Bridging the Gap: Cybersecurity and Networking in Industrial Automation In this episode of "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...", we delve into the critical intersection of cybersecurity and networking, essential components in today's industrial landscape.🛡️ Who better to navigate this complex terrain than Siemens' Industrial Network Consultant for the Southeast Region, Kyle Frederick? With seven years of experience under his belt, Kyle is a seasoned expert in cybersecurity and...

Cut through the buzzwords and sales-type fodder in this episode of "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To." Host Brandon Ellis and co-host Beth Elliott are joined by Siemens Digital Industries' expert, Matt Wagner, for an exciting discussion on the game-changing third-generation Siemens drives, highlighting the G220 VFD and S200 servo.🚀 This episode isn't just about gears and gadgets; it's a front-row seat to Siemens Digital Industries' commitment to innovation, security, and...

In celebration of National Robotics🤖 Week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Collett, media lead with Red Nation Robotics Team 4576. Joseph describes what sparked his interest in robotics and the Red Nation Robotics (RNR) team. Joseph walks us through a FIRST Robotics competition match. It's really fun & you don't want to miss it! You'll learn how the robotics teams are structured. Also, the many benefits of FIRST - both technical and non-technical. Joseph shares his passion...

Let's get a grip on automation and get moving. That's what we're talking about in today's episode. elliTek is excited to announce our new automation partner - SCHUNK. SCHUNK is known for its unique gripping technology. As Brandon says, SCHUNK takes the cake for how hard you can grip something. What some folks, at least in the U.S., don't know SCHUNK also does linear motion. They do belt-driven modules and ball screw modules, also known as rodless modules. But wait! That's not...

This is an interesting episode that was initiated by a listener's request. If you're thinking of starting your own business, Brandon has been down that road and shares his words of wisdom. If you've listened to any of elliTek's podcasts, you know that Brandon will have a different twist on the topic.  So, the other side of the coin is addressed to Managers and how to harness the energy of your entrepreneurial-spirited employees. For those considering starting a business, remember to check...

We're looking back so we can move forward. Every year predictions are made. During this episode, we review the 2022 major predicted challenges affecting manufacturing, but we don't stop there. You'll hear actionable solutions that elliTek's engineers have put in place, as well as solutions our partners offer. The partners highlighted in this episode include: LinMotSmartShift RoboticsFANUCHanwha RobotsMotomanSiemensYaskawa Drives & MotionCKD Learn more about elliTek's automation partners...

We've all done it... bought a product that didn't meet our expectations. Were we sold a bill of goods, or did we hear what we wanted to hear? That has been the case with many industrial IoT systems, which doesn't sit well with Brandon. Because the only reason to have an IoT system is to make educated business decisions. If you're confused by all the marketing terms surrounding industrial IoT, you're not alone. Is data funnel, data translation, or remote connect really industrial IoT?...

We 💙 automation, but you can't take the human element out of it. The quality of any automated system at the plant floor level is usually made evident through the design of the human machine interface or HMI. HMIs provide a means for the machine and the human to interact - to converse. It is the very conduit by which a human can influence the machine. These systems range from hardware-based touchscreens to fully capable supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) which are...

From Mars🚀 to your facility -- hear how manufacturers can utilize Siemens's innovative, NASA-type technology to manage the painful issues that we have been going through the past couple of years. Joining us in this episode are three guests from Siemens Drives Group to explain Siemens Drives technology from an interstellar perspective down to the local level, so it doesn't have to be painful. Our first guest is Rudy Hauser, the Programs and Promotions Manager at Siemens. Rudy provides a...

Are you ready for some GOOD news?!?  Unless you've had your head in the sand, you've heard of elliTek's new Automation Partner, so this company shouldn't be unfamiliar to you. Over the past many months, we have been working closely with a fantastic company.  It's a huge, behemoth company.  It's the largest industrial manufacturing company globally and one in which elliTek is extremely privileged to partner.  This is the official announcement that elliTek is now an authorized distributor...

Everyone is searching for ways to reduce costs and in manufacturing, automation is typically the answer.  But some of the parts needed to automate aren't available?  What do you do?    Join us as we talk about some practical automation alternatives that may not be obvious.    If you're wondering WHY the automotive industry is struggling, Brandon provides some context to answer, why this is still happening, and why there's still a global semiconductor chip shortage.    The issues surrounding...

Are we getting ready to undergo a new Industrial Revolution or are we already in it? There are many definitions of Industry 5.0.  Is it combining human creative and critical thinking with the speed and skill of automation?  Is it prioritizing "the wellbeing of the worker?"  Is it a wasteless world?  Or, is Industry 5.0 a combination of these? For someone whose been in industrial automation for 25+ years, what is Brandon's perspective of Industry 5.0? To lay the groundwork, Brandon explains...

