EECO Asks Why Podcast

Unlock the future of digital procurement with us as we traverse the exciting landscape of industrial distribution's transformation.

Experience firsthand how EECO is spearheading innovation by offering self-service platforms that mirror the ease of B2C transactions within the B2B sphere. In this episode, you'll gain unparalleled insight into the three cornerstones of a seamless digital purchasing path: immediate access to pricing, in-depth product information, and straightforward online account management.

Together, we dissect the strategic moves distributors must make to not only survive but excel amid the rising tide of e-commerce.

Prepare to be captivated as we decode the secrets to building robust, user-friendly e-commerce systems, peppered with rich digital content that fuels confident buying decisions. Hear how leveraging data analytics can personalize the customer experience and foster trust, creating a loyal customer base through customized recommendations.

We take you through the continuous loop of innovation, addressing the urgent need for distributors to marry deep product expertise with superior user experiences, thereby crafting a digital commerce ecosystem that resonates with modern buyers. Get ready for a journey that promises to reshape your perspective on the digital shift in industrial distribution.

Remember to keep asking why...

Digital Self-Service Resources:
Digital Age Article
Video Explanation of Registering for an Account
Register for an Account

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: [email protected]

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Discover the transformative shift that's redefining industrial manufacturing: the ascendancy of managed network switches. We will walk through the cutting-edge intersection of technology and production, where managed switches reign supreme to streamline data flow, bolster efficiency, and dramatically cut downtime. Let's examine the critical nuances between unmanaged and managed switches, offering insights into how these powerful tools shape the future of smart manufacturing.

Delve into the cyber battleground of industrial networks, where the security of your operations hangs in the balance. Managed Ethernet switches emerge as the unsung heroes, locking down vulnerabilities and fortifying your infrastructure against threats. Through candid discussions on the imperative of port authentication to VLAN segmentation, we unravel the strategies that keep your intellectual property and compliance in check. This is a wake-up call to embrace managed switches as your ally in the relentless pursuit of secure, efficient smart manufacturing.

Gazing ahead, we chart a course through the innovations defining tomorrow's connected factories. From Stratix to Hirschmann, we highlight the trailblazers pushing boundaries and the ways Electric Equipment Company can prime your business for a robust infrastructure. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the resources and expertise at your disposal, ensuring you navigate the complexities of industrial connectivity with unwavering confidence.

Remember to keep asking why...

Network Switch Resources:
Network Switch Article
How to Configure a Network Switch in Siemens TIA Portal
Managed Ethernet Switches are Essential to the Connected Factory
Network Architecture | Do you think you have the best?

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: [email protected]

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Unlock the secrets to operational excellence with a deep dive into the world of power monitoring in industrial manufacturing. We weave through genesis including technology such as chart recorders to the latest sophisticated systems, providing an eye-opening perspective on process health. Discover how the shift from scheduled maintenance to condition-based strategies, with smart motor protection and IIoT solutions like Eaton's Power Xpert meter and Rockwell Automation's PowerMonitor, is not just reducing downtime, but paving the way for remarkable cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.

Imagine a world where maintenance teams can predict equipment failures before they occur, and decisions are made not on hunches but on hard data; that's the reality we're discussing today.  We emphasize the critical role of power monitoring in staying competitive, optimizing energy usage, and extending the life of your assets.

Choosing the right power monitoring solution is a journey, and we shed light on the critical mileposts to ensure you're on the right path. Learn about the importance of a compelling proof of concept, scalability, and the collaboration between IT and OT for seamless integration.

Remember we're not just a podcast but a community dedicated to fostering growth in the electrical distribution industry, where people and ideas are over products, and continual learning is our driving force. Join us, and let's revolutionize the way we think about power monitoring together.

Remember to keep asking why...

Power Monitoring Resources:
Power Monitoring Article
Power Show Video
Smart Monitoring for Pump Applications
Eaton Power Xpert Integration Guide

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: [email protected]

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Embark on a journey through the evolution of industrial automation as we unravel the mysteries of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) on ECO Ask Why. Prepare to trace the lineage of innovation from the days of clunky relays to the sleek, data-driven era of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sophisticated control system.

We're not stopping at the hardware; we delve into the networking revolution that's interlinking machines and churning out data at an unprecedented rate. Yes, this data is the new gold, and with the aid of trailblazers like HMS Networks and their offerings, we're dissecting how this precious resource is being mined, refined, and put to work turbocharging manufacturing efficiencies.

