Industrial Automation – It Doesn’t Have To…
47 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsJoin us as we explore all things Industrial Automation. Brandon Ellis, owner & president of elliTek, has seen the good, the bad, and the great when it comes to automation. We'll delve into the challenges that manufacturers face, find out what it doesn't have to..., and have some fun!
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Episodes
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Disagree
February 13, 2024 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBBridging 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 n...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Standstill
December 19, 2023 05:00 - 42 minutes - 29.4 MBCut 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 efficienc...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... #45
April 06, 2023 18:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBIn 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 fo...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Let Go
February 14, 2023 05:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBLet'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 all... SCH...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unmotivated
December 13, 2022 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBThis 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...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unexpected
November 08, 2022 05:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBWe'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: LinMot SmartShift Robotics FANUC Hanwha Robots Motoman Siemens Yaskawa Drives & Motion CKD Learn more about elliTek's automa...
Industrial IoT - It Doesn't Have To... Be Misleading
October 11, 2022 04:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBWe'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? W...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unhuman
September 13, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBWe 💙 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 larg...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Painful
August 09, 2022 04:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBFrom 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 300...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unfamiliar
July 12, 2022 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBAre 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 f...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Obvious
June 14, 2022 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MBEveryone 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...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Industry 4.0
May 10, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBAre 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 explain...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unstable
April 05, 2022 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBThe 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 ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Inflate
March 08, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutes - 24.1 MBWith 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...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... #33
January 25, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBIt'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 ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Risky
December 14, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 51.1 MBWith 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 ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Your Biggest Problem
November 30, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBSometimes 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 ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Thankless
November 16, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MBIt'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 ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be In Short Supply
November 02, 2021 10:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MBThis 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...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Boring
October 19, 2021 10:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBToday'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 / Consistency Decrease Cycle Time / Increase Production Reclassification of Labor Flexibility / Quick Setup Listen to hear why collaborative robots might be better for welding applications than industrial robots. You'll also hear how ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Vague
October 05, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBIf 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 collabor...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Uncooperative
September 21, 2021 10:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBThis 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 ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unsupported
September 07, 2021 10:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBAre 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 a...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Wasteful
July 27, 2021 10:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBJoin 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. ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be a Loss
July 13, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 36.8 MBROI - Return on Investment - pre-pandemic vs post-pandemic. How ROI looked before the pandemic is completely different in a post-pandemic world. Does your perspective on ROI need to change as well? Traditionally, the focus for production engineering was to increase production. Automation was trying to increase production which meant getting more out of the line without adding people. And, in some unfortunate instances, there were times where it reduced the number of associates. Increasing ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Doom & Gloom
June 29, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 49.2 MBDoom and gloom. Enough of that - this episode is all about successes! Listen to hear how manufacturers can use automation (and sometimes not) to overcome and succeed in a competitive market when labor can be difficult to find. elliTek's Engineers have been asked about some interesting things lately that could benefit you. Anti-air? Listen to learn what it is, why it's important, and what manufacturers can do about it. Do you remember Brandon's Brandology about the 4 reasons to automate? ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Frustrating
