In this special episode of Manufacturing Hub, Dave Griffith and Vlad Romanov take a deep dive into the upcoming ProveIt Conference, happening next week in Dallas. This event, spearheaded by Walker Reynolds and Zack Scriven, brings together industry leaders, solution providers, and systems integrators to showcase their capabilities in Unified Namespace (UNS), edge computing, and industrial data operations.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• ProveIt Conference Overview: What to expect, key themes, and why this event is unique in the industrial automation space.
• Infrastructure & Cloud Providers: Dell and Google Cloud—how they are powering the event and their roles in modern manufacturing architectures.
• Legacy & Next-Gen Providers: Siemens, AVEVA, Inductive Automation, Tatsoft—what they bring to the table and how they compare.
• Industrial DataOps Players: Litmus Automation, HiveMQ, and HiByte—the backbone of data transformation and connectivity in modern factories.
• Systems Integrators & Real-World Applications: The unique opportunity for SIs to showcase full-stack solutions and how they help bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern architectures.
• Key Challenges & Questions: The complexity of multi-vendor integration, data normalization, and real-time orchestration—what are the biggest technical and strategic hurdles?

Why You Should Listen

• Get insider insights before the event kicks off.
• Understand the latest trends in industrial automation, MQTT, UNS, and edge computing.
• Discover what solutions and innovations will shape the future of manufacturing connectivity.
• Learn how end-users and systems integrators are approaching digital transformation in factories today.

Join the Conversation!

If you’re attending ProveIt, let us know! Reach out to Dave or Vlad to connect at the conference. Follow Manufacturing Hub on LinkedIn, YouTube, and all podcast platforms to stay updated with live event coverage and post-show insights.

🎙️ Subscribe & Follow for more expert discussions on manufacturing, automation, and industrial technology!

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• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

Welcome to Manufacturing Hub, where we dive deep into the world of industrial automation, software, and digital transformation. In this episode, hosts Dave and Vlad are joined by Zach Scriven, an industrial automation expert, digital transformation evangelist, and a key player in the development of Prove It, a groundbreaking industry conference.

This conversation explores a range of topics, from Zach’s personal journey in industrial automation and SCADA integration to his pioneering work in digital transformation education. We discuss Unified Namespace (UNS)—a powerful framework for structuring and scaling industrial data—and its role in breaking down silos and creating scalable, interoperable architectures.

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Zach Scriven’s Background: His journey from SCADA integration in the water industry to co-founding 4.0 Solutions and IoT University.
✅ Unified Namespace (UNS): What it is, why it matters, and how it enables scalable industrial data architectures.
✅ Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: The need for a clear strategy, the challenges of data silos, and the shift toward IT-OT convergence.
✅ Edge Computing & Industrial Data Platforms: How Ignition, MQTT, Litmus Edge, HighByte, and HiveMQ are changing the landscape of industrial automation.
✅ Challenges in Legacy Industrial Systems: How companies with aging infrastructure can begin their digital transformation journey.
✅ The Future of Industrial Conferences – Prove It: Why traditional conferences fail to deliver value and how Prove It is disrupting the model by requiring vendors to "prove" their solutions in a real-world simulated environment.

References & Companies Mentioned:

📌 Unified Namespace (UNS) – A key architectural framework in Industry 4.0.
📌 Ignition by Inductive Automation – A leading SCADA and industrial application platform.
📌 HiveMQ & EMQX – MQTT brokers enabling scalable industrial data strategies.
📌 HighByte – An industrial DataOps solution for modeling and structuring data.
📌 Litmus Edge – A platform for edge computing and industrial data management.
📌 Rockwell Automation & Siemens – Leading industrial automation providers.
📌 Prove It Conference (Feb 18-20, 2025) – The first event where vendors must prove their solutions in a real-time, virtual factory environment.

About the Prove It Conference:

The Prove It conference is set to redefine the way industrial automation conferences operate. Unlike traditional events where vendors showcase theoretical solutions, Prove It requires companies to integrate their technologies into a shared virtual factory to demonstrate real-world use cases. Vendors such as Inductive Automation, HiveMQ, Siemens, Opto 22, Dell, Google Cloud, and more will be participating, showcasing how their platforms interact in a live digital ecosystem.

This conference represents the shift from sales-driven to results-driven events, ensuring that attendees see tangible demonstrations rather than just slide decks and sales pitches.