In our latest installment, the spotlight shines on the unsung heroes of industrial automation—interoperability and standardization. These twin pillars have knocked down walls between disparate systems, thanks to common languages like Ethernet IP.

As we peer into the crystal ball of manufacturing's future, the shimmer of edge computing, the allure of AI, and the promise of 5G beckon, foretelling a saga of operational wizardry and split-second strategy. So buckle up, because this episode is an electrifying ride through the past, present, and future of industrial automation that is sure to ignite your imagination and fuel your curiosity.

Remember to keep asking why...

Automation IIoT Resources:
Connectivity Article
Interoperability Article
What is IIoT Article
Ethernet Article

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: [email protected]

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

What if the key to revolutionizing your manufacturing operations lies in the smart protection of your motors? As industrial leaders seek competitive advantage, embracing smart motor protection is not just about enhancing reliability and longevity of equipment, but also about steering the company's perception towards quality.

We introduce you to the countless benefits of this technology, illustrate how real-time data and proactive interventions can keep expensive downtime at bay, and underscore the importance of seeing beyond the products to the impact on your brand image.

Ever considered the shift from reactive to proactive maintenance? The efficiency of smart motor protection is not limited to manufacturing alone, but extends to industrial facilities as well. In our conversation, we'll guide you through the importance of staying hands-on with the latest technologies and how to maximize their potential with the right partners.

Assess the impact of smart motor protection on reliability, downtime, energy usage, and explore the critical need for interconnected systems and data-driven insights.

Looking forward to you joining us on this exciting journey of transformation.

Remember to keep asking why...

Smart Motor Protection Resources:
Smart Motor Protection Article
Rockwell Automation E300 Article
Eaton C445 Information

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Understanding your One-Line
Installed Asset Analysis Support
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
System Planning Support
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in North or South Carolina
Schedule your Visit to a Lab in Virginia

Submit your questions and feedback to: [email protected]

Follow EECO on LinkedIn

Host: Chris Grainger

Are you ready design systems that make a true impact in industrial manufacturing? In this enlightening episode, we're taking you on a tour from the drawing board to the production line. We're not just drawing blueprints here; we're creating tangible, practical systems that will revolutionize the way you work. We'll be sharing tried and tested strategies, setting objectives, and outlining tools you can use to make the design process more efficient.

We're excited to take you on a journey through the labyrinth of automation tools. We discuss the top-notch tools like Rockwell Automation's Integrated Architecture Builder and Proposal Works, Bidman from EATON, and the Siemens TIA Selection Tool. Get the inside scoop on how these tools can transform your system design process, making it smoother and more streamlined. We'll also launch into a deep dive into the crux of the system design process - execution - and the importance of having a solid foundation and well-defined plan to bring your system to life.

Embrace the importance of upgrading and modernizing your manufacturing equipment. We'll probe into the timing of these upgrades, the risks of waiting for the equipment to fail, and the potential for increased safety and reduced maintenance costs. We'll also disseminate the five value points of modernization - improved efficiency, enhanced safety, integration capabilities, reduced maintenance costs, and scalability. Plus, we'll equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about equipment upgrades. We'll finish with a reflection on the importance of having confidence in your system design and ways to ensure that your design is competitive.

We promise you a journey of discovery and learning that will leave you with a treasure trove of insights and strategies for mastering system design in industrial manufacturing. So, tune in and get ready to unleash your full potential in the industrial manufacturing arena.

Remember to keep asking why...

System Planning Resources:
System Planning Blog
Let us help you plan your system today

Other Resources to help with your journey:
Installed Asset Analysis Blog
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide

Submit your questions and feedback to: [email protected]

Host: Chris Grainger

What if you had a detailed list of your assets, helping you to prioritize investments, identify risks, and streamline your path to efficiency? That's what an Installed Base Evaluation (IBE) offers, and we're diving deep into the transformative power of IBEs. We'll explore how knowing exactly what you own can serve as a foundation for effective strategizing and action planning where it's needed most.

We'll also look at how an IBE can be an engine for facility improvement. It's not just about data - it's about leveraging that data to identify functional improvements, manage surplus and obsolete inventory, and ultimately make better decisions. We'll discuss the crucial steps of an IBE, from trusting the data, verifying accuracy, modernizing goals, to capital planning. Plus, we'll share our tips for creative thinking and identifying quick wins to build trust along the way.

