In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast Denis and I, dive into the topic of transferring shop floor data to the cloud and leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and other use-cases in the metals industry.

We discuss essential components like the Unified Namespace (UNS) and Data-Centric AI, highlighting why smaller manufacturers shouldn’t shy away from cloud technology.

We also break down common misconceptions about AI, particularly for SMBs, and explore the benefits of cloud services.

You’ll hear a step-by-step approach to implementing predictive maintenance and get practical advice on how to start using AI-driven insights—without excessive costs or complexity.

If you're a manufacturer looking to make data-driven decisions, optimize maintenance strategies, and leverage AI in a practical, actionable way, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics
00:00 – 🎙️ Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcast
00:23 – 🔍 Understanding Shop Floor Data and AI
02:29 – ⚙️ Preventive vs Predictive Maintenance
04:57 – 🔄 Steps to Implement Predictive Maintenance
08:10 – ☁️ Benefits of Cloud Solutions
09:46 – 📊 Data Management and Unified Namespace
28:57 – 🏭 Practical Advice for Manufacturers

Notable Quotes:

1. "We always break it down into having a solid data infrastructure and having a solid data strategy. And both of these concepts can be summarized with two words respectively: the Unified Namespace and Data-Centric AI." – Denis Gontcharov
2. "Very often, we talk about AI and especially cloud, and smaller manufacturers think, ‘Oh, that’s something for enterprises.’ The goal today is to dispel this myth and tell you that the cloud is far more accessible than you may imagine." – Denis Gontcharov
3. "Preventive maintenance is like going to the gym and eating healthy to avoid getting sick, while predictive maintenance is like wearing a smartwatch that warns you when you’re about to have a health issue." – Luke van Enkhuizen
4. "If we’re just copying our existing systems to the cloud, why would anyone use them there instead of on-premises? We have to provide them with something better—something with more context, better-organized data, and real insights." – Denis Gontcharov
5. "The cloud is not just a place to store data; it’s a new way of organizing infrastructure. If we’re just renting a big computer in the cloud and copying all our applications, we’re not using the cloud in the right way." – Denis Gontcharov
6. "Manufacturers shouldn’t fear the cloud—it’s not just for enterprises. Because of its pay-as-you-go structure, it’s surprisingly affordable and far more flexible than building your own data center." – Denis Gontcharov
7. "AI equals model plus data. The old way focused on tweaking the model, but today, improving the data itself—what we call Data-Centric AI—often leads to better results." – Denis Gontcharov
8. "If someone comes to your factory and says, ‘We have the perfect solution for you, and it costs six digits,’ you should probably walk the other way." – Luke van Enkhuizen

Relevant Links:
🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: https://gontcharov.eu/
🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://vanenkhuizen.com/

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This week at Smart Metals Podcast, we, the hosts Denis Gontcharov and Luke van Enkhuizen, had a fascinating conversation about the future of factory connectivity with Russ Waddell, an expert in industrial connectivity.

We explored the challenges of integrating manufacturing systems, the importance of cultural and technological shifts, and how to leverage AI and data science to unlock the full potential of manufacturing processes.

We delved deeper into topics like the evolution of industrial connectivity, unified namespaces, and strategies for starting your digital transformation journey. If your current challenge is connecting your manufacturing systems, scaling digital projects, or understanding how to use your data effectively, then listen to this episode when you have a moment.