Why This Episode Matters:

This episode is essential for engineers, IT/OT professionals, plant managers, and executives looking to understand how to modernize industrial operations using cutting-edge software, data-driven decision-making, and scalable architectures. Whether you are just starting your digital transformation journey or looking to optimize an existing system, Zach provides valuable insights into where the industry is heading and how you can stay ahead.

🔹 Want to learn more about UNS and industrial data strategies? Check out IoT University for in-depth training: https://iot.university
🔹 Interested in attending Prove It? Get your tickets now before they sell out: https://proveitconference.com

📢 Stay Connected:
🔹 Follow Manufacturing Hub: LinkedIn | YouTube
🔹 Follow Zach Scriven: LinkedIn | IoT University
🔹 Follow Dave & Vlad: LinkedIn | LinkedIn

Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to stay updated on the latest in industrial automation and digital transformation!

In this action-packed episode, our hosts kick off with exciting news about the upcoming Prove It Conference in Dallas and then welcome Kyle—a rising talent in the industrial automation space—to share his unique journey and insights.

Episode Highlights
Getting Started in Automation:
Kyle recounts his transition from studying technology information management at UC Santa Cruz to diving headfirst into the world of SCADA, HMI design, and industrial automation with Inductive Automation. His early days involved a steep learning curve with hands-on training through Inductive University, showcasing the importance of real-world problem solving right from the start.

Training & Onboarding Best Practices:
Discover how the industry’s hallmark training—ranging from the foundational core class to advanced database, scripting, and Perspective modules—is structured. Kyle explains how the approach has evolved from a “trial by fire” to a more measured, project-based learning that emphasizes understanding not just the tool, but also the underlying processes and terminology.

Specialization & Career Growth:
The conversation delves into the importance of role definition in automation teams. Whether you’re focused solely on HMI development or handling the complexities of tag management and PLC integration, learn why narrowing your expertise can be a game changer for career advancement.

Troubleshooting Methodologies:
Kyle breaks down his company’s four-phase troubleshooting cycle—discovery, identification, isolation, and resolution—which not only streamlines problem-solving but also ensures effective communication among support teams. This systematic approach is vital for resolving issues quickly in high-stakes industrial environments.

The Future of Industrial Training:
Looking ahead, the discussion touches on emerging trends such as integrating AI (including ChatGPT) and augmented reality tools like Apple Vision Pro into training programs. The hope is that these advancements will democratize learning in automation—from high school workshops to specialized professional training—bridging the gap between theory and real-world application.

Real-World Advice & Recommendations:
Along with career tips—like taking full advantage of free trials and not shying away from challenging projects—the episode also offers cultural recommendations, including movie nods (think Netflix’s “Carry On” for a SCADA twist) and a must-read book, Businesses Don't Fail, They Commit Suicide by Larry Mandelberger, which dives into the human and organizational aspects of business success.

Tune in for a conversation that’s as much about technical mastery as it is about the evolving landscape of industrial automation education. Whether you’re a newcomer eager to learn or a seasoned pro looking for fresh insights, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you thrive in the rapidly changing world of manufacturing and automation.

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we dive into the world of industrial automation, PLC programming, and career development with Hans Schradermakers, an experienced automation engineer with more than 23 years in the industry. Hans has worked extensively with both Siemens and Rockwell software, specializing in developing, standardizing, testing, and commissioning automation solutions for major companies such as Nestlé, Hershey’s, Pepsi, Kellogg’s, and Pringles.

The conversation begins with an exploration of Hans’ journey from Belgium to Denmark and Austria, tracing the pivotal moments that led him to a career in PLC programming. He shares insights into his early experiences working for machine builders, where he first encountered Siemens automation technology, before later expanding into Rockwell systems. Over the years, he has developed expertise in both platforms, allowing him to provide a balanced perspective on their strengths, weaknesses, and industry adoption.

A key focus of the discussion is the ongoing challenge of standardization in PLC programming. Hans explains how standardization typically occurs at the machine builder level rather than the end-user level, highlighting the importance of structured programming and modular software development. The conversation also explores the differing approaches between European and North American markets, where Siemens dominates in Europe while Rockwell remains the dominant platform in North America.

Hans provides valuable insights into career growth in automation, emphasizing the importance of working on commissioning projects and gaining hands-on experience with industrial machinery. He discusses how exposure to different machine builders and standards accelerates learning and enables engineers to develop better programming structures.

