A veteran of American manufacturing joins me in this episode of TheDisrupted Factory. Tim Stuart, founder of @VisualDecisions, takesus through how digital tools can supercharge Lean Six Sigma

Withoutdrowning teams in admin work or checkbox culture.With decades of experience at Black & Decker, Cummins, andToyota, Tim shares straight-talking insights into what it really takes tomake smart manufacturing stick in the U.S. and beyond—fromempowering thinking employees to building digital strategies thatactually get adopted on the factory floor. 

Tim and I also exchangesome entertaining stories about the use of Gamification infactories and in our personal lives. @StarWars, @WHOOPand @FitbitOfficialSite all make an appearance!If you're involved in operations, continuous improvement, or leadingdigital transformation in industry, this episode delivers practical, nononsenseinsight from someone who’s walked the walk.

Subscribe to The Disrupted Factory for real conversations fromthe front lines of industrial innovation, we sure wouldappreciate it!Check out Tim's YouTube channel Visual Decisions. 

Click right here forextra content and insights -https://www.youtube.com/@VisualDecisions

#SmartManufacturing #USManufacturing #LeanSixSigma#DigitalTransformation #Industry40 #TheDisruptedFactory#VisualDecisions #TimStuart #FactoryFloor #ManufacturingLeadership

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 - Introduction Tim Stuart
00:05:00 - First Jobs & frustrations with LEAN
00:12:50 - Start of Smart Manufacturing presentation by Tim Stuart(CESMII)
00:23:00 - Pilot programs for comanies wanting to transform
00:39:25 - Customer success stories shared & end of presentation
00:46:22 - Tim & Yanesh discuss Gamification (positives andnegatives)
00:54:55 - Tim’s advice to TECH vendors
00:59:55 - Closing thoughts and thanks

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Lego, we all know what is does and have all played with it before. These basic building blocks allow ANYONE to create ANYHTING they can imagine. 

Join me and Etienne Lacroix from @Vention as we discuss his “Legoify” approach to his global company. In our latest Disrupted Factory Podcast, Etienne discusses

Vention’s early struggles, focusing on the need to connect the software design, material sourcing and production process. We also discuss the importance of passion and grit in entrepreneurship that we have both experienced in our business journeys.

Despite numerous hardships and challenges, Vention has managed to grow and innovate, recently releasing advanced automation controllers and simulation tools that were unheard of just a few years ago. Vention provides an online platform for manufacturing automation, enabling companies to design, program, and deploy automated systems. Their modular hardware and software simplify the process of building custom machines and robots.

Head on over to their website to sample their online “LEGO" approach to automated systems and see what you can create! 

https://vention.io/?home

Enjoy the podcast but don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel, we

sure do appreciate it! 

#Lego #Vention #DisruptedFactory #Podcast #IAmJendamark

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Learn how to tighten bolts so your wheels don't fall off! POWER tools are smarter than you think! In this episode of Disrupted Factory, we sit down with Jason Benford, the “Guru Of Tightening" from @Atlas Copco.

Follow along as he shares his journey from automotive engineering to becoming a leading expert in bolt tightening. Discover how small changes in friction can DRAMATICALLY impact bolt performance, the importance of tightening with precision tools and how improper techniques can lead to failure.  

Ryan also reveals the hidden role bolts play in engineering, from engines to construction, and how understanding tightening processes can improve manufacturing practices. With over a decade of experience, Ryan emphasises the often overlooked science behind tightening, urging engineers to embrace proper techniques for better manufacturing outcomes.

The Guru of Tightening: A Deep Dive into Bolt Science with Jason Benford! 

#AtlasCopco #Bolts #DisruptedFactory #Jendamark #Podcast #FollowUs 

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The Future With Manikantan NS & Tech Mahindra: From Bottom-Up Innovation to Real-World Transformation

I'm thrilled to bring you this special episode that was recorded during my recent visit to India. It was truly an honour to share our India studio with Manikantan NS of tech Mahindra. He is Senior Vice President & Global Head of Manufacturing Vertical. 

Manikantan is someone who has inspired me deeply. From humble beginnings in a middle-class Indian family to leading tech innovation at global companies, this conversation dives into his amazing journey.

