Episodes

  • Robert Brook with Neara and Brian Reed with Osmose

    Robert Brook with Neara and Brian Reed with Osmose
    May 9 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Robert Brooks with Neara and Brian Reed with Osmose about "Technology and Pole Inspection". Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast from Distribute Tech in Dallas, highlighting the importance of data management in the utility sector. Guests Robert Brook and Brian Reed from Neara and Osmose, respectively, discuss their partnership to enhance utility data integration and decision-making. NIRA's platform creates a digital network model using various data sets, including LiDAR and GIS, to simulate asset performance under different conditions. Osmose provides detailed asset records and preservative treatments to ensure data accuracy. The collaboration aims to improve strategic resiliency plans by prioritizing asset upgrades and optimizing investment strategies. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Discuss the process of keeping the digital network model up-to-date as utility assets change over time.
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Follow up with Brian Reed on LinkedIn to learn more about Osmose's pole inspection and maintenance services.
    • [ ] Explore the Neara platform and its capabilities further.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott thanks the listeners for joining and highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving global problems.
    • The podcast is sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, describing it as a massive event for utilities and other related industries.

    Introduction of Guests and Event Overview
    • Scott introduces the guests, Robert Brook and Brian Reed, and mentions their roles in the industry.
    • Robert and Brian discuss the importance of data management in the utility sector and the significance of the Distribute Tech event.
    • Scott shares a personal anecdote about using Osmose services during his utility days, highlighting the reliability of their inspections.
    • Robert and Brian provide background information about their companies, Neara and Osmose, and their respective roles within them.

    Neara and Osmose Partnership and Data Integration
    • Brian explains the partnership between Neara and Osmose, focusing on the challenges utilities face in managing data across different departments.
    • The partnership aims to consolidate data into a single source, enhancing risk-based decision-making for utilities.
    • Robert describes Neara's platform, which builds a digital network model using various data sets, including LiDAR and GIS information.
    • The platform provides a highly accurate and engineering-based relationship between assets, enabling better decision-making for utilities.

    Use Cases and Practical Applications
    • Brian provides a use case for the partnership, focusing on strategic resiliency plans for Texas utilities.
    • The platform helps utilities prioritize assets for upgrades, considering factors like wind loads and storm conditions.
    • Scott inquires about the practical aspects of using the platform, including how utilities can access and interpret the data.
    • Brian explains the self-service capabilities of the platform, allowing utilities to perform simulations and prioritize circuits and structures.

    Data Management and Platform Capabilities
    • Robert discusses the scalability
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    24 mins
  • Samantha LeSesne with Fluke Reliability

    Samantha LeSesne with Fluke Reliability
    May 6 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Samantha LeSesne, Implementation and Services Director at Fluke Reliability about "Process Mapping, Successful Implementations". Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industrial professionals and their innovations. At the Accelerate 2025 event in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Fluke Reliability, he interviews Samantha LeSesne, who discusses her journey from teaching to her current role as Implementation and Service Director at Fluke. Samantha emphasizes the importance of process mapping, both internally and for customers, to identify gaps and improve efficiency. She highlights the need for customization in EAM (Enterprise Asset Management) solutions to meet specific customer needs. Samantha also touches on the role of AI in enhancing EAM, stressing the balance between technology and practical, on-the-floor applications. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Samantha LeSesne Fluke on LinkedIn to discuss processes and solutions.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industrial professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting the event Accelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
    • Scott provides information on how to find Fluke Reliability online, encouraging listeners to visit their website for asset management solutions.
    • Scott introduces Samantha, the guest for the episode, and asks her to pronounce her last name, which she spells out as "LeSesne."

    Samantha's Background and Role at Fluke
    • Samantha shares her background, mentioning her experience as a teacher in New York City and her transition to working with Fluke eight years ago.
    • She discusses her roles in product marketing, product management, and her current position as the implementation and service director for EAM.
    • Samantha explains her responsibilities, including working with teams and customers to ensure the successful implementation of EAM solutions.
    • Scott and Samantha discuss the importance of understanding and addressing customer needs to make EAM solutions effective.

    Understanding Processes and Mapping
    • Samantha explains the concept of a process, using a visual example of moving from point A to point B.
    • She emphasizes the importance of simplifying processes to make them more effective and less complicated.
    • Samantha discusses the importance of aligning processes with customer goals and timelines to avoid frustration and ensure successful implementation.
    • Scott and Samantha talk about the importance of mapping current and future states of processes to identify gaps and improve efficiency.

