RUN MODE: An Industrial Automation Podcast

In this episode of Run Mode, host Terry Busch sits down with Mitch Lawrence from Eplan to discuss the powerful capabilities of the Eplan platform. From electrical design to automation and mechatronics, we explore how Eplan helps engineers streamline workflows, reduce design errors, and accelerate project timelines. Mitch shares insights on how Eplan integrates into modern engineering environments, has a data portal with millions of products, and empowers teams to work smarter and faster. Whether you're in panel design, control systems, or multidisciplinary engineering, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for boosting your engineering efficiency.

Rittal is renowned for its comprehensive range of enclosures and housing solutions tailored to diverse industrial needs. From the innovative TS 8 Power Isolation Enclosure system, designed for optimal space utilization and modularity, to specialized enclosures for hygienic applications in the food and beverage industry, Rittal ensures robust, adaptable, and high-quality solutions for any environment.

Explore the innovative solutions from Rittal in our recent RUN MODE podcast episode, where we discuss our partnership, offerings, and their impact on industrial applications. Join us to learn more about how these technologies drive advancements in the industry.

Join us in this episode of RUN MODE as we spotlight Festo, a trusted partner in industrial automation and pneumatics. Discover how Power/mation and Festo joined forces to meet customer needs, innovate pneumatic solutions, and improve automation processes. Featuring insights from Power/mation’s Lance Waffensmith and David Ellers, along with John Bauer from Festo, we discuss the history of this partnership, Festo’s approach to efficient automation, and the latest innovations driving the industry forward.

Tune in to learn how Power/mation and Festo are shaping the future of pneumatics and industrial automation! 

Key Topics Covered:

The Power/mation and Festo partnership

Terry Busch sits down with Jeff Johnson, Business Development Manager for safety solutions and B11 LMSS™ Licensed Machinery Safety Specialist, to talk about the value of machine functional safety in manufacturing environments.

Welcome to RUN MODE, an industrial automation podcast hosted by Terry Busch. In this episode, Terry moderates a discussion with JD Teter, a robotics expert; Jeff Johnson, a safety expert; and Al Rausch, the president of Power/mation.

Recorded live at the grand opening of our new fulfillment center in St. Paul, Minnesota, our expert panel discusses how addressing the "3 D's"—Dull, Dirty, and Dangerous—can improve your industrial automation strategy. Learn how integrating robotics can significantly enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity in challenging environments.

Whether you're just starting with robotics or looking to optimize your existing systems, this episode provides valuable insights to help you take the next step in industrial automation.

In this episode, we sit down with some of our talented Technical Sales Associates (TSAs) to explore their journeys from recent college graduates to key players in industrial automation.

Terry Busch interviews TSA alumnus and program leader, Andrew Jagger, along with current TSAs Adam Bohn, Cody Branch, and Mikal Hofstad. Discover how the program equips participants with the skills and confidence needed for customer-facing roles, combining technical training with real-world applications.

During the news segment, we cover NIS2 compliance and its implications for various sectors, including energy, transportation, banking, and more. Terry also breaks down the differences between Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL), highlighting their applications in industrial automation.

In this episode, Terry Busch dives deeper into Power/mation's product offerings including sensing and inspection, connectors and cabling, logic control and visualization, robotics, pneumatics, enclosures, machine safety, and motion control.

Terry also touches on pertinent industry news examining the correlation between automation and artificial intelligence and the potential implications on certain job sectors.

Our special guest this episode is Ameer Ratrout, Sales Engineer from Phoenix Contact. Ameer elaborates on Phoenix Contact's focus on power quality, discussing the dire consequences and potential issues that can arise without robust power reliability.

Join Terry Busch, a seasoned business development manager for logic controls, IIoT, and motion, as he hosts an insightful discussion with Stephen Leeds, a senior account manager at Power/mation, on the evolution of high-tech automation, a brief history of the company, and why automation is crucial for the United States and globally.