We explore lessons learned, from school failures to navigating the ever-evolving tech industry. Plus, we uncover insights into how adaptability and collaboration shape the future of manufacturing. We also touch on how critical the integration of software and manufacturing is to achieving real, lasting change.

Join us for this exciting talk about pushing the boundaries of tech and culture to build solutions that make a difference. 

Enjoying our podcasts and all our other interesting content? Why not hit that subscribe button now! Keeping up to date has never been this easy.

#Tech #Mahindra #TechMahindra #GlobalInfluence #DisruptedFactory #FollowUs

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Our discussion takes many interesting turns as Matthew shares his knowledge and insights on retro tech, the telecoms industry and the hot topic of cyber security. He feels quite strongly about this! Incorporating new tech into legacy hardware and machines is also his passion and I’ll be asking some controversial questions and getting his ‘European take’ on the always interesting MQTT vs OPC debate.

Fieldcloud, founded by Matthew D. Smith, is a French company specialising in integrating field operations with cloud computing. They develop systems that connect on-site equipment—such as machines, instruments, and sensors—to cloud platforms, enabling real-time data collection and analysis.

Fieldcloud serves as an advocate for the Internet of Things (IoT), educating businesses and governments on its potential. They provide training and support for creating IoT experimentation centers and laboratories, aiming to make IoT accessible and valuable to a broader audience. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities and nuances of modern manufacturing, automation, and the intersection of technology and industry. Our guest, an expert in the field, shares his journey from growing up in a tech-savvy household in South Africa to becoming a thought leader in industrial IoT and programmable communications.
Key Highlights:

Legacy Systems and Modernization: We discuss the challenges of dealing with legacy hardware and systems in manufacturing. Our guest shares a fascinating story about retrofitting old water purification machines with modern interfaces, highlighting the importance of adapting rather than replacing.

Retro Tech: A nostalgic look at retro computing, including the use of ZX Spectrums in IoT evangelization. This segment underscores the value of blending old and new technologies to showcase innovation.

Heuristics and Approximations: Our guest shares a humorous yet insightful anecdote about the difference between scientists and engineers, emphasizing the importance of practical approximations in engineering.

Cargo Cultism: We explore the concept of cargo cultism in software engineering and manufacturing, where practices are copied without understanding the underlying principles, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities for innovation.

MQTT vs. OPC UA: We discuss the ongoing debate between MQTT and OPC UA protocols, with our guest providing a balanced perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of each. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on interoperability and avoiding the pitfalls of forming exclusive "old boys clubs."

Skepticism of Shiny Objects: We touch on the hype surrounding AI and the industrial metaverse, with our guest expressing skepticism about their practical applications in manufacturing. He calls for a focus on real-world problems and solutions rather than getting distracted by sophisticated but impractical models.

Got any questions or comments for Matthew or myself? Reach out in the comments section below. Enjoy the podcast!

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In this episode, we delve into the South African automotive component manufacturing sector with a special focus on policy, innovation, and the future of the industry. Our guest, Beth Dealtry, a policy expert from the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM), shares insights on the current state of automotive manufacturing, the importance of local content, and the potential for growth in exports.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities within the sector, including the need for R&D incentives, the impact of the Automotive Production Development Programme (APDP), and the revolutionary potential of hydrogen fuel cells.

KEY TOPICS COVERED

•  The significance of local content in South African vehicles
•  The role of government policy in supporting the automotive sector
•  Opportunities for growth in exports and component manufacturing
•  The importance of R&D and innovation for long-term sustainability
•  Insights into the future of electric vehicles and hydrogen technology

Join us for an engaging conversation that explores the intersection of policy, industry, and innovation in the automotive sector.

ABOUT OUR GUEST
 
Beth Dealtry is the Head of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at NAACAM in South Africa. She holds a first-class master’s degree in Competition and Economic Regulation from the University of Johannesburg.
 
After joining NAACAM in 2020, Beth rapidly progressed into her current role, where she develops and oversees the formulation and delivery of the organisation’s policy advocacy activities, aligning with the objectives of the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035. Some of the most recent examples of this advocacy work include the New Energy Vehicle (NEV) transition and supporting the development of the APDP 2 Transformation Fund.
 

