Manufacturing Meet Up

Doc Palmer, author of McGraw-Hill's best-selling maintenance planning handbook, joins Ed and Alvaro to talk about why most plants are leaving enormous money on the table without knowing it. If your team is stuck in reactive mode, this one will reframe how you think about planning, scheduling, and the metrics you're probably using wrong. In this episode: Why "planner" is a bad word (and what to call it instead) The 35% wrench time problem that hits every plant on the planet What Parkinson's Law has to do with your maintenance schedule Why 95% schedule compliance might mean you're cheating yourself Real-world turnarounds from Dallas to Brunei   Mentioned in this episode: Palmer Planning Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Most plant managers think they're doing okay. Ricky Smith, CMRP, has walked enough plant floors to know better. Ed and Alvaro sit down with one of the most credentialed voices in maintenance and reliability to talk about what separates reactive plants from world-class ones. Episode highlights: Reactive maintenance could be costing you 3x more than it should The case for scorecards, formal training, and a clear north star What "world-class maintenance" actually means on the plant floor Mentioned in this episode: World Class Maintenance Learning GuidesSMRPProactive Maintenance Storeroom5 Whys Root Cause AnalysisMaintenance Planning and Scheduling Best Practices Session 1 (Video) Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Season 3 is here, and the "barbarians at the gate" brought company: $5.70 diesel, supply chain chaos, and labor gaps that won’t quit. When the pressure hits, the knee-jerk reaction is to slash the maintenance budget. But Ed and Alvaro are here to tell you why that's a trap that can lead to even costlier failures. Episode Highlights: Machine Health as an Energy Lever: Why jumping from 50% to 60% efficiency is the "gift that keeps on giving" for your energy bill and your P&L. The 15% Fallacy: Why relying on traditional preventive maintenance misses the 85% of failure modes that aren't time-based. How to Speak CFO: Why pitching an 8x ROI and inventory reduction gets you the signature you need while technical talk just makes their eyes glaze over. Mentioned in this episode: State of Production Health Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

Ed and Alvaro are back with their year-end crystal ball episode…and boy, they nailed some predictions while completely whiffing on others! In this episode, they score their 2025 predictions (spoiler: sustainability was a BIG RED failure ❌), breaking down the 20 episodes that shaped Season 2, and going out on a limb with their 2026 forecasts. Here's what they covered: Prediction scorecard - the good, the bad, and the ugly Why everyone's talking about AI, but still fighting fires in their plants The "silver tsunami" that's changing everything Why trades are suddenly sexier than tech jobs Geopolitical chaos and what it means for your supply chain Bold (and possibly foolish) 2026 predictions Got predictions of your own? Drop them in the comments! Mentioned in this episode: AI and ROI: Translating Time Saved to Business GainsChain Reaction 2025: Chief Supply Chain Officer Insights Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

What if your maintenance tech could pick up shifts like an Uber driver, but with the right skills and certifications guaranteed? In this game-changing episode, Ed and Alvaro speak with Rahil Siddiqui (Founder of Wilya) and Arianna Flores (former Maintenance Manager, now at Augury) to tackle manufacturing's most pressing challenge: creating flexibility for frontline workers while maintaining safety and quality standards. Key takeaways: Why the "quantity equals quality" mindset is killing retention – and what actually works The 3-part flexibility framework: When, How Much, and What workers want control over How digitizing your skills matrix can eliminate 2 am panic calls and grievances Real success story: How one manufacturer went from zero to 100 part-time workers across six plants Why your best PLC tech needs more than training – they need ownership, metrics, and recognition Mentioned in this episode: Wilya Download the full podcast here:Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

