Episódios

  • Kevin Clark with Naonprecise
    Nov 18 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Kevin Clark, Chief Evangelist Officer at Nanoprecise about "AI solutions for asset management". Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Clark discuss the evolving landscape of asset management and maintenance at the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas. They highlight the significant increase in vendors from 130 to 220, indicating a growing interest in innovative solutions. Kevin emphasizes the importance of data quality, noting that much of the data collected is irrelevant for AI and that system-generated data can reduce errors. They also discuss the cultural shift needed for AI adoption, the potential for false positives to undermine trust, and the role of human oversight. The conversation concludes with a focus on the growing importance of data in industrial processes. Action Items
    • [ ] Attend the SMRP conference in 2026
    • [ ] Connect with Kevin Clark

    Outline Kevin Clark's Introduction and Conference Overview
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast and its focus on industrial innovations and trends.
    • Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas.
    • Kevin Clark is introduced as a guest, and his company, Nanoprecise, is mentioned.
    • The conversation begins with light-hearted banter about Kevin's attendance at the conference.

    Growth and Quality of Vendors at SMRP
    • Kevin Clark notes the significant increase in vendors from 130 to 220 at the conference.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Kevin discuss the high quality of practitioners attending the conference.
    • The conversation touches on the renaissance in the industry, with Nancy Reagan being a notable figure in RCM.
    • Kevin explains how RCM is evolving with the help of technology, making it more programmatic and data-driven.

    Challenges and Opportunities in Data Collection
    • Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Clark discuss the challenges of data quality and the importance of contextual data for AI.
    • Kevin explains how system-generated data can reduce errors and improve data quality.
    • Scott shares a personal story about the challenges of handling large amounts of data in real-time.
    • The conversation highlights the need for better data management and the role of AI in improving data quality.

    AI and Human Interface in Maintenance
    • Kevin Clark emphasizes the importance of human involvement in AI-driven maintenance processes.
    • Scott and Kevin discuss the cultural shift needed for AI adoption and the potential for false positives to undermine trust.
    • Kevin shares a story about a personal experience with AI and the importance of using AI in daily life to understand its capabilities.
    • The conversation explores the balance between AI and human expertise in maintaining trust and reliability in maintenance processes.

    AI's Role in Business Decisions and Personal Use
    • Kevin Clark shares an anecdote about a colleague using AI for car maintenance and the importance of personal experience with AI.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Kevin discuss the role of AI in business decisions and the need for objective views of AI.
    • The conversation touches on the potential for AI to replace traditional search methods like Google.
    • Kevin highlights the importance of continuous learning and updating AI models to maintain accuracy and relevance.

    Trust and Reliability in AI-Driven Systems
    • Kevin Clark discusses the challenges of trusting AI-driven systems and the potential for false positives to disrupt operations.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Kevin explore the...
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    23 minutos
  • Does Email Marketing Work? Molly Finch and Scott MacKenzie
    Nov 21 2025
    Scott MacKenzie and his daughter Molly discuss the challenges and strategies of email marketing in the industrial sector. Scott expresses frustration with traditional email campaigns, noting that they often go unread. Molly emphasizes the importance of owning email lists and using personalized, non-AI-generated content to build trust and engagement. They highlight the need for relatable, human-centered emails that provide genuine value. Molly suggests assessing effective emails, using personal language, and avoiding AI-generated images. They also discuss the potential of sending emails on weekends to avoid workplace distractions. The conversation underscores the need for innovative, human-focused marketing strategies. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Assess the emails you receive and analyze what makes you click on them.
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Write down the words and email structures that appeal to you and incorporate them into your own email copy.
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Consider sending some emails on weekends when your audience may have more time to engage, but ensure the content is genuinely helpful.
    • [ ] Avoid using AI-generated images and language in your email campaigns, and focus on maintaining your unique brand voice.
    • [ ] Shift your mindset to approach email marketing as a long-term strategy focused on helping your audience, rather than just driving metrics.

    Outline Introduction to the Podcast and Its Purpose
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the podcast, emphasizing its focus on marketing and sales challenges in the industry.
    • Scott mentions his background, including taking a company public, retiring, and starting an industrial maintenance company.
    • He highlights the importance of young thinking in marketing and introduces his daughter, Molly Finch, as a key contributor to the podcast.
    • Scott discusses the iterative process of developing the podcast and the initial focus on email marketing.

