Here's a take that might surprise you: manufacturing has had AI longer than almost any other industry.

In this episode — "Your Factory Already Runs on AI — You Just Don't Call It That" — Rob Jolliffe, CEO of Sabre Limited, wraps up his conversation with hosts Jeff and Scott Brickler by tackling the AI hype head-on. Rob makes the case that MRP is an expert system, manufacturing has been running on AI for decades — so why does the current conversation feel so disconnected?

The discussion covers why AI pitches keep missing the mark with manufacturers, where the real opportunity lies (it's not replacing what already works), and practical use cases like automated vendor follow-up, real-time material substitution, and intelligent PO review. Rob and Scott explore why the most valuable AI applications are the tasks that are too onerous for humans at scale but too costly to skip.

Key Takeaways:

• MRP and finite capacity planning are expert systems — manufacturing has had AI for decades
• Current AI pitches often try to solve problems existing systems already handle
• The real opportunity is in tasks too onerous for humans: vendor follow-up, PO review, material substitutions
• AI should enable the thousands of small decisions humans currently skip
• Business Central's extension model allows add-ons to coexist without conflict
• Goldratt's insight: the obvious use case for new technology is rarely the most valuable one

Connect with our guest: Rob Jolliffe | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjolliffe/ Sabre Limited: https://www.sabrelimited.com

Follow CADTALK: CADTALK's Website: https://cadtalk.com Follow CADTALK on YouTube (video episodes found here): https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667 Follow CADTALK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

Why do standard ERP production modules keep failing engineer-to-order manufacturers?

In this episode — “Build-A-Bear ERP: Why Configurable Beats Custom for ETO Manufacturers” — Rob Jolliffe, CEO of Sabre Limited, continues his conversation with hosts Jeff and Scott Brickler, diving deep into the unique challenges of ETO manufacturing in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central. Rob shares the story of a die builder whose million-dollar product was held up by a $10 guide pin, and explains why the Projects module — not production orders — is the right approach for ETO companies in BC.

The conversation covers why traditional production modules make a fatal assumption for ETO, how Business Central’s AppSource ecosystem creates a “Build-A-Bear ERP” that can be configured without customization, and what ETO manufacturers should look for in a BC partner.

Key Takeaways:

- Standard ERP production modules assume R&D is complete — a fatal mismatch for ETO

- Business Central’s Projects module handles phased BOMs, progressive invoicing, and engineering-to-purchasing coordination

- The AppSource ecosystem (9,000+ apps) creates competitive pressure that keeps add-ons innovating

- The “Build-A-Bear ERP” model gives BC long-term staying power vs. monolithic competitors

- Not every BC partner understands ETO — ask about their Projects methodology before signing

- CAD integration readiness is a critical success factor for ETO implementations

Connect with our guest:

Rob Jolliffe | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjolliffe/

Sabre Limited: https://www.sabrelimited.com

Follow CADTALK:

CADTALK’s Website: https://cadtalk.com

Follow CADTALK on YouTube (video episodes found here): https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667

Follow CADTALK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to ETO Manufacturing Challenges

01:45 The Million-Dollar Die Story

04:00 Why Production Modules Fail ETO

06:15 The Valve Assembly Example

08:00 Why Projects Beat Production Orders in Business Central

10:15 Phased BOMs, Progressive Invoicing, and Onsite Work Tracking

12:00 Business Central vs. Infor: Scoring Manufacturing and Accounting

13:45 The AppSource Ecosystem and the “Build-A-Bear ERP”

15:30 What to Look for in a BC Partner for ETO

17:00 CAD Integration Readiness and the Role of CADTALK

Why do most ERP projects still bill by the hour — when no manufacturer would ever charge their own customers that way?

In this episode, Rob Jolliffe, CEO of Sabre Limited, joins hosts Jeff and Scott Brickler to challenge one of the ERP industry’s most deeply embedded practices: time-and-material billing. Rob shares how a blunt question from a production manager forced him to rethink how he runs projects — and how the fixed-fee model he built at Sabre has changed outcomes for his customers.