You know that maintenance hero who gets the 2 AM call when the line goes down? The one who always saves the day? Ed and Alvaro have a hot take—that hero culture might be killing your plant's performance. In this episode, they break down why firefighting becomes an addiction that's hard to kick: The People Problem: When "Jerry" becomes your crutch, nobody else learns to walk The Process Trap: Chasing symptoms with water hoses instead of fixing root causes The Tech Solution: How predictive maintenance breaks the reactive cycle Bottom line? You can still reward the heroes who fix problems after the fact, but you'd better start celebrating the people who prevent them from happening in the first place. Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ever been that stellar mechanic who gets tapped for supervisor, only to realize your overtime-inflated paycheck is about to take a hit? Or maybe you're the technical wizard who wants absolutely nothing to do with managing people? Ed and Alvaro tackle manufacturing's biggest career crossroads – whether to climb the management ladder or become a technical master of your craft. With half a million open manufacturing jobs today (and 2.5 million projected), there's never been a better time to grow your career – title or no title. We cover: Going from buddy to boss: Managing the awkward transition when you're suddenly supervising your break room pals The technical track: Why master mechanics and TPM champions earn serious respect (and paychecks) without managing anyone Real success stories: From Ed promoting his toughest union shop steward to Alvaro's safety champion who became a community leader Growth without titles: How to expand your influence and expertise regardless of which path you choose Whether you're eyeing that supervisor role or want to stay hands-on while mastering your craft, we've got the straight talk on making either path work. Mentioned in this episode: Open Jobs Are Piling Up—Is U.S. Manufacturing Ready for the Next Surge?Manufacturing Jobs Projected To Grow By 30% Mike Rowe, Ford CEO warn America's manufacturing crisis is at a breaking point as China surges ahead Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

With Halloween around the corner, Ed and Alvaro shine a light on the machine failures lurking in your plant. In this “ask me anything” episode, they tackle maintenance questions with real shop floor experiences—including a thermography inspection that prevented a million-dollar catastrophe. Tune in to hear more: Worst machine health experiences and how to avoid them Why reactive maintenance keeps you firefighting Executive KPIs that matter—and why R&M isn't "discretionary spending" Whether you're building a business case for your CFO or trying to escape the nightmare of unexpected failures, Ed and Alvaro provide practical strategies for moving from reactive firefighting to predictive planning. Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

Ed and Alvaro tackle the million-dollar question everyone's asking: Is all this AI investment actually paying off? Spoiler alert: When done right, the numbers are mind-blowing. But here's the catch – you need the right KPIs first. From 310% ROI to sub-6-month paybacks, they break down what separates AI winners from those stuck in pilot purgatory, with real data from a Forrester study that measured everything from downtime reduction to energy savings. Plus, discover why measuring before implementing is critical, why your vibration analyst's retirement might be the best thing that ever happened to your plant, and how plumbers (yes, plumbers!) are already outpacing manufacturers in AI adoption. Grab your favorite beverage and get ready for some real talk about making AI work on YOUR shop floor – with receipts to back it up. Mentioned in this episode: The Total Economic Impact™ Of Augury Machine And Process HealthThe 310% ROI of Reliability webinar Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ever wonder how someone successfully leads 17 plants across the Americas? Andres Oviedo joins Ed and Alvaro for a conversation that's part leadership masterclass, part coffee shop wisdom. Building on the “Innovation Mentality” from the previous episode, Andres shows what it looks like in action, speaking from