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🎉 Celebrating 50 Episodes! Exciting Changes and Plans for 2025

In this milestone 50th episode of "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...", Brandon Ellis and Beth Elliott take you on a journey through the podcast's most memorable moments while unveiling big plans for the future!

🎙️ Here’s what you’ll discover in this special episode:

• Top 3 Episodes Revisited: Brandon and Beth reflect on fan favorites, diving into supply chain challenges, entrepreneurship, and industrial protocols.
  
  
• A Fresh New Look: Beth announces rebranding for 2025 - get ready for "elliTek's Automation Know How", promising interactive content that puts cutting-edge automation tools in the spotlight.
  
  
• Product Highlights: Watch as they showcase Elite Robots' welding cell, Pilz's safety radar system, and CKD's electric actuators in action.
  
  
• Expert Insights: Brandon shares why Siemens’ TIA Portal is a game-changer for PLC programming.
  
  
• Mark Your Calendars: Hear about exciting 2025 events like the elliVate series in Cleveland/Chattanooga and Bristol, and the can't-miss Automation Expo next fall.
  
  
• Free Training Opportunity: Learn about a FREE workshop designed to help you transition from Allen Bradley to Siemens S7 and upcoming SITRAIN courses (not free).

Join us for this celebration of innovation, efficiency, and safety in industrial automation as we look back, gear up for an exciting 2025, and continue to bring value to the automation community!

🎧 Listen now or watch on your favorite platform—don’t miss the journey ahead!

Reach out elliTek with any questions or comments. We'd love to hear from you!🤝

Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
YouTube:  https://youtu.be/4iNkZHaeA4E

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What if automation didn't have to cost a fortune? Moritz Garroz from Elite Robots joins us to explore the future of industrial automation and collaborative robots (cobots). With a background in telecommunications and satellite technology, Moritz shares his unique journey into the robotics industry, revealing how Elite Robots is breaking down financial barriers to make automation accessible to a wider range of industries. From large factories to coffee-serving robots, we discuss the versatile applications of cobots and their seamless integration in human environments.

Discover the clear distinctions between collaborative robots and traditional industrial robots, as we discuss the advantages and specific use cases for each. Moritz reminds us of Brandon's "Brandology" on how to identify processes that can be easily automated with a cobot and walks us through Elite Robots' recent entry into the U.S. market. We also highlight the company's impressive global expansion, significant R&D investment, and commitment to providing free lifetime training, addressing high labor turnover in the industry.

In our final segment, we showcase the customizable features and practical benefits of Elite's EC and CS series. Learn how these cobots are enhancing efficiency, safety, and reducing labor costs in various industrial settings through real-world success stories. From handling hazardous tasks to improving quality and consistency, Elite Robots are paving the way for a more cost-effective and automated future. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode celebrating our nearly 8,000 downloads milestone and encouraging your valuable feedback and support.

🤖 To see an Elite Robot in action, text the show to schedule a demo or email [email protected]

🤝 Connect with Moritz on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/moritzgarroz/

🔗 Follow Elite Robots on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/eliterobots/

🌐 Bookmark Elite Robots website:  https://www.eliterobots.com/

✨ Subscribe to Elite Robots YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@eliterobots_official

Reach out elliTek with any questions or comments. We'd love to hear from you!🤝

Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
YouTube:  https://youtu.be/Ovb1R8FFCVw

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🎙️ Welcome to the latest episode of "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To..."! In this riveting conversation, join host Brandon Ellis and co-host Beth Elliott alongside special guest Bob Meads as they dive deep into the world of industrial automation solutions from Siemens.

🤖 Get ready to explore the WinCC product line, where Bob provides a comprehensive overview of WinCC SCADA, WinCC Unified, WinCC Professional, and WinCC Open Architecture. Each product comes with its unique features and use cases, and Bob sheds light on what sets them apart.

🔍 Uncover the power of WinCC SCADA, a mature and open SCADA system offering an innovative, scalable process-visualization system with numerous high-performance functions for monitoring automated processes. Bob walks us through its extensive customization options, scripting capabilities, and seamless database integration, showcasing how it tackles complex industrial challenges with ease.

