Automation Chat

By The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork

Winner of the 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Excellence for Best Podcast.

Join me, Theresa Houck, for Automation Chat, where I talk with industrial automation leaders, executives. practitioners and ... more

4.9

1414 ratings

FAQs about Automation Chat:

How many episodes does Automation Chat have?

The podcast currently has 115 episodes available.

Automation Chat episodes:

September 24, 2024Automation & Manufacturing News, September 2024
** Named “Best Podcast” for 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.
In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck reviews news in industrial automation and manufacturing. Learn about market trends in OT cybersecurity and in ultrasonic flowmeters; the role of AC drives for energy savings; and what skilled trades workers think about digital tools and AI. Also learn about achievements by FANUC Robotics, the SME Education Foundation and Endress+Hauser.
As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- ARC Advisory Group market research about low-power AC drives.
NFPA survey about the skilled trades industry.
SME Education Foundation scholarship program.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — it helps other industrial automation professionals find us, and we really appreciate it.
“Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
...more
8min
September 17, 2024What’s Coming Up in The Journal: October 2024 Issue
In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck tells you what topics we’re covering in the next edition of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine — our October issue. Our print magazine mails October 15, and our digital issue launches October 26. Learn about upcoming stories on:
- How to modernize plant operations.
What’s coming at the 2024 Automation Fair event.
How to select edge computing technology for oil & gas operations.
How to improve OEE through predictive maintenance.
Why VFD cable choices & installation matter.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources:
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines by visiting http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and a review.
Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
Find us on LinkedIn.
Find us on Facebook.
Find us on X (Twitter).
** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.
...more
4min
September 10, 2024Trends in CPG and Food & Beverage Manufacturing
In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Todd Gilliam, North American CPG Industry Leader at Rockwell Automation, and Monté Vander Velde, Senior Project Manager with CRB Group. Both companies recently released comprehensive reports: one about the consumer packaged goods industry, and one focused on the food and beverage industry.
This conversation is a great in-depth look into industry trends. They talk about key takeaways from each report, including:
- Top challenges identified by survey respondents, such as streamlining operations, navigating their digital journey, implementing ESG initiatives and stretching limited capital budgets.
How manufacturers are addressing the labor shortage.
Benefits of investing in technology for CPG manufacturers.
How AI can help with control code, data collection and response to support continuous improvement.
And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- Download the Rockwell Automation State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2024: CPG Edition.
Download the CRB 2024 Horizons Digital Age of Food Manufacturing report.
Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) program for finding skilled workers.
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0aN9BNsE7d0.
Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
Find us on LinkedIn.
Find us on Facebook.
Find us on X (Twitter).
Please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating & a review.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.
...more
32min
September 03, 2024How Smart Devices Take Process Instrumentation to the Next Level
In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Ashley David, Product Marketing Manager for Level and Pressure Equipment at Endress+Hauser USA. They discuss:
- What exactly “smart instrumentation” is in process automation.
Where the industry is headed with smart instrumentation and why.
Why diagnostics, verification and monitoring functions are vital.
How data collected from smart devices is used to improve productivity, cut maintenance costs, reduce paperwork, comply with legal requirements, help ensure safety and more.
Smart instrumentation’s role in optimizing calibration and cGMP compliance in the life sciences industry.
What to know if you’re not sure smart devices in process instrumentation are right for you.
And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- Learn about Heartbeat Technology on Proline Promag electromagnetic flowmeters from Endress+Hauser.
Learn about benefits of Heartbeat Technology in smart instrumentation.
Case Study: New Belgium Brewing refines calibration process.
Endress+Hauser website.
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3TlUFOKrkJ4.
Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
Find us on LinkedIn.
Find us on Facebook.
Find us on X (Twitter).
Please subscribe to “Automation Chat" and give us a 5-star rating and a review.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.
...more
16min
August 27, 2024Automation & Manufacturing News Report, August 27, 2024
In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck highlights news in industrial automation and manufacturing. Learn about the size of the U.S. manufacturing industry; trends in the oil & gas, modular robotics, batch control systems and industrial networks markets; and how companies are using AI. Also learn about achievements by EOSYS, FANUC Robotics, Hammond Power Solutions, the International Society of Automation (ISA) and Rockwell Automation.
As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- International Society of Automation (ISA) AI-powered large-language model, Mimo.
