Practitioners Unplugged

Latest Episodes
Episode #11 | The Future of Packaging: Flexibility and Speed in Manufacturing with Jason Head of Fallas Automation
In this episode of Practitioners Unplugged, we dive into the future of secondary packaging automation with Jason Head, Controls Development Engineer at Fallas Automation. Broadcasting from the floor o
Episode #10 | From Machines to Minds: Embracing the Human Element in Manufacturing Innovation with Jim Mayer
Jim Mayer shares how empathy, authorship, and KPIs are the missing links in most digital transformations in manufacturing.
Episode #9 | Automation’s Dirty Little Secret? Why Flexibility is Your Next Big Challenge with Special Guest Daniel Harr
At Automate 2025, Delta Systems CEO Daniel Harr shares insights on automation, AI, and building flexible, data-driven manufacturing systems.
Episode #8 | Why Smart Manufacturing: What Brought Us Here Won’t Get Us There with Special Guest Jim Davis
Smart Manufacturing pioneer Jim Davis shares why data readiness, strategy, and collaboration matter more than tech alone in Industry 4.0.
Episode #7 | The End of User Lock-In? Universal Automation & Interoperability With Special Guest: Brett Redmond
Brett Redmond shares why interoperability is key to unlocking efficiency, flexibility, and innovation across modern manufacturing systems.
Episode #6 | CESMII & Unified Namespaces in Industry 4.0 with Jonathan Wise
CESMIIs Jonathan Wise explains how a Unified Namespace unlocks smart manufacturing by reducing data friction and enabling AI-driven decisions.
Episode #5 | Transforming Manufacturing with Industrial AI
RoviSys Bryan DeBois explores how Industrial AI enhances efficiency, bridges skill gaps, and preserves SME knowledge without replacing people.
Episode 4 | The Many Facets of Value Creation in Manufacturing: Value creation requires dual approach
Sudhi Bangalore shares how balancing quick wins with long-term strategy drives value, innovation, and resilience in smart manufacturing.
Episode #3 | Embrace failure for innovation growth
Mike Labhart shares why embracing failure, agility, and change agents is key to driving innovation and digital transformation in manufacturing.
Episode #2 | Building a Smart Factory with Bram Vangenabet & David Ariens
Bram Vangenabet shares how a global food manufacturer tackled people, process, tech, and data to scale digital transformation across 160 lines