Welcome to Mastering the Machine: Your Guide to Automation Mastery

Fifteen years ago I was inspired by Chris Guillebeau (https://chrisguillebeau.com/) and accomplished some life goals over just a few years. One of his methods of working on multiple goals simultaneously is to do an annual review of the previous year and make plans for the next. It has been a while since I have done this, so I decided to do mine this year on my podcast. TAKEAWAYS The influence of Chris Guillebeau and the Annual Review (01:00 – 3:00) In 2010 I bought Chris Guillebeau’s book “Th...

How does a typical subcontracting job work in system integration? You have a scope of work and you are about to visit a plant for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Join me as I walk you through a trip to a fresh application. TAKEAWAYS Subcontracting to Patrick Bunn and BAC (01:00 – 3:20) Patrick is a familiar face from a previous podcast. The Scope of Work (SOW) and an overview of the application. Communications and other items on the SOW (3:20 – 6:00) Fixing a communications issue ...

How does marketing work for industrial system integrators? Emily Merritt of Clearlead Marketing discusses the ins and outs of marketing for companies and service providers in industrial automation. TAKEAWAYS Current projects (01:00 – 2:10) What Emily and Clearlead have been working on since OT SCADA CON this Summer How Emily got started in marketing (2:30 – 8:40) From technical writing and data analysis to the study of marketing in system integration. How experiments form the marketing ...

What kind of products are used in Industrial Automation and manufacturing? Are computers used to control machines? Why are industrial components so expensive compared to commercial products? A look at some of the items used in manufacturing. TAKEAWAYS Controllers (01:00 – 7:20) Types of controllers: PLC, DCS, process and microcontrollers, timers and counters, computers, even pneumatic! Sensors (7:20 – 18:25) What do industrial sensors detect? Photoelectrics, Inductive and capacitive proximity...

Do you have experience in manufacturing or industrial automation? Have you ever thought of starting your own business? This episode is for you! TAKEAWAYS Product Sales (01:00 – 12:00) Distributors, Manufacturers Reps and Online sales Services (12:00 – 19:30) Industrial electricians, panel fabrication, system integration, training and mechanical trades Machines and Systems (21:10 – 29:40) It can be difficult to organize small companies into categories Marketing Methods (29:40 – 32...