Rob breaks down how he applies Eli Goldratt’s Theory of Constraints and lean manufacturing principles to ERP projects, why tiered packaging nearly eliminates scope creep, and why a mandatory post-go-live support contract was the single best decision he’s made for customer retention.

Whether you’re evaluating ERP partners, planning a Business Central implementation, or just tired of surprise invoices — this one’s for you.

Key Takeaways:

- Time-and-material billing creates perverse incentives

- Fixed-fee pricing forces process discipline and consistency

- Tiered packaging nearly eliminates scope creep

- Lean manufacturing principles apply directly to ERP project management

- A mandatory post-go-live support contract removes the fear of calling for help

- Operations managers (not traditional PMs) drive consistency across all projects

Connect with our guest:

Rob Jolliffe | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjolliffe/

Sabre Limited: https://www.sabrelimited.com

Follow CADTALK:

CADTALK’s Website: https://cadtalk.com

Follow CADTALK on YouTube (video episodes found here): https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667

Follow CADTALK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

02:30 Rob Jolliffe’s Background in Manufacturing and ERP

05:15 The Question That Changed Everything

08:00 Why Time-and-Material Billing Creates Perverse Incentives

11:00 How Fixed-Fee Implementation Actually Works

14:30 Tiered Packaging: Managing Scope Without Arguments

17:15 Shifting the Right Work to Customers

19:30 Applying Lean Thinking and Theory of Constraints to ERP Projects

21:45 Operations Managers vs. Traditional Project Managers

23:00 The Mandatory One-Year Support Contract

This episode is part of our "Future-Proof" mini-series on the Integrate Intelligently Podcast. Over three episodes, we're exploring how manufacturing leaders can build AI-ready teams—from understanding the technology to attracting talent to creating a culture that embraces change. Download our companion guide "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" linked below.

From Doer to Director: How to Build an AI-Ready Manufacturing Team

AI adoption isn't optional—it's inevitable. In this series finale, we tackle the human side of AI transformation: overcoming fear, building an AI-fluent culture, and developing the skills that will matter most in the years ahead.

In this episode:

• Why "truth-seeking and truth-telling" is the foundation of AI leadership
• The 92% rule: automate most of your job, then direct the rest
• Why learning isn't an event—it's a compounding process
• The irony: to avoid being replaced by AI, you need to learn AI
• Why people won't be replaced by AI—they'll be replaced by people using AI

Featured insight: "The irony to not be replaced by AI is to learn AI."

Resources:

- Download the guide: "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" | https://cadtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AI-and-Talent-Acquisition.pdf

- Try the ROI Calculator: https://cadtalk.com/calculating-the-cadtalk-difference/

- Request a demo: https://cadtalk.com/demo/

Connect with us:

Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/

Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/

#ManufacturingAI #DigitalTransformation #IntegrateIntelligently

This episode is part of our "Future-Proof" mini-series on the Integrate Intelligently Podcast. Over three episodes, we're exploring how manufacturing leaders can build AI-ready teams—from understanding the technology to attracting talent to creating a culture that embraces change. Download our companion guide "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" linked below.

The Compelling Vision: Why AI is Your Secret Weapon for Recruiting

The talent crisis in manufacturing is real—baby boomers are retiring, fewer young people are entering the industry, and you're competing with the Teslas and SpaceXs of the world. In this episode, we explore how AI can transform your recruiting process AND make your company more attractive to top talent.

In this episode:

• Why "hiring is a sales funnel"—and how AI applies to every stage
• Using AI for candidate scoring, outreach automation, and interview analysis
• The difference between a "career" and a "job"—and why your AI vision matters
• How to position even traditional manufacturing roles as exciting opportunities
• Capturing institutional knowledge before it walks out the door

Featured insight: "The thing that attracts people to a company is a compelling vision... the difference between a career and a job."