his experiences with Mondelēz, Kraft-Heinz, and Barry Callebaut. The guys explore how Andres’ multicultural experience creates a competitive advantage: speaking multiple "languages" (corporate, shop floor, and everything in between) and building trust across every level. From Ed's plant visits that end at the local bar to Alvaro's memories of breakthrough transformations, this episode delivers practical gold. Learn why the best KPI might be whether people remember you, how to translate strategy into daily operations that everyone understands, and why empowering operators to shut down the line builds excellence. It doesn’t matter if you run a plant or run a line, Andres's message is clear: stop managing tasks and start leading people. Plus, discover how bringing your authentic self to work - yes, including your music and food - creates the environment where teams thrive. Mentioned in this episode: The Innovation Mentality Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Let’s get ready to rumba! With a nod to Hispanic Heritage month, Ed and Alvaro welcome Cuban-American author/leadership consultant Glenn Llopis to the show. The guys dig into Glenn's Innovation Mentality—six strategies that'll change how you see your plant floor.  From Ed's hard-won insight that "80% of your plant's solutions are on the shop floor" to Glenn's powerful revelation that "respect reverberates and multiplies while recognition just explodes," this conversation gets real about unleashing entrepreneurial spirit in manufacturing. Mentioned in this episode: Glenn LlopisThe Innovation Mentality Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Welcome to graduate school, manufacturing style! Ed and Alvaro level up from last episode's basics to tackle the advanced skills that separate individual contributors from true business leaders.They dive into what it really takes to grow beyond being "too functional" – from mastering cross-functional collaboration to understanding how your decisions impact the entire enterprise, not just your corner of the operation. The duo shares hard-won wisdom about the three-to-five-year journey of implementing TPM or Lean Six Sigma ("there is no instant pudding"), why losing trust on the shop floor takes three times longer to rebuild, and how one plant went from rock bottom to top 3 globally in just two years. Whether you're ready to break down silos between departments or looking to leverage AI without abandoning the fundamentals, this episode delivers the advanced playbook for manufacturing excellence.   Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Time to hit the books, manufacturing style! Ed and Alvaro are trading their signature hats for caps and gowns in this "Back to School" episode, where they break down the essential skills every manufacturing pro needs to master. Think of it as Manufacturing 101 – minus the detention and pop quizzes. From communication basics that can turn six-week delays into four-day solutions, to why your first guess at a root cause is wrong 95% of the time, the guys cover the fundamentals that actually matter on the shop floor. Let’s keep the conversation going—drop us a comment, leave a review, or email us at [email protected]. Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ed's rocking his Harley Davidson hat, and Alvaro's got golf on the brain as they tee up the question everyone's asking: Can American manufacturing actually compete in 2025? Spoiler: Their answer might surprise you. From Crayola's decision to stay put (and dominate 80% of their market) to robot dogs sniffing out air leaks, the guys break down why "Made in USA" might make more sense than you think. They'll explain why your product getting touched 10 times before hitting the shelf is a problem, how Zippo lighters prove their point, and why Ed's wood pallet story will make you rethink everything about long supply chains. Let’s keep the conversation going—drop us a comment, leave a review, or email us at [email protected]. Mentioned in this episode: Friendly Floatees Rubber Duck SpillCranky the RobotCrayola’s now-CEO leaned into automation when everyone else was offshoring and now he’s reaping the rewardsLodge Cast Iron CookwareZippo Lighters Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