The increasing costs of raw materials, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and cybersecurity are the top business challenges facing manufacturers.  How can we overcome these obstacles and prepare for future crises? During this episode, you'll hear our perspective on what's going on in the world today and how manufacturers can build a business that's as future-proof as possible. But first, you'll hear Brandon's Supply Chain Brandology and how manufacturers' supply chain efforts have...

With prices rising across the board and historically high inflation rates, how can manufacturers battle inflation? In this episode, we're talking  about ways manufacturers can shorten their ROI by getting more bang for their buck. Before we delve into the topic, Brandon quizzes Beth on Fieldbus Protocols discussed in the previous episode and why it's important to know the differences.  Do you know the answers? A big way manufacturers can battle inflation is by automating processes. Let's...

It's Season 4 Episode 1 of Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To. 🎉🎉🎉 If you're new to Industrial Protocols, you need to check out this episode. During the offseason, elliTek signed with a new automation partner, CKD.  CKD provides both Electric and Pneumatic Solutions. Not only does CKD produce high-quality, long lasting products, but elliTek's engineers have been impressed with CKD's attention to details.  Tune in to hear why those details are so impressive and why we're talking...

With cases of cyber-crime occurring at an alarming rate, industrial manufacturing is caught in the crosshairs. What steps should you take to protect your systems? We talk to an industry insider, Keith Moore.  Keith has spent the last fourteen years in industrial IoT device development and has immense knowledge of internet protocols and their weaknesses. Before Keith joins the show, Brandon rants about what IoT is and what it isn't. We discuss how manufacturers can secure their data. The...

Sometimes your biggest pain point isn't your biggest problem. There are some processes that you may or may not want to automate. Come with us as we explore those processes. Brandon shares his perspectives, Brandspectives, on the types of industrial automation. He explains his two categories of automation, process automation and discrete automation, and why they matter. You'll hear examples of processes that can't be automated and why.  Remember Brandon's Brandology about the four reasons...

It's almost Thanksgiving here in the United States, and we have so much to be thankful for! Join us as we reflect on past guests and episodes for which we are grateful.  If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to elliTek's podcasts, this is a rundown of a few of our favorites. We had the opportunity to do a crossover podcast with Lisa Richter of CSIA's Talking Industrial Automation podcast.  During this episode, you'll hear how Brandon got into automation, how elliTek began, and how...

This is an issue of Global Proportions! We're talking about the supply chain crisis. From aluminum to semiconductor chip shortages, the lack of essential materials is affecting just about everyone and nearly all levels of production. Why is there a chip set crisis, aka Chipageddon?  How long will Chipageddon last? Is there a fix for manufacturers? Tesla's sales are through the roof this year. How has Elon Musk managed this crisis? And, what lessons can we learn from Tesla? What products...

Today's topic is definitely not boring! The sparks are flying as we delve into the world of robotic welding.🤖🔥 Why would you use a robot to weld instead of a person? That's were Brandon's Brandoloy for the four reasons to automate come into play. Quality / ConsistencyDecrease Cycle Time / Increase ProductionReclassification of LaborFlexibility / Quick Setup Listen to hear why collaborative robots might be better for welding applications than industrial robots. You'll also hear how the types...

If you're considering the purchase of a collaborative robot, vision system, or industrial IoT system, this episode is for YOU! Before making an investment in the automation of a process, there are some commonly overlooked aspects that can be forgotten, overlooked, or even disregarded. With more than 25 years experience in the industrial automation market segment, Brandon shares his knowledge and experiences so others can hopefully avoid those pitfalls. For instance, why choose a...

This is a special crossover episode with CSIA, Control System Integrators Association.  Lisa Richter, host of CSIA's podcast "Talking Industrial Automation", sat down for a chat with elliTek's Brandon Ellis. CSIA is a global trade association that strives to advance the control system integration industry.  CSIA has more than 500 member companies that they provide many benefits for, one of which is a guest interview for CSIA's podcast. During this episode you'll learn how Brandon got into...

Are you confident your employees have the knowledge and skills to help your business grow and thrive?  Knowledge is power! We're starting Season 3 talking about training and leveling up. By providing technical training for your employees, you're fostering a work environment that promotes self-confidence knowing that they have the knowledge and skills to perform their daily tasks to the best of their abilities. That's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of training...

Join us as we talk about some new ways to generate money, real money while saving the earth.  We're talking about green initiatives, aka Green Manufacturing, and how your manufacturing facility can benefit from sustainability efforts. During the show, we dig into the benefits of green initiatives in manufacturing.  We discuss how manufacturers can reduce waste - with real-world, actionable ideas. Stay with us as we discuss what elliTek's technology partners are doing to help reduce waste. ...