Resources:

- Download the guide: "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce"

- Try the ROI Calculator

- Request a demo

Connect with us:

Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/

Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/

#ManufacturingAI #DigitalTransformation #IntegrateIntelligently

This episode is part of our "Future-Proof" mini-series on the Integrate Intelligently Podcast. Over three episodes, we're exploring how manufacturing leaders can build AI-ready teams—from understanding the technology to attracting talent to creating a culture that embraces change. Download our companion guide "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce" linked below.

On-Demand Humanity: Understanding AI's Real Potential in Manufacturing

Everyone's talking about AI—but most of the conversation swings between utopia and dystopia. In this episode, we cut through the noise with a practical look at what AI actually is, where it came from, and why manufacturing is uniquely positioned to benefit.

In this episode:

- Why AI felt "sudden" (hint: exponential curves are deceiving)

- The difference between generative AI and other forms of AI - Why LLMs are essentially "on-demand humanity"—and why they hallucinate just like humans do

- How CADTALK became the first AI-driven integration in our space back in 2019

- Why manufacturing has massive untapped potential for AI adoption

Resources:

- Download the guide: "The Manufacturer's Guide to Building an AI-Ready Workforce"

- Try the ROI Calculator

- Request a demo

Connect with us:

Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/

Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/

#ManufacturingAI #DigitalTransformation #IntegrateIntelligently

Most companies spend millions buying a business, then try to save $50K on integration help. That's what Steve Nunn calls "stepping over dollars to pick up nickels." In this episode, Scott Brickler sits down with Steve Nunn—CEO of Intista and the expert who guided CADTALK through the acquisition and integration of Elmo Solutions. This isn't your typical M&A success story about financial engineering and cost savings. It's about what actually happens after you sign the papers—and why most acquisitions fail at exactly that point.

Steve specializes in small-to-mid-sized business acquisitions (up to $1B) where success isn't measured by layoffs and synergies, but by whether your people stay, your culture survives, and your company can actually grow.

What You'll Learn:

- Why small business acquisitions need a fundamentally different approach than the airline mergers you see on the news

- The hidden costs sellers DON'T prepare for (spoiler: old computers are just the beginning)

- How to keep key employees engaged when they're expecting pink slips

- Why cultural differences matter more than you think (especially with Canadian/Quebec acquisitions)

- The "one word" that determines integration success

- When to bring in outside help vs. trying to DIY your integration

- Real talk about whether Scott would do it again (and what he'd do differently)

Key Insight:

The real work—and the real value—of an acquisition happens AFTER the signing. Most buyers focus on "can we afford this company?" when they should be asking "can we afford NOT to integrate it properly?"

Whether you're considering your first acquisition, you're a serial acquirer, or you're just curious about how businesses grow through M&A, this conversation reveals the reality behind the spreadsheets.

🔗 Connect with Steve Nunn: https://intista.com

🔗 Learn more about CADTALK: https://cadtalk.com

📧 Subscribe to our newsletter for more strategic insights

📋 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & Introduction 02:18 - How Steve Found His Calling in M&A Integration 07:14 - Small vs. Large Business Acquisitions: Why They're Different 11:16 - Scott's Decision to Hire an Integration Expert 16:38 - What to Expect: Planning the Elmo Integration 22:32 - Focus on People, Not Spreadsheets 27:26 - Cost vs. Value: The Nickels & Dollars Problem 33:21 - Cultural Challenges & What Surprised Scott 40:32 - Lessons Learned & Would They Do It Again? 46:00 - What's Next for Steve & Intista #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessAcquisitions #SmallBusiness #BusinessIntegration #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #MAStrategy #EntrepreneurPodcast

Download the free guide, "DFM for Design Engineers:" https://cadtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DFM-for-Design-Engineers.pdf

In this episode of the Integrate Intelligently podcast, Jeff Brickler and Scott Brickler delve into the intricacies of Design for Manufacturing (DFM). They discuss common mistakes made during the design phase, the importance of considering real-world assembly challenges, and how gravity and material choices can affect manufacturability. The conversation also highlights the growing significance of supply chain considerations in DFM and the potential for AI to revolutionize design processes in the future. Overall, the episode emphasizes the need for engineers to maintain a practical perspective during design and to engage in thorough design reviews to ensure manufacturability.

