What happens when traditional manufacturing meets the possibilities of advanced data solutions? Patrick Byrne, a mechanical engineer turned data scientist and cofounder of Anora AI, sits down with Ira Sharp to break down how smaller and mid-sized manufacturers can turn “digital waste” into major financial opportunity...without massive budgets or overhauls.

This episode pulls back the curtain on bridging disconnected business systems, getting real value from existing data, and surfacing the everyday pain points that bleed productivity.

Hear a candid perspective on why chasing the latest tech buzzwords isn’t always the path to results. If you’ve ever wondered how meaningful change can look for manufacturers outside the Fortune 500, this conversation brings clarity, strategy, and inspiration to turn intention into impact.

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Need help finding the talent to scale your digital transformation initiatives?

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Join Ira Sharp as he sits down with industrial cybersecurity expert Brandon Artz to discuss how data can often be more valuable than the products themselves, especially in large-scale operations like online shopping at Walmart. With his decade-long experience spanning automotive, heavy industry, and automated warehouses, Brandon emphasizes the importance of IT and OT convergence, diving into the nitty-gritty of cybersecurity, documentation, and the infrastructure gaps in the industry.

Learn how he transitioned from bartending to becoming an IT professional and the innovative methods he uses to enhance automation and efficiency. This episode offers invaluable insights on career growth, the future of industrial technology, and strategies for maintaining robust defense mechanisms in remote locations.

This episode is brought to you by Industry Sage Media.

In this episode of Tomorrow's Trends, Ira welcomes Scott Chapman, an experienced engineer with a diverse background in industrial automation. Scott shares insights from his 30-year career, discussing maintenance strategies from reactive and preventative to predictive and prescriptive maintenance. They explore the importance of data in maintenance, the role of AI, and the evolving landscape of maintenance technology. Scott also talks about the balance between maintaining ownership of maintenance versus leveraging specialized expertise.

This episode offers valuable perspectives on how businesses can improve their maintenance practices to enhance productivity and reliability.

00:00 Introduction to Tomorrow's Trends Podcast 00:30 Meet Scott Chapman: Industry Veteran 01:22 Scott's Journey in Industrial Automation and Maintenance 04:45 Reactive vs. Preventative Maintenance 07:20 The Shift to Predictive and Prescriptive Maintenance 09:35 Machines and Processes in Modern Maintenance 12:50 Security Challenges in Industrial Connectivity 15:10 Importance of Specialist Knowledge in Equipment Maintenance 17:36 The Future of Remote Monitoring and AI in Maintenance 20:02 Financial Aspects: CapEx to OpEx Transition 24:00 Real-World Applicability of Technological Innovations 26:45 Data Overload: Managing and Analyzing Industrial Data 30:15 Sustainability Targets and Power Monitoring in Modern Facilities 33:00 Closing Thoughts and Industry Insights

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-chapman-03/

Connect with Ira on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/irasharpjr/

This episode is brought to you by 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