S10 E9 Smells Like Money: Are We On The Same Page? Alignment, The Secret to Successful Automation Adoption

Welcome to the Smells Like Money Podcast hosted by Suzan Chin Taylor, aka the DooDoo Diva. In this episode, Suzan delves into the critical role of automation in plant operations, particularly amid the ongoing labor shortages. Drawing from Dave's extensive experience, we explore how automation can alleviate stress on operators while enhancing efficiency and maintaining quality standards. Dave shares insights on identifying key areas for automation, aligning technology with the mission and vision of municipalities, and navigating challenges in convincing risk-averse stakeholders. This episode covered: • Dave emphasizes the increasing necessity for plants to embrace automation, especially amidst labor shortages, to improve efficiency and support workers. • Starting with compliance points and basic plant operations, Dave highlights the importance of automating processes to enhance data accuracy and operational efficiency. • Dave introduces a nuanced approach to pitching automation projects to municipalities, focusing on aligning technology with the broader mission and vision statements rather than solely emphasizing return on investment. • Discussing his involvement in industry publications, Dave underscores the significance of quantifying the benefits of automation to build compelling business cases and gain stakeholder buy-in. • Dave provides insights into his current endeavors and upcoming projects, including his contributions to the latest edition of WEF's Manual of Practice 21, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing automation in the industry. Related Links: Manualof Practice 21 – Automation of Water Resource Recovery Facilities: https://connect.wef.org/s/store#/store/browse/tiles Costs and Benefits of Complete Water Treatment Plant Automation | The Water Research Foundation (waterrf.org): https://www.waterrf.org/research/projects/costs-and-benefits-complete-water-treatment-plant-automation   I hope you find this episode as informative and as exciting as we have. Please let us know your thoughts about the episode! Connect with Suzan Chin-Taylor, host of The DooDoo Diva's Smells LikeMoney Podcast: Website: www.creativeraven.com | https://thetuitgroup.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/creativeraven/ Email: [email protected] Telephone: +1760-217-8010 Listen and Subscribe here to your favorite platform : Apple Podcast - Google Podcast - CastBox - OverCast - Pocket Casts - Youtube - Spotify https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Subscribe to the Podcast: https://creativeraven.com/smells-like-money-podcast/ Be a guest on our show: https://calendly.com/thetuitgroup/be-a-podcast-guest Check Out my NEW Digital Marketing E-Course & Coaching Program just for Wastewater Pros: https://store.thetuitgroup.com/diy-digital-marketing-playbook-for-wastewater-pros #WastewaterManagement #Intrapreneurship #EmployeeExperience #CustomerExperience #HybridModel #Autonomy #Accountability #TeamCollaboration #WorkCulture #CustomerService