Send us a text

With cases of cyber-crime occurring at an alarming rate, industrial manufacturing is caught in the crosshairs. What steps should you take to protect your systems?

We talk to an industry insider, Keith Moore.  Keith has spent the last fourteen years in industrial IoT device development and has immense knowledge of internet protocols and their weaknesses.

Before Keith joins the show, Brandon rants about what IoT is and what it isn't.

We discuss how manufacturers can secure their data.

The differences between a cyber risk and a vulnerability.

The factors that can impact a risk assessment.

How a threat analysis should be performed.

If cybersecurity is a concern for your facility, you don't want to miss this episode!

No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/v_8SHqYhx1g 

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

#CyberSecurity #elliTekAutomationNation 

Send us a text

Sometimes your biggest pain point isn't your biggest problem. There are some processes that you may or may not want to automate. Come with us as we explore those processes.

Brandon shares his perspectives, Brandspectives, on the types of industrial automation. He explains his two categories of automation, process automation and discrete automation, and why they matter.

You'll hear examples of processes that can't be automated and why. 

Remember Brandon's Brandology about the four reasons to automate?

• Quality / Consistency
• Decrease Cycle Time / Increase Production
• Reclassify Labor
• Flexibility / Quick Setup

You don't want to miss Brandon's new Brandology! The top four ways to determine if an application can be easily performed by a robot.🤖 This coincides with Brandon's latest BrandRant about feasibility and beneficial ROI. 

Stick around for examples of processes that can easily be automated and why.

No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media
• Watch👀 on YouTube:  www.youtube.com/channel/UCRouULcIyr0lMNPaL4ohR4A 

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

#IndustrialAutomation #elliTekAutomationNation 

Send us a text

It's almost Thanksgiving here in the United States, and we have so much to be thankful for!

Join us as we reflect on past guests and episodes for which we are grateful.  If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to elliTek's podcasts, this is a rundown of a few of our favorites.

We had the opportunity to do a crossover podcast with Lisa Richter of CSIA's Talking Industrial Automation podcast.  During this episode, you'll hear how Brandon got into automation, how elliTek began, and how elliTek has grown over the years.

Dave Rice with Datalogic joined us for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unsafe."  Dave has been in safety product sales for more than a decade, so it's safe to say that Dave knows safety!

Recently, Jon Fields with Yaskawa Motion & Drives and Peter Zafiro with LinMot joined the show to talk about supply chain issues and semiconductor chip shortages.  Listen to hear how their companies are navigating these disruptions, "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be In Short Supply."

Morgan Everett, Lead Mentor with Red Nation Robotics, was our special guest for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Last."  You'll hear how building a robot in six weeks isn't the team's biggest challenge!

If you like welding -- robotic welding, you don't want to miss "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Boring." 

For automation in general, check out "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Manual."

ROI, return on investment, was much different pre-pandemic than it is now. Brandon breaks it down during "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be a Loss."

For more on ROI and robotic automation, go to "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Menial."

The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was the topic for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Untraceable."  If the Rule is passed and finalized, affected companies will have two years to meet the recordkeeping requirements.

Reach Ou

Send us a text

This is an issue of Global Proportions! We're talking about the supply chain crisis. From aluminum to semiconductor chip shortages, the lack of essential materials is affecting just about everyone and nearly all levels of production.

• Why is there a chip set crisis, aka Chipageddon? 
  
  
• How long will Chipageddon last?
  
  
• Is there a fix for manufacturers?
  
  
• Tesla's sales are through the roof this year. How has Elon Musk managed this crisis? And, what lessons can we learn from Tesla?
  
  
• What products are machine builders, system integrators, and end users waiting on?
  
  
• What products are available now?
  
  
• How are elliTek's Partners navigating the supply chain crisis?

Stayed tuned to here interviews with Jon Fields, Senior Motion Sales Engineer with Yaskawa Motion & Drives Division and Peter Zafiro, General Manager with LinMot Linear Motors.

