Brandon Artz joins Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes for a wide-ranging conversation on the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping industrial automation and cybersecurity. From lessons learned bridging the divide between IT and OT teams, to candid stories about documentation mishaps, air-gapping missteps, and sticky financial roadblocks, Brandon’s hands-on perspective demystifies the complexities of smart manufacturing. Throughout the discussion, listeners will hear practical tips on proactive risk management, the impact of soft skills like communication and conflict resolution, and how cross-disciplinary curiosity fueled by everything from Linux tinkering to DIY AI at home can shape a successful career. Packed with insights about the evolving landscape of smart factories, knowledge sharing, and the importance of upskilling across disciplines, this episode is a must-hear for anyone interested in the current and future state of industrial IoT.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonartz76273967/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

From the high-security demands of airports to the everyday comfort of smart homes, Alby Eckel shares his unique path from aviation industry specialist to founder of his own automation business. This episode uncovers what really happens behind the scenes in airport operations, the challenges of integrating legacy systems, and the opportunities IoT solutions are bringing to both large-scale infrastructure and Australian agriculture. Hear practical stories about predictive maintenance, data-driven farming, and how making technology approachable for end users, whether they're farmers or homeowners—is accelerating smarter, safer experiences. Insights on regulations, radio tech, and the shifting landscape of automation make this episode a must-listen for anyone curious about the hidden world of industrial and smart home technology.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Connect with Alby on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/albyeckel/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Join hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes as they sit down with Rafael Amaral, CTO and cofounder of TilliT. With decades of hands-on manufacturing and IT experience, Rafael shares his perspective on bridging the gap between the shop floor and digital tools. They examine the challenges manufacturers face in moving away from paperwork and spreadsheets, misconceptions around MES, and what it really takes to achieve user-friendly digital transformation.

Rafael discusses lessons learned from early MES projects, why operator-first design matters, and how making manufacturing systems simpler without losing capability is possible. The conversation covers effective strategies for moving from manual data capture to real-time IoT integration, building ROI for digital projects, and fostering a management-driven approach to factory operations.

Whether you’re curious about the future of MES, interested in AI’s practical applications on the factory floor, or want advice on starting your own automation journey, this episode offers practical wisdom straight from the frontlines of industrial digitalization.

Connect with Rafael on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-tillit/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about TilliT: https://gotillit.com/

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About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

In this episode of Unplugged, Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes sit down with Jarith Fry, the SCADA and Systems Engineering Manager at Highland Pine Products. Jarith, an experienced engineer and innovator, shares his journey from Washington State, where he developed a passion for robotics inspired by his favorite superhero, Iron Man. Transitioning from integrator to end user, Jarith discusses the challenges and successes of modernizing equipment at Highland Pine, including moving from legacy systems to state-of-the-art technologies like Ignition. He also touches on the importance of community and training, security concerns, and innovative projects both at work and home. Tune in to learn about Jarith's insights on automation, the timber industry, and the future of industrial IoT.👉 Connect with Jarith on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarith-fry-45260b175/👉 Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/👉 Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/—————————-About Industry Sage Media:Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry. 🔗 Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

In this special episode brought to you by Inductive Automation, hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes welcome back Arlen Nipper, a pioneer in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and co-inventor of MQTT. Arlen takes us on a deep dive into the latest advancements from Cirrus Link with a special focus and Unified Namespace (UNS) demo.

Discover how the UNS concept is transforming data management in industrial systems by providing a structured and scalable way to organize and access data. Arlen walks us through the new enhancements to the Cirrus Link portfolio, including the MQTT engine's ability to generate a more organized UNS view and the advantages of leveraging Ignition for seamless application development.

Join us as Arlen showcases the power of the UNS, from edge nodes to cloud databases, and reveals how these new tools empower industries to achieve digital transformation effortlessly. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or an industry expert, this episode offers invaluable insights into the world of IoT and the future of industrial automation.

