Manufacturing Hub

In this episode, Dave and Vlad are joined by Jay and RJ from Total ETO to explore the often overlooked world of ERP for machine builders and systems integrators. While ERP conversations often focus on large-scale deployments like SAP or Oracle, this episode dives into the day-to-day of smaller, engineer-to-order (ETO) businesses—where spreadsheets still reign and project complexity is high.

Jay and RJ share their unique perspectives—Jay coming from 25 years in automation and becoming a Total ETO user-turned-employee, and RJ bringing three decades of software expertise focused specifically on this niche. Together, they break down:

The unique ERP needs of custom machine builders and SIs
Why project-based workflows don't fit traditional manufacturing ERPs
Common pitfalls like spreadsheet reliance and change order chaos
The difference between machine builders and system integrators (and how ERP can serve both)
How they approach implementation in 4–6 months, not 4–6 years
Why people who've used Total ETO often end up joining the company
Whether you're managing projects off scratch paper or already in the market for your first ERP, this episode is full of insights on how to bring structure and visibility to custom manufacturing.

💡 Key Topics
[00:02:00] Intro to Total ETO and backgrounds of Jay and RJ
[00:12:00] The life of a machine builder: high variability, custom BOMs, and the project-first mindset
[00:22:00] Why most ETO businesses still run on spreadsheets
[00:31:00] The emotional journey from ERP user to ERP evangelist
[00:39:00] System integrators vs. machine builders: similar goals, different workflows
[00:47:00] Why one-size-fits-all ERP fails for custom equipment manufacturing
[00:58:00] Getting buy-in for ERP: from small teams to company-wide rollouts
[01:07:00] Implementation: how Total ETO does it in under 6 months
[01:18:00] Integration with CAD tools like SolidWorks and Inventor
[01:26:00] The future: AI, web platforms, and the changing face of manufacturing software

🧠 Memorable Quotes
“Spreadsheets give me nightmares. That’s the main thing.” – Jay
“Nothing gets done accidentally. You have to make ERP implementation a priority.” – RJ
“We’re often a company’s first ERP—and we aim to be their last.” – RJ
“Everything in ETO is dynamic. It’s not static like mass production. And your ERP needs to reflect that.” – Jay

📚 Book & Content Recommendation
📰 Automation AMA – The Automation Navigator by Sean Dotson
Recommended by both Jay and RJ as an insightful, down-to-earth read for automation professionals.

🎉 Shoutouts
Thanks to TALAN for sponsoring this month’s ERP theme!

And a special mention to Taylor Dykstra for supporting Total ETO at ProMat this week!

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

What does it take to move from automation hype to practical, scalable solutions on the factory floor?

In this deep-dive episode of Manufacturing Hub, recorded live at the ProveIt Conference, we’re joined by Benson Hougland, Vice President at Opto 22—a company that has been quietly shaping the future of industrial automation for over 50 years.

Benson walks us through the journey of Opto 22: from its roots as the birthplace of the solid-state relay to becoming a leader in edge-native control platforms with the groov EPIC and groov RIO product lines. More importantly, he reveals how Opto 22 is tackling two of the most critical challenges in modern manufacturing: democratizing OT data and cybersecurity at the edge.

We cover:

✅ Who Opto 22 really is and what they set out to "prove" at the ProveIt Conference
✅ The role of the Unified Namespace (UNS) in enabling real-time industrial data architecture
✅ How Opto’s platforms help solve the "dark asset" problem in brownfield facilities
✅ Cybersecurity by design—not just bolted on later
✅ Why the controller of the future is more like a smartphone than a flip phone
✅ Running containers on the edge: what this unlocks for OT teams
✅ Long-term partnerships with companies like Inductive Automation and why that matters
✅ How Opto 22 systems remain IT-friendly, OT-usable, and fully made in the USA
✅ Their collaboration with the State of Indiana to bring energy-focused digital transformation to SMB manufacturers
✅ Lessons from past moonshots—like cellular control systems with Nokia that were ahead of their time
✅ What’s next: ML at the edge, scalable architectures, and more accessible solutions for plants without big digital teams

Throughout the conversation, Benson emphasizes a philosophy that will resonate with anyone trying to lead transformation in manufacturing: start small, solve a real problem, and scale with purpose. Whether you're tackling legacy infrastructure, looking to secure your OT layer, or just trying to make sense of the noise in the automation space, this episode will leave you with tangible ideas and a clear-eyed view of what's possible.

🎧 Plus: Why PLCs need to behave more like clients, why MQTT is so central to modern architectures, and how to get buy-in from leadership with energy wins.

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

In Episode 201 of Manufacturing Hub, we sit down with Tim Brown, a veteran leader with over 40 years of experience across manufacturing, construction, and IT. From managing massive ERP transformations to navigating global M&A integrations, Tim shares a masterclass in how to make enterprise software actually work in complex industrial environments.

