Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast

What does it take for AI to actually deliver on the factory floor? In this episode, we explore why most manufacturing AI pilots never make it to production, and what changes when you get the data architecture right.Francisco Almada Lobo, CEO and Co-Founder at Critical Manufacturing, joins Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes to discuss MES as the foundation for manufacturing AI, why context beats compute, and what regulated industries need before they can trust AI in production.Key topics in this episode:What MES is and why it keeps expanding beyond process controlWhy Audi's 100+ AI initiatives failed to scale to production"Fat events": enriching IoT data with MES context for AI workloadsDesign-time AI vs runtime AI in regulated manufacturingThe first FDA warning letter for unauthorized AI useWhy this technology revolution gives no time for adjustmentThis episode is proudly made possible by FlowFuse. FlowFuse is the industrial application platform that helps operations, maintenance, and IT teams connect any machine, move data between systems, and scale industrial applications across sites. It is built on Node-RED, with the security and governance you need for real production environments. Learn more at flowfuse.com.Connect with Francisco on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/falmadaloboConnect with Phil on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/philseboaConnect with Ed on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edfuentesLearn more about Critical Manufacturing: criticalmanufacturing.comBook mentioned: "Agentic Artificial Intelligence" by Pascal Bonnet

In this episode of Unplugged, powered by PLCnext Technology, Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes sit down with Matt Barber, a globally respected MES specialist at Infor, to break down the evolving world of Manufacturing Execution Systems.Matt explains what MES is, how it has grown into the broader framework of Manufacturing Operations Management, and why these systems have become essential for modern manufacturers. He covers the practical benefits, including real-time data visibility, stronger quality control, and reduced waste across production environments.The conversation also explores the real challenges companies face when adopting MES. Matt emphasizes the importance of effective change management, leadership alignment, and building an enterprise-wide strategy rather than isolated system deployments.Learn which industries are leaning into MES, how AI and predictive analytics are reshaping operations, and what smaller manufacturers can do to adopt MES principles without large budgets. Matt also shares parts of his own career journey, his passion for education, and the emerging trends he sees shaping the future of MES and connected worker technologies.---------------------------This episode is made possible by PLCnext TechnologyPLCnext Technology is the ecosystem for industrial automation consisting of open hardware, modular engineering software, a global community, and a digital software marketplace.Learn more at: https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-pc/products/plcnext-technology---------------------------Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattjbarber/Educational Blog https://www.mesmatters.com/Infor MES https://www.infor.com/en-gb/solutions/scm/manufacturing-execution-system———Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/- - - -About Industry Sage Media:Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Hans Schrynemakers joins hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes to discuss his journey from frustrated nights on the factory floor to becoming an advocate for structured, modular PLC programming. Hans brings over 20 years of automation experience, sharing hard-earned knowledge on building scalable, maintainable industrial applications. The conversation spans practical strategies for naming conventions, documentation, and the role of comments, as well as his approach to training engineers worldwide. The episode also covers modernization projects, motion control, and the future of PLC programming in an AI-driven world. About Hans:Hans Schrynemakers has helped thousands of PLC programmers transform the way they build applications in TIA Portal. Twenty-three years ago, he was a rookie struggling with messy, unstructured PLC code. After a rough night on the factory floor, he discovered structured programming—a turning point that completely changed his perspective and revealed the difference between average logic and modular, scalable applications.Today, with over two decades of experience, Hans is dedicated to helping others skip the struggles he once faced and start programming with confidence.Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/Connect with Hans:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/hans-schrynemakers⁠Other ways to connect with Hans:Free TIA Portal guide:https://www.plcskilltree.com/free-guide-optinYouTube channel:https://www.youtube.com/@plcskilltreeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/plcskilltree?igsh=MWlxN2piNnA0djBxcw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr—————About Industry Sage Media:Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes sit down with Melvin Francis, a research-driven engineer and technical marketing leader at BE Services, for a packed conversation on the realities of real-time industrial automation, edge AI, and the technical leaps powering Industry 4.0. Melvin shares his hands-on journey from developing open-source real-time Ethernet protocols in India to driving innovation in Germany’s advanced manufacturing sector.This episode covers the critical distinction between real-time performance and speed in OT environments, the impact of edge AI on traditional cloud models, and the emerging value of time-sensitive networking (TSN) for seamless integration of IT and OT data flows. Melvin offers firsthand anecdotes, technical clarity, and live walkthroughs—including a look at BE Services’ AIoT edge solution—while discussing practical approaches for modernizing brownfield systems, achieving high-precision motion control, and bridging the skills gap in industrial digitalization. Perfect for engineers, automation leaders, and anyone seeking a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities of modern industrial networks.Connect with Melvin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvin-francis/Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/About Industry Sage Media:Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Jan Madsen, founder of Enuda, shares his unique perspective on systems integration in Europe and what it means to build an Ignition-only team that bridges the gap between operations and finance. Jan shares real stories from the plant floor, practical lessons from failed and successful projects, and why sticking to timeless business fundamentals outlasts chasing the latest tech trends. He shares insights on fostering a remote team of talented young engineers, the challenges and rewards of focusing solely on Ignition, the ongoing shift toward MQTT in industrial protocols, and why clear communication is often more valuable than technical prowess. The conversation also dives into how companies can move from endless proof-of-concept limbo to real value creation, and the importance of having a true north compass in both business and integration projects.Connect with Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmadsen/Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Matthew D. Smith, CEO of fieldcloud SAS, joins host Phil Seboa for an energetic and eye-opening episode focused on industrial connectivity, retro computing, and bridging cultural divides in global automation projects. With decades of experience in IT, SCADA, and telecoms, Matthew shares his background working on legacy systems at Eskom, inventive projects in the oil and gas sector, and the practical realities of deploying IIoT solutions in some of the world’s toughest environments. Learn how fieldcloud SAS approaches obsolescence, knowledge transfer, and the challenges of language and culture in international fieldwork.Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darthfiber/-------------------About Industry Sage Media:Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com

Brandon Artz joins Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes for a wide-ranging conversation on the real-world challenges and opportunities shaping industrial automation and cybersecurity. From lessons learned bridging the divide between IT and OT teams, to candid stories about documentation mishaps, air-gapping missteps, and sticky financial roadblocks, Brandon’s hands-on perspective demystifies the complexities of smart manufacturing. Throughout the discussion, listeners will hear practical tips on proactive risk management, the impact of soft skills like communication and conflict resolution, and how cross-disciplinary curiosity fueled by everything from Linux tinkering to DIY AI at home can shape a successful career. Packed with insights about the evolving landscape of smart factories, knowledge sharing, and the importance of upskilling across disciplines, this episode is a must-hear for anyone interested in the current and future state of industrial IoT.Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/Connect with Ed on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonartz76273967/About Industry Sage Media:Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com