by Gary Mintchell | Dec 18, 2025 | Business, News, Podcast
Podcast released on my podcast site and on YouTube.
Thoughts on organization structures and Rockwell CEO Blake Moret’s experiments with bringing in outsiders and setting his own directions.
Thoughts on the industrial software market in general and Rockwell’s evolution. What’s happening with MES in particular.
Rockwell upgrading and building new factories using its own products and services. Rok on Rok
Repackaged cybersecurity offerings.
Software defined automation–software distinct from the target controller–can target any Rockwell control. Question about IEC 61131 and targeting anyone’s control fell on deaf ears. Thoughts on that market.
Rockwell’s use of AI, fitting trend of AI as automation tool, trained on the company’s data.
Rockwell’s use of robotics to expand horizontally throughout manufacturing.
Sponsored by Inductive Automation.
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by Gary Mintchell | Oct 28, 2025 | Podcast
I’ve released a podcast you can download from my podcast site or watch on YouTube.
An early essay by Karl Marx writing at the beginning of the industrial revolution argued that humans who were formerly craftspeople were now just cogs in the industrial machine alienated from the products they made and their work.
The Irish poet/philosopher John O’Donohue discussed in Anam Cara the dignity of work and that work should benefit workers and communities as well as owners and managers.
Lean guru Keven Meyer noted in his book Simple Leader that respect for people is a pillar of Lean. When you hire someone, you are getting more than a pair of hands—you are getting a brain and experience, as well. You should make use of them.
Articles about a worker shortage due to Boomer retirements have been a staple of trade magazine editorial ever since I became an editor in 1998. Some twenty-seven years later, those articles and news releases keep coming.
I learned about a new product from Derek Crager, Founder & CEO of Practical AI for onboarding and mentoring new employees. There is irony here, in that Crager touts himself as developer of an award-winning training program at Amazon—yes, the place that thinks it can replace its workers with robots. But, we will go beyond that thought for now.
His solution? Just-in-time guidance—the right step at the exact moment of need, while hands are on the task. When a technician can ask and do in the same breath, training becomes throughput. That’s the difference between teaching a concept and multiplying your best expert across every line and shift.
He called on his experience at Amazon to develop something called Pocket Mentor: A Phone Call to Your Best Expert. This is a hands-free, eyes-free mentor your team reaches by phone, anytime, on the floor or in the field. No app. No Wi-Fi. No passwords. Just tap & say, “Talk me through it” — and we will.
by Gary Mintchell | Oct 15, 2025 | Commentary, Generative AI, Podcast
I’ve published a podcast both on my podcast app (available in Apple, Overcast, or wherever you download them) and on YouTube. You can subscribe on any. Or click the links for podcast or YouTube on the right sidebar.
Why pursue AI? As a tool to help entrepreneurs add value to their companies. The appropriate roll out entails organizing small “pirate ships” empowered to experiment and implement with a budget and air cover. Many concerns about AI’s impact on employment and organization are over blown. History shows that new technology winds up creating more jobs than it destroys. This podcast is sponsored by Inductive Automation.
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.