Another major topic covered is the role of training and upskilling in the industry. Hans shares the story of how he transitioned from freelancing to launching PLC Skilltree, his online training platform that provides structured courses for learning TIA Portal programming. He discusses the importance of creating modular, maintainable PLC programs and the growing need for engineers to develop structured programming skills rather than focusing solely on specific programming languages.

The conversation also touches on industry trends, including the potential impact of AI on PLC programming, the growing interest in virtual PLCs, and the shift toward industrial PCs for data collection and processing. Hans provides his perspective on whether AI will become a useful tool for automation engineers and how it might change the way PLC programs are developed in the future.

For engineers and automation professionals looking to advance their careers, Hans provides actionable advice on how to gain experience, work with different companies to broaden expertise, and improve software structuring skills. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to transition into freelancing, specialize in PLC programming, or build a career in industrial automation.

For more information on Hans’ training courses, visit PLC Skilltree, where he offers structured training for TIA Portal and automation programming. He also shares free resources, including a PLC structuring guide, designed to help engineers improve their programming approach.

Listeners interested in PLC programming, industrial automation, or career development in the manufacturing sector will find this episode highly informative. Whether you are an engineer looking to upskill, a machine builder working on PLC standardization, or a professional considering a transition into freelancing, this conversation provides deep insights into the realities of automation careers and the evolving landscape of industrial control systems.

Follow Manufacturing Hub for weekly conversations on automation, controls, and digital transformation. Subscribe on YouTube or listen on your preferred podcast platform.

🎓 Interested in learning TIA Portal programming?
Check out Hans’ PLC Skilltree training courses at www.plcskilltree.com and grab his free PLC Structuring Guide!

🔗 Connect with Hans on LinkedIn: Hans Schrynemakers
📺 Follow his YouTube channel for tutorials: PLC Skilltree on YouTube

💡 Follow Manufacturing Hub for more insights on automation, controls, and digital transformation!

🔴 Subscribe on YouTube: Manufacturing Hub YouTube
🎙️ Listen on Podcast Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

#Manufacturing #Automation #PLCProgramming #TIAportal #RockwellAutomation #Siemens #IndustrialAutomation #Training #ControlsEngineering #ManufacturingHub

As we enter 2025, the manufacturing and industrial automation sectors are facing a period of significant transformation. In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, Dave and Vlad outline their plans for the year, covering everything from the direction of the podcast to industry trends shaping the future of manufacturing.

This episode kicks off with an overview of the podcast’s 2025 format, which continues to be structured around monthly themes. This year, topics such as ERP, modern maintenance strategies, workforce upskilling, and industrial data management will take center stage. While some recurring topics like robotics, systems integration, and manufacturing intelligence will return, the podcast will also explore new themes to address emerging challenges in the industry.

Beyond the podcast, Dave and Vlad discuss the state of manufacturing going into 2025, breaking it down by key business functions:

Finance & Capital Investments – Companies are resuming automation and technology investments after a period of budget constraints. However, challenges remain in securing funding for new initiatives, especially for mid-sized manufacturers looking to scale operations. With interest rates still relatively high and economic uncertainty lingering, capital expenditures will need strong justification, emphasizing ROI and long-term cost reductions.

Workforce & Hiring Challenges – The talent shortage remains one of the biggest obstacles for manufacturing organizations. While many companies are investing in workforce development and training, the gap between available talent and industry demand continues to widen. The increasing complexity of industrial automation systems, combined with the push toward IT-OT integration, is making it even harder to find individuals with the right mix of skills. This challenge is particularly evident in sectors that require highly specialized knowledge, such as SCADA, MES, and industrial cybersecurity.

IT & Digital Transformation – More manufacturers are accelerating their adoption of cloud computing, IIoT, and advanced analytics, yet IT departments are often understaffed and struggling to implement these technologies effectively. The ongoing debate over who owns industrial data—IT or OT—continues to create friction in many organizations. Additionally, IT teams are being tasked with addressing growing cybersecurity risks, particularly as legacy systems remain vulnerable and require modernization.

Sales & Marketing in Industrial Automation – As the industry becomes more competitive, companies selling hardware, software, and integration services must refine their messaging to better communicate value to specific audiences. Instead of broad, generic marketing efforts, more targeted, technical content and direct engagement with decision-makers will be key. The challenge lies in translating technical capabilities into business outcomes, ensuring that sales strategies align with the evolving priorities of manufacturing leaders.

