Episódios

  • George Williams with ReliabilityX

    George Williams with ReliabilityX
    Jan 6 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to George Williams, CEO at ReliabilityX about "Successful Reliability begins with people". Scott Mackenzie announced upcoming events where Industrial Talk will broadcast, including Power Gen January 20-22 and MD&M West February 3-5. He introduced George Williams, who discussed his career progression from a painter to a global asset manager and co-founder of ReliabilityX. George emphasized the importance of growing "doers" through education, training, and mentoring to improve plant performance and reliability. He highlighted the need for practical applications of technology, such as using vibration sensors to prevent product giveaway. George also stressed the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adapting to the changing workforce to ensure sustainability and relevance in the industry. Action Items
    • [ ] Broadcast Industrial Talk on site at PowerGen (January 20–22) and host conversations at booth 349 during the event
    • [ ] Broadcast Industrial Talk on site at MD&M West (February 3–5) in Anaheim and engage attendees on the show floor
    • [ ] Publish George Williams / ReliabilityX contact information and link on the Industrial Talk website and include it with the episode content
    • [ ] Build and maintain the members-only area on the ReliabilityX website with a growing library of Kahoot quizzes (pneumatics, hydraulics, power transmission, etc.) for team training and engagement

    Outline Upcoming Events and Broadcasts
    • Scott announces upcoming events where Industrial Talk will be broadcasting on-site, including Power Gen January 20-22 at booth 349 and MD&M West February 3-5 in Anaheim, California.
    • Emphasizes the importance of attending these events for manufacturing professionals and encourages listeners to look him up for specific discussions.
    • Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions to making the world a better place.

    Introduction of George Williams and ReliabilityX
    • Scott introduces George Williams, a key figure at ReliabilityX, and praises the organization for its commitment to storytelling and roundtable discussions.
    • George Williams shares his background, starting as a painter in a large pharmaceutical plant and eventually becoming responsible for global asset management.
    • Discusses his transition to a $17 billion medical device company and eventually starting his own business with his partner, Joe.
    • Highlights the passion of George and Joe for seeing people grow and succeed in their careers.

    Core Business of ReliabilityX
    • George explains that ReliabilityX's core business is the growth of doers, focusing on educating, training, coaching, and mentoring individuals to improve plant performance and reliability.
    • Emphasizes the importance of understanding and focusing on the growth of individuals rather than just the technical aspects of reliability.
    • Discusses the need for executive support to scale business and the importance of simplifying reliability for broader understanding and application.
    • Outlines the three key principles of reliability: stopping being the source of problems, doing the right preventive maintenance, and managing degradation.

    Challenges and Solutions in Reliability
    • Scott and George discuss the challenges of maintaining focus in a rapidly changing market and the importance of practical applications of technology.
    • George shares examples of practical applications, such as using vibration sensors to prevent product giveaway and automating processes to improve...
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    27 minutos
  • Greg Perry with Fluke

    Greg Perry with Fluke
    Jan 2 2026
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Greg Perry, Sr. Maintenance Reliability and CMMS Coach at Fluke about "Actualize Intelligence in Asset Management". Greg Perry discussed the importance of humanization in Industry 5.0, emphasizing the need to integrate actualized intelligence with artificial intelligence. He highlighted the significance of mapping workflows and the symbiotic relationship between people, processes, and technology. Perry shared insights from his 25 years of experience in computer maintenance management, stressing the importance of continuous improvement and learning. He also touched on the challenges of inspiring the next generation of asset management professionals and the role of community practice in peer review. The conversation concluded with a call to action for industry professionals to stay engaged and adapt to rapid technological changes. Action Items
    • [ ] Publish Gregory Perry's contact information on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can reach him (post contact details on the episode page).
    • [ ] Make LinkedIn profile available as the primary contact channel for Gregory Perry so listeners can connect directly.

