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.

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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)

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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