    Challenges with Email Marketing
    • Scott expresses frustration with the effectiveness of email campaigns, noting that people often scroll through emails without reading them.
    • He shares his experience of creating email campaigns and the minimal impact they seem to have.
    • Scott poses the question of how to make email marketing more effective and mentions Molly's insights.
    • The conversation shifts to the importance of telling a company's story effectively and using available tools to succeed.

    The Role of Social Platforms in Marketing
    • Scott questions the effectiveness of LinkedIn for small to midsize businesses and explores other platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
    • He acknowledges that LinkedIn appeals more to older demographics and wonders about the relevance of other platforms for young talent.
    • Scott emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to social media, considering both traditional and emerging platforms.
    • He invites listeners to join the journey of developing the podcast and learning about marketing strategies.

    Molly's Perspective on Email Marketing
    • Molly joins the conversation, discussing the importance of email marketing despite its age.
    • She highlights the need to add to subscriber lists and the common issue of receiving emails that are not valuable.
    • Molly and Scott discuss the challenges of long, paragraph-form emails and the preference for bullet points.
    • They explore the impact of AI on email marketing, including the use of AI-generated images and language.

    Balancing AI and Human Touch in Email Campaigns
    • Molly emphasizes the importance of owning the email list and having control over what is sent to subscribers.
    • She discusses the potential drawbacks of
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    51 minutos
  • Ashley Donohoo and Darin Greifenkamp with Multi Skill Training
    Nov 11 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2026 and talking to Ashley Donohoo and Darin Greifenkamp with Multi-Skill Training about "Training the future of Industry". Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, featuring Ashley and Darren from Multi-Skill Training Services. Ashley, with 12 years at the company, focuses on client training programs, while Darren, a senior project engineer for 17 years, aligns training with customer needs. The company, in business for over 30 years, offers customized training tailored to specific industries and plant needs, including food and beverage, automotive, and chemical plants. They employ retired engineers with extensive experience and use an independent contractor model for instructors. The company also provides online assessments and refresher courses to ensure knowledge retention. They emphasize the importance of training to meet the demands of the rapidly evolving industry. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Ashley Donahue on LinkedIn to learn more about the company's services.
    • [ ] Contact Darren Gray from Multi Skill Training Services at dgray@mstservices.net or on LinkedIn to discuss potential training needs.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their contributions.
    • Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of asset management, reliability, and maintenance in the industry.
    • The podcast is broadcasting live from the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, showcasing the gathering of professionals solving industry challenges.
    • Scott mentions the presence of Ashley and Darren from Multi-Skill Training Services, who won the booth contest.

    Background of Multi-Skill Training Services
    • Ashley shares her background, mentioning her 12 years with Multi-Skill Training Services and her passion for helping clients find the right training programs.
    • Darren introduces himself as a senior project engineer, responsible for aligning training with customer needs, including skills training, machinery-specific operator training, and world-class maintenance.
    • Darren's background includes 20 years as an engineer at Dean Foods and 17 years with Multi Skill Training Services.
    • Scott and the guests discuss the importance of training in the industry, with Scott sharing his personal experience as a journeyman lineman.

    Customized Training Programs
    • Ashley explains how Multi-Skill Training Services customizes training programs based on job task analyses to meet specific industry needs.
    • The company focuses on skills trades across various industries, starting with the food and beverage industry but expanding to other sectors.
    • Darren elaborates on the customization process, detailing how they identify and address specific needs in different plants, such as electrical, power, controls, instrumentation, and VLC.
    • The training is tailored to each customer's requirements, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.

    Engagement and Assessment Process
    • Ashley describes the engagement process, where companies identify skills gaps and contact Multi Skill Training Services for customized assessments and training.
    • The company conducts pre-training assessments to understand the technicians' current skill levels and tailor the training accordingly.
    • Darren discusses the criteria for selecting instructors, emphasizing the need for experienced electrical or mechanical engineers with at least 25 years in manufacturing.
    • Instructors undergo a...
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    18 minutos
  • Danny Gonzales with Industrial Sage
    Nov 13 2025
    Industrial Talk is talking to Danny Gonzales, CEO and Host of Industrial Sage about "The power behind industrial storytelling". Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industrial professionals and their innovations. In this episode, he discusses the importance of storytelling in the industry with Danny Gonzales, founder of Industrial Sage. Gonzales emphasizes the need for compelling narratives to change perceptions of manufacturing and inspire the next generation. He highlights various storytelling methods, including podcasts, documentaries, and internal communications. They also discuss the challenges of innovation, the impact of AI and automation, and the necessity of human interaction in the workplace. Gonzales encourages leaders to communicate effectively and involve frontline workers to foster a culture of innovation and improve retention. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Review your internal communication strategies to ensure leadership is actively engaging employees and fostering a culture of innovation.
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Implement a feedback loop to involve frontline workers in identifying areas for process improvements and technology implementations.
    • [ ] Reach out to Danny Gonzales at Industrial Sage to discuss how to effectively tell the story of your manufacturing or industrial company.