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In this episode, we dive deep into the automotive industry's digital transformation, focusing on the strategic missteps and successes of major players like Ford and Tesla. Our guest, I4.0 Bad Boy Walker Reynolds, highlights a pivotal moment when Ford's CEO, Jim Farley, admitted that Tesla had outpaced them in digital innovation. This acknowledgment underscores the importance of having a robust digital strategy, something Ford lacked, leading to critical decisions like outsourcing intellectual property to Bosch, which in turn owned valuable data that Ford could not utilise.

We explore how Tesla's approach to data and digital infrastructure sets them apart. Tesla captures every event in their vehicles, using this data to influence regulatory decisions and improve their products continuously. This level of data integration is something traditional OEMs have struggled with, often outsourcing components and losing control over the data generated.

The conversation shifts to the broader concept of Industry 4.0, comparing the U.S. and EU perspectives. In the U.S., Industry 4.0 is synonymous with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, focusing on automating business decisions by integrating data from both the plant floor and business operations. In contrast, the EU approach is more structured, involving government and industry collaboration to achieve sustainability through planned economies.

Our guest also shares insights from his extensive experience in digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of a unified namespace (UNS) and the pitfalls of not having a clear digital strategy. He recounts a story where his team was brought in to peer review a major consulting firm's pitch, revealing the gaps in their proposed digital twin solution.

We discuss the challenges and opportunities in developing economies, where digitizing manual processes can significantly improve quality and efficiency. The episode concludes with exciting announcements about upcoming events and publications, including a conference in Dallas and the release of the UNS Handbook on LinkedIn.

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Walker Reynolds is the president and solutions architect at 4.0 Solutions and the chairman and founder of Intellic Integration in Dallas, Texas.

An industry expert with over two decades of experience in sectors such as mining and Tier 1 automotive, Walker’s career journey led him from these foundational industries into systems integration. He brings a wealth of technical expertise in industrial automation, SCADA design, and PLC programming, with proficiency across multiple platforms. His contributions to the field have been recognised with the Silver and Gold Firebrand Awards from Inductive Automation.

A passionate online educator, Walker is committed to making complex Industry 4.0 and IIoT concepts accessible. His popular YouTube channel, which has garnered over 21,000 subscribers and more than a million views, serves as a valuable resource for industry professionals. Through his educational outreach, Walker emphasises the importance of leveraging technology for strategic growth and operational excellence.

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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of immersive technologies with Jeremy Dalton, a leading voice in the field. From the history of VR and AR to the latest research findings, we explore the potential and challenges of these technologies.

Join us as we discuss Jeremy's journey from auditor to author of a book on virtual reality, and how companies like Ford are using VR to reduce production line injuries. Discover the impact of VR on training, collaboration, and operational efficiency in various industries.

Learn about the rise of VR arcades, the challenges of transitioning to VR training in factories, and the importance of data transparency in showcasing the value of VR technology.

Don't miss out on this insightful conversation that sheds light on the future of #immersivetechnologies and their applications in different sectors.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Jeremy Dalton aids clients globally in the effective implementation of immersive technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), along with desktop-based solutions.

His extensive experience spans the design, development, and deployment of these technologies, as well as the creation of customised reports to illuminate their value.

He has provided consultancy to private companies of various sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 firms, and governmental bodies from the UK to South Korea.

Jeremy has authored published books on these topics, delivered presentations to businesses, governments, and academic institutions, and regularly contributes to media outlets including The Financial Times, The Economist, and the BBC.


WE DISCUSS

💬 The history and evolution of VR, AR, and the metaverse

💬 Cutting-edge research and developments in the field

💬 Fascinating use cases, such as Ford using VR to enhance safety in their factories

💬 How VR video conferencing is transforming remote meetings, making them more emotive, engaging and effective

💬 The innovative application of VR to address unconscious biases, highlighting their impact on society

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AI should be utilised as a problem-solving tool rather than for the mere sake of technology. This principle was underscored in this podcast episode focusing on the practical application of AI in manufacturing processes.

Our guests from DataProphet emphasised the importance of first addressing real-world issues and then employing AI as a tool to effectively tackle those challenges.

