EECO Asks Why Podcast

Brett Melancon is a rising star in Engineering and shares his passion for industry. He loves technology in electric vehicles and had opportunities in his career to grow his knowledge in that space.  Currently at Bühler he's working on many projects and some are tied directly to the medical field which impacts so many people. With the rapid development of the medical field it's directly impacting manufacturing which can be challenging and exciting at the same time. Typical 3 year projects are being completed in 50 weeks which shows how intense and exhilarating manufacturing can be.

Brett provides great advice for those new to industry and engineering. The big areas he shared were cooperation and flexibility. To be the most impactful team member mastering the art of cooperating with others to accomplish tasks is key.  Also, any chance you can expand your expertise into other areas should be viewed positively.  Being flexible to trying new things is how we grow and Brett see's this as a key differentiator.

He loves being outdoors and is also a big foodie. He loves trying new foods with his wife and his favorite is Oxtail (don't knock it before you try it). Brett's "why" is that he loves learning and teaching others. He is one of our heroes and will continue to make a huge impact to help many people in the future.

Guest:  Brett Melancon - Electrical Project Engineer at Bühler Motor
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Companies that embrace digital transformation will be able to attract great talent in the future.  That in itself should be enough to get everyone on the train.  In this episode Tessa Myers unpacks how companies can begin a digital transformation journey that leads to success.  This topic can be confusing and knowing where to get started is tricky.  Tessa gives examples to consider around some of the new technologies that are developing and how to use this newly available data can improve manufacturing.  With analytics and predictive algorithms available companies are making huge leaps and bounds in improvements.  She expands how digital transformation can impact areas such as maintenance.  The days of time based maintenance can be behind us when new technologies are embraced. 

Think Big & Act Small - great advice from Tessa on how to begin a digital transformation journey in manufacturing.  Focusing on the scalable opportunities that will yield large improvement across the board even if they start in a small way.  She gives examples on how this can work and practical ways others can begin journey.  Before beginning your digital transformation voyage don't miss what Tessa shares as it will put you on the path to success in the future. 

Guest:  Tessa Myers - Global Vice President, Software & Control at Rockwell Automation
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

If you're looking for inspiration this conversation hits the mark.  Jack Lawson shares many lessons and stories he had throughout his stellar career.  Jack served as the President and CEO at EECO and was able the lead through several areas of significant change.  In fact being a "change agent" was something he remembers fondly and gives wonderful advice for those that truly want to make an impact around them. From implementing the first computer system, fax machine and automated inventory system he saw how the world around him was changing and how he needed to prepare people to be able to serve the changing needs of the market.

Jack shares about how his mentors shaped his thinking and ultimately taught him what not to do.  His leadership style was one of compassion and great vision.  Throughout all of this he mentions that at his retirement his daughters told him they never once felt like he wasn't there.  That speaks to the character of Jack and how he never lost focus on the most important things in life.

He shares his love of music and how his life has transitioned to a wonderful family farmhouse that started with a massive renovation project.  From that project they now have two rental properties and guests from all over visit on a consistent basis.  Jack has a positive outlook on life and his wisdom and insight made such an impact on so many people and continues to make an impact wherever he is to this day.  Sit back and enjoy this story from one of our heroes! 

Guest: Jack Lawson
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Resources:

• The Immortals - Jack Wray, Jack Lawson, Richard Cowles, and Jeff Wray 
• Don't Wait - album by Jack Lawson 
• Weldan Pond 
• Wells Cabin Information
• Daniel Cottage Information
• The Oz Principle - cultural leadership material Jack recommends

 A load flow study (LFS) determines proper loading as well as whether the proper voltage is maintained at each circuit due to voltage drop. In simpler terms, it helps to determine how much current load you have and whether the equipment is overloaded or not. Kareem Josephs shares what is needed to get started on a load flow study.  Items specific to the total load demand in the facility are factors that will play into the LFS. 

Kareem explains how often a LFS should occur and what changing variables should be considered in a system to warrant a study outside of that general timeframe.  He also shares how to take the data in a LFS and make system enhancements to ensure safe and reliable operation of expanded electrical load.  Risk mitigation is key for all electrical system owners and a LFS can be a great way to understand areas of concern and help facilitate a roadmap of modernization for necessary future enhancements. 

Guest: Kareem Josephs, Lead Power Systems Engineer
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Resources:

• Eaton Load Flow Video 
• EECO Inspire Blog: What is a Load Flow Study
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing is Important for Electrical Distribution Systems?
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing Should I Do? 

In this episode Dan Leeman breaks down what an arc flash study (AFS) is and how to use that information to make better decisions in the future to enhance safety and reliability.  The AFS takes a holistic look at the entire electrical power system, all the way down to the individual piece of equipment that is being reviewed. An AFS gives valuable information about voltage class and characteristics, incident energy – the arc energy at a distance from electrical equipment, limited approach distances and PPE required to service the equipment.

Dan walks thru what you should expect from an AFS and how you can take that information to prioritize modernization efforts in the future.  He also reviews how often these studies should be performed and how to best showcase the results on your equipment to ensure all personnel are aware of the potential that exists with every piece of equipment.  At the core of the WHY for an AFS is ensuring you're doing all you can to keep people safe and provide a roadmap to mitigate areas of concern within an electrical system. 