June 15, 2021 10:00 - 43 minutes - 29.9 MBLabor shortages can be seen in nearly every industry. In manufacturing, frustration is rising because factories are seeing huge demands but are unable to take full advantage. WHY? Join us as we explore some of the reasons. Including why the labor shortages happening today are different than in the past. Why is the demand for blue-collar and manual services workers increasing? What factors are contributing to the massive drop in corporate profits, especially in manufacturing? It isn't all...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Like Colonial Pipeline
June 01, 2021 10:00 - 55 minutes - 38.5 MBWhat happened with Colonial Pipeline and could it have been prevented? This episode isn't a dig at Colonial Pipeline. It's a cautionary tale for businesses, and their cybersecurity preparedness efforts. The reason Colonial shut down their pipeline was they were uncertain. They were unsure what systems were going to be affected over and above the accounting systems. They lacked confidence in the separation of their Business/IT Networks and their Operational Technology (OT) Networks. List...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unmonitored
May 18, 2021 10:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBThis is a HOT topic -- Condition Monitoring (CM). Brandon pierces through the sales and marketing fodder to expose some really cool stuff. Sales and marketing would have you monitor just temperature and vibration. But wait, there's more! Remember the refrigerator analogy? What indicators are really enough? Manufacturers are developing some fantastic capabilities for sensors that allow users to grab data without being invasive. We call it the EKG method. Condition monitoring sensors are a...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Rotate
May 04, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBWhen you think of motors, do you think of a spinning shaft for running things like the fan in an air conditioner or an exhaust fan? What happens if something needs to move in a linear fashion? Motors are more than rotation. This episode is about motion control, rotary and linear motion. You'll learn about the types of rotary motors: stepper motors and servo motors. You'll learn how stepper and servo motors are constructed, the applications suitable for each, and the advantages, as we...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Menial
April 20, 2021 10:00 - 1 hour - 46.8 MBMenial tasks are those repetitive, tedious, or dangerous tasks that a robot is capable of doing freeing up time for associates to focus on high-value-added tasks. The types of robots used to automate applications can be different and sometimes confusing, so we're breaking it all down for in this episode. Please join us as we explore collaborative robots, also called cobots. You'll hear the differences between an industrial robot and a collaborative robot. As well as: What makes a cobot ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Manual
April 06, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBHave you been seeing the phrase Robotic Process Automation lately? Well, you're not alone. This episode we learn about Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and some of the misconceptions surrounding RPA. What are the benefits of RPA? How would one implement RPA? What are the four reasons to automate, according to Brandon's Brandology? What does RPA have to do with cobots? Learn more about Hanwha robots. Check out FANUC's robots. Explore our most recent cobot partner, Elite Robots. R...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be a Man's World
March 23, 2021 10:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBTo celebrate National Women's History Month, this episode is dedicated to the countless women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math who have blazed a trail for women in STEM today. At elliTek, a couple of women are carrying the Engineering torch today. Julie Shaw is an Applications Engineer with elliTek. Julie earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering at Tennessee Technological University. Not only is Julie a superstar with Vision Systems, but she is a whiz ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Last
March 09, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBMaking Robots ~ Building Leaders, Gracious Professionalism, and Coopetition are just a few terms you'll hear during this episode. Morgan Everett, Lead Mentor with Red Nation Robotics, is our special guest! More than just robots and more than a student run enterprise, FIRST® Robotics & Red Nation Robotics has it all. Listen to hear how tomorrow's leaders get real-world opportunities to build a robot in six weeks. But that is NOT their biggest challenge! Communication, problem solving,...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Lag
February 23, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 41.6 MBThis episode is dedicated to the Edge - Edge Computing that is. Listen to learn all about Edge Computing. What is the Edge? Where is the Edge? What's the big deal? Brandon gives a down-to-earth explanation of what the edge is outside of manufacturing that nearly everyone can relate to. Find out what lives on the Edge in the world of manufacturing. Learn the differences between smart and intelligent devices. Discover the differences between product data and process data and how the...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unsafe
February 09, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBSafety of employees is a top priority for plant managers. In addition to the countless aspects that represent safety risks throughout a facility, the total cost of serious workplace injures exceeds over $1 billion per week according to the 2020 Workplace Safety Index. This is HUGE, so we brought in a safety expert to get the low-down. Dave Rice is the Territory Sales Manager with Datalogic's Sensors & Safety Division. Dave has been in safety product sales for more than a decade -- Dave k...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Machined
