Automation Chat

Latest Episodes:

Trends in CPG and Food & Beverage Manufacturing Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Todd Gilliam, North American CPG Industry Leader at Rockwell Automation, and Monté Vander Velde, Senior Project Manager with CRB Group. Both companies recently released comprehensive reports: one about the consumer packaged goods industry, and one focused on the food and beverage industry.

This conversation is a great in-depth look into industry trends. They talk about key takeaways from each report, including:

Top challenges identified by survey respondents, such as streamlining operations, navigating their digital journey, implementing ESG initiatives and stretching limited capital budgets.
How manufacturers are addressing the labor shortage.
Benefits of investing in technology for CPG manufacturers.
How AI can help with control code, data collection and response to support continuous improvement.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

Download the Rockwell Automation State of Smart Manufacturing Report 2024: CPG Edition.
Download the CRB 2024 Horizons Digital Age of Food Manufacturing report.
Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (AAM) program for finding skilled workers.
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/0aN9BNsE7d0.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

Please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating & a review.
** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.

How Smart Devices Take Process Instrumentation to the Next Level Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Ashley David, Product Marketing Manager for Level and Pressure Equipment at Endress+Hauser USA. They discuss:

What exactly “smart instrumentation” is in process automation.
Where the industry is headed with smart instrumentation and why.
Why diagnostics, verification and monitoring functions are vital.
How data collected from smart devices is used to improve productivity, cut maintenance costs, reduce paperwork, comply with legal requirements, help ensure safety and more.
Smart instrumentation’s role in optimizing calibration and cGMP compliance in the life sciences industry.
What to know if you’re not sure smart devices in process instrumentation are right for you.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

Learn about Heartbeat Technology on Proline Promag electromagnetic flowmeters from Endress+Hauser.
Learn about benefits of Heartbeat Technology in smart instrumentation.
Case Study: New Belgium Brewing refines calibration process.
Endress+Hauser website.
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/3TlUFOKrkJ4.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

Please subscribe to “Automation Chat" and give us a 5-star rating and a review.
** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.

Automation & Manufacturing News Report, August 27, 2024 Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck highlights news in industrial automation and manufacturing. Learn about the size of the U.S. manufacturing industry; trends in the oil & gas, modular robotics, batch control systems and industrial networks markets; and how companies are using AI. Also learn about achievements by EOSYS, FANUC Robotics, Hammond Power Solutions, the International Society of Automation (ISA) and Rockwell Automation.

As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

International Society of Automation (ISA) AI-powered large-language model, Mimo.
U.S. Dept. of Commerce Report on the State of Manufacturing in the United States.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we really appreciate it.

“Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Case Study: How a Craft Brewery Switched from Bottles to Cans Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, The Journal’s Executive Editor Theresa Houck brings the written word to life by reading the case study,“How a Craft Brewery Switched from Bottles to Cans.” It explains how Lakefront Brewery used updated PLCs, drives and HMIs to switch its operation to cans while also improving visibility and production.

Resources from this episode:

Read the article online: “How a Craft Brewery Switched from Bottles to Cans.”
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we very much appreciate it.

Brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

** 3 Consecutive Best Podcast Awards, 2022-2024 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Practical Steps for Protecting IT & OT Systems from Ransomware Attacks Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Dave Kang, Advisory Solutions Architect at Dragos and Kamil Karmali, Senior Global Commercial Manager, Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation. Get nuts-and-bolts, practical information about strengthening cybersecurity for industrial networks and systems, including:

How ransomware attacks have evolved over the past year.
Steps you can take to prepare for — and recover from — an attack.
Common governance models and decision-making structures.
3 key considerations for developing a unified IT and OT strategy.
Workforce needs for an effective cybersecurity strategy.
How effective cyber hygiene and risk posture helps reduce risk of cyber incidents.
Cybersecurity-related compliance requirements in North America and around the world.
Why it's vital for manufacturers to have a business continuity plan.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

Blog: 6 Steps to Reduce Industrial Cybersecurity Risks.
Q&A with Executive Editor Theresa Houck: Understanding the OT Threat Landscape Helps Manufacturers Improve Cybersecurity
Rockwell Automation Manufacturing Industry Cybersecurity web page.
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8Pm670QAO9E.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

Please subscribe to "Automation Chat" and give us a 5-star rating and a review.
** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Award of Publication Excellence.