We cover everything from:

What it was like managing ERP during Y2K

The critical difference between push vs. pull drivers for ERP change

How mergers and acquisitions shape ERP strategy

Why “people problems” derail ERP more than technology ever does

Real tactics for managing global rollouts (including Japan, France, Canada, and the U.S.)

His take on embedded AI in ERP platforms (and where it's really going)

Governance, risk, and how to actually drive adoption

Whether you’re an IT leader, plant manager, systems integrator, or just ERP-curious — this episode offers real-world lessons and practical guidance from someone who’s done it all.

🔹 Thank you to this month’s sponsor: TALAN
Helping manufacturers navigate ERP adoption, migration, and integration across SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle, and more. Meet them at the American Manufacturing Summit in Chicago on March 19–20, or visit their site to learn more.

👇 Drop your questions or share your ERP war stories in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

📌 Chapters 0:00 Intro
4:00 Tim’s Background & ERP Journey
9:00 Y2K & Early ERP Lessons
15:00 ERP Triggers: Push vs. Pull
22:00 M&A Integrations: How It Actually Happens
30:00 Roadblocks: People, Culture, and “We’re Special” Syndrome
40:00 Standardization vs. Flexibility in Rollouts
48:00 ERP Selection: Process, Partners, and Politics
58:00 Risk Mitigation & Change Management
1:05:00 MES, Data Ownership & Operational Autonomy
1:18:00 AI & the Future of ERP
1:25:00 Career Advice from Tim
1:30:00 Final Thoughts & Book Recommendation

🎧 Listen to Episode 199 with Elvis (Talen) for more on ERP selection
👉 https://youtu.be/YOUR-LINK-HERE

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

In this episode recorded live at the ProveIt Conference, we sit down with Mark and Harry from Tatsoft, creators of the industrial IIoT platform Frameworks. We dive deep into how Tatsoft is redefining what a true industrial platform should be — built from the ground up for the factory floor, yet scalable across the enterprise.

Mark and Harry walk us through:

Their platform’s positioning as a SCADA, HMI, MES, and IIoT toolbox — all in one

How Frameworks handles real-time data, from connectivity (MQTT, OPC UA, SQL) to transformation and dynamic visualization

Why the “extra I in IIoT” matters when building for industrial environments

The challenges of IT/OT integration, people gaps, and legacy systems — and how Tatsoft tackles them head-on

A demo of their ProveIt solution, showing off auto-recognition of new assets, dynamic UI, and high-performance visualization across devices

Whether you’re an end user, system integrator, or OEM, this episode will help you understand how Tatsoft’s Frameworks V10 is enabling fast, scalable, and future-proof industrial applications — without compromise.

🔗 Learn more about Tatsoft: https://www.tatsoft.com
🎥 Live from the show floor at ProveIt 2025.
📅 Watch Manufacturing Hub live every Wednesday at 4PM ET.
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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek

Welcome back to Manufacturing Hub! This March 2025, we’re diving deep into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), exploring its critical role in manufacturing, the challenges of implementation, and the future of ERP solutions. This episode is sponsored by Talan, a leading firm specializing in ERP adoption, migration, and integration.

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have been a cornerstone of manufacturing operations for decades. They provide a centralized platform for managing finance, supply chain, inventory, production, logistics, and human resources. As digital transformation accelerates, ERP systems are evolving with advancements in cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and industrial data analytics. With an increasing number of manufacturers shifting from legacy on-premise systems to cloud-based ERP solutions, the landscape is rapidly changing.

Our guest, Elvis Burcul, brings over 30 years of experience in enterprise solutions, asset-intensive industries, and ERP deployments. In this episode, we explore:

✔️ His journey from electrical engineering to enterprise systems
✔️ ERP fundamentals – What it is, why it matters, and key challenges in implementation
✔️ Triggers for ERP investment – When should companies consider upgrading or migrating?
✔️ ERP vendor landscape – From industry giants (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft) to emerging, specialized solutions
✔️ The impact of AI, cloud computing, and data strategy on ERP decision-making
✔️ How to avoid implementation fatigue and ensure a smooth rollout
✔️ The importance of governance, integration, and aligning ERP with business goals

Why ERP Matters More Than Ever
ERP systems continue to play a fundamental role in manufacturing, with nearly half of all manufacturers actively using or considering ERP solutions. The ERP market has grown significantly in recent years and is expected to nearly double in size over the next decade. As companies look for ways to enhance efficiency and streamline operations, ERP adoption is increasingly seen as a competitive necessity rather than a luxury.

However, ERP implementations can be complex and costly, often taking years to fully integrate into a company’s workflow. Implementation fatigue, outdated data governance practices, and the struggle to extract meaningful insights from collected data remain significant barriers. A well-executed ERP strategy requires a clear roadmap, strong leadership support, and ongoing engagement with stakeholders to ensure long-term success.

AI, Cloud, and the Future of ERP
AI-powered ERP systems are now capable of predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and real-time decision-making, helping manufacturers optimize performance. Cloud-based ERP solutions are also reshaping the industry by providing greater scalability, accessibility, and security. The shift to cloud ERP allows companies to reduce infrastructure costs while improving data-driven decision-making through better integration with industrial IoT and other smart manufacturing technologies.