    Outline Introduction of New Podcasts
    • Scott introduces three new podcasts: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity.
    • Emphasizes the importance of staying current in marketing and sales, and the unique approach of "Business Beatitudes" on leadership from the heart.
    • "The Human Patch" aims to highlight the human element in cybersecurity, working with Farah Barcelona.

    Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions.
    • Highlights the importance of the SMRP event for asset management, maintenance, and reliability professionals.
    • Introduces Greg Perry, a legend in the industry, and sets the stage for their conversation.
    • Greg Perry humorously clarifies his name, preferring to be called Greg.

    Greg Perry's Experience and Insights
    • Greg Perry shares his 25 years of experience in attending and speaking at conferences, describing SMRP as a homecoming for the maintenance, reliability, and asset management community.
    • Emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs and the value of face-to-face interactions at events like SMRP.
    • Scott and Greg Perry discuss the excitement of meeting people from various industries, such as a company that manufactures pasta.
    • Greg Perry uses a metaphor to describe his appetite for learning and staying engaged in the industry.

    The Importance of Mapping Workflows
    • Greg Perry explains the importance of mapping workflows and understanding the fundamentals of people, process, and technology.
    • Shares an example of an engagement where a team had to map out their workflows to understand inefficiencies and improve their processes.
    • Highlights the need for continuous improvement and learning, and the importance of not faking it till you make it.
    • Discusses the symbiotic relationship between people, process, and technology, and the need for alignment.

    Challenges and Opportunities in Industry 5.0
    • Scott and Greg Perry discuss the challenges of inspiring the next generation of asset management professionals.
    • Greg Perry emphasizes the importance of humanization in Industry 5.0 and the need to break down silos and connect pockets of excellence.
    • Highlights the role of actualized intelligence versus artificial intelligence,
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    24 minutos
  • Ask Molly - Are We Making Marketing Too Difficult?

    Ask Molly - Are We Making Marketing Too Difficult?
    Dec 31 2025
    The discussion centers on the complexity of modern marketing and the need to simplify it. Scott emphasizes the importance of human connection and storytelling over technical jargon. They argue that overcomplicating marketing with tech stacks and AI-generated content can dilute the human element, leading to inefficiency and reduced trust. Molly agrees, highlighting the need for a well-defined marketing message and strategic tech use. They stress the importance of maintaining a personal touch and being nimble, especially for smaller companies. The conversation concludes with a call to focus on human-centric marketing to build trust and achieve success. Action Items
    • [ ] Use an AI/program to summarize this Ask Molly conversation and produce a concise summary of key points
    • [ ] Publish another Ask Molly episode shortly and notify listeners when it is available
    • [ ] Launch and publish the new podcast series 'Business Beatitudes' and promote it to listeners

    Outline Simplifying Marketing Complexity
    • Scott introduces the podcast, emphasizing the goal of simplifying marketing to help companies succeed.
    • Scott expresses frustration with the complexity of marketing conversations, likening it to needing a decoder ring.
    • The discussion highlights the overwhelming amount of information and the tendency to ignore it due to inundation.
    • Scott stresses the importance of connecting with individuals through the principles of know, like, and trust.

    The Role of Human Element in Marketing
    • Scott argues that marketing should be simplified to focus on personal connections and human elements.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of storytelling and creating a personal brand for companies.
    • Scott believes that the market depends on companies to succeed and that simplifying marketing can lead to tremendous success.
    • The discussion emphasizes the need for companies to be human and relatable in their marketing efforts.

    Challenges of Modern Marketing Technologies
    • Scott and Molly discuss the complexity of the marketing tech stack and its impact on progress.
    • Molly explains how the focus on technology can lead to neglecting the core marketing message and customer engagement.
    • The conversation highlights the inefficiency of spending too much time on technology integration without making progress in marketing.
    • Molly suggests that companies should focus on specific and strategic technology purchases and address needs as they arise.