    Outline Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Speaker 1 introduces Scott Mackenzie and the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting its global reach and celebrating industrial professionals for their boldness and innovation.
    • The podcast aims to help industrial professionals tell their stories in an engaging way, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in the industry.
    • Scott encourages listeners to connect with him on the podcast platform to discuss their stories and experiences.

    The Importance of Storytelling in Industry
    • Scott MacKenzie stresses the need for industrial professionals to step out of their comfort zones and tell their stories boldly and radically.
    • He believes that storytelling is crucial for inspiring the next generation of industrial leaders and motivating them to join the industry.
    • Scott introduces Danny Gonzales, an industrial sage who creates compelling video productions to tell the story of the manufacturing industry.
    • He expresses his admiration for industrial professionals and their work, urging them to appreciate and elevate their contributions.

    Danny Gonzales' Background and Industrial Sage
    • Danny Gonzales shares his background, starting a video production company called Optimum Productions and later founding Industrial Sage in 2017.
    • He explains his passion for storytelling, which began during his time as a missionary in Mexico, and how he transitioned to creating videos for B2B and industrial purposes.
    • Danny discusses the mission of Industrial Sage to change the perception of the manufacturing industry, highlighting its innovation and impact on daily life.
    • He emphasizes the importance of great storytelling in showcasing the true nature of the manufacturing industry and its significance.

    Storytelling Techniques and Content Creation
    • Danny explains the various storytelling techniques used by Industrial Sage, including podcasts, news content, mini-documentary series, and bi-weekly shows.
    • He shares examples of their content, such as the "Industries of the Future" series with Schneider Electric and the "American Makers" podcast.
    • Danny highlights the importance of targeting different audiences,...
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    31 minutos
  • Joe Caetano with Elevotec
    Nov 4 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Joe Caetano, Practice Director at Elevotec about "Chasing the game in Asset Management". Scott MacKenzie and Joe Caetano discuss the importance of avoiding "chasing the game" in asset management and maintenance. Joe emphasizes the value of strategic investment over reactive decision-making, highlighting the role of Hexagon EAM in providing robust solutions. He shares insights from his experience at SMRP conferences, stressing the need for collaboration and learning. Joe also discusses the significance of understanding business processes and addressing "business trauma" to ensure successful implementation of new systems. He advocates for incremental changes and transparency to sustain efficiency and improve operational reliability. Action Items Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by CAP Logistics, emphasizing the importance of 24/7 insights into supply chains.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, celebrating industry professionals and encouraging them to attend the SMRP conference.
    • Scott introduces Joe Caetano, the guest for the episode, and sets the stage for discussing "chasing the game."

    Joe Caetano's Background and SMRP Experience
    • Joe shares his background, mentioning his multiple visits to the SMRP conference and his appreciation for the energy and solutions available.
    • Scott and Joe discuss the friendly and collaborative nature of the SMRP event, likening it to a family.
    • Joe talks about the importance of connecting with people and solutions at the conference, emphasizing the value of the event.
    • Joe mentions his company's focus on solutions and their partnership with Hexagon EAM, highlighting the benefits of using a tier-one platform.

    Discussion on AI and Hexagon EAM
    • Joe explains how Hexagon EAM acts as a "quarterback" for AI solutions, providing the necessary data and information.
    • He discusses the different stages of maturity in asset management, from starting out to advanced sensor integration.
    • Joe uses a hockey analogy to describe "chasing the game," where good teams invest in strategic practices rather than making rash decisions.
    • He emphasizes the importance of listening to machines and people to avoid chasing the game and improve business efficiency.

    Challenges of Sustaining Efficiency and Change Management
    • Scott raises a concern about sustaining efficiency after achieving initial success, fearing that changes might disrupt progress.
    • Joe advises recognizing the aspects that led to success and making small, incremental changes to avoid negative repercussions.
    • He warns against replicating success from one situation to another without considering the unique factors of each business.
    • Joe stresses the importance of understanding the business and its critical control points to ensure successful change management.

