset Management and Roadmaps
1:00:10 – Building a Security Culture: Collaboration Between IT and OT Teams
1:05:30 – Future Outlook: Increasing Regulations, Ransomware Risks, and Innovation
1:10:00 – Using Cybersecurity as a Competitive Advantage
1:15:00 – Closing Thoughts: The Need for Continuous Learning and Proactive Action

About Manufacturing Hub:
Manufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly!

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

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, where his unexpected leap from studying art to pursuing electrical engineering set the stage for his passion for problem-solving. From designing complex control systems for downhole pumps to leading automation projects across six continents, Justin’s career highlights the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. He delves into his transition from engineering roles to business leadership, recounting his decision to start his own company, Sohoma, and how his 13 years of diverse experience and strong industry network enabled him to quickly scale his business.

Justin explains the challenges and rewards of balancing the technical and business sides of running a company. He reflects on the need for engineers to develop a business mindset while staying true to their technical expertise. Sharing his philosophy on leadership, he emphasizes the value of building teams, identifying strengths, and mentoring employees to grow both individually and collectively. Justin also discusses the importance of structuring businesses thoughtfully, including creating complementary entities to address specific market needs.

The conversation broadens into Justin’s experience in private equity, where he helps companies grow by providing mentorship, capital, and strategic direction. He offers advice for engineers interested in moving into private equity or starting their own businesses, encouraging them to focus on solving problems they know best. Justin also touches on the potential for engineers to add value to due diligence processes by leveraging their technical knowledge to evaluate opportunities.

Finally, we explore Justin’s thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and its potential to optimize processes, enhance worker efficiency, and improve decision-making. He shares his perspective on the evolving dynamics of AI integration, highlighting the importance of empowering employees with these technologies rather than replacing them.

Whether you’re an engineer looking to explore the business side of manufacturing, a decision-maker seeking insights on digital transformation, or simply curious about the journey from technical expert to business leader, this episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and valuable takeaways. Tune in to learn how to navigate the exciting intersection of engineering, entrepreneurship, and industry innovation.

About Manufacturing Hub:
Manufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly!

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• Justin Dean
• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this episode of the Manufacturing Hub, Derek and Sy from Seekers Technical discussed their career paths, experiences, and current work in the field of industrial automation and systems integration. Derek began his journey as an operator in manufacturing, driven by a curiosity about robotics and automation, which eventually led him to transition into recruiting. This shift was motivated by his desire to solve what he viewed as a critical industry challenge: finding the right talent. Sy, on the other hand, started in RF engineering before pivoting to automation due to job opportunities. His background in programming and troubleshooting, paired with an interest in controls engineering, has fueled his progress in industrial automation. Together, they represent a combination of technical expertise and industry insight.

Seekers Technical originally focused on recruiting, but Derek and Sy have recently transitioned back to hands-on technical work, providing systems integration solutions for smaller businesses. They’re passionate about filling a niche market by offering customized, cost-effective automation solutions that large integrators might overlook. This pivot allows them to focus on small to medium-sized businesses that don’t have the budget for extensive automation systems. While recruiting helped them connect with top industry talent, their focus now lies in creating practical, efficient integration solutions that cater to the unique needs of smaller facilities.

On the technology front, Derek and Sy shared their insights into some exciting developments in automation, particularly with robotics, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). They highlighted the potential of ASRS technology, which allows manufacturers to optimize limited space by utilizing vertical storage. The increasing application of AMRs in manufacturing and warehousing is another trend they noted, as these robots handle repetitive tasks, enhancing efficiency on the shop floor. Both Derek and Sy continue to work extensively with robotic arms, especially FANUC and five-axis models, which they believe are crucial to delivering flexible automation solutions.

AI’s role in industrial automation was another key topic. Derek and Sy view AI as a powerful tool for improving efficiency, especially in programming and repetitive tasks, but they caution against seeing it as a standalone solution. Sy described using AI to tackle complex calculations and SQL queries, while Derek shared how it has enhanced their recruiting processes by automating application screenings and interview preparations. They emphasized that while AI is useful, it’s not a silver bullet; instead, it should be seen as a complement to technical expertise, capable of streamlining routine tasks but not replacing human insight in critical decision-making.

Overall, Derek and Sy's approach combines practical technology solutions with a strong emphasis on the importance of hands-on experience, customization, and leveraging the right tools for each unique project. Their insights reveal a thoughtful, adaptable approach to systems integration, focusing on delivering value through both technological expertise and deep industry understanding.

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• Derrick Harrison
• Cy Sprouse
• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Colby Clegg, CEO of Inductive Automation, to discuss the much-anticipated release of Ignition 8.3 and its transformative impact on industrial automation. From new capabilities like Perspective Offline Mode to powerful enhancements in data integration and source control, Colby shares how 8.3 builds upon Ignition's mission to be the most modern, user-friendly SCADA and HMI platform.