🌟 Discover how WinCC SCADA brings predictive maintenance, robust data analysis, and insightful reporting to the forefront, empowering businesses to optimize operations like never before. Bob's insights paint a vivid picture of the transformative potential of Siemens' automation solutions.

🔧 But the innovation doesn't stop there! Bob also delves into the groundbreaking Siemens' Totally Integrated Automation (TIA) Portal framework, highlighting how it fosters seamless harmony between hardware and software components for unparalleled efficiency.

🎧 Tune in to this enlightening episode as we unravel the technology shaping the future of industrial automation, one WinCC product at a time. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a curious enthusiast, there's something for everyone in this captivating discussion!

🔗 Connect with Bob on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-m-2aba842/

🔗 Learn SCADA programming with Bob's Siemens WinCC SCADA & UNIFIED Tutorials! This channel is for integrators & end users of Siemens SIMATIC WinCC SCADA and WinCC UNIFIED, or anyone who wants to learn SCADA programming.   https://www.youtube.com/@WinCCGURU


🔗 Explore iQuest, Inc.:  https://iquestcorp.com/

🔗 What is iQagent and Why?  https://iqagent.com/


Reach out with any questions or comments. We'd love to hear from you!🤝

Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
YouTube:  https://youtu.be/VhFRpzgPhnA

#elliTek #WinCCGURU #iQuest #iQagent #WinCC #SCADA #EfficientEngineering

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Bridging the Gap: Cybersecurity and Networking in Industrial Automation

In this episode of "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...", we delve into the critical intersection of cybersecurity and networking, essential components in today's industrial landscape.🛡️

Who better to navigate this complex terrain than Siemens' Industrial Network Consultant for the Southeast Region, Kyle Frederick? With seven years of experience under his belt, Kyle is a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and networking, making him the perfect guide for this discussion.

Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) are networks that operate under conflicting philosophies, posing unique challenges. What gets a production or controls engineer fired is not the same thing that gets an IT admin fired. They have different sets of priorities - but they don't need to disagree.🤝

As cyberattacks and ransomware threats continue to proliferate, malicious actors have begun targeting OT systems with alarming frequency. But fear not, as this episode unveils the arsenal of tools at OT's disposal to complement IT strategies and fortify defenses against evolving threats.🔒

🎧Tune in to discover the strategies and technologies empowering OT and IT collaboration in the ongoing battle against cyber adversaries.

🔗Explore the world of Industrial Cybersecurity:  https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/automation/topic-areas/industrial-cybersecurity.html

🔗Take a tour of SIBERprotect, a cyber-physical protection solution:  https://resources.dc.siemens.com/c/siberprotect?x=lq_ybh

🔗Delve deeper into SIBERprotect, a PLC-based realtime solution for cyberphysical monitoring and defense:  https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/document/109810533/siberprotect%C2%AE-a-plc-based-realtime-solution-for-cyberphysical-monitoring-and-defense?dti=0&lc=en-US

Reach out with any questions or comments. Let us know if you'd like a webinar with Kyle. We'd love to hear from you!🤝

Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
YouTube:  https://youtu.be/pZ98KfSXzCo

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Cut through the buzzwords and sales-type fodder in this episode of "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To." Host Brandon Ellis and co-host Beth Elliott are joined by Siemens Digital Industries' expert, Matt Wagner, for an exciting discussion on the game-changing third-generation Siemens drives, highlighting the G220 VFD and S200 servo.🚀

This episode isn't just about gears and gadgets; it's a front-row seat to Siemens Digital Industries' commitment to innovation, security, and efficiency.

Matt unpacks how these state-of-the-art drives are not just raising the efficiency bar but are also gearing up for the future with robust security measures. 

Discover the differences between the versatile G-series general-purpose drives and the powerhouse S-series servo drives.

But that's not all – buckle up for a journey through the incredible features of these drives, from built-in device security🔒 to the seamless integration of digital twin technology🔄 and the game-changing cloud analytics🔮 for smarter decision-making.

The podcast doesn't stop at tech talk; it takes you behind the scenes of the strategic SITRAIN training partnership, emphasizing the crucial role of continuous learning in the dynamic world of industrial automation. 