    Implementation and Customization of EAM Solutions
    • Samantha describes her two core teams: the implementation team and the product specialist team.
    • The implementation team focuses on getting customers up and running with EAM solutions, while the product specialist team handles customization and integration with other systems.
    • Samantha highlights the importance of customization to meet the unique needs of different sites within a company.
    • Scott and Samantha discuss the challenges of standardizing EAM solutions while accommodating individual site requirements.

    The Role of AI and Data in EAM
    • Samantha discusses the potential of AI in enhancing EAM solutions, emphasizing the need for AI to analyze large amounts of data.
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    24 mins
  • Matt Burton with Siemens

    Matt Burton with Siemens
    May 2 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Matt Burton, Vice President at Siemens Grid Software about "Grid solutions that improves resiliency and reliability". Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Matt Burton, VP of Software Sales for Siemens' US and Mexico grid software. They discuss the shift from linear to non-linear power systems due to distributed energy resources (DER). Burton highlights the need for technology and change management to adapt to this new landscape. He emphasizes the importance of data management for efficiency and the role of regulatory bodies in facilitating these changes. Burton also notes the global nature of these challenges, with similar issues in Europe, Australia, and Asia. He concludes by discussing the potential for small modular reactors and the future of load growth and power conditioning. Action Items
    • [ ] Attend the Distributech conference next year to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in the power industry.
    • [ ] Reach out to Matt Burton at Siemens (matt.burton@siemens.com) to discuss grid software solutions.

    Need
    • Data management: centralizing data to improve efficiency and reduce manual updates.
    • Managing distributed energy resources and their impact on the grid.
    • Addressing load growth, particularly from data centers and sensitive industries.
    • Dealing with aging infrastructure and orchestrating diverse assets.
    • Maintaining grid stability with increased renewable and inverter-based resources.
    • Ensuring power reliability for sensitive industries like chip manufacturing and data centers.

    Sentiment
    • The tone was positive, discussing exciting developments in the power industry.
    • Matt expressed optimism about industry changes and technological advancements.
    • Scott described the event as "exciting" and "dazzling".

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott thanks the listeners for joining and highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals.
    • The podcast is sponsored by Siemens, specifically Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and encourages listeners to attend next year.

    Introduction of Matt Burton from Siemens
    • Scott introduces Matt Burton, VP of Software Sales for US and Mexico Grid Software at Siemens.
    • Matt provides a brief introduction about his role and responsibilities at Siemens.
    • Scott and Matt engage in a light-hearted conversation about their physical activities and health.
    • Matt explains his involvement in various aspects of grid software, including transmission, distribution planning, and distributed energy resources.

    Challenges and Changes in Grid Software
    • Scott discusses the linear nature of traditional power systems and the challenges of managing distributed energy resources (DER).
    • Matt explains the shift from centralized generation to distributed energy resources and the impact on the power grid.
    • Scott expresses concerns about the complexity of managing a non-linear power system and the need for technology solutions.
    • Matt emphasizes the importance of both technology and people in adapting to...
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    19 mins
  • Tom Poteet with Mesa Natural Gas Solutions

    Tom Poteet with Mesa Natural Gas Solutions
    Apr 30 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen 2025 and talking to Tom Poteet, Sr. Vice President at Mesa Natural Gas Solutions about "Modular power solutions for a hungry energy market". Scott MacKenzie interviews Tom Poteet, Senior VP of Corporate Development at Mesa Solutions, at Power Gen in Dallas, Texas. Mesa Solutions, celebrating its 11-year anniversary, specializes in natural gas generators for oil and gas sites, capable of running on unrefined gas and switching to propane without power interruption. Their generators can handle a wide BTU range, ensuring steady power output. Poteet discusses their expansion into commercial and industrial applications, including data centers, and their new venture with Modern Hydrogen to develop hydrogen-powered generators. Mesa Solutions is vertically integrated, with manufacturing facilities in Colorado and Wyoming. Action Items
    • [ ] Explore Mesa Solutions' natural gas and hydrogen-powered generator offerings for potential applications in the power generation industry.
    • [ ] Reach out to Thomas Poteet, Senior VP of Corporate Development at Mesa Solutions, on LinkedIn.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving problems and collaborating.
    • The podcast is broadcasting from Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, showcasing a collection of problem solvers and solutions.
    • Scott introduces Tom Poteet, Senior VP of Corporate Development at Mesa Solutions, as the guest for the episode.

