Industrial IoT Spotlight
Peter Rohde-Chen, Erik Walenza
The Industrial IoT Spotlight Podcast shines a light on digital solutions that are impacting businesses today. Our mission is to feature the companies that are building the next generation of enterprise technologies, from architecture design to data management to business model innovation.
Our hosts, Peter Rohde-Chen and Erik Walenza, are friends and entrepreneurs based in Shanghai, China. The Industrial IoT Spotlight is produced by Asia Growth Partners, a group of technology experts and business leaders, who help technology companies and corporates navigate technology development, implementation, and adoption in Asia.
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn @asia-growth-partners-agp or visit our website at https://asiagrowthpartners.com. You can contact Erik directly at erik.walenza@asiagrowthpartners.com
Our hosts, Peter Rohde-Chen and Erik Walenza, are friends and entrepreneurs based in Shanghai, China. The Industrial IoT Spotlight is produced by Asia Growth Partners, a group of technology experts and business leaders, who help technology companies and corporates navigate technology development, implementation, and adoption in Asia.
Don't forget to follow us on LinkedIn @asia-growth-partners-agp or visit our website at https://asiagrowthpartners.com. You can contact Erik directly at erik.walenza@asiagrowthpartners.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 4, 2024 • 41min
EP 197 - Rework Kills Your Margins - Eliminate it with Cumulus
In this episode, we have Matt Kleiman, the CEO of Cumulus. Cumulus enhances the efficiency and safety of crucial tasks like bolt tightening, welding, and pressure testing by seamlessly incorporating sensors, digital tools, and other IoT devices. During our conversation, we delved into the integration of a mobile application that provides workers with detailed, step-by-step instructions. This involves leveraging data collected by interconnected Bluetooth tools and sensors. Additionally, we examined the utilization of advanced digital tools, including AI for system analytics, aiming to bring about enduring improvements by automating and optimizing processes that reduce errors. Key Discussion Points: How can architecture be laid out to transform isolated silos into a cohesive system? How can organizations address the gap between pilot success and large-scale implementation of technology? How do you approach the integration of both traditional and generative AI technologies? To know more about our guest, you can find him at: Website: https://cumulusds.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleimanmatthew/

Dec 20, 2023 • 42min
EP 196 - Realize Visibility and Resilience in Commodity Supply Chain Management
Today, we have Andrea Aranguren, the CEO of Minehub, as our guest. MineHub offers advanced digital solutions that establish connections among buyers, sellers, and financiers in physical commodities supply chains. These connections operate within a digitally integrated workflow, utilizing data that is both usable and shareable, with a focus on verifiability and incorruptibility. In this episode, we delved into the necessity for transparency in supply chains stemming from widespread disruptions, labor shortages, systemic fraud, and ESG reporting requirements. We also examined how the digitization of supply chain operations unlocked real-time visibility, highlighted risks, and improved the resilience of revenue and feedstock streams. Key Discussion Points: Who is currently driving the strongest push for the adoption of solutions that offer better visibility and management? How does Minehub tailors the needs of users from finance to operational teams for both buyers and sellers? With GPT being designed for handling messy communication, how do you see its role in enhancing communication within your solution at Minehub? To know more about our guest, you can find Andrea Aranguren on: Website: https://minehub.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-aranguren-454544a/

Dec 15, 2023 • 42min
EP 195 - Affordably Manage the Deluge of Unstructured Data
In this week's episode, we have Brian Pawlowski, the Chief Development Officer at Quantum. Quantum helps organizations in harnessing the potential of their expanding unstructured data, offering an affordable solution for storing data for decades to come. During our conversation, we delved into the shifting data environment, driven by the exponential growth of unstructured data and the transformative capabilities of AI, empowering organizations to derive meaningful insights from this data abundance. Furthermore, we investigated the optimal combination of cloud and on-premises storage solutions, taking into account specific use case needs, budget constraints, and security considerations. Key Discussion Points: What fundamental changes in data usage and characteristics distinguish unstructured data from the past? Are the use cases of long-term data archiving, enterprise backup, surveillance and security all served by the same architecture? How do government regulations on data storage and handling of PII impact Quantum in countries like China, and India? You can find him on: Website: https://www.quantum.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianpawlowski

Nov 27, 2023 • 30min
EP 194 - Convert WiFi Signals into a Sensor Network
In this episode, we had Tony Nicolaidis, who served as the Chief Commercial Officer of Origin AI. Origin AI utilized Wi-Fi sensing along with AI analytics to empower businesses in monitoring presence, motion, and specific events like falls using existing Wi-Fi signals. During our discussion, we explored how Wi-Fi signal sensing eliminates the necessity for specialized sensors, particularly in use cases like security systems and fall detection. We also delved into the potential business models for telecommunication providers when Wi-Fi signals had evolved into a valuable data source. Key Discussion Points: What enables Wi-Fi sensing technology to detect subtle actions, and what's the detection setup? In what ways does Origin AI's approach support end-user privacy and bandwidth How is Origin AI prepared for ongoing algorithm and data processing advancements? You can find him on: Website: https://www.originwirelessai.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tony-nicolaidis-9b5b236/

