AutomateIT Tech Talk

Part Two

Can your HMI, SCADA, or industrial application platform replace a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?

In this episode of AutomateIT Tech Talk, host Travis Selsor sits down with Andy Stump of Rockwell Automation to explore one of the most common questions manufacturers face during digital transformation initiatives: if a platform can connect equipment, collect data, build dashboards, and create workflows, why not use it as your MES too?

Together, they discuss:

- The critical difference between manufacturing visibility and manufacturing execution

- Why dashboards and data collection are not the same as governance and control

- How small custom applications gradually evolve into full MES responsibilities

- The hidden lifecycle costs of custom-developed MES functionality

- Build-versus-buy considerations manufacturers often overlook

- Why ownership matters more than the initial project cost

- The complementary roles of HMI, SCADA, and purpose-built MES platforms such as Plex MES

The key takeaway: Don't evaluate only the first use case. Understand what your organization is committing to when the business begins depending on it.

Whether you're evaluating MES, industrial application platforms, SCADA systems, or broader digital transformation strategies, this conversation provides a practical framework for making technology decisions that will still make sense five years from now.

Key Topics Covered

⏱ Why the "one platform" approach is so appealing

⏱ Where visibility ends and manufacturing execution begins

⏱ How custom applications become custom MES systems

⏱ The hidden cost of ownership and long-term support

⏱ Why purpose-built MES solutions are different

⏱ Questions every manufacturer should ask before standardizing a platform

Episode Takeaway

The question isn't whether an HMI platform can function like MES. The question is whether your organization wants to own, maintain, and evolve a manufacturing execution system for years to come.

Can your HMI, SCADA, or industrial application platform replace a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?

In this episode of AutomateIT Tech Talk, host Travis Selsor sits down with Andy Stump of Rockwell Automation to explore one of the most common questions manufacturers face during digital transformation initiatives: if a platform can connect equipment, collect data, build dashboards, and create workflows, why not use it as your MES too?

Together, they discuss:

• The critical difference between manufacturing visibility and manufacturing execution
• Why dashboards and data collection are not the same as governance and control
• How small custom applications gradually evolve into full MES responsibilities
• The hidden lifecycle costs of custom-developed MES functionality
• Build-versus-buy considerations manufacturers often overlook
• Why ownership matters more than the initial project cost
• The complementary roles of HMI, SCADA, and purpose-built MES platforms such as Plex MES

The key takeaway: Don't evaluate only the first use case. Understand what your organization is committing to when the business begins depending on it.

Whether you're evaluating MES, industrial application platforms, SCADA systems, or broader digital transformation strategies, this conversation provides a practical framework for making technology decisions that will still make sense five years from now.

Key Topics Covered

⏱ Why the "one platform" approach is so appealing ⏱ Where visibility ends and manufacturing execution begins ⏱ How custom applications become custom MES systems ⏱ The hidden cost of ownership and long-term support ⏱ Why purpose-built MES solutions are different ⏱ Questions every manufacturer should ask before standardizing a platform

Episode Takeaway

The question isn't whether an HMI platform can function like MES. The question is whether your organization wants to own, maintain, and evolve a manufacturing execution system for years to come.

Welcome to Episode 6 of AutomateIT Tech Talk!

We're coming to you live from 4x4 Brewing in Ozark, Missouri, where industry leaders gathered for a powerhouse roundtable discussion on the future of Smart Energy in manufacturing and infrastructure.

🎙️ In This Episode: Join our host Travis Selsor and a panel of energy experts as they dive deep into:

The rise of *Rockwell Automation’s Energy Management tools**

Real-world use cases for *monitoring and optimizing energy usage**

The impact of smart energy on *sustainability and cost savings**

The growing demand for *data-driven energy strategies**

🍺 Plus, we enjoy some local craft brews and candid conversations about the shift toward smarter, more efficient operations.

👥 Special Guests Include: Leaders in manufacturing Rockwell Automation solution experts Regional innovators in sustainable energy

📍Filmed live at: *

4x4 Brewing Company – Ozark, MO**

Part of the AutomateIT Manufacturing Executive Happy Hour Series

🔗 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell to get notified when new episodes drop.

📢 Comment below: What’s your biggest challenge with energy management in your facility?

#smartenergy #rockwellautomation #manufacturinginnovation #industry40 #energyefficiency #automateittechtalk

In this episode of Tech Talk, we dive deep into the potential impact of new tariffs on the tech and manufacturing industries. From supply chain disruptions to shifting global strategies, we break down what these looming changes could mean for businesses of all sizes.💥 Key Topics: What the proposed tariffs actually mean How they could impact the cost of doing business Strategic moves companies are making in response Real-world examples from industry insiders🎯 Whether you're in manufacturing, supply chain management, or simply curious about global trade, this episode is packed with valuable insights you don’t want to miss.👉 Subscribe for more weekly insights into the tech, automation, and manufacturing world.📢 Like, Comment, and Share if this episode brought you value. #Tariffs #TechTalk #Manufacturing #Automation #SupplyChain #GlobalTrade #Industry40 #Podcast #BusinessStrategy

In this episode of AutomateIT Tech Talk, we dive into the transformative role of AI in the manufacturing sector. Discover how businesses are leveraging AI to optimize processes, enhance decision-making, and prepare for the future of intelligent automation. Tune in to learn actionable insights and strategies for embracing AI in your manufacturing journey!

In this episode of AutomateIT Tech Talk, we sit down with Fred Silha, a leading expert from Rockwell Automation, to dive into Plex, the cloud-based smart manufacturing platform. Discover how Plex is transforming the manufacturing industry with its comprehensive suite of solutions, offering real-time visibility, improved productivity, and enhanced operational control. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the world of industrial automation, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

Join us as we unpack our live event from 10/15 and discuss how AutomateIT can help your facility drive your Industry 4.0 journey.

This Podcast deep dives into the state of smart manufacturing in 2024.Join Travis Selsor, Dallas Hord and Andrew Stump on June 20 and discover what other leading manufacturers are planning to do to overcome crushing manufacturing skills gap and labor shortages, combat rising IT/OT cyber-threats, and deliver sustainable growth.