Takeaways

- Designing for manufacturing requires a practical approach.

- Common DFM mistakes include creating unmanufacturable designs.

- Assembly challenges often arise from poor design considerations.

- Utilizing gravity can simplify assembly processes.

- Material selection impacts both cost and manufacturability.

- Supply chain constraints must be integrated into design decisions.

- AI is poised to assist in future design and manufacturing processes.

- Engineers should conduct design reviews to ensure manufacturability.

- Real-world assembly scenarios should inform design choices.

- Collaboration between design and manufacturing teams is crucial

Sound Bites

"You CAN design things that are impossible to make."

"Design reviews are essential for manufacturability."

"AI-assisted design is definitely the future."

Download the free guide, "DFM for Design Engineers:" https://cadtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DFM-for-Design-Engineers.pdf

In this episode, Jeff and Scott Brickler explore the concept of Design for Manufacturing (DFM), discussing its importance, implementation, and the role of engineers in the process. They emphasize the need for early involvement in design, collaboration between teams, and the use of data and tools to streamline manufacturing processes. The conversation also highlights the significance of templates and principles that guide DFM practices across different companies.

Takeaways

-Design for Manufacturing (DFM) is essential for successful manufacturing.

-Early involvement in the design process leads to better outcomes.

-Engineers must consider manufacturability alongside functionality.

-Collaboration between design and manufacturing teams is crucial.

-Utilizing data effectively can enhance decision-making in DFM.

-Templates can simplify the design process and ensure consistency.

-DFM principles may vary based on company capabilities and resources.

-Feedback from customers is important for refining DFM practices.

-Making the right choice the easiest option encourages adherence to DFM principles.

-Iterative approaches can be beneficial in high-volume manufacturing.

Sound Bite

"Make the right thing the easiest thing."

Chapters

00:00 - The Importance of Early DFM Integration

01:32 - Iterative vs. Principles-Based DFM

04:42 - Collaboration Between Engineers and Manufacturing

09:32 - Leveraging Data for DFM

13:03 - Simplifying DFM Processes

14:05 - Design for Manufacturing Principles

15:57 - Best Practices in DFM

19:22 - Common DFM Mistakes

Download the free guide, "DFM for Design Engineers:" https://cadtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DFM-for-Design-Engineers.pdf

In this episode of the Integrate Intelligently podcast, Jeff and Scott Brickler discuss the concept of Design for Manufacturing (DFM). They explore its definition, importance in engineering, and how it optimizes the manufacturing process. The conversation delves into the balance between manufacturability and maintenance, the significance of consistency in production, and the challenges faced in high mix, low volume manufacturing. The episode serves as an introduction to DFM, setting the stage for deeper discussions in future episodes.

Key Takeaways

-DFM stands for Design for Manufacturing, focusing on optimizing designs for production. -Engineers must consider manufacturability during the design stage.

-Optimization in engineering often involves trade-offs between cost, speed, and ease of maintenance.

-High production environments benefit significantly from DFM principles.

-Consistency in raw materials can lead to efficiency in manufacturing processes.

-Designing for manufacturability can sometimes increase costs due to material choices.

-In low volume, high mix production, standardization is key to reducing lead times.

-DFM principles can vary based on the type of production and product mix.

-Understanding what to optimize for is crucial in engineering decisions.

-Future discussions will delve deeper into practical applications of DFM.

Sound Bites

"Engineering is a game of optimizations." "What are you trying to optimize for?" "Designing for manufacturability is key."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to DFM

01:15 - Understanding Design for Manufacturing

05:40 - Optimization in Engineering

08:28 - DFM in High Mix, Low Volume Manufacturing

12:03 - The Importance of Early DFM Integration

Connect with Us

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

Website - https://cadtalk.com/demo

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ew1yioTzMOqMvWQxN4eZX

LinkedIn

Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/

Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/