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Report on the State of Manufacturing in the United States.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we really appreciate it.
“Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.
...more
14min
August 20, 2024Case Study: How a Craft Brewery Switched from Bottles to Cans
In this episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck brings the written word to life by reading the case study, “How a Craft Brewery Switched from Bottles to Cans.” It explains how Lakefront Brewery used updated PLCs, drives and HMIs to switch its operation to cans while also improving visibility and production.
Resources from this episode:
- Read the article online: “How a Craft Brewery Switched from Bottles to Cans.”
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we very much appreciate it.
Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
Find us on LinkedIn.
Find us on Facebook.
Find us on X (Twitter).
** 3 Consecutive Best Podcast Awards, 2022-2024 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.
...more
6min
August 13, 2024Practical Steps for Protecting IT & OT Systems from Ransomware Attacks
In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Dave Kang, Advisory Solutions Architect at Dragos and Kamil Karmali, Senior Global Commercial Manager, Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation. Get nuts-and-bolts, practical information about strengthening cybersecurity for industrial networks and systems, including:
- How ransomware attacks have evolved over the past year.
Steps you can take to prepare for — and recover from — an attack.
Common governance models and decision-making structures.
3 key considerations for developing a unified IT and OT strategy.
Workforce needs for an effective cybersecurity strategy.
How effective cyber hygiene and risk posture helps reduce risk of cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity-related compliance requirements in North America and around the world.
Why it's vital for manufacturers to have a business continuity plan.
And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- Blog: 6 Steps to Reduce Industrial Cybersecurity Risks.
Q&A with Executive Editor Theresa Houck: Understanding the OT Threat Landscape Helps Manufacturers Improve Cybersecurity
Rockwell Automation Manufacturing Industry Cybersecurity web page.
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8Pm670QAO9E.
Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
Find us on LinkedIn.
Find us on Facebook.
Find us on X (Twitter).
Please subscribe to "Automation Chat" and give us a 5-star rating and a review.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.
...more
41min
August 06, 202410 Electrical Safety Mistakes to Avoid
In this episode, The Journal’s Managing Editor Amanda Joshi brings the written word to life by reading the article, “10 Electrical Safety Mistakes to Avoid,” from Fluke Corp. Get tips about personal protective equipment (PPE), electrical testing tools, testing leads, fuses, lockout/tagout (LOTO) and more.
Resources from the episode:
- Read the article online: “10 Electrical Safety Mistakes to Avoid.”
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
Fluke Corp. web site.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
Please give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we appreciate it.
Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
Find us on LinkedIn.
Find us on Facebook.
Find us on X (Twitter).
Please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and a review.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.
...more
7min
July 30, 2024Why is Abraham Lincoln in a Manufacturing Hall of Fame? Industrial Automation News, July 30, 2024
What do Abraham Lincoln, children’s literacy and the Chicago Bears have to do with manufacturing?
In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck highlights news in industrial automation and manufacturing. Learn about trends in U.S. automotive aftermarket; an Illinois law providing tax incentives to quantum technology companies; and a California rule with incentives for manufacturers to shift from gas to electric boilers & heaters. Also learn about achievements by Endress+Hauser, Southwire and E Tech Group, and why Abraham Lincoln is in the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame.
As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- NVIDIA & Rockwell Automation Collaborate to Increase AI in Manufacturing.
“Automation Chat" wins 3rd consecutive “Best Podcast” award. Learn more here.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we sincerely appreciate it.
“Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.
...more
16min
July 23, 2024How to Maintain Business Continuity with IT/OT Synergies in Your Cybersecurity Strategy
In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Brian Deken, North America Commercial Manager of Networks & Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation. They talk about cybersecurity challenges and outcomes manufacturers are trying to achieve and how to attain them.
Also learn why it’s vital to do cybersecurity assessments in real time and why you can’t integrate and optimize an IT tool for an OT environment. And see how Rockwell Automation provides IT/OT synergies through its partner ecosystem and uses the NIST-based approach to help manufacturers to focus resources for cybersecurity.
And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- Cybersecurity Preparedness Assessment.
Rockwell Automation Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions.
Blog: Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (includes NIST explanation).
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at [email protected].
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8NtR7oHzhhY.
Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
Find us on LinkedIn.
Find us on Facebook.
Find us on X (Twitter).
Please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and a review.
** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.
...more
17min

FAQs about Automation Chat:

How many episodes does Automation Chat have?

The podcast currently has 115 episodes available.

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