    Tom Poteet's Background and Company Overview
    • Tom Poteet shares that his company, Mesa Solutions, celebrated its 10-year anniversary last spring and is coming up on 11 years.
    • Mesa Solutions specializes in making generators that run off natural gas, primarily for production oil and gas sites.
    • The company's generators can run on prime power using unrefined gas, making them unique in the market.
    • Tom explains the innovation of their generators, which can switch from natural gas to propane without dropping the load, avoiding power interruptions.

    Technical Details and Market Applications
    • Scott inquires about the business reasons behind using both natural gas and propane.
    • Tom explains that their engine can run on a wide BTU range, making it suitable for varying fuel qualities.
    • The engine's control system rapidly reads the fuel composition, ensuring steady power output and preventing mechanical damage.
    • Tom discusses the reliability and high service levels required in the oil field, which has led to their success in other industrial and commercial applications.

    Expansion into Commercial and Industrial Applications
    • Tom mentions that their generators are now used in commercial and industrial sites, including retail markets and data centers.
    • Scott and Tom discuss the growing demand for power in data centers and the potential for large-scale energy solutions.
    • Tom explains the concept of "swarm resilience," where multiple generators can be paralleled to maintain power even if one fails.
    • The conversation touches on the scalability of their generators, which can be used in projects involving hundreds of generators.

    Manufacturing and Supply Chain
    • Tom
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    20 mins
  • Frederic Baudart with Fluke

    Frederic Baudart with Fluke
    Apr 25 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Frederic Baudart, Product Program Manager at Fluke about "Advanced tools for Asset Management". Scott MacKenzie interviews Frederic Fluke at Xcelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, about the Fluke Corporation's process tool and instrumentation business. Frederic explains the company's focus on user-friendly tools for technicians and engineers, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback and the integration of AI for advanced data analysis. He highlights the need for continuous learning and the role of Fluke as a thought leader in the industry. Frederic also discusses the challenges and opportunities post-COVID, including the importance of critical thinking and the development of the next generation of professionals. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Frederick Broad to discuss thought leadership, products, and other topics related to Fluke.

    Outline Introduction and Event Overview
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and trends.
    • Scott welcomes listeners to Accelerate 2025, an event in Austin, Texas, highlighting the Reliability Lab Floor's bustling activity.
    • Scott expresses excitement about the upcoming conversation with Frederic Fluke, noting the lack of preparation for the discussion.

    Overview of Fluke Corporation and Process Tool Business
    • Frederic explains his role at Fluke Industrial, leading the process tool and instrumentation business.
    • He describes the portfolio of tools designed for technicians, engineers, and reliability management professionals.
    • The tools include pressure transmitters, temperature transmitters, and voltmeters, with capabilities for measurement and calibration.
    • Frederic emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the tools, designed with the end-user's needs in mind.

    User-Friendly Tools and Market Needs
    • Scott inquires about the user-friendliness of the tools, noting the importance of intuitive design.
    • Frederic confirms that the tools are designed to be user-friendly, considering the knowledge and needs of the end-users.
    • He discusses the importance of iterating on tools based on customer feedback and market needs.
    • Frederic highlights the role of Voice of the Customer (VoC) in product development, emphasizing the need to understand customer requirements before creating new tools.

    Advancements in Technology and Customer Engagement
    • Scott and Frederic discuss the rapid advancements in technology and the need for continuous learning.
    • Frederic explains the importance of educating customers and providing expertise beyond just the tools.
    • He shares his experience of visiting customer facilities to understand their needs and challenges.
    • Frederic emphasizes the importance of customer partnerships in developing tools that meet their specific requirements.

    Incorporating AI and Digitalization
    • Scott and Frederic discuss the integration of AI and digitalization into Fluke's tools and processes.
    • Frederic explains the collaboration with Fortive and other Fluke divisions to incorporate AI into their products and workstreams.
    • He highlights the potential of AI in analyzing large datasets to provide actionable insights.
    • Frederic notes that the adoption of AI is still in its early stages, with significant potential for future growth.

