by Gary Mintchell | Sep 18, 2025 | Podcast, Software
ICC 2025 Recap
I recorded this as I was leaving Inductive Automation’s Ignition Community Conference 2025 in Sacramento. The event team performed wonderfully moving ICC from the smaller Harris Center in Folsom to the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento with double the attendance. Lots of energy, many partners. The event had to be credited a success. Of course, the highlight was introduction of Ignition 8.3. This update included many long-sought additions. Note: Inductive Automation has been a long-term sponsor for my work. However, we do not have an “influencer” relationship, that is, they do not pay me for writing content. They just appreciate my work. If this information is useful, please pass along.
You can listen as a podcast (and subscribe).
Or watch on YouTube (and subscribe).
by Gary Mintchell | Aug 21, 2025 | Podcast
I’ve released a new podcast which you can also see on YouTube. While there, check out my interview with Inductive Automation’s Chief Product Evangelist Travis Cox. When I set initial editorial direction for Automation World, I was focused on exploring the Intelligent Application of Automation emphasizing the teams that made it happen. Recently I interviewed Mike Payne, co-owner and president of Hill Manufacturing. His story of using intelligent applications of technology both for the machines and for software showed how even an old-line manufacturer can be new and profitable. Sponsored by Inductive Automation.
by Gary Mintchell | Aug 4, 2025 | Podcast
I seldom interview people for my podcast Gary on Manufacturing. In this case, I had an opportunity to talk with Travis Cox, Inductive Automation’s Chief Technology Evangelist about the upcoming Ignition Community Conference as well as the upcoming release of Ignition 8.3.
ICC 2025 has moved from the Harris Center in Folsom to the SAFE Credit Union Convention & Performing Arts District in downtown Sacramento. This enables enough capacity to double attendance from about 800. They also are introducing more ways for you to pick up ideas from projects on display from integrators. It’s always been a great place to meet smart people and learn new things.
Ignition 8.3 promises to be a hugely important upgrade to Ignition with more IT integration possibilities and user interface upgrades. You’ll learn more about it in Sacramento.
Oh, and you can find video of the interview on my YouTube channel.
by Gary Mintchell | Jul 14, 2025 | Podcast
AI has generated more hype and obfuscation than all the words from ChatGPT. OK, maybe I exaggerate, but the amount of scare talk is endless. I try to take a more rational and down-to-earth look at the issue from the point-of-view of manufacturers. I argue that AI now and in the future should be viewed as a tool that will help humans work better and more productively. I use an example from an interview with Mike Payne, co-owner and president, of Hill Manufacturing–a production machine shop operation in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Mike was introduced to me by Hexagon. This podcast is sponsored by the Ignition Community Conference by Inductive Automation.
This podcast reflects some of my current thinking about AI hoopla.
by Gary Mintchell | Jun 25, 2025 | Podcast
CEOs in a recent survey complained they were not seeing results from digital transformation. Too much complexity, dashboards too complex, information not clear, silos of data. Maybe we’re looking at the wrong part of the problem. Maybe it’s not technology; it’s people.
Listen on Overcast or your favorite podcast app or on LIbsyn. Or, watch on YouTube.
by Gary Mintchell | Dec 20, 2024 | Podcast
This podcast is sponsored by Inductive Automation. Two topics dominated my inbox this year–and will probably continue to do so. These are AI Large Language Models and Cybersecurity.