You'll hear how these two companies are succeeding AND delivering even in this chaotic logistical ordeal that everyone is experiencing.

There is light at the end of the tunnel and it isn't an oncoming train. You can find your way through the supply chain crisis, but you may need to look outside of your normal sources!

If you're searching for product, check out elliTek's Partners in Automation. There are products available. The lead times may be a bit slower than normal, but you won't be waiting a year to get what you need to keep your business moving forward.

No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!

The last episode was elliTek's video debut. If you want to check out the video podcast, head over to elliTek's YouTube channel. While  you're there, go ahead and subscribe, so you don't miss an episode.

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Videos courtesy of:

Name:  Intel
Title:  From Sand to Silicon: the Making of a Chip
Link to video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5paWn7bFg4

Name:  Linas K
Title:  How Microchips are made
Link to video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2KcZGwntgg

#elliTekAutomationNation

Send us a text

Today's topic is definitely not boring! The sparks are flying as we delve into the world of robotic welding.🤖🔥

Why would you use a robot to weld instead of a person? That's were Brandon's Brandoloy for the four reasons to automate come into play.

1. Quality / Consistency
2. Decrease Cycle Time / Increase Production
3. Reclassification of Labor
4. Flexibility / Quick Setup

Listen to hear why collaborative robots might be better for welding applications than industrial robots.

You'll also hear how the types of materials affect the robot welding application.

Why isn't it reasonable to get a robot and an off the shelf welder?

Stayed tuned as Brandon shares insights into the considerations that need to be made when you're working with an automation company to implement a robotic weld work cell.

Last but not least... Is the mullet making a comeback?

This is elliTek's podcast video debut! Feeds went live on Tuesday, October 19th at noon EDT. Here's the link to the podcast on elliTek's YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/CZmFGMDDIrk. 

If you can't catch the video on YouTube, here's a link to the Welding Application video referenced during the show, https://youtu.be/0P1BIykOm2I. 

No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

#elliTekAutomationNation

Send us a text

If you're considering the purchase of a collaborative robot, vision system, or industrial IoT system, this episode is for YOU!

Before making an investment in the automation of a process, there are some commonly overlooked aspects that can be forgotten, overlooked, or even disregarded.

With more than 25 years experience in the industrial automation market segment, Brandon shares his knowledge and experiences so others can hopefully avoid those pitfalls.

For instance, why choose a collaborative robot if you have to guard it? What's the point? What about fast cycle times? Collaborative robots can't go as fast as a person, right? You may be surprised to hear the answers.

As for vision applications, they can be fraught with problems if some details are left out. You won't be surprised to hear that lighting is important for vision systems, but seasonal changes and natural lighting can play an important role as well. Brandon shares several other details that need to be considered, including cybersecurity.

Brandon has seen his fair share of failed or incomplete industrial IoT systems. That's why he invented the Data Commander™ MES Appliance. During this episode, he shares some of the biggest problems that he has encountered.

One of the travesties that Brandon has seen in his career is holding onto a system that doesn't work. Sometimes portions of a system can be salvaged, sometimes not. The best way to avoid the common pitfalls is to ask the vendor to show you how it works.

Seeing is believing. Schedule a demo to see the Hanwha collaborative robot, Datalogic vision system, or IIoTA™ MES appliance, email [email protected].

No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!

Here is a link to elliTek's FAQ page, https://www.ellitek.com/faq. This page will soon be expanded to include FAQ on vision systems and IoT systems.

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Send us a text

This is a special crossover episode with CSIA, Control System Integrators Association.  Lisa Richter, host of CSIA's podcast "Talking Industrial Automation", sat down for a chat with elliTek's Brandon Ellis.

CSIA is a global trade association that strives to advance the control system integration industry.  CSIA has more than 500 member companies that they provide many benefits for, one of which is a guest interview for CSIA's podcast.