And let's not forget the supply chain upgrades that ensure these cutting-edge drives are readily available, making integration into various industrial setups a breeze.💡

This engaging conversation is a must-listen for industry buffs who want the inside scoop on the hottest trends in automation technology.

🔗Delve deeper into the G220:  SINAMICS G220 - High performance - Siemens USA.

🔗Explore the world of the S200:  SINAMICS S200 servo drive system - Servo Drives - Siemens USA.

Reach out with any questions or comments.

• Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/MB6MhqYopcc

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In celebration of National Robotics🤖 Week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Collett, media lead with Red Nation Robotics Team 4576.

Joseph describes what sparked his interest in robotics and the Red Nation Robotics (RNR) team.

Joseph walks us through a FIRST Robotics competition match. It's really fun & you don't want to miss it!

You'll learn how the robotics teams are structured. Also, the many benefits of FIRST - both technical and non-technical.

Joseph shares his passion for the RNR team, sponsors, and mentors. The mentors are really something special!

YOU can help support RNR TODAY -- vote for RNR Team 4576 by searching for ACTprep.com on Facebook. Like or follow their page and then like, share, or comment on the RNR 4576 post.

To find and support your local FIRST team, visit FirstInspires.org.

To support RNR team #4576, please visit www.RedNation4576.com.

Reach out with any questions or comments.

• Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/gVheE9eVAP4

#elliTek #RedNationRobotics #FIRSTRobotics #robotics 

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Let's get a grip on automation and get moving. That's what we're talking about in today's episode.

elliTek is excited to announce our new automation partner - SCHUNK.

SCHUNK is known for its unique gripping technology. As Brandon says, SCHUNK takes the cake for how hard you can grip something.

What some folks, at least in the U.S., don't know SCHUNK also does linear motion. They do belt-driven modules and ball screw modules, also known as rodless modules.

But wait! That's not all...

SCHUNK also has linear actuators, rotary actuators, linear motors, workholding, and toolholding products.

During this episode, we'll take a closer look at SCHUNK's offerings.

Here are links to the videos we're talking about, plus a couple of bonus videos. One featuring the world's first pneumatic gripper with CERTIFIED GripGuard that you really must see, PGL-plus-P, and SCHUNK Vero S vs conventional change over.

PGL-plus-P gripper - the world's first pneumatic gripper with certified GripGuard - https://youtu.be/lQ6sKwE-t4o

SCHUNK Vero S vs conventional change over of a vice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK9cRfLd73c

Handling of large workpieces with the configurable large stroke gripper PLG - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyQ2qP2PIEY

The new standard in assembly automation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzXtK-3bsZo

EGS - electric rotary gripping unit from SCHUNK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTA99ephjOw

SCHUNK Life Sciences - Assembly Automation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjQhFO06KI4

If you're in Tennessee, reach out to elliTek. We would love the opportunity to get to know you.

Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek and our Automation Partners will meet you there!

Reach out with any questions or future topics.

• Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/9k2nAfpYMkI

#elliTekAutomationNation #SCHUNK #grippers #linearmotion #automation

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This is an interesting episode that was initiated by a listener's request. If you're thinking of starting your own business, Brandon has been down that road and shares his words of wisdom.

If you've listened to any of elliTek's podcasts, you know that Brandon will have a different twist on the topic. 

So, the other side of the coin is addressed to Managers and how to harness the energy of your entrepreneurial-spirited employees.

For those considering starting a business, remember to check with your legal sources and accountants.

Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek and our Automation Partners will meet you there!

Reach out with any questions or future topics.

• Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/jbyO6OWO5hY

#elliTekAutomationNation #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #management

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We're looking back so we can move forward. Every year predictions are made. During this episode, we review the 2022 major predicted challenges affecting manufacturing, but we don't stop there.

You'll hear actionable solutions that elliTek's engineers have put in place, as well as solutions our partners offer.

The partners highlighted in this episode include:

• LinMot
• SmartShift Robotics
• FANUC
• Hanwha Robots
• Motoman
• Siemens
• Yaskawa Drives & Motion
• CKD

Learn more about elliTek's automation partners >> https://www.ellitek.com/distribution.

