Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast

• 38 - How M.E.S Transforms Manufacturing Operations and Slashes Costs w/ Matt Barber

  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

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• 37 - Australian Manufacturing’s Biggest Challenges and Surprising Solutions w/ Shane Williams and Paul Mason

  Get a firsthand look into the heart of Australian manufacturing as hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes sit down with Shane Williams and Paul Mason, two prominent voices from the Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast. This episode examines the practical sides of digital transformation—beyond the buzzwords—to the real drivers, pain points, and breakthrough strategies shaping factories across the country.Listen in as the group compares IT and OT perspectives, highlights the evolving role of data, addresses challenges with legacy systems, and discusses how Australian businesses are tackling integration, culture, and rapid technological change. Candid stories from the plant floor meet sharp industry analysis, making this an essential listen for anyone invested in the future of manufacturing, automation, and technology adoption in Australia.Topics include:Continuous improvement vs. digital transformationThe value of real-time data and integration of old and new techBreaking down IT/OT silos through collaborationThe impact of AI and machine learning on manufacturing processesShifting business models—from selling products to selling servicesTips for setting a strong strategy and finding quick winsListen to the Manufacturing Tech Australia Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/6Gzc6XBnjTP0WRw9g891IPConnect with Shane on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanewilliamsau/Connect with Paul on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/pdmason/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

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• 36 - Why Structure Matters: Transforming PLC Programming with Hans Schrynemakers

  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

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• 35 - Turning Complex IoT Into Practical Solutions with Alex Sims

  Phil and Ed sit down with Alex Sims, Technical Support Lead at Caliper. With a background as a qualified electrician and data technician, Alex offers a unique perspective on how practical trades experience can shape and refine IoT solutions for industrial and environmental challenges. The conversation uncovers practical stories from deploying climate sensors to protect bat colonies, managing connectivity in tough environments, and creating scalable, user-friendly IIoT products for real-world scenarios.From tackling the steep learning curve of IoT as a tradie to overcoming industry-wide issues of scalability, integration, and support, Alex shares lessons learned on the plant floor and in the field. Gain a better understanding of the user experience for installers, the importance of open protocols, what to look for in an IIoT vendor, and the balance between public and private connectivity networks for industrial devices. Perfect for tradespeople, early-career tech professionals, and anyone interested in how field experience informs digital innovation and automation in industry.Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-sims-9b0490153/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

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• 34 - Real-Time Ethernet, TSN, and Edge AI with Melvin Francis

  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

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