    Importance of Business-First Approach and Collaboration
    • Joe shares his company's approach of living with and supporting solutions until they are successful, emphasizing the need for a business-first mindset.
    • He discusses the importance of transparency, collaboration, and contribution in managing service delivery.
    • Joe introduces the concept of "business trauma," where past negative experiences can hinder progress and collaboration.
    • He highlights the need for constructive conversations to identify and address gaps in solutions, ensuring better adoption and success.

    Implementation of Solutions and...
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    22 minutos
  • Colin Morris with MaintainX
    Nov 6 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Colin Morris, Sr. Director of Solution Consulting at MaintainX about "Mobile first asset management platform". Scott MacKenzie interviews Colin from MaintainX at the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Colin discusses Maintain X's mobile-first platform, which integrates with various systems like SCADA, ERPs, and wireless sensors to enhance maintenance decisions and asset availability. The platform, which has a three-week implementation period, supports voice summaries to capture technician knowledge and offers a full web client. MaintainX recently raised funding to enhance AI and mobility features. Colin emphasizes the importance of data strategy and extensibility in modern maintenance practices. Listeners can learn more at gomaintainx.com. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Colin on LinkedIn or the maintain X website to learn more about the platform.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, sponsored by CAP Logistics, emphasizing the importance of 24/7 insights into supply chains.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting the SMRP conference in Fort Worth, Texas, and introduces Colin from MaintainX.
    • Colin shares his experience of working with Maintain X for over two years and his background in the software industry, including his time at Rockwell Automation.

    Colin's Background and MaintainX's Funding
    • Colin discusses his career journey, including his 10 years in the software business before joining MaintainX.
    • Scott MacKenzie inquires about Colin's first SMRP experience, and Colin expresses his excitement and impressions of the conference.
    • Colin explains MaintainX's recent funding round, which will enhance AI and mobility features, and improve the product's strength.
    • Scott MacKenzie asks about MaintainX's strategic vision and priorities, focusing on AI and mobility.

    MaintainX's Features and Differentiation
    • Colin elaborates on MaintainX's mobile-first application, which is designed for technicians and other business users.
    • Scott MacKenzie asks how MaintainX differentiates itself from other solutions, and Colin emphasizes the platform's extensibility and connectivity.
    • Colin explains MaintainX's ability to ingest information from various sources, including wireless sensors, SCADA, and ERPs, to improve maintenance decisions.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Colin discuss the importance of bidirectional connectivity and API bridges to integrate with existing systems.

    Data Strategy and Implementation
    • Colin highlights the importance of understanding data strategy and building integrations with other systems.
    • MaintainX offers in-house integration teams and self-serve tools for customers to connect their systems.
    • Colin discusses the challenges of OEE and the need for real-time analytics to improve asset availability.
    • Scott MacKenzie inquires about the point of diminishing returns with data, and Colin explains the need to balance data collection with business impact.

    Implementation Period and Third-Party Solutions
    • Colin explains MaintainX's average implementation period of three weeks, emphasizing outcome-based goals.
    • MaintainX has a team of over 40 implementation consultants, most of whom are engineers, to ensure successful setups.
    • Colin confirms that Maintain X supports third-party solutions, including vibration vendors, Ignition, Kepware, and industrial protocols like MQTT.
    • MaintainX is an SAP partner and connects with Oracle and other...
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    16 minutos
  • Paige Haddy with Mobius Institute and Noria
    Oct 28 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Paige Haddy, Vice President of Marketing at Mobius Institute and Noria about "Inspiring the next generation through education". Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their relentless efforts in asset management, reliability, and maintenance. At the SMRP conference, he interviews Paige Haddy, Vice President of Marketing for Mobius Institute and Noria Corporation. Paige emphasizes the importance of mentorship, especially for the younger generation, and the need for reliable education and training. She highlights the significance of consistent, trustworthy information and the role of events like SMRP in fostering connections and professional development. Paige also discusses the value of asking questions and nurturing relationships to inspire the next generation. Action Items
    • [ ] Extend an olive branch to new speakers and presenters to give them a platform to share their stories and expertise.
    • [ ] Explore using TikTok or other social media platforms to connect with and inspire the younger generation.
    • [ ] Find two or three people to loop in and give them a platform to share their knowledge and experiences.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their relentless efforts in solving daily problems.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcasting location at SMRP, describing the event as a collection of problem solvers in asset management, reliability, and maintenance.
    • Scott introduces Paige Haddy, Vice President of Marketing for Mobius Institute and Noria Corporation, and expresses excitement about her involvement.

