Manufacturing Hub

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 the buzzwords, not the hype, but the deep, persistent problems slowing progress across the industry.We discuss:Why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution—and why misalignment is more common than we admitThe skill gap crisis: it’s not just about training, it’s about pay, experience, and opportunityThe AI distraction: why most companies aren’t ready, and how AI is best used today in manufacturingThe dangers of LinkedIn echo chambers and shiny object syndrome in tech selectionWhy engineers struggle to move into consulting—and why they shouldn’t be afraid to tryThe unique challenges (and hope) in mid-market manufacturing—and how nimble companies can still winThe need for a Sherpa, not a savior: how consultants should support, not dictateRyan’s story is filled with rich personal insights: from trading stocks and working at Deloitte, to recovering from a stroke and launching Axiom, he brings a grounded, field-tested perspective that connects strategy, operations, and technology in ways few others can.If you're a plant manager, engineer, executive, or someone who helps manufacturers grow—this conversation will challenge your assumptions, validate your experiences, and probably make you laugh.This isn’t just another talk about “digital transformation.” It’s a real look at what it takes to lead, adapt, and deliver in a manufacturing world that refuses to sit still.

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 as we discuss their approach to scalability, ease of deployment, and why Ignition continues to lead the way in industrial digital infrastructure.During the show, we cover:✅ The real-world adoption of MQTT vs OPC UA in manufacturing environments, and why OPC UA is still dominant in many industries.✅ Why naming conventions and early standardization are critical for successful UNS architectures.✅ How to tackle data contextualization and overcome the "tech debt" so common in brownfield facilities.✅ The importance of leadership-driven digital transformation and true IT/OT convergence.✅ Why future-ready architectures require blending traditional technologies like OPC UA with MQTT and open standards.✅ Insights into how small, medium, and enterprise manufacturers should approach digital transformation differently.Travis shares incredible insights on:🔹 The evolution of Ignition and its role as an IIoT platform🔹 Why a common digital infrastructure is non-negotiable for scaling🔹 How even small wins (like energy monitoring) can spark major cultural shifts in manufacturing organizations🔹 The growing role of IT leaders in successful plant floor modernization efforts🔹 How AI, ML, and advanced analytics will shape the future of real-time industrial operationsWe also dive into broader industry trends seen at Prove It, including how other platforms like Frameworks (Tatsoft) and WinCC OA (Siemens) position themselves in the evolving digital manufacturing landscape.Helpful Links: 🔗 Learn more about Inductive Automation: https://inductiveautomation.com🔗 Manufacturing Hub Podcast Archives: https://manufacturinghub.liveTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro and Prove It Recap5:30 - First impressions of the Inductive Automation session11:50 - MQTT vs OPC UA in real-world manufacturing18:10 - Challenges of UNS deployment and the importance of standards28:40 - IT/OT convergence and building unified teams38:20 - What sparks digital transformation success?47:10 - How Ignition fits into modern industrial architectures55:00 - Closing thoughts on Prove It and the future of manufacturing🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on industrial automation, digital transformation, and manufacturing leadership every week!

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, WorkflowThe difference between push vs. pull supply chain systems (MRP vs. Lean)Why gross margin is the #1 financial metric you need to watchHow MES and condition monitoring tools integrate with ERPPractical advice for engineers navigating digital transformation & MBAs💡 Perfect for anyone struggling to make sense of their ERP, or looking to modernize their stack without losing their sanity.📘 Recommended Reading: Lessons in Industrial Instrumentation by Tony Kuphaldt – Free online technical resource👤 Guest: Glenn – Chief Product Officer at Waites and co-founder of a new digital transformation consultancy with Dylan Dufrene🛠️ Sponsored by Talan Experts in ERP integration across SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, and Oracle Learn more: https://www.talan.com Catch Elvis from Talan in Episode 199📌 Watch all ERP Month episodes: 199, 201, 203, 204 🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Subscribe & Hit the Bell!#ERP #Manufacturing #MES #DigitalTransformation #IndustrialAutomation #ManufacturingHub #EngineeringLeadership #SCADA #PlantOperations #Waites #Talan******Connect with UsVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltek

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 user-turned-employee, and RJ bringing three decades of software expertise focused specifically on this niche. Together, they break down:The unique ERP needs of custom machine builders and SIsWhy project-based workflows don't fit traditional manufacturing ERPsCommon pitfalls like spreadsheet reliance and change order chaosThe difference between machine builders and system integrators (and how ERP can serve both)How they approach implementation in 4–6 months, not 4–6 yearsWhy people who've used Total ETO often end up joining the companyWhether you're managing projects off scratch paper or already in the market for your first ERP, this episode is full of insights on how to bring structure and visibility to custom manufacturing.💡 Key Topics[00:02:00] Intro to Total ETO and backgrounds of Jay and RJ[00:12:00] The life of a machine builder: high variability, custom BOMs, and the project-first mindset[00:22:00] Why most ETO businesses still run on spreadsheets[00:31:00] The emotional journey from ERP user to ERP evangelist[00:39:00] System integrators vs. machine builders: similar goals, different workflows[00:47:00] Why one-size-fits-all ERP fails for custom equipment manufacturing[00:58:00] Getting buy-in for ERP: from small teams to company-wide rollouts[01:07:00] Implementation: how Total ETO does it in under 6 months[01:18:00] Integration with CAD tools like SolidWorks and Inventor[01:26:00] The future: AI, web platforms, and the changing face of manufacturing software🧠 Memorable Quotes“Spreadsheets give me nightmares. That’s the main thing.” – Jay“Nothing gets done accidentally. You have to make ERP implementation a priority.” – RJ“We’re often a company’s first ERP—and we aim to be their last.” – RJ“Everything in ETO is dynamic. It’s not static like mass production. And your ERP needs to reflect that.” – Jay📚 Book & Content Recommendation📰 Automation AMA – The Automation Navigator by Sean DotsonRecommended by both Jay and RJ as an insightful, down-to-earth read for automation professionals.🎉 ShoutoutsThanks to TALAN for sponsoring this month’s ERP theme!And a special mention to Taylor Dykstra for supporting Total ETO at ProMat this week!******Connect with UsVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltek

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 platforms with the groov EPIC and groov RIO product lines. More importantly, he reveals how Opto 22 is tackling two of the most critical challenges in modern manufacturing: democratizing OT data and cybersecurity at the edge.We cover:✅ Who Opto 22 really is and what they set out to "prove" at the ProveIt Conference✅ The role of the Unified Namespace (UNS) in enabling real-time industrial data architecture✅ How Opto’s platforms help solve the "dark asset" problem in brownfield facilities✅ Cybersecurity by design—not just bolted on later✅ Why the controller of the future is more like a smartphone than a flip phone✅ Running containers on the edge: what this unlocks for OT teams✅ Long-term partnerships with companies like Inductive Automation and why that matters✅ How Opto 22 systems remain IT-friendly, OT-usable, and fully made in the USA✅ Their collaboration with the State of Indiana to bring energy-focused digital transformation to SMB manufacturers✅ Lessons from past moonshots—like cellular control systems with Nokia that were ahead of their time✅ What’s next: ML at the edge, scalable architectures, and more accessible solutions for plants without big digital teamsThroughout the conversation, Benson emphasizes a philosophy that will resonate with anyone trying to lead transformation in manufacturing: start small, solve a real problem, and scale with purpose. Whether you're tackling legacy infrastructure, looking to secure your OT layer, or just trying to make sense of the noise in the automation space, this episode will leave you with tangible ideas and a clear-eyed view of what's possible.🎧 Plus: Why PLCs need to behave more like clients, why MQTT is so central to modern architectures, and how to get buy-in from leadership with energy wins.******Connect with UsVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltek

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 Y2KThe critical difference between push vs. pull drivers for ERP changeHow mergers and acquisitions shape ERP strategyWhy “people problems” derail ERP more than technology ever doesReal tactics for managing global rollouts (including Japan, France, Canada, and the U.S.)His take on embedded AI in ERP platforms (and where it's really going)Governance, risk, and how to actually drive adoptionWhether you’re an IT leader, plant manager, systems integrator, or just ERP-curious — this episode offers real-world lessons and practical guidance from someone who’s done it all.🔹 Thank you to this month’s sponsor: TALANHelping manufacturers navigate ERP adoption, migration, and integration across SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, and more. Meet them at the American Manufacturing Summit in Chicago on March 19–20, or visit their site to learn more.👇 Drop your questions or share your ERP war stories in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!📌 Chapters 0:00 Intro4:00 Tim’s Background & ERP Journey9:00 Y2K & Early ERP Lessons15:00 ERP Triggers: Push vs. Pull22:00 M&A Integrations: How It Actually Happens30:00 Roadblocks: People, Culture, and “We’re Special” Syndrome40:00 Standardization vs. Flexibility in Rollouts48:00 ERP Selection: Process, Partners, and Politics58:00 Risk Mitigation & Change Management1:05:00 MES, Data Ownership & Operational Autonomy1:18:00 AI & the Future of ERP1:25:00 Career Advice from Tim1:30:00 Final Thoughts & Book Recommendation🎧 Listen to Episode 199 with Elvis (Talen) for more on ERP selection👉 https://youtu.be/YOUR-LINK-HERE🔗 Follow us on LinkedIn📬 Never miss an episode — subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform!******Connect with UsVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltek

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 oneHow Frameworks handles real-time data, from connectivity (MQTT, OPC UA, SQL) to transformation and dynamic visualizationWhy the “extra I in IIoT” matters when building for industrial environmentsThe challenges of IT/OT integration, people gaps, and legacy systems — and how Tatsoft tackles them head-onA demo of their ProveIt solution, showing off auto-recognition of new assets, dynamic UI, and high-performance visualization across devicesWhether you’re an end user, system integrator, or OEM, this episode will help you understand how Tatsoft’s Frameworks V10 is enabling fast, scalable, and future-proof industrial applications — without compromise.🔗 Learn more about Tatsoft: https://www.tatsoft.com🎥 Live from the show floor at ProveIt 2025.📅 Watch Manufacturing Hub live every Wednesday at 4PM ET.******Connect with UsVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltek

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, supply chain, inventory, production, logistics, and human resources. As digital transformation accelerates, ERP systems are evolving with advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and industrial data analytics. With an increasing number of manufacturers shifting from legacy on-premise systems to cloud-based ERP solutions, the landscape is rapidly changing.Our guest, Elvis Burcul, brings over 30 years of experience in enterprise solutions, asset-intensive industries, and ERP deployments. In this episode, we explore:✔️ His journey from electrical engineering to enterprise systems✔️ ERP fundamentals – What it is, why it matters, and key challenges in implementation✔️ Triggers for ERP investment – When should companies consider upgrading or migrating?✔️ ERP vendor landscape – From industry giants (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft) to emerging, specialized solutions✔️ The impact of AI, cloud computing, and data strategy on ERP decision-making✔️ How to avoid implementation fatigue and ensure a smooth rollout✔️ The importance of governance, integration, and aligning ERP with business goalsWhy ERP Matters More Than EverERP systems continue to play a fundamental role in manufacturing, with nearly half of all manufacturers actively using or considering ERP solutions. The ERP market has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to nearly double in size over the next decade. As companies look for ways to enhance efficiency and streamline operations, ERP adoption is increasingly seen as a competitive necessity rather than a luxury.However, ERP implementations can be complex and costly, often taking years to fully integrate into a company’s workflow. Implementation fatigue, outdated data governance practices, and the struggle to extract meaningful insights from collected data remain significant barriers. A well-executed ERP strategy requires a clear roadmap, strong leadership support, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure long-term success.AI, Cloud, and the Future of ERPAI-powered ERP systems are now capable of predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and real-time decision-making, helping manufacturers optimize performance. Cloud-based ERP solutions are also reshaping the industry by providing greater scalability, accessibility, and security. The shift to cloud ERP allows companies to reduce infrastructure costs while improving data-driven decision-making through better integration with industrial IoT and other smart manufacturing technologies.📢 Interested in ERP adoption or optimization? Connect with Elvis and the Talan team at Talan.com or visit them at the American Manufacturing Summit in Chicago (March 19-20, 2025).🎧 Subscribe & Follow Us for more deep dives into manufacturing, automation, and digital transformation!******Connect with UsTalanVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltek

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 data40 vendors challenged to "prove" their solutions in real timeHard-hitting questions: What problem did you solve? How long did it take? How much did it cost?A no-fluff format with tough audience Q&AOur Key Takeaways:✅ What It Means to "Prove It" – Success stories and areas for improvement✅ The Best (and Not-So-Great) Presentations – What set some companies apart?✅ Innovative Solutions & New Product Announcements – Highlights from HiveMQ Pulse, Litmus AI, Flow’s Timebase, and more✅ The Role of Integrators – How firms like MAC Controls, JPI Solutions, and Concept Reply demonstrated practical applications✅ The Future of Prove It – What we'd like to see in 2026Join us as we break down the most exciting presentations, the surprises, the challenges, and the opportunities ahead in industrial automation.Next Month: We’re diving deep into ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) in manufacturing! We’ll bring in experts, consultants, and end-users to discuss ERP selection, implementation, and optimization.💬 Did you attend Prove It? What were your key takeaways? Let us know in the comments!🎧 Listen, subscribe, and leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 🚀#ManufacturingHub #ProveIt #IndustrialAutomation #ERP #IIoT #DigitalTransformation******Connect with UsVlad RomanovDave GriffithManufacturing HubSolisPLCJoltek

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 scenes with Walker Reynolds, discussing:✅ The vision behind ProveIt – What it takes to create a community-driven industry event✅ How vendors were challenged to solve real-world problems using real factory data✅ Key takeaways from top presentations – Tulip, Litmus, Concept Reply/Snowflake, Google Cloud, Dell Native Edge, and more✅ Lessons learned from integrating 36 vendors into a single, fully functional UNS✅ The future of ProveIt – What’s coming for 2026 and beyond🎯 Who should watch?If you’re a manufacturing professional, systems integrator, engineer, or IT/OT leader, this episode is for you. Learn what’s working right now in digital transformation and how companies are leveraging UNS, MQTT, AI, and industrial software solutions to drive real results.🔗 Key Topics & Timestamps⏳ 00:00 – Welcome to Day 2 of ProveIt⏳ 02:15 – Special thanks to Walker Reynolds and the ProveIt team⏳ 05:30 – What makes ProveIt unique in the industry⏳ 10:45 – Unified Namespace (UNS) and why it matters⏳ 15:20 – Behind the scenes of the ProveIt Virtual Factory⏳ 20:00 – Standout vendor presentations: Tulip, Litmus, Snowflake, Google Cloud, Dell⏳ 35:10 – Hardest-hitting audience questions and responses⏳ 50:45 – How ProveIt is changing the game for vendors & integrators⏳ 01:05:30 – The future of ProveIt: Scaling up for 2026⏳ 01:15:10 – Final thoughts and next steps💡 Featured Companies & Solutions⭐ HiveMQ – Industrial MQTT broker & Pulse Data Management⭐ Litmus – AI-driven industrial data and UNS integration⭐ Tulip – No-code MES and operator-driven solutions⭐ Concept Reply / Snowflake – Cloud analytics & AI-powered manufacturing intelligence⭐ Google Cloud – AI-powered industrial solutions⭐ Dell Native Edge – Enterprise-scale infrastructure management⭐ Siemens WinCC OA – Advanced industrial SCADA solutions👥 Join the Community🔗 ProveIt Discord Server🔗 Manufacturing Hub Podcast on LinkedIn🔗 Walker Reynolds & 4.0 Solutions🔥 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated with the latest in manufacturing, automation, and digital transformation! 🔥#ManufacturingHub #ProveIt2025 #Industry40 #UnifiedNamespace #DigitalTransformation #MQTT #IndustrialAutomation #SmartManufacturing