During this episode you'll learn how Brandon got into automation.  You'll find out how elliTek began and how elliTek has evolved over the years.  You'll also hear about trends, challenges, and predictions for the industrial automation segment.

Whether you're a manufacturer, supplier, system integrator, or end user, you'll be sure to learn something new and insightful.

Links referenced during the show:

• Control System Integrators Association, CSIA:  https://www.controlsys.org/home
• CSIA Exchange. elliTek's page:  https://www.csiaexchange.com/213607/elliTek-Inc
• CSIA Featured Interview:  https://www.csiaexchange.com/podcast.aspx 
• Talking Industrial Automation podcast:  https://talkingindustrialautomation.com/

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Send us a text

Are you confident your employees have the knowledge and skills to help your business grow and thrive? 

Knowledge is power! We're starting Season 3 talking about training and leveling up.

By providing technical training for your employees, you're fostering a work environment that promotes self-confidence knowing that they have the knowledge and skills to perform their daily tasks to the best of their abilities.

That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of training and support, and why it's so important for manufacturers and end users.

We then delve into the different types of training such as online courses, technical community colleges, universities, and other industrial automation companies. Each has their merits and also their glaring distinctions.

How the training is done is where elliTek University stands apart from the rest. elliTek Universities instructors focus on real-world problems and how to solve them. The training is meant to EMPOWER the students to be capable of maintaining systems and equipment. The courses can be troubleshooting, programming, or a mix of both.

The philosophy is the best way to troubleshoot a system is to break it and have the students figure out how to get the system back online and as quickly as possible.

The types of courses offered at elliTek University include IoT, Motion Control, Vision, Robotics, and Industrial Hygiene. These courses are typically offered to manufacturers and end users. A calendar of courses will be available soon at www.ellitek.com/technical-training.

Stick around to here about Brandon's workforce development initiative for manufacturers in the East Tennessee region. The Maintenance Troubleshooter Certification programs last several weeks and are true LEVEL-UP programs. If your manufacturing facility is in East Tennessee, our instructors can put together a specific plan just for your facility!

Empowerment through training is elliTek's way to better our local workforce as a means of bettering our community.

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Send us a text

Join us as we talk about some new ways to generate money, real money while saving the earth.  We're talking about green initiatives, aka Green Manufacturing, and how your manufacturing facility can benefit from sustainability efforts.

During the show, we dig into the benefits of green initiatives in manufacturing.  We discuss how manufacturers can reduce waste - with real-world, actionable ideas.

Stay with us as we discuss what elliTek's technology partners are doing to help reduce waste.  We hope you find these innovations as super-impressive as we do!

elliTek's mission is one of empowerment. Whether you're a local customer or across the planet, we are here to help. 

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Send us a text

ROI - Return on Investment - pre-pandemic vs post-pandemic. How ROI looked before the pandemic is completely different in a post-pandemic world. Does your perspective on ROI need to change as well?

Traditionally, the focus for production engineering was to increase production. Automation was trying to increase production which meant getting more out of the line without adding people. And, in some unfortunate instances, there were times where it reduced the number of associates.

Increasing production is a good goal to have. But is it the correct goal in a post-pandemic world when labor is difficult to find?

When there are lots of job openings but no applications coming in, the whole ROI has to turn on its head. In the absence of labor, the goal should be the creation of labor. It's all about survival at this point.

Automation in today's world doesn't mean reducing labor; it's reclassifying the labor you already have to processes that are more expensive or impossible to automate.

In the past, automation was expensive. Now as we're reemerging from the pandemic, can you afford not to automate?

elliTek's mission is one of empowerment. Whether you're a local customer or across the planet, we are here to help. 

Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!

• LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-inc
• Instagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitek
• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitek
• Twitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/media

If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone to call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

Here is the link to the Control System Integrators Association, https://www.controlsys.org/home. Here is the link to the Exchange where you can find Integrators and Suppliers, https://www.csiaexchange.com/.