    Balancing Technology and Human Touch
    • Scott and Molly discuss the importance of maintaining a balance between technology and human interaction in marketing.
    • Molly emphasizes the need for a well-defined marketing message and foundation to avoid chaos and inefficiency.
    • The conversation touches on the challenges of working with large companies and their slower decision-making processes.
    • Scott and Molly agree that smaller companies have an advantage in being nimble and quick to implement changes.

    Impact of AI on Marketing
    • Scott and Molly discuss the role of AI in marketing and its potential to remove the human element.
    • Molly shares an example of how AI can quickly generate marketing content but lacks the personal touch.
    • The conversation highlights the importance of editing and personalizing AI-generated content to maintain authenticity.
    • Scott expresses concern that over-reliance on AI could lead to a lack of trust and engagement from customers.

    The Importance of Human Connection in Marketing
    • Scott and Molly agree that the human element is crucial in marketing and should not be replaced by technology.
    • The...
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    50 minutos
  • Chris Chuang with Relay

    Chris Chuang with Relay
    Dec 23 2025
    Industrial Talk is talking to Chris Chuang, Co-Founder and CEO at Relay about "Reliable communication solution for improved organizational safety". Chris Chuang from Relay discussed the importance of communication in manufacturing safety on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Relay's device, which integrates Wi-Fi and cellular networks, is designed for frontline workers and offers features like panic buttons, location tracking, and real-time language translation. The device, manufactured in-house, is durable and resistant to harsh conditions. Chuang emphasized the role of AI in enhancing productivity and safety, aiming to digitize workflows and improve efficiency. Relay's five-year journey in the market is built on reliable radio performance, now poised to leverage AI for data-driven insights and automation. Action Items
    • [ ] Publish and display Chris Chuang's contact information and guest details on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can reach out to the guest.
    • [ ] Respond to emails sent to chris@relaypro.com within one to two days after receipt; confirm interest or next steps with prospective customers or partners.
    • [ ] Plan and host an on-site follow-up visit/demo in Raleigh when the host visits next year; coordinate dates and logistics with the host.

    Outline Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
    • Scott welcomes Chris Chuang from Relay and highlights the importance of communication in safety, especially in manufacturing.
    • The conversation aims to discuss the necessity of proper communication and its impact on safety, particularly in the context of reshoring and nearshoring.
    • Scott mentions technical difficulties faced at the beginning but expresses satisfaction with the eventual conversation.

    Chris Chuang's Background and Relay's Mission
    • Scott shares information about Chris, including his background in consulting, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.
    • Chris discusses his professional journey, starting with consulting in telecom and venture capital, and his involvement in companies like Matricity and Bandwidth.
    • Chris explains the creation of Republic Wireless, which aimed to save consumers money by merging Wi-Fi and cellular networks.
    • The discussion transitions to Relay, a solution designed for frontline workers, emphasizing the importance of communication and safety.

    Relay's Technology and Manufacturing
    • Scott inquires about the manufacturing process of Relay's communication device.
    • Chris explains that Relay manufactures the device in-house, focusing on simplicity and durability.
    • The device is designed to be compact, durable, and easy to use, with features like waterproofing and location tracking.
    • Chris shares anecdotes about the device's durability, including drop testing and real-world scenarios where the device performed well.

    Safety Features and AI Integration
    • Chris discusses the safety features of Relay, including a panic button that triggers a dynamic radio channel and location broadcasting.
    • The device is designed to enhance safety by providing real-time communication and location tracking during emergencies.
    • Chris explains how AI is integrated into the platform to proactively check on workers in potentially dangerous situations.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of human interaction in maintaining trust and building relationships, even in the context of AI-driven solutions.