Nov 13, 2023 • 48min
EP 193 - Managing the Transition from Selling Units to Selling SaaS
Our guest today is Tsiki Naftaly, Co-Founder of Copilot.CX, a unique solution in the consumer electronics industry. Copilot.CX transforms occasional buyers into loyal, prime users. Through customer collaboration, they boost sales, enhance reviews, and ultimately elevate the overall customer experience. In this episode, we delved into the challenges encountered during the shift from being a hardware device manufacturer selling units to becoming an IoT device manufacturer offering SAS subscriptions. We also talked about the benefits of incorporating automated customer touchpoints throughout the product's lifecycle, customer satisfaction and opportunities for upselling supplementary services. Key Discussion Points: How has the company's shift from hardware distribution to customer engagement platform affected its value proposition? What is the process of using customer data to improve Salesforce, refine marketing, and potentially shape product development? How do you see the tech services in your solution stack to bring valuable proposition to life? You can find him on: Website: https://www.copilot.cx/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tsikinaftaly

Nov 6, 2023 • 49min
EP 192 - Making 3D Printing Scalable with Physics Modeling
Today, we have David Hartmann, Founder and CEO of Helio Additive. Helio Additive has revolutionized 3D printing through the creation of simulation software tools deeply rooted in the principles of physics. These tools have had a profound impact on enhancing production efficiency in the realm of 3D printing. During our discussion, we delved into the intricate challenges associated with transitioning a 3D product into full-scale production. These challenges encompass a substantial engineering endeavor, multiple rounds of test runs, and a notable scrap rate. Furthermore, we explored the remarkable opportunities that lie ahead in production optimization by creating models that encapsulate the intricate interplay between machinery, materials, and design files. Key Discussion Points: ● What factors are hindering additive manufacturing infrastructure for both large-scale and local applications? ● Who is responsible for integrating your software into the system? Is it the OEM or asset owner? ● What are the primary core features of your 3D printing and modeling technology? You can find him on: Website: https://www.helioadditive.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-hartmann-725a2b16/

Oct 31, 2023 • 37min
EP 191 - Creating and Retaining a High-performing Software Team
Guest Frederic Joye shares strategies for constructing and retaining high-performing software teams. Topics include his unique approach to outsourcing, advice for startups, enhancing team dynamics, and creating effective cultures in both startups and corporations.

Oct 24, 2023 • 41min
EP 190 - Transitioning from CAPEX to OPEX-based Offerings with IoT
Andrei Ciobotar, CTO at Relayr, discusses transitioning to OPEX models using IoT in industrial sectors. Topics include predictive maintenance, AI evolution, and generative AI usage. They explore regional competitiveness, IoT tech deployment, and future algorithmic advancements.
Sep 19, 2023 • 38min
EP 189 - Empowering IoT's Edge and Its Game-Changing Innovations
Ross Sabolcik, Senior VP and GM of Industrial and Commercial IoT Products at Silicon Labs, discusses advancements in edge connectivity for industrial IoT devices. They explore cross-technology compatibility, simplified programming, and the machine learning capabilities of FG-28, GA, and Series 3. They also touch on the impact of Bluetooth technology on connectivity costs and the importance of security for edge devices.

Sep 12, 2023 • 42min
EP 188 - Decentralizing the Commercial Energy Landscape
In this week's episode, Erik is in conversation with Gareth Evans, the CEO and founder of VECKTA. VECKTA is dedicated to enabling businesses to embrace competitive energy solutions across their operations, providing them with access to affordable and environmentally friendly energy. With two decades of expertise in the energy and resource sectors, Gareth is a specialist in microgrid and distributed energy planning and design, construction, and monitoring During this discussion, we delve into the future of the energy sector and strategies for implementing cost-effective energy solutions for businesses. We also examine the challenges associated with navigating technical and regulatory hurdles during the transition, as well as potential solutions for streamlining coordination. Gareth's mission revolves around empowering businesses and communities to access affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy, contributing to the global shift toward a more environmentally friendly energy future. Tune in and be part of the energy revolution! Key Discussion Points: ● What is the purpose of VECKTA and what motivated Gareth to establish it? ● Identifying the significant factors that support the business case for energy storage. ● How does the VECKTA platform assist companies and businesses in monitoring their emissions scope? If you are curious to know more about our guest, you can find him on: Company Website: https://www.veckta.com Company Podcast: https://www.veckta.com/renewable-rides-podcast/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gareth-evans-41015726