January 26, 2021 11:00 - 54 minutes - 37.6 MBAdditive Manufacturing or 3D printing is bringing new perspectives to manufacturing, so we have a special guest, Matthew Stuckey, to bring us his fresh, new perspectives on the subject. Matthew is studying Mechanical Engineering at the Tickle College of Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is well versed in Additive Manufacturing. Matthew interned at elliTek over the summer and is currently working with us when he isn't in class. After listening to this episode, you w...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Untraceable
January 12, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 44.2 MBIn September 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a new proposed rule regarding food traceability. This rule, which would be part of Section 204(d) of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), establishes event tracking requirements for specific foods and ingredients throughout the supply chain. Comments for the proposed rule have been extended until February 22, 2021, after which the FDA is expected to issue a final rule which would go into effect 60 days after its p...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be 2020
December 22, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBThis is a fun season wrap up where we're reviewing our previous podcasts and looking ahead to 2021! Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Engineered elliTek's pre-engineered Smart Servo Actuators and Robotic Work cells are designed to help manufacturers save money. You do what you can do and elliTek can fill in the gaps. There are plenty of manufacturers that can program their own machines. This is a means of them being able to use their in-house capabilities to 1) reduce costs ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unpredictable
December 08, 2020 13:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBThis episode of elliTek's Industrial Automation podcast is about Predictive Maintenance. We are talking with a special guest, Keary Donovan. Keary is the owner of Pathways 7. Pathways 7 is a consulting firm helping SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) capitalize on up-to-date information systems so they can become more competitive. Keary recently published a white paper about Predictive Maintenance titled "3 KPI Considerations for Maintenance and OEE." During this podcast, w...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Hopeless
November 24, 2020 13:00 - 58 minutes - 39.9 MBThis episode is about thankfulness and gratitude. Industrial Automation can be hopeful and positive. elliTek is thankful for each of our customers, our colleagues, and our families. During this episode, we review some projects that our customer's have told us that they are thankful for and that they have benefited from. Hopefully, you will come away with a fresh idea or perspective that can make you hopeful. The types of projects discussed are as follows: IoT Based Projects Smart As...
Introduction to elliTek
November 19, 2020 11:00 - 1 minute - 919 KBJoin us on the second Tuesday of each month as we talk about Industrial Automation and what it doesn't have to be! elliTek builds custom machines for manufacturing systems, and offers comprehensive turnkey and design/build services, and technical training. Our mission is to empower our clients. That's what this podcast is all about - empowering manufacturers, hopefully, learn a thing or two, and have some fun. Brandon is the host, as well as the owner and president of elliTek. He's just ...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Myopic
November 10, 2020 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.7 MBMyopic is being short-sighted -- unable to clearly see things that are far away. elliTek's mission is one of empowerment. We want manufacturers find a way to better position themselves moving forward. Our hope is that this podcast provides helpful perspectives. This episode is about the tendencies we can have as human beings to focus on one piece of the puzzle but miss the picture as a whole. Brandon shares a customer experience where the customer's focus was on the "squeaky wheel". Yo...
Industrial Robotics - It Doesn't Have To... Be Complex
October 27, 2020 12:00 - 53 minutes - 36.7 MBAdding automated robotic systems to a factory can save money, create higher-quality parts, and increase production. There are six types of industrial robots that can be classified according to the typed of movement, the application needs, reach and payload requirements, and manufacturing preference. You will learn about the types of robots and how they are used in manufacturing, but first, Brandon gives us his definitions for some industry terms. Application: Deciding what it is you are...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unsecure
October 13, 2020 12:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBThis podcast expands on Brandon's interview with Food Engineering magazine, "Keeping machines and OT networks and IT safe from cyberattacks". We take a deep dive into cybersecurity. Listen to the full episode to learn: Are cyberattacks evolving? Has automation technology opened the door to hackers? Is the Operational Technology (OT) side vulnerable to cyberattacks? What are some vectors that can infect systems? Does "unplugging" the control systems work? Is there a safe way for manuf...
Industrial IoT - It Doesn't Have To... Be Overwhelming
September 29, 2020 13:00 - 56 minutes - 38.7 MBThis episode is full of acronyms. Here's a quick list for reference. A brief explanation of each Industrial Revolution follows the list. CNC: Computer Numerical Control. It's a computer controlled machine that uses pre-programmed software to direct the movement of machining tools and 3D printers. ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning. The ERP system runs the entire plant. HMI: Human Machine Interface. It's a touchscreen on a machine that displays the data on that machine. IIoT: Industrial...
Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Engineered
September 15, 2020 13:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBRobots - Robotic systems - Servo actuators don't have to... be engineered. During elliTek's first podcast, you'll find out who elliTek is, what elliTek does, and why elliTek is different. More importantly, how manufacturers can benefit. We delve into industrial robots, pre-engineered robotic workcells, and pre-engineered servo actuators. Brandon's take on industrial robots may surprise you! Podcasts will be released twice a month. We're talking all things Industrial Automation. What bur...