    Future Plans and Vision for Relay
    • Chris outlines Relay's future plans, focusing on leveraging AI to unlock the power of data and digitize workflows.
    • The company aims to integrate AI with their cloud-based platform to provide more efficient and actionable insights...
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    40 minutos
  • Max Cundiff with Chevron

    Max Cundiff with Chevron
    Dec 18 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Max Cundiff, Industrial Sector Manager at Chevron about "Asset Management Lubrication Solution". The conversation features an introduction to three new podcasts within the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity. The main discussion is with Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants, who explains the company's integrated oil production process and the importance of lubricant quality. He highlights the issue of varnish in lubricants, which can be mitigated by Chevron's products, and discusses the company's research and development efforts. Cundiff also touches on the importance of fluid analysis and the potential for energy efficiency improvements in manufacturing. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott Mackenzie - Post Max Cundiff's contact information and LinkedIn profile on the Industrial Talk website so listeners can easily reach him.
    • [ ] Help customers enroll in Chevron's Lube Watch fluid analysis program, including advising on which tests to run, sampling frequency, and proper sample collection procedures.

    Outline Introduction of New Podcasts
    • Speaker 1 introduces three new podcasts under the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," centered on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," discussing cybersecurity from a human perspective.
    • "Ask Molly" aims to provide straight, jargon-free insights into the world of marketing and sales from an industrial perspective.
    • "Business Beatitudes" will explore leadership from a heartfelt perspective, focusing on virtues like generosity and humility.
    • "The Human Patch" will delve into the human aspects of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of human connections in cybersecurity efforts.

    Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott Mackenzie, introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting its focus on transferring industry-focused innovations and trends.
    • The podcast is recorded live at the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, focusing on asset management, reliability, and maintenance.
    • Scott mentions the importance of the conference for professionals in these fields and introduces the guest, Max Cundiff from Chevron Lubricants.

    Max Cundiff's Background and Role at Chevron
    • Max Cundiff introduces himself as the industrial sector manager at Chevron Lubricants, responsible for developing go-to-market strategies for industrial products and services.
    • Max has been with Chevron for 14 years, spending the last 10 years in customer-facing roles, understanding operational challenges and solving them.
    • Chevron is the only fully integrated oil company, refining crude oil into base oil, the main ingredient in lubricants, and controlling the process in-house.
    • Max explains the importance of research and development, spending years testing technology before commercializing it to solve specific industry challenges.

    Challenges and Solutions in Lubricant Industry
    • Max discusses the issue of varnish in circulating oil systems, a byproduct of degraded lubricant, and the challenges it poses to equipment.
    • Traditional methods of dealing with varnish, like disassembling equipment or using solvents, can be costly and cause downtime.
    • Chevron's product, Bar Tech ISC, allows systems to run for extended periods without immediate downtime, reducing the impact of varnish.
    • Max explains the factors that contribute to varnish formation, such as temperature and water contamination, and how...
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    18 minutos
  • Ryan Hiss with Better Engineering

    Ryan Hiss with Better Engineering
    Dec 16 2025
    Industrial Talk is talking to Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering about "Industrial Parts Washers". Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering, discussed their industrial wash systems on the Industrial Talk Podcast. Better Engineering, founded in 1960, specializes in aqueous parts washers for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and food and pharmaceutical. Hiss highlighted the importance of cleanliness in manufacturing, noting that their systems can process parts at high throughputs, ensuring quality control. The company also employs sensors to monitor equipment and proactively alert customers to maintenance needs. Better Engineering is expanding into automation and traceability in food and pharmaceutical industries to improve efficiency and sustainability. Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott introduces Ryan Hiss from Better Engineering, highlighting their expertise in industrial washers.
    • Scott suggests an on-site conversation with Ryan to discuss industrial washers further.

    Discussion on AI and Human Interaction in Business
    • Scott discusses the role of AI in business and emphasizes the importance of human interaction in maintaining trust and engagement.
    • Scott argues that companies need to tell their stories with a human face to build trust and authenticity.
    • Scott shares his experience of creating content that reflects the human side of business.
    • Scott encourages listeners to reach out to Industrial Talk for help in telling their stories effectively.