Operations & Production Management – The pressures on operations teams remain as high as ever. Whether due to supply chain fluctuations, increased product customization demands, or workforce shortages, maintaining efficiency while improving uptime is becoming increasingly complex. The role of data-driven decision-making in operations is expanding, with more companies seeking to optimize production through real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance strategies. However, the challenge remains in ensuring that frontline workers and plant managers have access to actionable insights rather than overwhelming amounts of raw data.

Additionally, Dave and Vlad outline their plans for attending major industry events in 2025, including Automate, Hannover Messe, Ignition Community Conference, and the Prove It Conference. While their focus will be on attending key events rather than producing content at every trade show, they emphasize the importance of staying engaged with industry developments and fostering in-person conversations.

This episode serves as a comprehensive preview of what to expect in manufacturing, automation, and industrial technology in 2025. The year ahead promises to be one of both challenges and opportunities, with companies navigating economic pressures, workforce shortages, and the rapid evolution of digital manufacturing technologies.

Join us as we set the stage for 2025, explore what’s ahead, and continue the conversation on how manufacturers can adapt, innovate, and stay competitive in an increasingly complex landscape.

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, recorded live at ICC 2023, hosts Dave and Vlad welcome back James Burnand, CEO of 4IR Solutions, to discuss IT-OT convergence, the role of 4IR Solutions in the Ignition Community, and key takeaways from Ignition 8.3.

4IR Solutions and IT-OT Convergence
4IR Solutions is a Solutions Partner within the Ignition Community, focusing on OT as a Service to help manufacturers manage patching, security, and system monitoring—common pain points for system integrators. Ignition has evolved from a SCADA tool to a data-centric platform that facilitates enterprise-wide connectivity.

James explains that IT and OT have historically operated in silos, but the adoption of Docker and Kubernetes in industrial environments is breaking these barriers. Traditional OT systems prioritize stability and uptime, while IT is focused on scalability and security. The challenge is implementing modern IT principles in an OT-friendly way.

Key Features of Ignition 8.3
The Ignition 8.3 update introduces file-based gateway configurations, making automation and scaling more efficient for system integrators. New drawing tools and event streams enhance real-time data visualization and workflow automation. Additionally, Helm charts offer enterprises a better way to manage large-scale deployments.

Bridging the IT-OT Divide
James highlights the organizational challenges of IT-OT convergence, noting that many manufacturers lack dedicated IT-OT professionals. 4IR Solutions often serves as a mediator between IT and OT teams, helping ensure security, compliance, and operational stability while enabling modernization efforts.

Takeaways from ICC 2023
James praises ICC’s community-driven atmosphere, where integrators, end users, and Inductive Automation’s leadership openly share knowledge. The collaborative nature of the conference allows for real-time feedback, which directly influences Ignition’s ongoing development.

Looking Ahead
4IR Solutions is leveraging Ignition 8.3 to improve automation, reduce costs, and enhance scalability for its customers. As IT-OT integration continues to evolve, manufacturers must embrace flexibility, security, and data-driven decision-making to stay competitive.

References from the Episode
4IR Solutions (James Burnand, CEO)
Ignition by Inductive Automation (SCADA, MES, Unified Namespace)
Docker & Kubernetes in Industrial Automation
Helm Charts & Enterprise Deployment Strategies
IT-OT Convergence & Security in OT Environments
This version keeps the depth while making it easier to read. Let me know if you need further refinements.

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this special episode of Manufacturing Hub, Vlad, and Dave reflect on the major lessons, projects, and trends from 2024 while laying out ambitious plans for 2025. They discuss the evolution of automation, AI, and industrial tech, share personal insights on business growth, and preview upcoming podcast themes and trade show appearances.

Topics include:
✅ Key takeaways from 2024 in manufacturing, automation, and consulting
✅ The reality of AI in industrial settings—hype vs. practical applications
✅ Joltek’s training and upskilling initiatives + Kaplan’s focus on Ignition & automation strategy
✅ 2025 predictions: The impact of automation, labor shortages, and investment shifts
✅ Upcoming podcast themes and trade shows for next year
✅ Tech deep dives: Servers, NAS, and 3D printing for industrial use

🔗 References & Mentions:
Books: Main Street Millionaire by Cody Sanchez
Podcast: My First Million by Sam Parr & Shaan Puri
3D Printing Tech: Bamboo Labs A1
Tech Infrastructure: Dell Rack Server, Synology NAS, Ignition 8.3
Upcoming Trade Shows: ICC, Automate, SPS, Hannover Messe, ProveIt, Realize Live
Podcast Themes for 2025: AI, Digital Transformation, Industrial Data, Robotics, Systems Architecture, Training & Upskilling

If you're in manufacturing, automation, or industrial technology and want to collaborate, reach out to Vlad or Dave. Stay tuned for an exciting 2025!