📢 Interested in ERP adoption or optimization? Connect with Elvis and the Talan team at Talan.com or visit them at the American Manufacturing Summit in Chicago (March 19-20, 2025).

🎧 Subscribe & Follow Us for more deep dives into manufacturing, automation, and digital transformation!

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

Welcome to Episode 198 of Manufacturing Hub with Vlad and Dave!

This week, we’re diving into a full recap of the Prove It conference—one of the biggest and most talked-about industrial automation events, held last week in Dallas, Texas. If you've been anywhere near LinkedIn, you've probably seen the buzz!

What made Prove It different?

A real-world factory simulation with imperfect data
40 vendors challenged to "prove" their solutions in real time
Hard-hitting questions: What problem did you solve? How long did it take? How much did it cost?
A no-fluff format with tough audience Q&A
Our Key Takeaways:
✅ What It Means to "Prove It" – Success stories and areas for improvement
✅ The Best (and Not-So-Great) Presentations – What set some companies apart?
✅ Innovative Solutions & New Product Announcements – Highlights from HiveMQ Pulse, Litmus AI, Flow’s Timebase, and more
✅ The Role of Integrators – How firms like MAC Controls, JPI Solutions, and Concept Reply demonstrated practical applications
✅ The Future of Prove It – What we'd like to see in 2026

Join us as we break down the most exciting presentations, the surprises, the challenges, and the opportunities ahead in industrial automation.

Next Month: We’re diving deep into ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) in manufacturing! We’ll bring in experts, consultants, and end-users to discuss ERP selection, implementation, and optimization.

💬 Did you attend Prove It? What were your key takeaways? Let us know in the comments!

🎧 Listen, subscribe, and leave us a 5-star review on your favorite podcast platform! 🚀

#ManufacturingHub #ProveIt #IndustrialAutomation #ERP #IIoT #DigitalTransformation

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

We’re coming to you LIVE from the ProveIt Conference in Dallas, TX, where we’re witnessing one of the most groundbreaking manufacturing and industrial automation events in history. Hosted by Walker Reynolds and the 4.0 Solutions team, ProveIt brings together 36+ vendors, industry leaders, and a massive community to showcase real-world digital transformation solutions—all connected to a unified namespace (UNS) virtual factory.

In this episode, Dave and Vlad from Manufacturing Hub go behind the scenes with Walker Reynolds, discussing:
✅ The vision behind ProveIt – What it takes to create a community-driven industry event
✅ How vendors were challenged to solve real-world problems using real factory data
✅ Key takeaways from top presentations – Tulip, Litmus, Concept Reply/Snowflake, Google Cloud, Dell Native Edge, and more
✅ Lessons learned from integrating 36 vendors into a single, fully functional UNS
✅ The future of ProveIt – What’s coming for 2026 and beyond

🎯 Who should watch?
If you’re a manufacturing professional, systems integrator, engineer, or IT/OT leader, this episode is for you. Learn what’s working right now in digital transformation and how companies are leveraging UNS, MQTT, AI, and industrial software solutions to drive real results.

🔗 Key Topics & Timestamps
⏳ 00:00 – Welcome to Day 2 of ProveIt
⏳ 02:15 – Special thanks to Walker Reynolds and the ProveIt team
⏳ 05:30 – What makes ProveIt unique in the industry
⏳ 10:45 – Unified Namespace (UNS) and why it matters
⏳ 15:20 – Behind the scenes of the ProveIt Virtual Factory
⏳ 20:00 – Standout vendor presentations: Tulip, Litmus, Snowflake, Google Cloud, Dell
⏳ 35:10 – Hardest-hitting audience questions and responses
⏳ 50:45 – How ProveIt is changing the game for vendors & integrators
⏳ 01:05:30 – The future of ProveIt: Scaling up for 2026
⏳ 01:15:10 – Final thoughts and next steps

💡 Featured Companies & Solutions
⭐ HiveMQ – Industrial MQTT broker & Pulse Data Management
⭐ Litmus – AI-driven industrial data and UNS integration
⭐ Tulip – No-code MES and operator-driven solutions
⭐ Concept Reply / Snowflake – Cloud analytics & AI-powered manufacturing intelligence
⭐ Google Cloud – AI-powered industrial solutions
⭐ Dell Native Edge – Enterprise-scale infrastructure management
⭐ Siemens WinCC OA – Advanced industrial SCADA solutions

👥 Join the Community
🔗 ProveIt Discord Server
🔗 Manufacturing Hub Podcast on LinkedIn
🔗 Walker Reynolds & 4.0 Solutions

🔥 If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated with the latest in manufacturing, automation, and digital transformation! 🔥

#ManufacturingHub #ProveIt2025 #Industry40 #UnifiedNamespace #DigitalTransformation #MQTT #IndustrialAutomation #SmartManufacturing

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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• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• 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