    Introduction of Ryan Hiss and Better Engineering
    • Scott introduces Ryan Hiss, VP of Sales and Marketing at Better Engineering, and discusses his background.
    • Ryan shares his journey from Baltimore to California, his education, and his career in software sales before joining Better Engineering.
    • Ryan talks about his father's retirement and his role in taking over the family business.
    • Ryan provides a brief history of Better Engineering, founded in 1960 by his grandfather, and its evolution over the years.

    Better Engineering's Products and Services
    • Ryan explains Better Engineering's focus on industrial wash systems, also known as aqueous parts washers.
    • Better Engineering offers a variety of wash systems, including small parts washers, conveyor washers, rotary basket washers, and custom units.
    • Ryan highlights the company's work with major space, aerospace, automotive, and food and pharmaceutical OEMs.
    • Ryan discusses the importance of cleanliness in manufacturing and the role of industrial washers in maintaining quality control.

    Challenges and Solutions in Industrial Washing
    • Ryan explains the need for high-throughput wash systems in automotive and aerospace manufacturing.
    • Better Engineering's systems are designed to meet specific cleanliness standards and are tested using standard equipment.
    • Ryan discusses the flexibility of Better Engineering's wash systems, which are modular by design to accommodate different customer requirements.
    • Ryan shares examples of how Better Engineering modifies existing systems to meet new application needs.

    Data Collection and AI in Manufacturing
    • Ryan talks about the use of sensors in Better Engineering's wash systems to monitor and maintain equipment.
    • Better Engineering collects data on various parameters, such as vibration, temperature, and chemistry concentration, to ensure optimal performance.
    • Ryan explains the importance of traceability in food and pharmaceutical industries, where data is used to track and verify cleanliness.
    • Better Engineering provides interfaces to send data to
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    37 minutos
  • Maureen Gribble with UE System

    Maureen Gribble with UE System
    Dec 11 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Maureen Gribble, CMRP, N.A. Sales Enablement Lead at UE Systems about "Ultrasound Condition Monitoring". The conversation introduces three new podcasts under the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity. Maureen Gribble from UE Systems discusses her 14-year tenure with the company, emphasizing their ultrasound technology and customer support. She highlights the increasing presence of women in the industry and UE Systems' use of AI in their On Track system for predictive maintenance. The discussion also touches on the importance of marketing in the industry and the need for continuous innovation to address workforce shortages. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Maureen Gribble on LinkedIn
    • [ ] Explore the possibility of adding a marketing track to the SMRP conference

    Outline Introduction of New Podcasts
    • Scott introduces three new podcasts under the Industrial Talk Podcast Network: "Ask Molly," focused on marketing and sales, "Business Beatitudes," on leadership virtues, and "The Human Patch," on cybersecurity.
    • "Ask Molly" aims to provide straight, jargon-free insights into marketing and sales from an industrial perspective.
    • "Business Beatitudes" will discuss leadership virtues like generosity and humility and how they contribute to business success.
    • "The Human Patch" will explore the human aspect of cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of human connections in cybersecurity efforts.

    Welcome to Industrial Talk
    • The platform celebrates industry professionals for their boldness, bravery, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
    • Scott mentions the broadcast from the SMRP conference, emphasizing its importance for engineering, asset management, maintenance, and reliability professionals.
    • The excitement of meeting people like Maureen Gribble is highlighted, with Scott expressing enthusiasm for the conversation.

    Maureen Gribble's Background and Role
    • Scott introduces Maureen Gribble, who works at UE Systems, and mentions her previous appearances on the show.
    • Maureen shares her background, mentioning her 14 years at UE Systems and her involvement in the maintenance and reliability world since 2006.
    • Scott and Maureen discuss the changes in the industry, noting the increased presence of women at the SMRP conference.
    • Maureen emphasizes the importance of women in the industry and the need for them to step up and take on leadership roles.