    Discussion on Upcoming Conferences and Personal Experiences
    • Paige shares that they are leaving for a conference in Las Vegas at 4 AM the next morning, highlighting the relentless nature of their work.
    • Scott and Paige discuss their experiences with Las Vegas, including personal anecdotes about gambling and dining.
    • Paige expresses a desire to visit the Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon, which are on their list of places to see.
    • Scott recalls his first visit to the Grand Canyon, describing the experience as awe-inspiring.

    Introduction of Paige Hattie and Her Role at Mobius Institute
    • Paige Hattie introduces herself as the Vice President of Marketing for Mobius Institute and Noria Corporation, expressing excitement about her new role.
    • Paige explains her responsibilities, including marketing, publishing events, and content-related activities.
    • She emphasizes the importance of connecting with people and continuing education in the industry.
    • Paige mentions her 12-year experience in the industry and her passion for people and education.

    Challenges and Opportunities in Industry Events and Mentorship
    • Scott and Paige discuss the challenges of industry events, including the need for new blood and mentorship for the younger generation.
    • Paige suggests a mentorship role to help bring up people who might not be in that role already, emphasizing the importance of leading by example.
    • They talk about the importance of inspiring the next generation and overcoming the fear of sharing stories.
    • Paige encourages embracing uncertainty and using it as fuel for forward progress.

    The Importance of Reliable Education and Training
    • Scott and Paige discuss the current education system's ability to be nimble and relevant, emphasizing the need for reliable and consistent training.
    • Paige...
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    21 minutos
  • Gregorio Hadad with Skyler
    Oct 30 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at SMRP 2025 and talking to Gregorio Hadad, General Manager at Skyler about "3rd Party Asset Management Solutions". Scott Mackenzie and Gregorio Hadad discuss the evolution of asset management and reliability at the SMRP conference. Gregorio, General Manager at Skyler, highlights Skyler's IoT platform, which collects and analyzes vibration and temperature data to provide actionable insights for customers. Skyler's partnerships with maintenance and repair organizations enhance their ability to support customers effectively. The platform integrates with existing CMMS systems and uses AI to optimize maintenance processes. Gregorio emphasizes the importance of collaboration and human expertise in achieving reliability and efficiency in asset management. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Attend the SMRP conference in 2026 to connect with industry professionals and learn about the latest developments in asset management and reliability.
    • [ ] Reach out to Gregorio Hadad to learn more about Skylar's solutions and explore potential collaboration opportunities.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to SMRP Conference
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the Industrial Talk Podcast, highlighting the focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott emphasizes the importance of the SMRP conference, describing it as a spectacular event that professionals should attend.
    • Gregorio, thanks Scott for the invitation and expresses excitement about the conference.
    • Scott and Gregorio discuss the positive atmosphere and the learning opportunities at the conference.

    Scott's Observations on Industry Renaissance
    • Scott reflects on the evolution of asset management and reliability, noting a shift from being seen as a cost to a competitive advantage.
    • Scott mentions the need for greater efficiency, insights, and optimization of human capital in the industry.
    • Gregorio agrees, noting the changing perception of asset management from a cost to a competitive advantage.
    • Scott and Gregorio discuss the importance of finding and supporting existing workforces to ensure success.

    Gregorio's Background and Role at Schuyler
    • Gregorio shares his background, mentioning his origins in Argentina and his current role as General Manager at Skyler.
    • Schuyler focuses on improving the reliability of end customers through various tools and partnerships.
    • Gregorio explains Skyler's IoT platform, which includes hardware partners and in-house AI and analytics.
    • Schuyler collects and analyzes data, providing actionable insights and detailed reports to end customers.

    Skyler's IoT Platform and Data Collection
    • Scott and Gregorio discuss the data collection process, focusing on vibration and temperature data.
    • Gregorio mentions the goal of including more data types in the future.
    • The importance of partnerships with CMS companies is highlighted, with plans to integrate Skyler's platform with existing systems.
    • Scott emphasizes the need for seamless integration to avoid additional work for end users.

    Partnerships and Collaboration in Asset Management
    • Gregorio talks about Skyler's partnerships with maintenance and repair organizations, which are critical for success.
    • These partnerships provide local support and understanding of customer pain points.
    • Skyler's platform is designed to collaborate with other asset management solutions without friction.
    • The importance of collaboration in the industry is reiterated, with a focus on avoiding additional systems for end...
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    22 minutos