Colby delves into the origins of Inductive Automation, highlighting the journey from a small integration tool to a global, open-platform solution that enables seamless IT-OT integration across diverse industries. He addresses the challenges of creating a platform flexible enough for applications in food & beverage, oil & gas, data centers, and even emerging fields like vertical farming—all while maintaining ease of use and cost-effectiveness.

We also cover the unique culture at Inductive Automation, the importance of Inductive University and its open, collaborative approach, as well as the dynamic community surrounding the annual ICC event. If you're an integrator, engineer, or simply curious about the future of industrial technology, this episode offers a rare look inside the innovations shaping our connected world.

Keywords:
Ignition 8.3, Inductive Automation, Industrial Automation, SCADA, IT-OT Convergence, Industrial IoT, Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Perspective Module, Colby Clegg, Ignition Platform, Data Integration

References:
Inductive University: https://inductiveuniversity.com/
Ignition 8.3 Release Notes: https://inductiveautomation.com/downloads/releasenotes/8.1.33-SNAPSHOT
Perspective Drawing Editor Discussion: https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/perspective-drawing-editor-in-8-3-not-in-8-1/64911
Version Control and Future Versions of Ignition: https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/t/version-control-and-future-versions-of-ignition-8-3/74578
Inductive Automation Blog on Ignition 8.1.38: https://inductiveautomation.com/blog/ignition-8138-gateway-network-diagram-updates-leased-license-session-flexibility-gateway-encryption-keys
Inductive Automation Training Resources: https://training.inductiveautomation.com/
Inductive Automation Training Classes & Certification: https://inductiveautomation.com/training/classes-and-certification
Inductive Automation Previews Upcoming Ignition 8.3 Release: https://inductiveautomation.com/news/inductive-automation-previews-upcoming-ignition-83-release-announces-2024-ignition-firebrand-award-w

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this engaging episode of Manufacturing Hub, hosts Dave Griffith and Vlad Romanov break down all the latest advancements, insights, and trends from the Ignition Community Conference (ICC) 2024. Known for its deep dives into cutting-edge industrial technology, the ICC gathers experts from around the world to discuss and collaborate on the future of manufacturing tech, and this episode brings those conversations directly to you.

With key industry thought leaders like Esteban Nunez of NV Tech and Francisco Carreon from Inductive Automation Australia, Dave and Vlad explore the state of digital transformation, IT-OT convergence, and how innovative tools are reshaping manufacturing in industries like food and beverage, energy, and medical devices. This year’s event saw record international attendance, with professionals representing six continents and sharing their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities they face in manufacturing technology.

In a significant development, ICC 2024 unveiled Ignition 8.3, a major update with advanced features like offline data modes, integration of new scripting languages, and enhanced time-series and data processing tools—perfect for supporting digital transformation across enterprises of all sizes. Esteban and Francisco highlight how these innovations make it easier for integrators and end-users to tackle complex data challenges, facilitate interdepartmental collaboration, and even bridge the divide between traditional OT and advanced IT tools in manufacturing.

The hosts also discuss the emerging role of Ignition on Board—where hardware and software integrate seamlessly—making it simpler for manufacturers to connect OT and IT systems. Other tools, like MQTT and LoRaWAN, are being increasingly adopted across the industry, adding flexibility and cost-effectiveness to data collection and transmission processes. With its open architecture, Ignition is uniquely positioned to enable manufacturers to scale up, leverage data from IoT and AI solutions, and drive efficiency through predictive analytics and enterprise-wide connectivity.

Key Topics Covered:

• The launch of Ignition 8.3 and its new features tailored to enterprise digital transformation.
• Industry-specific challenges, from energy management and medical device manufacturing to food and beverage production.
• Real-world use cases of Ignition helping manufacturers overcome data silos and integrate with ERP systems.
• How Ignition Community Conference fosters knowledge sharing and global collaboration.
• Future trends in manufacturing, including the rising importance of data scientists and the potential of AI and ML in predictive analytics.

Perfect for manufacturing professionals, integrators, and decision-makers, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the strategic vision and practical solutions shaping the future of digital transformation. Tune in to discover the insights, global trends, and next-generation technologies that are helping manufacturing move forward, one innovation at a time.

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• Esteban Núñez Varela
• Francisco Carrión
• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, hosts Dave and Vlad sit down with Tom Hechtman, CTO of SEPAsoft, to discuss the evolution of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and the future of AI in manufacturing. Tom shares his journey from being a systems integrator to co-founding SEPAsoft, and how the company has leveraged the Ignition platform to deliver a comprehensive suite of MES solutions, including OEE, SPC, and batch management.

The conversation dives into the complexities of transitioning from integration services to software development, the challenges companies face with AI and machine learning in manufacturing, and the critical importance of clean data for effective AI implementation. Tom also introduces SEPA IQ, SEPAsoft’s latest innovation, designed to simplify data acquisition and transformation, making AI more accessible to manufacturers. This episode is packed with insights on the future of automation, the role of MES in digital transformation, and practical advice for companies looking to scale AI solutions in their operations.

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• Seapasoft
• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC