Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

Joe Kuhn, a CMRP-certified former plant manager and reliability consultant, dives into the essentials of blending predictive maintenance with practical problem solving. He cautions against over-relying on technology, emphasizing that it can signal issues but not provide solutions. Joe highlights the importance of on-the-floor investigation following condition monitoring, and urges starting predictive programs with targeted KPIs. He also shares common pitfalls to avoid and discusses how balancing tech with experienced insights fosters effective collaboration on the shop floor.

Trae Mazza, a Senior Security Engineer at RMC Global, specializes in offensive security and has uncovered critical flaws in Siemens' industrial networking devices. He discusses the alarming vulnerabilities in popular OT systems, detailing issues like weak passwords and hidden access points. Trae also highlights the risks posed by diagnostic tools and emphasizes the need for layered defenses and improved authentication protocols. With insights into the growing convergence of IT and OT threats, he sheds light on the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures in industrial environments.

We're about a week away from Halloween, and what could be scarier than the technologies that are disrupting manufacturing—artificial intelligence and connected-worker technologies. The 4th Annual Connected Worker Manufacturing summit in the Chicago suburbs this month gathered tech leaders from dozens of large manufacturers to discuss the impacts of data tools, wearable technology, tablets and other connected devices. What does that have to do with Halloween? Well, there were a lot of food people there, including digital transformation executives at Hershey and Nestle, and we spoke to them about their efforts. Participating on this podcast are: Robert Schoenberger, editor-in-chief at IndustryWeek Logan McNear, digital manufacturing program lead for The Hershey Company's Lean Production System Mike Brauckman, head of focused improvement for Nestle

Kristianne Egbert, senior corporate ergonomist with Briotix Health, discusses the evolution of industrial ergonomics in recent years, and offers insights into how managers can cost-justify investing in ergo technologies to better protect their workers.

Brian Hronchek, a principal trainer and consultant for Eruditio, shares insights on PM optimization in manufacturing. He discusses how this optimization is crucial for boosting reliability and safety in operations. Brian highlights a remarkable case where a company slashed inspection points from 1,800 to 300, significantly improving performance. He emphasizes the link between effective maintenance practices and reduced injury risk, illustrating that fewer machine touches lead to safer work environments. Training and strategic planning emerge as key factors in enhancing overall operational excellence.

Explore how unconventional technologies are reshaping sustainability in manufacturing. Discover AirGen, which pulls electricity from humidity, and envision future applications for protein-based electronics. Learn about a unique EV hub that captures and purifies rainwater for drinking while providing solar charging. Meet Vero, a robot that uses AI to tackle litter in hard-to-reach places. All these innovations show how fringe ideas can become essential in driving meaningful change for a sustainable future.

New York-based Arc Public Benefit Corp. bought 3D printing pioneer Desktop Metal last month out of bankruptcy. The purchased followed about two years of merger-and-acquisition mania that shifted from assigning billion-dollar valuations on equipment makers to pushing some of the same companies through bankruptcy.  Bryan Wisk, CEO of Arc, says the path to future success is clear -- focusing on running the company instead of getting caught up in the buy-sell drama of corporate mergers.  “There’s only one word at DM right now internally; it’s focus,” Wisk says. “We’re not a distressed debt investor or private equity. We’re really deep-growth investors, and we’re looking to focus on the core technologies that we bought.” This Great Question episode features a conversation between Wisk and IndustryWeek Editor-in-Chief Robert Schoenberger

Mike Jones, president of Discover Leadership Training and former police officer, pilot, and Coast Guard member, shares insights on enhancing workplace safety through risk-taking. He challenges the traditional view of 'best practices,' advocating for innovative 'next practices.' Mike emphasizes how experiences from his diverse career shaped his safety mindset and discusses the importance of shifting from mere compliance to ownership. Tune in for his compelling approach to inspiring a growth mindset in safety leadership.

Joe Kuhn, a former plant manager and current reliability consultant, dives into the core reasons plants struggle. He emphasizes that techs often want to succeed but are hindered by systemic issues, not individual faults. Joe advocates for on-floor observations to identify waste rather than relying solely on KPIs. He pushes for focusing on impactful preventative maintenance tasks and cautions against punishing workers, noting that leadership can be cultivated through encouragement and learning. His insights aim to transform plant reliability and team morale.

Ryan Hawk of PwC US surveyed hundreds of C-suite executives across the manufacturing and energy sectors to determine what is influencing their thoughts and guiding their decision-making. He found five “unstoppable forces” reshaping how America builds, moves, and competes.