**This episode is best experienced by watching the video podcast version or watching the video episode over on YouTube.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/q4eXXy1Fm1s

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About Our Episode Sponsor: Inductive Automation:

By cross-pollinating IT with SCADA technologies, Inductive Automation created Ignition software, the first universal industrial application platform with unlimited potential. Ignition empowers industrial organizations to swiftly turn great ideas into reality by removing technological and economic obstacles.Ignition brings affordable Digital Transformation to your industrial operations. For the low cost of one server license, you can connect all your devices, collect more data than ever, create an unlimited number of tags, and add as many users as you need — no extra charges or hidden fees. Plus, the Ignition Designer helps you build any custom application and instantly web-deploy it to any industrial display or mobile device.Try Ignition today with a free 2-hour trial that you can reset an unlimited number of times.

Download Ignition Free Trial at: ⁠ https://go.industrysagemedia.com/ignition

Visit Inductive Automation: ⁠https://www.inductiveautomation.com⁠

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Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Connect with Arlen on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/arlen-nipper-42281057/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

In this episode brought to you by Inductive Automation, Phil Seboa sits down with Vice President of Opto22, Benson Hoagland. Benson brings his 30 years of experience in industrial automation and IoT to discuss the benefits of Ignition by Inductive Automation along with his intriguing journey into the world of automation and IoT. They also discuss the growth of home automation, the importance of interoperability, and their experiences from the recent ProveIt conference.

About Inductive Automation:

By cross-pollinating IT with SCADA technologies, Inductive Automation created Ignition software, the first universal industrial application platform with unlimited potential. Ignition empowers industrial organizations to swiftly turn great ideas into reality by removing technological and economic obstacles.

Ignition brings affordable Digital Transformation to your industrial operations. For the low cost of one server license, you can connect all your devices, collect more data than ever, create an unlimited number of tags, and add as many users as you need — no extra charges or hidden fees. Plus, the Ignition Designer helps you build any custom application and instantly web-deploy it to any industrial display or mobile device.

Try Ignition today with a free 2-hour trial that you can reset an unlimited number of times.

Learn More and Download Ignition Free Trial at: https://go.industrysagemedia.com/ignition

Visit Inductive Automation: https://www.inductiveautomation.com

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Connect with Benson on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhougland/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

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About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

This week we're joined by Alex Marcy, CEO, and Founder of Corso Systems. With over 13 years of experience in industrial internet things (IoT) and automation. Learn how Corso Systems has transformed manufacturing, the challenges faced along the way, and the passion driving their success. You'll also gain insights on suitable business practices, the transition to innovative IoT projects, and the promising future of automation.

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Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-marcy-599378251/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about Corso System: http://www.corsosystems.com/

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About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

In this episode, Ed and Phil are joined by Dr. Ana Kuusk, a senior advisor and expert in data integration and digital transformation. Ana brings a wealth of experience spanning mining, defense, utilities, and more, sharing her journey into the industry and her fascination with data from a young age. This episode breaks down the intricacies of IT and OT integration, where Ana explains the importance of collaboration between these traditionally separate fields. Ana also discusses the trends in digital twins, AI, and the merging architecture in industrial technology.

This episode is a must-listen for those interested in the operational technology landscape and the future of data-driven decision-making.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Connect with Ana on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-kuusk911/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at:http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Rajvir Singh, founder of "Code and Compile," joins hosts Ed Fuentes and Phil Seboa to discuss his journey from mechatronics engineer to educator, sharing insights on the most popular courses in PLC programming and Node RED.

This episode offers a deep dive into the role digital twins play in both education and industry, explores cybersecurity considerations, and dissects practical applications of automation technology using affordable tools like Raspberry Pi.

Rajvir was also kind enough to provide a discount to "Code and Compile" to our listeners, perfect to anyone looking to advance their skills in industrial automation, making it a must-listen for aspiring and seasoned professionals alike.

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Connect with Rajvir on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/singhrajvir/

Join Code and Compile (Use code "UNPLUGGED30" for 30% Discount): https://www.codeandcompile.com/

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

On this episode of Unplugged, hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes dive into the world of industrial analytics with Graeme Welton, CEO and Founder of Flow Software, and Managing Partner, Jeff Knepper. They discuss the origins of Flow Software, the challenges it addresses in data management and digital transformation, and its innovative unified analytics framework.

The episode also touches on the team's latest project, Timebase, a free time series historian. Join us for an engaging conversation on how Flow is driving change in the industrial IoT space.

Connect with Graeme on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemewelton/

Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-knepper/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about Flow Software:

https://www.flow-software.com/

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About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com