    Challenges and Opportunities in AI Adoption
    • Scott and Frederic discuss the challenges of...
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    24 mins
  • Kellie De Pooter with G&W Electric Company

    Kellie De Pooter with G&W Electric Company
    Apr 23 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Kellie De Pooter, Director, Global Marketing and Internal Communications at G&W Electric Co. about "A resilient and reliable grid". Scott MacKenzie hosts an industrial talk podcast featuring Kellie De Pooter, Global Director of Marketing and Communications at G&W Electric. Kellie discusses the growth of the DistribyTech event in Dallas, Texas, and the importance of collaboration with utilities. G&W Electric's booth features an innovation corner for customer feedback on new products. They focus on resiliency, reliability, and digitalization, using sensing technology and condition-based monitoring to improve grid performance. Kellie highlights a successful collaboration with a customer on a 69 kV apparatus. The conversation also touches on the increasing demand for power due to AI and data centers, emphasizing the need for efficient data utilization. Action Items
    • [ ] Integrate G&W's sensing technologies into their overhead reclosers and underground switches to provide more granular data to utilities.
    • [ ] Explore ways to seamlessly integrate the data from G&W's solutions into utilities' own cloud/SCADA systems.
    • [ ] Collaborate with customers to pilot G&W's new condition-based monitoring and asset management solutions.

    Outline Kellie De Pooter G&W Electric: Introduction and Event Overview
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, highlighting its focus on industry innovations and professionals.
    • Scott welcomes listeners and mentions the event being broadcasted from DistribuTech in Dallas, Texas.
    • Scott introduces Kellie De Pooter, Global Director of Marketing and Communications for G&W Electric, and praises her previous appearances on the show.
    • Kellie De Pooter confirms her presence at the event and discusses the growth of the event, noting its global expansion.

    Kellie De Pooter's Role and G&W Electric's Booth
    • Kellie De Pooter explains her role at G&W Electric, a 120-year-old company based in Chicago, and their products for utilities and commercial/industrial customers.
    • Scott comments on the impressive booth setup by G&W Electric, which won an award last year.
    • Kellie describes the innovation corner in their booth, which is invite-only and used to gather customer feedback on new, unmarketed products.
    • The innovation corner allows for collaborative problem-solving and potential development of new solutions.

    Challenges in the Utility Sector
    • Scott and Kellie discuss the challenges faced by the utility sector, including increasing power demand and the need for modernization and digitalization.
    • Kellie emphasizes the importance of resiliency and reliability of the grid, and the role of AI and other technologies in addressing these challenges.
    • G&W Electric is investing in sensing technology and condition-based monitoring to help utilities make better decisions and improve grid reliability.
    • The company is working with a partner to test and develop these technologies, with plans to scale them across the industry.

    Data Integration and Analytics
    • Scott inquires about the process of integrating data from G&W Electric's apparatus into the cloud and how it is analyzed.
    • Kellie explains that the data is currently being pushed to the partner's cloud, but plans are in place to integrate with utilities' existing systems.
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    19 mins
  • Efrain Garcia with Allstream Energy Partners

    Efrain Garcia with Allstream Energy Partners
    Apr 21 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at PowerGen 2025 and talking to Efrain Garcia, President and Co-Founder at Allstream Energy Partners about "Emerging Technology in the Power Industry". Scott MacKenzie and Efrain Garcia discuss the evolving energy landscape, emphasizing the intersection of traditional oil and gas with emerging data center and AI demands. Efrain, founder of Allstream Insiders, highlights the significant announcement by Chevron and GE Vernova for 4 gigawatts of power, equivalent to supplying 3 million homes. They note the infrastructure challenges and the growing importance of natural gas for data centers. Efrain's platform, Allstream Insiders, aggregates industry news and events, aiming to foster collaboration and innovation. They also touch on the potential of small modular reactors and the need for proper cooling in data centers. Action Items
    • [ ] Attend future Power Gen events to stay connected with the latest industry trends and innovations.
    • [ ] Explore opportunities for traditional oil and gas companies to collaborate with data center operators and leverage their expertise in areas like computational fluid dynamics and smart contract development.
    • [ ] Reach out to Efrain Garcia on LinkedIn or visit allstreaminsiders.com to learn more about the emerging data center power market.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott welcomes listeners to the event Power Gen in Dallas, Texas, and mentions the challenges of traffic in the city.
    • Scott highlights the importance of celebrating industry professionals who solve problems and make the world a better place.
    • Scott introduces Efrain Garcia, the founder of Allstream Insiders, and mentions their previous online interactions.