There are several past episodes that are mentioned. Here are the links to the shows in the order in which they were mentioned.

Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be In Short Supply

Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be a Loss

Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Inflate

Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Doom & Gloom

Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  #33

Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Risky

Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Wasteful

Here's the link to download Section 48C Manufacturers' Tax Credit >> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NMqxS99WdsiBFzMuwVxucJ1fSgQC1Qbc/view?usp=share_link.

Is your plant in East Tennessee? 👉Reach out for an Automation Assessment. One of elliTek's engineers will walk with you through your facility to identify the processes that would be good potentials to automate. Best of all -- there's NO CHARGE!

Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek and our Automation Partners will meet you there!

Reach out with any questions or future topics.

• Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/wvfPh9tXO9Q

#elliTekAutomationNation #manufacturing #automation #AutomationAssessment

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We've all done it... bought a product that didn't meet our expectations. Were we sold a bill of goods, or did we hear what we wanted to hear?

That has been the case with many industrial IoT systems, which doesn't sit well with Brandon. Because the only reason to have an IoT system is to make educated business decisions.

If you're confused by all the marketing terms surrounding industrial IoT, you're not alone.

Is data funnel, data translation, or remote connect really industrial IoT? What the heck is AIoT?

Brandon clarifies these terms and goes on a BrandRant about how industrial IoT products are marketed. He then provides requirements for a true edge-based MES Gateway Appliance.

Before we delve into the requirements of an edge-based MES Gateway Appliance, we need to have an understanding of what "the edge" is. What defines "the edge?"

Brandon provides his perspective and then his requirements for a true edge-based MES Gateway appliance.

A true edge-based MES Gateway appliance must:

1. Be reliable
2. Communicate natively
3. Perform data manipulation and dissemination
4. Have data storage capabilities

We explore each of these necessary conditions, why it's a requirement, and how it's beneficial.

Stay tuned to hear Brandon's "extra bonus" requirement!

Learn more about elliTek's new automation partners, Pizzato Industrial Control & Safety Devices, https://www.ellitek.com/pizzato-distributor, and Honeywell barcode scanners and Intermec printers, https://www.ellitek.com/distribution.

Don't forget Brandon's Robot🤖 Challenge! If anything was possible, what challenges if overcome with a robotic system, could change your entire production outlook when it comes to labor needs?

Send your challenge to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Here's the link to the Safety podcast, https://www.ellitek.com/podcast/episode/4dcfd87b/industrial-automation-it-doesnt-have-to-be-unsafe. 

Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek will meet you there!

Reach out with any questions or future topics.

• Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/yUlsIh1xetU

#elliTekAutomationNation #IndustrialIoT #IIoT #MESGatewayAppliance

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We 💙 automation, but you can't take the human element out of it.

The quality of any automated system at the plant floor level is usually made evident through the design of the human machine interface or HMI. HMIs provide a means for the machine and the human to interact - to converse. It is the very conduit by which a human can influence the machine.

These systems range from hardware-based touchscreens to fully capable supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) which are largely software-based.

Join us as we dive into the various features and benefits across the multiple offerings of both hardware and software-based HMI systems (OT based) and discuss when and where one may utilize a larger-scale SCADA system.

Our special guest for this episode is Alan Cone. Alan is the Marketing SIMATIC WinCC Manager at Siemens.

Alan provides an overview of the HMI options in the Siemens portfolio and describes the capabilities of each.

Alan clarifies how a software-based HMI or soft HMI differs from the SCADA-based systems. He then illustrates the primary advantages of SCADA systems and the industries he typically sees them utilized.

Stay tuned to hear about some real-world Use Cases that you can implement in your facility that can help reduce your downtime.

Don't forget Brandon's Robot🤖 Challenge! If anything was possible, what challenges if overcome with a robotic system, could change your entire production outlook when it comes to labor needs?

Send your challenge to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!

Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek AND Siemens will meet you there!

Reach out with any questions or future topics.

• Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-us
• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/ZmnYwMpagH0

#elliTekAutomationNation #HMI #SoftHMI #SCADA