Ed and Alvaro dive into the latest State of Production Survey published by Industry Week, and the results are eye-opening. With survey data collected from 500 manufacturing executives, this report reveals some wild contradictions: everyone's freaking out about tariffs and recession fears, but they're also doubling down on AI investments like there's no tomorrow. Plus, Europe is apparently schooling us Americans when it comes to AI adoption. Ouch. And of course…half a million manufacturing jobs go unfilled every year. (You’ve heard them say it before!) That’s a 3-4 million job gap in the next five years. But here's the twist – AI might actually be the solution, not the problem. Ed breaks down the "AI confidence gap" (spoiler: everyone's investing but struggling to prove ROI), Alvaro explains why sustainability is suddenly the hot new goal, and they both geek out over why machine + process data together is the real "killer app." Key Topics: AI adoption jumping from 71% to 82% in just one year Why 96% are worried about recession but confident in manufacturing's future Europe vs US: who's winning the AI race? The golden wrench award story you didn't know you needed Why Ed thinks this is nothing short of an industrial revolution Let’s keep the conversation going—drop us a comment, leave a review, or email us at [email protected]. Mentioned in this episode: State of Production Health 2025 Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

It’s one of manufacturing's biggest challenges: building a genuine safety culture that actually works. If your safety initiatives aren't moving the needle, this conversation is for you. On this episode, Ed and Alvaro welcome safety expert Shawn Galloway, CEO of ProAct Safety. Shawn brings decades of experience across every industry—from nuclear facilities to tech companies. Listen in as they dive into the most common safety mistakes managers make, why treating safety like a problem to solve (instead of value to create) is backward, and how your frontline supervisors are either your biggest asset or biggest blind spot. Highlights: Strategy beats "whack-a-mole" problem-solving Culture change happens at the supervisor level, not the executive level Make the safe choice the easy choice The absence of failure doesn't equal excellence Whether you're a plant manager, safety coordinator, or someone who just wants to go home safe every day, Shawn’s insights will challenge how you think about safety. Let’s keep the conversation going—drop us a comment, leave a review, or email us at [email protected]. Mentioned in this episode: ProAct Safety/ Shawn GallowaySteps to Safety Culture ExcellenceShared Ownership: Engaging the Subcultures Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ed and Alvaro are tackling one of manufacturing's biggest challenges head-on: that massive skills gap keeping plant managers up at night. With over 500,000 open positions today and a projected 2.5 million worker shortage in just four years, it’s time to find real solutions. That's why they’re talking to Chris Morrison, a former Marine Corps communications tech, to share why military veterans might just be the answer we've all been looking for. Chris takes us through his journey from managing complex jamming systems in Afghanistan to installing sensors on the plant floor, and the parallels are real. Vets already know safety protocols, understand chain of command, can think on their feet under pressure, and aren't afraid of getting their hands dirty. Plus, Chris shares some amusing stories (wait until you hear about the coffee can GPS hack!) and shares insights on what plant managers need to know when hiring veterans. Whether you're struggling to fill positions or just curious about bringing military talent into your facility, this is a can’t miss episode. Let’s keep the conversation going: Email us at [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ever wonder why your AI investments aren't hitting the bottom line? You're not alone. Recent studies show AI is saving office employees 5.7 hours per week, but only 1.7 of those hours translate into real business value. The rest? It's vanishing into what experts call "productivity leakage." Ed and Alvaro saw this data and realized the same thing is happening on the plant floor. In this episode, they apply this concept to manufacturing, diving deep into why your AI gains keep disappearing and how to fix it. From machinery improvements that don't boost overall line performance to freed-up worker time that gets wasted, they share real plant floor stories about what works—and what doesn't. You'll discover how to connect AI benefits to actual business outcomes, redesign processes holistically, and turn your people's newfound time into innovation opportunities. Whether you're dealing with bottling lines, chocolate production, or any manufacturing operation, this conversation will help you stop the leakage and start seeing real ROI from your technology investments. Source of stats: AI and ROI: Translating Time Saved to Business Gains Let’s keep the conversation going: Email us at [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ever feel like you're constantly putting band-aids on the same problems in your plant? Ed and Alvaro tackle one of your most requested topics: root cause analysis. They share real shop floor stories, including a $6,000 gearbox that didn't need replacing and why throwing more glue at a packaging problem isn't always the answer. Whether you're tired of the blame game between maintenance and operations or just want practical tools you can use tomorrow, this episode delivers. From the simple "five whys" method to how AI helps uncover the root cause of problems, we cover what actually works on the plant floor. What You'll Learn: Why root cause analysis isn't just another step - it's a complete game changer The difference between using a shotgun vs. a sniper rifle approach to problem solving How to get maintenance and operations working together instead of against each other Real examples of problems solved in weeks instead of months How AI tools are taking root cause analysis to the next level Mentioned in this show: Kepner-Tregoe Let’s keep the conversation going: Email us at [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

It’s the ultimate paradox: Americans love the idea of bringing back more manufacturing, but they’re not interested in the jobs that come with it! Currently, an estimated 500,000 manufacturing roles sit empty, and projections show potentially 2.5 million unfilled jobs in five years. It's time for Ed and Alvaro to step in and explain what’s really happening on today's factory floors. Forget the grim, dirty workplaces of yesterday—cobots, AI, and smart technology are transforming manufacturing careers. But it’s not perfect. Using concepts like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, the guys show how factories have improved basic safety but must reach higher for true worker engagement. Whether you're already in manufacturing or just curious about its evolution, Ed and Alvaro reveal the genuine opportunities hiding behind outdated stereotypes.   To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Tariffs are creating waves of uncertainty across manufacturing and supply chains - but Ed and Alvaro have experience navigating similar storms. In this episode, they break down practical approaches to navigate tariff challenges without the political drama. The guys share battle-tested insights from their combined decades of manufacturing experience, focusing on what you can actually control: your people, operations, and strategic planning. From keeping your team focused during uncertainty to leveraging AI-powered operational excellence and making smart portfolio decisions, this episode delivers actionable takeaways you can implement right away. Ed shares a shocking example of how tiny production adjustments can save $300,000 annually, while Alvaro explains how new technology makes previously impossible planning approaches achievable. Whether you're worried about reshoring decisions or keeping your shop floor productive during turbulent times, this episode provides the manufacturing wisdom you need. As they remind us: "The barbarians are always at the gate" - but with the right approach, your manufacturing operation can thrive through any challenge. Keep calm and carry on! To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