Guest: Dan Leeman - District Services Manager at Eaton
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Resources:

• EECO Inspire Blog: What is an Arc Flash Study
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing is Important for Electrical Distribution Systems?
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing Should I Do? 

A great way to enhance safety and reliability in an electrical system is by performing a coordination study.  In this episode Kareem Josephs explains what a coordination study is and how it can positively impact end users. 

Picture in your mind a set of dominoes.  For each domino to fall the previous one has to "trip" and then causes the next action to occur.  This happens all the way thru the setup to the last domino which ultimately falls.  A coordination study evaluates an electrical system to ensure you have the right size dominoes and also that they are properly designed in the system to trip when the proper criteria occurs.  Hence you don't start a line of dominoes off half way thru - well maybe if your younger sibling set them up but we digress.

We've all experienced the frustration of nuisance tripping of loads and cranking up the setpoint may be a short term fix but that could open up a larger problem in the future.  Kareem does a fantastic job of explaining the importance of a coordination study and why they are important for industry in the future.

Guest: Kareem Josephs, Lead Power Systems Engineer
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Resources:

• Art and Science of Protective Relaying 
• EECO Inspire Blog: What is a Coordination Study
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing is Important for Electrical Distribution Systems?
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing Should I Do? 

Entering an electrical room can be unsettling for those new to industry.  How do you keep yourself safe in these environments?  Dan Leeman is an expert in this space and walks thru practical ways you can ensure a safe engagement with electrical gear.  Dan reviews how being proactive with visual inspections will give tons of data that you can act on.  He unpacks terms such as limited approach and restricted approach boundary which define the safe distances that personnel can engage by each piece of equipment. 

There are different restrictions also depending on if the person is qualified or unqualified.  Dan explains the differences and for anyone that ever has to enter these areas this is important knowledge to have.  Most of all he explains why it is everyone's personal responsibility to keep themselves safe and understanding the environment in an electrical room is key to success. 

For our heroes in industry who engage with this equipment regularly stay safe and share your knowledge with others - it could save their life.

Guest: Dan Leeman - District Services Manager at Eaton
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Resources:

• EECO Inspire Blog: How Close to My Electrical Equipment Can I Get?
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing is Important for Electrical Distribution Systems?
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing Should I Do? 

Protecting equipment from unexpected changes in power is key to a safe and reliable system. One of the best ways to ensure a system is properly designed and will manage faults in the most efficient way is to have a short circuit study completed.  Kareem Josephs unpacks why short circuit studies are important in this idea episode.  He shares how to start the process of obtaining a short circuit study, how often a study should be considered and what you should expect. 

Who should be leading the charge of facilitating these studies?  Interestingly enough Kareen suggests there are those outside of the electrical world that he's experienced ensuring these studies get accomplished.  He speaks to how more industrial facilities are having studies completed by efforts of safety departments and how that can benefit so many areas for a more reliable system moving forward. Most importantly he shows how to make use of the data to address areas of concern in a system to appropriately remediate issues.  For those new to short circuit studies we hope this connects the dots on what they are and WHY they are important for all industrial facilities in the future.

Guest: Kareem Josephs, Lead Power Systems Engineer
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Resources: 

• EECO Inspire Blog: Short Circuit Study
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing is Important for Electrical Distribution Systems?
• EECO Inspire Blog: What Testing Should I Do? 

In this recap episode we look back at the heroes and ideas that made season 2 memorable.  Several miniseries were released with the highlight being the first Women in Engineering series. Every hero has a unique and impactful journey that we hope inspires others to pursue their passions.  The ideas shared were epic and spoke to how industry is evolving and how many of these ideas will lead innovation in the future that will ultimately impact the world.

Season 3 is setting up to be huge. Out of the gate is a week long series on power studies and so many exciting guests are going to share their expertise and personal stories which we hope you all enjoy.

Please let us know what you like, what you don't and how we can serve you better.  Thank you for supporting the show and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from EECO Asks Why! 

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Polo Paredes shares his unique and inspiring journey thru his career.  He spent time teaching technology and opens up about how he made the transition to Rockwell Automation.  Polo wrote out his dreams and constantly found ways to make those dreams a reality. His perspective on leadership and wisdom paints a clear picture of how you can personally impact those around you.  Trust is a key attribute that Polo emphasizes as being important in creating credibility.  

Polo walks thru a formula for leadership that he's used throughout his career:  

1. Add value to people every day
2. Subtract leadership landmines
3. Multiply strengths by developing them
4. Divide weaknesses through delegation

For the engineering minded listener out there that was one of the greatest personal development formulas to memorize and apply. 

Polo shares about his wonderful family and hobbies such as his love of soccer.  He wants to live his life with love, passion and joy everyday!  You'll quickly hear why Polo is one of our Heroes in this conversation. 

Guest:  Polo Paredes - North America Channel Manager at Rockwell Automation
Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

"Leadership is the courage to dream...the guts to take risks and the wisdom to know when and why."

"Credibility inspires trust. And trust, leads to credibility."

Resources:
What Got You Here Won't Get You There
The Herd Podcast
John Maxwell Twitter Account