10 Electrical Safety Mistakes to Avoid Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, The Journal’s Managing Editor Amanda Joshi brings the written word to life by reading the article,“10 Electrical Safety Mistakes to Avoid,” from Fluke Corp. Get tips about personal protective equipment (PPE), electrical testing tools, testing leads, fuses, lockout/tagout (LOTO) and more.

Resources from the episode:

Read the article online: “10 Electrical Safety Mistakes to Avoid.”
NFPA 70E Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace.
Fluke Corp. web site.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please give us a 5-star rating and write a review — it helps us, and we appreciate it.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

Please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and a review.
** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Why is Abraham Lincoln in a Manufacturing Hall of Fame? Industrial Automation News, July 30, 2024 Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

What do Abraham Lincoln, children’s literacy and the Chicago Bears have to do with manufacturing?

In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck highlights news in industrial automation and manufacturing. Learn about trends in U.S. automotive aftermarket; an Illinois law providing tax incentives to quantum technology companies; and a California rule with incentives for manufacturers to shift from gas to electric boilers & heaters. Also learn about achievements by Endress+Hauser, Southwire and E Tech Group, and why Abraham Lincoln is in the Illinois Manufacturing Hall of Fame.

As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

NVIDIA & Rockwell Automation Collaborate to Increase AI in Manufacturing.
“Automation Chat" wins 3rd consecutive “Best Podcast” award. Learn more here.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we sincerely appreciate it.

“Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

** Named “Best Podcast” 3 Consecutive Years! 2022-2024 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

How to Maintain Business Continuity with IT/OT Synergies in Your Cybersecurity Strategy Jul 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of our “Automation Chat” podcast from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Brian Deken, North America Commercial Manager of Networks & Cybersecurity Services at Rockwell Automation. They talk about cybersecurity challenges and outcomes manufacturers are trying to achieve and how to attain them.

Also learn why it’s vital to do cybersecurity assessments in real time and why you can’t integrate and optimize an IT tool for an OT environment. And see how Rockwell Automation provides IT/OT synergies through its partner ecosystem and uses the NIST-based approach to help manufacturers to focus resources for cybersecurity.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

Cybersecurity Preparedness Assessment.
Rockwell Automation Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions.
Blog: Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (includes NIST explanation).
Subscribe to The Journal’s 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.) by e-mailing Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

You can also watch their discussion on YouTube at https://youtu.be/8NtR7oHzhhY.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

Please subscribe and give us a 5-star rating and a review.

** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

Manufacturing & Industrial Automation News Report, July 9, 2024, from Automation Chat Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of “Automation Chat," Executive Editor Theresa Houck highlights news in industrial automation and manufacturing. Learn about the NIST Cybersecurity Framework2.0; a new GenAI prescriptive maintenance work-order software; research about digital services and about global supply-chain conditions; Endress+Hauser’s new Pennsylvania facility; Rockwell Automation plans for an India facility; and a BionicBee!

As always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources from this episode:

NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0.
Learn about the Fiix Asset Risk Predictor Software with GenAI prescriptive maintenance work orders.
Learn more about the ARC Advisory Group Digital Services Study.
Download The Journal’s 2024 "CPG Automation" eHandbook.
Watch video of the Festo Corp.’s
Watch video of the Festo Corp.’s BionicBee in flight.
To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Please leave us a 5-star rating and a review — we appreciate it.

“Automation Chat" is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

** Named Best Podcast 2 Consecutive Years! 2022 & 2023 Apex Awards of Publication Excellence.

What’s Coming Up in The Journal: July 2024 Issue Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck tells you what topics we’re covering in the next edition of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine — our July 2024 issue. Our print magazine mails July 16, and our digital issue launches July 31 by email. Learn about upcoming stories on:

Using automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning to get past the smart-technology implementation phase.
How automotive OEMs are increasing cybersecurity in smart vehicles.
How connecting digital technologies into a digital thread helps create a faster, more resilient business for automotive manufacturers.
How a consumer packaged goods firm uses packaging robotics with open mechanics and unified control to create an autonomous system that can perform complex tasks.
Why OT cybersecurity is a vital business strategy.

And as always, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.

Resources:

To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Feb., May, July and Oct.), e-mail Anna Hicks at ahicks@endeavorbusinessmedia.com.
Subscribe to our 4 digital magazines by visiting http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and a review.

Automation Chat is brought to you by The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.

Find us on LinkedIn.

Find us on Facebook.

Find us on X (Twitter).

** 2 Consecutive Awards for Best Podcast, 2022 & 2023 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.