🎧 LISTEN NOW ➡️

Topics
[00:00] 🎙️ Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcast
[00:40] 🔍 Russ Waddell: Journey into Industrial Connectivity
[08:20] 🌐 Defining Factory Connectivity
[17:44] 🚧 Challenges and Opportunities in Factory Connectivity
[27:52] 🏭 Evolution of Machining and Paperless Operations
[29:18] 💡 Technological Advancements and Their Impact
[32:13] 🛠️ The Role of Software in Modern Manufacturing
[36:21] 🔮 Future Trends and Cultural Shifts in Manufacturing

Interesting Quotes
• “If you could just see the data in all of your industrial controllers… Imagine what you could do with that. Everything else we talk about comes back to your favorite use case for that data.” – Russ Waddell
• “When we talk about factory connectivity, everyone has a different definition. A machine maker, a software seller, or someone on the factory floor will all see it differently. That’s why it’s so important to have conversations like this to get a clearer picture.” – Luke van Enkhuizen
• “AI has created a major use case for having all the data in one place. That’s why connectivity is more relevant than ever.” – Denis Gontcharov
• “AI is clearly the next step after basic monitoring and predictive analytics. But it needs clean, accessible inputs. The cleaner the data, the more time your team can spend on building algorithms instead of copying and pasting from CSV files.” – Russ Waddell
• “When you step into some manufacturing facilities, it feels like you’re back in the 80s or 90s. That’s not just a technology problem—it’s a cultural one. Companies need to learn what’s possible and build small-scale successes to see the potential.” – Luke van Enkhuizen

This week at Smart Metals Podcast, we, the hosts Denis Gontcharov and Luke van Enkhuizen, had a conversation about implementing Unified Namespace (UNS) in manufacturing environments with Brian Pribe, founder and president of MACH Controls LLC. We explored how to make advanced manufacturing technology accessible to businesses of all sizes.

We delved deeper into practical implementation of UNS, the combination of MQTT and Kafka, and making these solutions affordable for smaller manufacturers. If your current challenge is connecting your manufacturing equipment or implementing a unified namespace solution, then listen to this episode when you have a moment.

Topics

• [00:00] Introduction to the Smart Metals Podcast
• [00:32] 📊 Brian Pribe's Journey in Manufacturing and MACH Controls LLC
• [01:59] 🚀 Understanding and Implementing Unified Namespace
• [04:45] 🌐 Technical Deep Dive: MQTT and Kafka Integration
• [11:14] 📋 European Data Act and Its Impact on Manufacturing
• [16:13] 💡 Making Technology Accessible for Small Manufacturers
• [23:03] 📈 Unlocking Business Insights with Unified Namespace
• [24:52] 🏭 First Steps: From Strategy to Proof of Concept
• [28:35] 🔄 Integrating IT and OT Systems
• [31:32] 🔮 Future of Manufacturing and Generational Transition

Interesting Quotes

• "The Unified Namespace isn't just about connecting devices - it's about contextualizing data in a way that makes sense for your business." – Brian Pribe
• "For non-critical applications, open source all the way. Start with FOSS solutions. It's not going to cost you anything, and it's going to push you in the right direction." – Brian Pribe
• "You can only improve what you measure. And if you're not measuring anything, you're not going to improve at all." – Brian Pribe
• "I think the biggest challenge is not per se that the machines don't have the connectivities. It's the fact that most users of the machines are not even remotely aware how many sensors and computer systems are actually in their plant." – Luke van Enkhuizen
• "The licensing costs for connecting machines through OPC UA can be substantial - manufacturers end up spending significant amounts yearly just to get data." – Denis Gontcharov
• "Something has to give - your profit margins are really not that outstanding. Why not just get the data and measure what you want to improve? Otherwise you won't." – Denis Gontcharov

Resources:

• 🔗 Follow the show: Smart Metals Podcast
• 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: gontcharov.eu
• 🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: Sheet Metal Connect
• 🔗 About Brian Pribe: LinkedIn Profile
• 🔗 MACH Controls LLC: machcontrols.com
• 🔗 Email Brian: bpribe@machcontrols.com
• 🔗 Join the Community: Find Brian on United Manufacturing Hub's discord or 4.0 Solutions discord

Sharing is caring!
If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with some friends or colleagues who might find it useful. Thank you! 😊

Would you like to help?
Did this show help you with new ideas for your business? Then rate the show on iTunes or Spotify. This helps people like you find the show and us to be able to book more guests with industry specialists and top solution providers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