This special episode of Unplugged is brought to you by our sponsor, Inductive Automation and marks our first-ever in-person recording.

Join hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes as they sit down live with Colby Clegg, CEO of Inductive Automation, for an in-depth conversation on the future of industrial automation and the evolution of the Ignition platform.

Colby shares insights into the upcoming Ignition 8.3 release, a major milestone that wraps up a multi-year vision. The discussion explores powerful new features like source control, deployment modes, and event streaming, while diving into broader industry shifts like the rise of DevOps, smarter data management, and the role of AI within Ignition’s future.

You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at the growing Ignition Community Conference (ICC) — including its move to a new venue, the introduction of ProveIT! showcases, and the company’s push to foster a more connected, global community.

From stories of Ignition’s early days to lessons in scaling a software company, Colby offers honest reflections on leadership, innovation, and what’s next for the industrial tech world.

Whether you're an integrator, end-user, or automation enthusiast, this episode delivers a rare, inside look at where the industry is headed — and how the Ignition ecosystem continues to lead the way.

-----

This episode is proudly sponsored by Inductive Automation.

Get ready for the premier event in industrial automation — the Ignition Community Conference (ICC), happening September 16–18 in Sacramento, California.

ICC brings together over 1,000 industry professionals, 50 expert speakers, and 40+ exhibitors showcasing the latest in automation tech. It’s your chance to dive into powerful sessions, explore real-world solutions, and connect with the brightest minds in the Ignition community.

New this year:

• ProveIT! Showcases – Watch real Industry 4.0 challenges solved live

• The Co-Lab Rooms – Meet session speakers, sharpen your skills, and network hands-on

  
  

Whether you join in person or via the livestream, ICC is your opportunity to level up, stay ahead, and be part of the future of industrial innovation.

🎟️ Grab your  ICC Mate's Rate Ticket ($100 off) or livestream pass at:

https://icc.inductiveautomation.com/register?promo=levelUPAU25

Promo Code: levelUPAU25

(This promotion is limited to the first 30 registrants and valid through August 17th, 2025)

----

Connect with Colby on LinkedIn: https://youtu.be/WhdIv8mK_Zk

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/

#ICCLevelUp

Jan Madsen, founder of Enuda, shares his unique perspective on systems integration in Europe and what it means to build an Ignition-only team that bridges the gap between operations and finance.

Jan shares real stories from the plant floor, practical lessons from failed and successful projects, and why sticking to timeless business fundamentals outlasts chasing the latest tech trends. He shares insights on fostering a remote team of talented young engineers, the challenges and rewards of focusing solely on Ignition, the ongoing shift toward MQTT in industrial protocols, and why clear communication is often more valuable than technical prowess.

The conversation also dives into how companies can move from endless proof-of-concept limbo to real value creation, and the importance of having a true north compass in both business and integration projects.

Connect with Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmadsen/

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/

Engineer, content creator, and IIoT educator, Zack Scriven, joins Phil and Ed for a wide-ranging discussion on the evolution of industrial digital transformation, the impact of authentic content creation, and the power of community.

Zack shares his story from being introduced to SCADA at a young age, to taking part in award-winning industry projects, to building one of the most recognized educational brands around Industry 4.0.

This episode covers the rise of the unified namespace, practical realities behind successful digital strategies, the importance of intuitive design in industrial systems, and the value of starting small when driving change.

Whether you’re a manufacturer, system integrator, or simply intrigued by the future of automation, this episode offers real-world perspectives and inspiration from the front lines of smart manufacturing.

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 Zack on LinkedIn:

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

Matthew D. Smith, CEO of fieldcloud SAS, joins host Phil Seboa for an energetic and eye-opening episode focused on industrial connectivity, retro computing, and bridging cultural divides in global automation projects. With decades of experience in IT, SCADA, and telecoms, Matthew shares his background working on legacy systems at Eskom, inventive projects in the oil and gas sector, and the practical realities of deploying IIoT solutions in some of the world’s toughest environments. Learn how fieldcloud SAS approaches obsolescence, knowledge transfer, and the challenges of language and culture in international fieldwork.

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 Matthew on LinkedIn:

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

-------------------

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

Vladimir Romanov joins Phil Seboa to break down what it truly takes to shift legacy manufacturing systems into modern, data-driven operations. Bringing stories from the plant floor and insight from his time at ProveIt, Vlad reflects on the messy reality of automation upgrades, extracting meaningful data, and managing challenging change on both technical and human fronts. The episode. brought to you by our friends at Inductive Automation, goes beyond software hype, revealing the tough questions around ROI, assessing what to modernize, how to contextualize process data, and why education and buy-in matter more than the flashiest technology. Expect candid anecdotes, actionable strategies for bridging OT and IT, and a thought-provoking look at what actually works when pushing the boundaries of industrial automation.

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

-------

Connect with Vladimir on LinkedIn:

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

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

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/

------

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

-----

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

---------------

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