As we move forward in our modernization journey, we'll emphasize the importance of device level planning and looking beyond the short term to consider what technologies will be vital in the next couple of years. We'll discuss how best to seek expert advice and innovative solutions, ensuring maximum value from upgrades, and the benefits of documenting realized gains. Finally, we'll focus on how to manage data, establish objectives, and make decisions based on the information obtained from the IBE. It's a packed episode, full of insights that could change your destiny. Tune in and join us on this transformational journey.

Remember to keep asking why...

Resources:
Installed Base Evaluation Blog
EECO Smart Manufacturing Guide
Start your IBE today with EECO

Submit your questions and feedback to: [email protected]

Host: Chris Grainger

Debriefing can have a powerful impact on business when done correctly.

In this powerful conversation Robert "Cujo" Teschner breaks down the idea behind a debrief and to execute them to achieve significant results.  His definition of a debrief is simple and elegant - Debrief is the constructive evaluation of the quality of our decisions and associated actions measured against the objectives we set out to achieve.

The key words of that definition are what Cujo unpacks in detail.  He starts by differentiating between a debrief and feedback.  Current business culture puts a heavy emphasis on feedback and while that has its benefits it often is met with a negative connotation. 

A debrief has an entirely different objective and when the culture is created to execute them efficiently, consistently and with a high level of vulnerability magical things begin happening.

Cujo gets tactical into how you can begin executing debriefs that make a true impact.  He covers the importance of perspective and ensuring that every seat at the table has an opportunity to be heard.  He breaks down the importance of debriefing wins and not solely focusing on areas of improvement.  This is a monumental shift in thinking as most organizations never take the time to research why and initiative, process, sale was such a big win and spend too much time discussing what went wrong.

This conversation you want to have a notepad ready as the wisdom Cujo shared will move the needle.  By the way Cujo is a former fighter pilot and his stories are absolutely incredible!  We thank him for his service and how he continues to make those around him better everyday.

Remember to keep asking why...

Guests:
Robert "Cujo" Teschner - Founder, CEO and Chief Consultant at VMax Group Consulting

Cujo's Website
VMax Website

Submit your question to be featured on EECO Asks Why to [email protected]

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

Michael Van Keulen does a phenomenal job of breaking down the role of technology in procurement. 

He has a passion for procurement and  believes that best-in-class procurement outcomes depend on three factors: 

1. People
2. Process
3. Technology 

Without the right combination of these three elements, sustainable best-in-class procurement outcomes will not be achieved. 

For technology to make a meaningful contribution to procurement outcomes, it should be viewed as an enabler that allows procurement professionals to focus on those areas that drive more value, such as risk mitigation, better quality, better lead times, payment terms, cash flow optimization, and environmental and social governance. 

Michael believes that technology should be easy to use and be adopted quickly by both internal users and supplier communities to reduce friction and break down silos between the two groups.

He gave a sneak peek into his life outside of procurement and you will be amazed at his incredible journey.

Remember to keep asking why!

Guest: Michael Van Keulen - Chief Procurement Officer at Coupa Software

Coupa Software

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets

In this episode we explore the ways in which software can help create supply chain agility. Ara Surenian discusses the importance of supply chain agility, the role of software in achieving it, and some examples of software solutions that can be used to enhance supply chain agility.

Specific areas explored are:

• What is supply chain agility? Ara explains that supply chain agility refers to the ability of a supply chain to quickly and effectively respond to changes in demand, disruptions, and other unexpected events. It involves having the flexibility to adjust production, inventory, and logistics in real-time.
• How can software help create supply chain agility? Ara unpacks several ways in which software can enhance supply chain agility, such as by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels and shipment status, enabling predictive analytics to anticipate demand and optimize production, and automating manual processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
• Examples of software solutions for supply chain agility. We highlight some popular software solutions that can be used to improve supply chain agility, including transportation management systems, warehouse management systems, and demand planning tools. Each of these solutions provides unique features and benefits that can be tailored to the needs of a specific organization.
• Best practices for implementing software solutions. For those looking to implement software solutions for supply chain agility, Ara offers some advice on best practices, such as involving all stakeholders in the selection process, testing software thoroughly before implementation, and providing adequate training and support to end-users.

We hope that this episode has shed some light on how software can help create supply chain agility. Remember, achieving supply chain agility is a continuous process that requires collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances.

Remember to keep asking why!

Guest: Ara Surenian VP Product Management at PLEX

PLEX Website

Host: Chris Grainger
Executive Producer: Adam Sheets