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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

Welcome back to Manufacturing Hub. In this episode, we sit down with Kent Melville, Director of Sales Engineering at Inductive Automation, to explore career growth, sales engineering, and the evolving landscape of industrial automation.

Kent shares his fascinating journey, starting as a computer science graduate with a background in web development, ERP systems, and industrial automation before making his way into Inductive Automation. He takes us through the challenges and opportunities he encountered as he transitioned from technical roles into sales engineering, growing from one of the first hires in his division to leading a 30-plus-person team today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Kent explains the role of a sales engineer and how it differs from traditional technical sales. He breaks down how sales engineers bridge technical expertise and customer engagement, ensuring that solutions meet real-world manufacturing challenges. He also discusses the growth of Inductive Automation, the company culture that has fueled his success, and how the Ignition platform has shaped the industrial automation industry.

Another key topic in this discussion is the Ignition Community Conference (ICC), which has become a central event for the Ignition ecosystem. Kent shares how the Build-a-Thon, a live competition where integrators showcase their automation skills, became a major attraction and why it highlights the true power of rapid development with Ignition.

Insights on Future Industry Trends
Kent provides his perspective on where the industry is heading, especially in terms of IT-OT convergence. He discusses how containerization and DevOps principles are making their way into manufacturing and why version control and structured deployments will become the norm. He also shares insights on how Ignition’s flexibility enables organizations to modernize their operations and prepare for the future.

Career Lessons and Key Takeaways
This episode is filled with valuable career advice for engineers and professionals looking to move into sales or leadership roles. Kent emphasizes the importance of working for a company that aligns with your goals rather than constantly chasing small pay increases. He discusses the need for clear communication, initiative, and the ability to adapt to different work styles.

For those considering a transition from technical roles to sales engineering, Kent breaks down the key skills required, the training process, and how Inductive Automation prepares its team members for success. He also highlights the importance of building a reputation within an organization, taking on new challenges, and creating opportunities through proactive engagement.

Behind-the-Scenes Stories and Fun Moments
Beyond the technical and career discussions, Kent shares some of the most entertaining moments from his time at Inductive Automation. He talks about how an impromptu on-stage rap performance during an Ignition product launch unexpectedly boosted his visibility within the company. He also gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Inductive Automation uses its own software for internal processes, from CRM and training to office automation.

Who Should Watch This Episode?
This conversation is ideal for industrial professionals looking to understand the role of sales engineering, engineers considering a move into customer-facing roles, and manufacturing leaders exploring Ignition’s capabilities. It also offers practical career insights for anyone looking to grow within their organization and stand out in the industry.

If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share them in the comments. Make sure to like, subscribe, and follow Manufacturing Hub for weekly conversations on manufacturing, automation, and technology.

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References
1. Inductive Automation & Ignition SCADA

• Inductive Automation - Official Website
  https://inductiveautomation.com/
• Ignition SCADA - Overview & Features
  https://inductiveautomation.com/scada/
• Download Ignition (Free Trial & Maker Edition for Personal Use)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/downloads/
• Ignition Exchange (Free Industrial Automation Templates & Modules)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/exchange/
• Ignition Community Conference (ICC) – Annual Conference
  https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/icc/
• Inductive Automation’s YouTube Channel (Webinars, Case Studies, Training)
  https://www.youtube.com/@InductiveAutomation

2. Sales Engineering & Career Development

• The Sales Engineer Handbook: A Guide to Sales Engineering & Technical Sales (Patrick Pissang)
  https://www.amazon.com/Sales-Engineer-Handbook-Technical-Engineering/dp/3982171402
• Mastering Technical Sales: The Sales Engineer’s Handbook (John Care, Aron Bohlig)
  https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Technical-Sales-Engineers-Handbook/dp/1608324262
• Harvard Business Review - What Makes a Great Sales Engineer?
  https://hbr.org/2019/04/what-makes-a-great-sales-engineer
• LinkedIn Sales Engineering Community – Discussions, Networking, and Career Advice
  https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8948750/