    UE Systems and Its Innovations
    • Maureen explains that UE Systems manufactures and sells ultrasound technology, with over 50 years of experience in the field.
    • The company focuses on providing the best ultrasound solutions for customers, emphasizing customer support and excellence.
    • Maureen highlights the company's commitment to innovation, mentioning their latest technologies like ultrasound for auto and IoT solutions.
    • The conversation touches on the importance of making technology user-friendly and ensuring it is not left unused.

    Marketing and Technology in Industry
    • Speaker 1 and Maureen discuss the challenges of marketing in the industry, noting that many companies do not do it well.
    • Maureen mentions UE Systems' marketing team, led by Brittany Stover, and their efforts to stay current with new marketing trends.
    • The conversation covers the impact of AI on search results, with Maureen noting the need for companies to adapt to new marketing strategies.
    • Speaker 1 and...
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    19 minutos
  • Nikki Gonzales with Weintek USA

    Nikki Gonzales with Weintek USA
    Dec 9 2025
    Industrial Talk is talking to Nikki Gonzales, Director of Business Development at Weintek USA about "HMI - Human Machine Interface". Scott Mackenzie hosts Nikki Gonzales on the Industrial Talk Podcast to discuss the human-machine interface (HMI). Nikki shares her background, including her Icelandic roots and career journey in sales engineering and AI startups. She highlights Weintek , a Taiwanese company specializing in HMIs, which manufactures over 2 million HMIs annually. Weintek's HMIs are known for their durability, connectivity, and cost-effectiveness. Nikki emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and the challenges in industrial B2B sales. She also mentions her podcast, Automation Ladies, and encourages listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn. Action Items
    • [ ] Check out theWeintekwebsite at automation.io
    • [ ] Listen to Nikki's podcast "Automation Ladies"
    • [ ] Reach out to Nikki Gonzales

    Outline Introduction and Welcome
    • Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott welcomes listeners and expresses gratitude for their support, highlighting the importance of continuous learning in the industry.
    • Scott introduces Nikki Gonzales , the guest for the episode, and mentions the topic of discussion: the human-machine interface (HMI).
    • Scott shares his personal experience with learning Spanish and the importance of passion and desire for continuous learning in the industry.

    Scott's Journey and Podcast Insights
    • Scott discusses his journey into podcasting, starting eight years ago to understand marketing better.
    • He mentions the importance of communicating company stories in an approachable and human way.
    • Scott introduces two of his podcasts: "Ask Molly" and "Business Beatitudes," highlighting their focus on marketing insights and the soul of the industrial sector, respectively.
    • Scott encourages listeners to check out these podcasts for valuable industry insights.

    Nikki Gonzales's Background and Career Journey
    • Nikki shares her background, mentioning her move from Iceland to the U.S. in middle school and her father's career as an electrical engineer.
    • She describes her early work experiences, starting with her father's small business and progressing through various roles in sales engineering and marketing.
    • Nikki discusses her career path, including her work with sensor manufacturers, machine vision, motion control, software design, and AI startups.
    • She highlights her recent role with a startup focused on supply chain software and inventory management, and her current position withWeintek, an HMI manufacturer.

    Challenges in Industrial B2B Sales
    • Scott and Nikki discuss the challenges of industrial B2B sales, particularly the complex landscape shaped by historical laws and regulations.
    • Nikki explains the historical context of industrial sales, including the restrictions on manufacturers selling directly to consumers and the reliance on regional distributors.
    • They discuss the differences in sales practices between the U.S. and Europe, where such restrictions are considered anti-competitive.
    • Nikki shares her experiences with the complexities of industrial B2B sales, including the difficulties in digitalizing and simplifying the buying process.

    WeinTek and HMI Technology
    • Nikki provides an overview ofWeintek, a Taiwanese company specializing in HMIs, and its history of innovation in touchscreen technology.
    • She explains the role of HMIs in industrial automation, describing them as...
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    50 minutos