    Efrain Garcia's Background and Industry Insights
    • Efrain Garcia shares his background, mentioning his traditional oil and gas experience and his interest in the emerging market of data centers and AI.
    • Efrain discusses the significant announcements in the energy sector, such as Chevron's joint venture with GE Renova for up to four gigawatts of power.
    • Scott and Efrain discuss the challenges in the power generation sector, particularly the infrastructure needed to transport massive generating assets.
    • Efrain mentions the importance of manufacturing and engineering in catching up with the evolving technology in the energy sector.

    Allstream Insiders and Digital Magazine
    • Efrain introduces Allstream Insiders, a digital magazine focused on the positive aspects of the energy industry.
    • Efrain explains the origin of Allstream Insiders, inspired by a podcast on post-pandemic success and the importance of education and collaboration.
    • Efrain shares his experience in creating a platform for educational and entertaining content, which later evolved into a media production company.
    • Efrain discusses the creation of Midstream Calendar, a platform to help the industry keep track of events, which gained significant traction during COVID-19.

    Future Trends and Emerging Markets
    • Efrain talks about the future trends in the energy sector, emphasizing the growing demand for power from data centers and the role of natural gas.
    • Efrain mentions the collaboration between traditional midstream companies and data...
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    20 mins
  • Tom Wilk with Endeavor Business Media

    Tom Wilk with Endeavor Business Media
    Apr 18 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Tom Wilk, Editor in Chief at Endeavor Business Media about "Emerging Industrial Technology". Scott MacKenzie and Tom Wilk discuss the Xcelerate 2025 conference in Austin, Texas, highlighting the importance of asset management, maintenance, and reliability. Tom shares his experience with Plant Services Magazine and the evolution of the conference, emphasizing the adoption of Fluke's E-Maint system by SKF, which is rolling out to 81 plants. They discuss the benefits of a CMMS for sustaining best practices and the importance of AI and mobile components in modern maintenance. Tom also notes the growing interest among younger workers in professional certifications and the need for universities to adapt to industry changes. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Tom Wilk (T Wilk) at Endeavor B2B.com or on LinkedIn to further discuss the topics covered in the meeting.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Speaker 1 introduces Scott MacKenzie as a passionate industry professional dedicated to transferring cutting-edge industry innovations and trends.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals worldwide.
    • Scott MacKenzie thanks the audience for their support and highlights the importance of innovation, collaboration, and making the world a better place.
    • The podcast is broadcasting from Xcelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, hosted by Fluke Reliability.

    Introduction of Tom Wilkes and His Role
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces Tom Wilkes, who has been with Plant Services Magazine for 10 years.
    • Tom Wilkes shares his background, including his role at Plant Services Magazine and his involvement in the Accelerate conference.
    • Tom discusses the evolution of the conference from an EMA user group to a thought leadership event focusing on plant floor operations and best practices.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the importance of connected reliability and the various solutions offered by Fluke Reliability.

    Customer Success Stories and Implementation of E-Main
    • Tom shares a press briefing from SKF about their successful implementation of E-Main across 81 plants worldwide.
    • The success of E-Main led SKF's management to mandate its use across all plants due to the return on investment and streamlined work processes.
    • Tom highlights the various ways different plants are using E-Main to optimize their maintenance programs and data management.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the sustainability of these solutions and the importance of a CMMS in maintaining best practices and collective memory for the plant.

    Challenges and Solutions in Reliability and Maintenance
    • Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the challenges of finding skilled individuals and the impact of the "silver tsunami" on organizational knowledge.
    • Tom emphasizes the importance of investing in systems like E-Main to reduce the learning curve for new employees and maintain organizational knowledge.
    • The mobile aspect of CMMS systems is highlighted as a key factor in getting buy-in from younger technicians.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Tom discuss the importance of having a system like E-Main to capture and maintain organizational knowledge.

    Evolution of the Xcelerate Conference and Customer Focus
    • Tom notes the subtle but significant change in the messaging at the Xcelerate conference this year, focusing more on tools already being used rather than future...
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    23 mins