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The Industrial Talk Podcast Network

The Industrial Talk Podcast Network

By: The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie
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About this listen

 Industrial Talk is about celebrating the women and men of industry and manufacturing. We celebrate these innovative leaders and companies because they make our lives better and are changing the world for the better! These passionate leaders collaborate, innovate and educate with speed and purpose to positively impact people and communities around the world. Industrial Talk in collaboration with industry and manufacturing leaders address topics that include: Digital Transformation, Big Data, Industry 4.0, IoT, IIoT, AI, ML, Optimization, Edge, Cloud, Asset Reliability, Maintenance, 5G, Sales, Marketing and Branding and strategies for success. This is a podcast that is focused on Getting Stuff Done and learning from individuals and companies that have been there and have a track record of success. We celebrate a bright future in industry and manufacturing from with women and men dedicated to making our communities and world a better place.Copyright 2026 The Industrial Talk Podcast with Scott MacKenzie Economics Management Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • Klaus Andersen and Nils Olsson with Tacton

    Klaus Andersen and Nils Olsson with Tacton
    Feb 17 2026
    Industrial Talk is talking to Klaus Andersen and Nils Olsson with Tacton about "Redefining buyers engagement for manufactures of complex products". Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevo Tech, a company offering ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions, and then transitions to discussing Tacton, a Swedish company specializing in advanced manufacturing configuration. Tacton's CPQ solutions help customers configure complex equipment, supporting both direct sales and omnichannel interactions. The platform integrates with existing systems like CRM, PLM, and ERP, aiming to increase win rates, efficiency, and reduce errors. Tacton's AI capabilities can cut configuration time by up to 80% by structuring unstructured product data. Implementation times vary, typically between six months and a year, depending on the project's scope. Outline Introduction to Elevotec and Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott Mackenzie introduces Elevotec, highlighting their ERP, EAM, and business intelligence solutions.
    • Scott Mackenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
    • Scott Mackenzie introduces Klaus and Nils from Tacton, discussing their platform and its solutions for today's challenges.
    • Scott Mackenzie expresses excitement about the renaissance in industrial solutions and the importance of human-to-human connection in marketing.

    Challenges and Solutions in Advanced Manufacturing
    • Nils explains Tacton's specialization in configuring complex equipment, comparing it to configuring consumer products like computers or cars.
    • Klaus describes Tacton's CPQ solutions for advanced manufacturing, supporting both direct sales and omnichannel support.
    • Scott Mackenzie and Klaus discuss the importance of making the configuration process easy for customers while ensuring technical accuracy.
    • Nils emphasizes the need for a buyer-centric smart factory, making it easy for customers to navigate the solution space without technical expertise.

    Integration and Flexibility of Tacton's Solutions
    • Scott Mackenzie inquires about Tacton's integration with existing IT systems like CRM, PLM, and ERP.
    • Nils explains that Tacton is an agnostic player, able to augment existing systems without complete reconfiguration.
    • Scott Mackenzie and Nils discuss the financial benefits of Tacton's solutions, including increased win rates, efficiency, and reduced errors.
    • Klaus highlights the importance of accurate quotes and the impact of errors on warranty costs and rework.

    Customer-Centric Pricing and Data Management
    • Scott Mackenzie asks about the flexibility of Tacton's pricing methods, including value-based pricing and detailed bill of materials.
    • Nils explains that Tacton supports various pricing methods, depending on the business needs.
    • Scott Mackenzie inquires about how Tacton ensures the system stays updated with the latest product changes and data.
    • Nils describes the typical setup of connecting PLM and CPQ systems to ensure data accuracy and timeliness.

    Implementation Time and AI Integration
    • Scott Mackenzie asks about the implementation time for Tacton's solutions.
    • Klaus estimates the implementation time to be between six months and a year, depending on the project's scope.
    • Scott Mackenzie inquires about Tacton's use of AI in their solutions.
    • Nils explains that AI is used to structure unstructured product data, significantly reducing the time required for configuration.

    Future Challenges and Market Reception
    • Scott Mackenzie asks about the future challenges and opportunities for Tacton.
    • Klaus and Nils discuss the...
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    37 mins
  • Paul Crocker with ReliabilityX

    Paul Crocker with ReliabilityX
    Feb 12 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Paul Crocker, Sr. Reliability Engineer at ReliabilityX about "Cultural alignment with your reliability strategy". Paul Crocker emphasizes the importance of storytelling and podcasting for creating human connections in business, especially in the context of AI. He suggests using Industrial Talk as a platform to amplify voices and build resilient businesses. Crocker discusses his career journey, starting with the Board of Public Utilities in Kansas City, Kansas, and his role in implementing Maximo systems for reliability and maintenance. He highlights the need for effective training and cultural alignment between operations and maintenance. Crocker also touches on the challenges of sustaining success and the potential of AI to assist in maintenance processes. Outline Podcasting as a Marketing Strategy
    • Scott emphasizes the importance of storytelling and podcasting to create a human connection with the market.
    • Podcasting is recommended as a marketing platform to open doors and create long-term relationships.
    • Industrial Talk is suggested as a platform to amplify voices and promote business resilience.
    • Scott encourages businesses to consider podcasting to tell their story and build trust with their audience.

    Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott humorously questions the year and the background noise, setting a casual tone for the podcast.
    • The podcast is broadcasting on-site at SMRP, with Speaker 1 mentioning the reliability and asset management focus.
    • Scott humorously comments on the lack of carpet and the constant backing up of forklifts, adding to the informal atmosphere.

    Paul Crocker's Background and Career Journey
    • Scott introduces Paul Crocker, who has been in the hot seat 27 times, and comments on his changing appearance.
    • Paul Crocker shares his career journey, starting with the Board of Public Utilities in Kansas City, Kansas.
    • He describes his transition from administrative services to power generation, working with heavy equipment.
    • Paul pursued a Bachelor of Science in Network and Communication Management and later took over the maintenance department.

    Transition to ReliabilityX and Maximo Implementation
    • Paul discusses his role at ReliabilityX, focusing on training and assessments, particularly EAM implementation.
    • He mentions the Maximo mass nine rollout for half of the utilities plants in Missouri, with plans to expand to Kansas.
    • Paul highlights the importance of training and the support from top management in ensuring the success of the training programs.
    • He emphasizes the need for a culture shift and proper training to avoid pushback from the crafts.

    Challenges and Solutions in Training and Implementation
    • Scott and Paul discuss the different types of training, including system training and reliability training.
    • Paul explains the importance of integrating system training with reliability training to ensure practical application.
    • He shares his approach to training, focusing on the day-to-day life of maintenance supervisors and crafts.
    • Paul emphasizes the need for basic pieces like work initiation and asset location hierarchy to be right before adding more complex features.

    Addressing Resistance and Sustaining Success
    • Scott and Paul discuss how to address resistance and sustain success in training and implementation.
    • Paul mentions the importance of having supervisors who can identify and engage problematic individuals.
    • He highlights the need for top management support and the role of...
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    28 mins
  • Bert Warner with Propane Education and Research Council

    Bert Warner with Propane Education and Research Council
    Feb 11 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen and talking to Bert Warner, Director of Commercial Business Development at Propane Education & Research Council. The Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, discusses the growing role of propane in power generation. At Power Gen in San Antonio, industry professionals highlight the advantages of propane, including its speed of deployment, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Propane is a byproduct of natural gas extraction, with the U.S. using only about 10 billion gallons annually, while the rest is exported. The conversation emphasizes propane's potential to replace diesel and natural gas in certain applications, offering flexibility and economic benefits. The discussion also touches on the need for infrastructure and equipment to meet growing demand. Outline Introduction and Overview of Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott introduces the episode of Industrial Talk, sponsored by the Propane Education and Research Council, highlighting their commitment to safety, training, and innovative propane power technology.
    • Scott Mackenzie, welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing the focus on industry innovations and trends.
    • Scott thanks listeners for joining the top industrial podcast, celebrating industry professionals who solve daily problems in power generation.
    • The podcast is broadcasting from PowerGen in San Antonio, with Scott encouraging listeners to attend future events.

    Discussion on Power Generation and Propane
    • Scott introduces Bert Warner from the Propane Education and Research Council, focusing on the role of propane in power generation.
    • Bert Warner, comments on the increased size and interest at PowerGen, emphasizing the need for diverse equipment solutions.
    • Scott discuss the challenges of meeting immediate power demands in a fast-paced world, highlighting the importance of pragmatic solutions.
    • Bert Warner explains the advantages of propane, particularly its speed of deployment compared to traditional infrastructure build-outs.

    Propane as a Prime Power Source
    • Bert Warner discusses the potential for propane to be a prime power source, not just a backup or emergency fuel.
    • He explains the flexibility of using propane for base loading, peak shaving, and other applications, providing economic and environmental benefits.
    • Scott and Bert Warner delve into the historical use of propane in remote and emergency situations, and its growing potential in urban areas.
    • Bert Warner highlights the abundant supply of propane and its clean, safe, and affordable nature, making it a viable first choice for energy needs.

    Propane Extraction and Market Potential
    • Bert Warner explains that propane is a byproduct of natural gas extraction, with a significant amount exported globally.
    • He discusses the increasing demand for natural gas and propane due to electrification efforts, emphasizing the abundant supply available.
    • Scott and Bert Warner explore the shift from natural gas to propane in urban areas, highlighting the advantages of propane over diesel and other fuels.
    • Bert Warner emphasizes the resiliency and cost-effectiveness of propane, making it an attractive option for commercial and industrial applications.

    Infrastructure and Distribution of Propane
    • Bert Warner discusses the extensive infrastructure of propane companies in the US, ensuring reliable delivery and support.
    • He highlights the advancements in tank monitoring and automatic deliveries, enhancing the convenience and efficiency of propane use.
    • Scott and Bert Warner discuss the
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    25 mins
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