Get a firsthand look into the heart of Australian manufacturing as hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes sit down with Shane Williams and Paul Mason, two prominent voices from the Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast. This episode examines the practical sides of digital transformation—beyond the buzzwords—to the real drivers, pain points, and breakthrough strategies shaping factories across the country.

Listen in as the group compares IT and OT perspectives, highlights the evolving role of data, addresses challenges with legacy systems, and discusses how Australian businesses are tackling integration, culture, and rapid technological change. Candid stories from the plant floor meet sharp industry analysis, making this an essential listen for anyone invested in the future of manufacturing, automation, and technology adoption in Australia.

Topics include:

• Continuous improvement vs. digital transformation
• The value of real-time data and integration of old and new tech
• Breaking down IT/OT silos through collaboration
• The impact of AI and machine learning on manufacturing processes
• Shifting business models—from selling products to selling services
• Tips for setting a strong strategy and finding quick wins
• 
  

Listen to the Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/6Gzc6XBnjTP0WRw9g891IP

Connect with Shane on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanewilliamsau/

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdmason/

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

Hans Schrynemakers joins hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes to discuss his journey from frustrated nights on the factory floor to becoming an advocate for structured, modular PLC programming. Hans brings over 20 years of automation experience, sharing hard-earned knowledge on building scalable, maintainable industrial applications. The conversation spans practical strategies for naming conventions, documentation, and the role of comments, as well as his approach to training engineers worldwide. The episode also covers modernization projects, motion control, and the future of PLC programming in an AI-driven world.

About Hans:

Hans Schrynemakers has helped thousands of PLC programmers transform the way they build applications in TIA Portal. Twenty-three years ago, he was a rookie struggling with messy, unstructured PLC code. After a rough night on the factory floor, he discovered structured programming—a turning point that completely changed his perspective and revealed the difference between average logic and modular, scalable applications.

Today, with over two decades of experience, Hans is dedicated to helping others skip the struggles he once faced and start programming with confidence.

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 Hans:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-schrynemakers⁠

Other ways to connect with Hans:

Free TIA Portal guide:

https://www.plcskilltree.com/free-guide-optin

YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@plcskilltree

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plcskilltree?igsh=MWlxN2piNnA0djBxcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

—————

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

Phil and Ed sit down with Alex Sims, Technical Support Lead at Caliper. With a background as a qualified electrician and data technician, Alex offers a unique perspective on how practical trades experience can shape and refine IoT solutions for industrial and environmental challenges. The conversation uncovers practical stories from deploying climate sensors to protect bat colonies, managing connectivity in tough environments, and creating scalable, user-friendly IIoT products for real-world scenarios.

From tackling the steep learning curve of IoT as a tradie to overcoming industry-wide issues of scalability, integration, and support, Alex shares lessons learned on the plant floor and in the field. Gain a better understanding of the user experience for installers, the importance of open protocols, what to look for in an IIoT vendor, and the balance between public and private connectivity networks for industrial devices. Perfect for tradespeople, early-career tech professionals, and anyone interested in how field experience informs digital innovation and automation in industry.

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-sims-9b0490153/

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

Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes sit down with Melvin Francis, a research-driven engineer and technical marketing leader at BE Services, for a packed conversation on the realities of real-time industrial automation, edge AI, and the technical leaps powering Industry 4.0. Melvin shares his hands-on journey from developing open-source real-time Ethernet protocols in India to driving innovation in Germany’s advanced manufacturing sector.

This episode covers the critical distinction between real-time performance and speed in OT environments, the impact of edge AI on traditional cloud models, and the emerging value of time-sensitive networking (TSN) for seamless integration of IT and OT data flows. Melvin offers firsthand anecdotes, technical clarity, and live walkthroughs—including a look at BE Services’ AIoT edge solution—while discussing practical approaches for modernizing brownfield systems, achieving high-precision motion control, and bridging the skills gap in industrial digitalization. Perfect for engineers, automation leaders, and anyone seeking a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities of modern industrial networks.

Connect with Melvin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvin-francis/

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

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