The journey of DataProphet, particularly their collaboration with Atlantis Foundries (see our Season 4 Episode 1), exemplified how AI was utilised to address the specific challenge of reducing scrap in the manufacturing process. Instead of implementing AI without purpose, the DataProphet team identified a crucial issue within the foundry and utilised AI as a solution to enhance quality and yield.

By viewing AI as a tool for problem-solving rather than a standalone technology, organisations can maximise their capabilities.


ABOUT OUR GUESTS:

Hyram Serretta is a dynamic leader shaping the future of manufacturing through AI innovation. As the Head of Growth and New Markets at DataProphet, a pioneering company at the forefront of autonomous manufacturing solutions, Hyram spearheads initiatives aimed at revolutionising production efficiencies.

With a specialised focus on deep learning, smart manufacturing, and continuous improvement, Hyram is instrumental in enabling manufacturers to harness the transformative power of AI. He uses his keen understanding of market dynamics and passion for driving growth to empower manufacturers to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Johan Duvenage is a seasoned professional in the realm of AI-driven manufacturing, currently serving as the Customer Success Lead at DataProphet. Armed with an MBA and a strong focus on data analytics, Johan excels in harnessing the power of AI to help customers optimise manufacturing processes, enhance productivity, and drive business growth.


WE DISCUSS:

💬 The intersection of technology and manufacturing processes, particularly focusing on the implementation of AI in factories

💬 The importance of identifying the problem to be solved, visualising the plant, and continuously iterating the process to adapt to changing issues

💬 Managing complexity with AI, the journey of optimising work practices, and the misconception that Industry 4.0 is at odds with lean practices

💬 The need for companies to embrace change and innovation, emphasising the importance of educating employees on how technology can enhance existing processes.

_________________________________________________________________________

Connect with DataProphet on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/data-prophet/

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In a time when artificial intelligence (AI) technology evolves at breakneck speed, reshaping every facet of human life, understanding its implications isn't just an advantage – it's a necessity.  In this episode, we're thrilled to present a critical discussion with tech visionary Ajit Gopalakrishnan that will redefine your perspective on AI, its burgeoning role in industry and education, and its profound impact on humanity.


ABOUT OUR GUEST

Ajit Gopalakrishnan is human. In AI terms, he is a generative multimodal model with approximately 100 trillion parameters. His pre-training was done predominantly in Botswana, where he was created, and South Africa.

He has also completed Domain Specific Training at the University of Cape Town and Royal Melbourne Institute in Electronic Engineering.

This model has been used in several applications across multiple industries and functions, such as education, engineering, marketing, factory and project management.

The Ajit model is currently being used as the Head of Odin Education, a division of Jendamark, with a pre-defined goal of transforming the educational landscape and addressing the digital divide in the developing world.


WHY YOU CAN'T MISS THIS EPISODE

A Riveting Start: The episode kicks off with an "AI versus Reality" game, which challenges both our guest and podcast host to differentiate between AI-generated and real images, setting the stage for a deep dive into the essence and capabilities of AI.

The Heart of AI Adventure: What should humanity be excited about with the advent of AI? What are the potential pitfalls? We explore Google's most-asked questions on AI, offering profound insights into the duality of innovation – the exhilarating prospects and the cautionary tales.

Unconventional Wisdom: We unpack how AI is revolutionising industries and altering the fabric of society, as well as the pressing need to evolve our educational and professional paradigms to thrive in this new age.

A Mirror to Our Minds: Ajit unveils his research on the striking parallels between human cognition and how large language models learn. This segment promises to be a revelation, highlighting how AI is not just mimicking but also contributing to the collective human knowledge.

Why It Matters to You: This conversation goes beyond industry jargon and technological speculation. It's about understanding the seismic shifts AI is causing in our world and how we, as individuals and communities, can navigate this new era. Whether you're a professional looking to stay ahead of the curve, an educator rethinking pedagogy, or simply someone fascinated by the rapid pace of technological advancement, this episode is a must-watch.


Ajit and Yanesh's dialogue is more than just a podcast episode; it's a roadmap for anyone ready to embrace the future with knowledge, adaptability, and foresight.
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