3. IT-OT Convergence & Industrial Automation Trends

• ISA (International Society of Automation) – IT-OT Convergence Resources
  https://www.isa.org/topics/it-ot-convergence
• Industrial DevOps and Containerization in Manufacturing (Inductive Automation Blog)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/resources/article/modernizing-scada-with-devops/
• Understanding Unified Namespace (UNS) and MQTT for Industrial Automation
  https://cirrus-link.com/what-is-unified-namespace/
• ISA-95 Standard – Best Practices for IT and OT Integration
  https://www.isa.org/standards-and-publications/isa-standards/isa-95

4. Home Automation & Ignition for Personal Use

• Ignition Maker Edition (Free Version for Personal & Home Automation Projects)
  https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition/maker-edition/
• Home Automation with Ignition - Community Projects & Discussions
  https://forum.inductiveautomation.com/tags/home-automation
• Travis Cox on Using Ignition for Smart Home Automation (Podcast)
  https://www.theautomatorpodcast.com/episodes/travis-cox-home-automation-ignition

5. Kent Melville & Inductive Automation Socials

• Kent Melville on LinkedIn
  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentmelville/
• Inductive Automation on LinkedIn
  

Manufacturing is a fast-moving industry with evolving technologies, shifting business priorities, and increasing demand for skilled professionals. Whether you’re just starting your career, looking to deepen your technical expertise, or considering a move into management, knowing how to navigate your journey can make all the difference.

In this episode of The Manufacturing Hub, Vlad and Dave share career stories, key lessons, and valuable advice from their years of experience in manufacturing and industrial automation. They’ll discuss what it takes to grow in the industry, the skills that have been most valuable in their careers, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way.

Topics covered in this episode:
How to transition from an entry-level role to an advanced technical position
The key skills manufacturing professionals need to stay relevant
What engineers should consider when moving into management
Lessons learned from real-world manufacturing projects
Common pitfalls to avoid in career development
The importance of networking, continuous learning, and adaptability
Vlad and Dave will also be answering live questions from the audience. If you’re listening to this as a podcast, remember that you can join the conversation live every Wednesday at 4 PM Eastern / 1 PM Pacific on LinkedIn and YouTube.

Beyond career advice, this episode will also provide a sneak peek into The Manufacturing Hub’s 2025 plans. The podcast has long focused on monthly themes covering a wide range of manufacturing topics, from automation and digital transformation to industrial cybersecurity and AI in production. Vlad and Dave have been working on new themes for the upcoming year, and they’re excited to hear your thoughts.

If you have suggestions for future topics, guest recommendations, or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, don’t hesitate to reach out. This community is built around shared knowledge and open discussions, and every contribution helps shape the conversation.

Why This Episode Matters
For anyone in the manufacturing space, career growth is not just about mastering technical skills—it’s about understanding industry trends, learning from others' experiences, and positioning yourself for future opportunities. As automation continues to reshape the industry and new technologies emerge, professionals who can adapt, lead, and problem-solve will be in high demand.

Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Join Vlad and Dave live each week to engage with the community and stay up to date on the latest trends in manufacturing, automation, industrial software, and technology.

About Manufacturing Hub:

Manufacturing Hub Network is an educational show hosted by two longtime industrial practitioners Dave Griffith and Vladimir Romanov. Together they try to answer big questions in the industry while having fun conversations with other interesting people. Come join us weekly!

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• Vlad Romanov
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• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

In this episode of Manufacturing Hub, we welcome back Jim Gavigan, founder of Industrial Insight and a leading expert in time-series data and manufacturing intelligence. Jim shares his fascinating journey from starting as a physical education major to becoming a data-driven problem solver in the manufacturing industry. His career is filled with invaluable lessons and hilarious anecdotes, making this episode both insightful and entertaining.

We dive into Jim’s experiences transitioning from OT to IT, the challenges of balancing technical work with sales as a business owner, and his thoughts on the value of certifications versus hands-on learning. Jim also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the world of data historians, including his expertise with OSIsoft PI, Tableau, and Power BI, while offering advice for manufacturers looking to optimize their data.

One of the highlights of this episode is Jim’s unforgettable story about his senior project—a tale of problem-solving under pressure that shaped his approach to engineering and business. It’s a testament to the power of determination, creativity, and the willingness to learn.

Whether you're passionate about data-driven manufacturing, exploring career growth, or just looking for some inspiration, this episode has something for everyone. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated with more insights from industry experts!

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel to stay updated on the latest conversations with industry leaders. Hit the bell 🔔 to never miss an episode!

Thank you for tuning in to Manufacturing Hub. See you next week!

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