AI is transforming manufacturing—and it goes beyond predicting equipment failures. AI is revolutionizing everything from quality control to safety monitoring, training, and inventory management in real time. But before you fall in love with and roll out the technology, they stress there are five things you need to keep in mind: Identifying the real problem (not symptoms) Verifying your data quality and accessibility Confirming strategic alignment of the solution against business goals Establishing monitoring capabilities Ensuring the ability to act on insights Of course, successful adoption requires a cultural shift, too. As Alvaro notes, if AI is not improving the lives of the workforce, something is wrong, and it needs to be fixed. Other highlights include: Why running faster doesn't always mean better results How to avoid "automating the wrong process" The danger of falling in love with technology before identifying the problem To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

When it comes to success stories about AI in manufacturing, Ric Wojcik (Senior Manufacturing Engineering Manager at Fiberon) has some advice: “Trust the system.” In this episode, Ed and Alvaro explore Ric’s experience with AI-powered predictive maintenance and learn how he implemented Machine Health across his facilities, transforming operations from reactive firefighting to proactive planning. They discuss: How to encourage buy-in and adoption from team members Examples of actual machine saves Lessons learned during implementation With 70% of US manufacturers currently investing in AI and adoption expected to reach 93% by next year, this episode provides timely insight into what successful AI implementation really looks like on the plant floor.  To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

The meet-up is getting a shake-up! In the season 2 premiere, Ed and Alvaro welcome Ellen Feldman Ornato and Jenny Drescher from the"Manufacturing Shake-up" podcast to explore how women are transforming the manufacturing landscape. Highlights include: Smashing the "dark, dirty, dangerous" stereotype of factory work Why manufacturing offers lucrative career paths with work-life balance How technology is leveling the playing field for all workers Creating inclusive environments that boost innovation Practical strategies to attract and retain diverse talent From apprenticeships to leadership roles, manufacturing needs women. Check out how they're reshaping the industry's future and improving things for everyone in manufacturing. To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

That’s a wrap on Season 1 of the Manufacturing Meet Up. In this episode, hosts Alvaro Cuba and Ed Ballina share clips of their most popular segments, along with never-before-seen footage from the unaired pilot episode. There are plenty of laughs, surprises, and, most importantly, gratitude for all our listeners and subscribers. We can’t wait to meet up with you in 2025 – we’ll be back on-air with Season 2 in the spring! To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

With 2024 almost in the rearview mirror, Ed and Alvaro take a look back at the stories and trends that shaped this year in manufacturing. Then, they practice their fortune-telling skills, predicting what they think 2025 will bring to the industry. From AI to plant floor culture, they’ve got an opinion on pretty much everything–and they want to hear your thoughts, too. To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

In this episode of the Manufacturing Meet Up, Ed Ballina and Alvaro Cuba discuss the evolving role of AI in manufacturing, emphasizing its potential as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human workers. They cover creative (or kind of crazy) machine and process fixes on the shop floor and drive home the importance of mentorship in professional growth. Takeaways include: Collaboration between humans and machines is key. Simplicity in solutions can lead to significant improvements. Owning your work leads to greater satisfaction and success. To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Digital transformation and artificial intelligence are reshaping the manufacturing industry. In this episode, Ed and Alvaro discuss the current state of AI adoption and the challenges and strategies for successful implementation. Ultimately, it’s about integrating people, processes, and technology and finding new metrics to measure success. To read the article referenced in this episode, click here: AI in Manufacturing Market to Soar to USD 156.1 Billion by 2033 To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 - Oct 15) in the U.S., and Ed Ballina and Alvaro Cuba are celebrating with two special guests. They welcome Nathalie Hernandez (TECO) and Mike Ortega (PepsiCo) to the show, with a focus on this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme: “Pioneers of Change, Shaping the Future Together.” The four discuss: Career trajectory Biggest challenges to overcome Advice for other Hispanics pursuing a career in manufacturing To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple  SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

In this episode of the Manufacturing Meet Up podcast, Ed Ballina and Alvaro Cuba are taking listener questions in an Ask Me Anything format. They discuss: Strategies to avoid pilot purgatory when implementing new technologies Crazy stories about the unexpected root causes of machine failures (squirrels play a role) Their personal journeys into the manufacturing industry To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)  

Ed and Alvaro welcome their first-ever guest to the show: David Ballina!  David is a 15+ year veteran of manufacturing, and his resume includes roles with PepsiCo, Keurig Dr. Pepper, and PCA. He is currently the general manager of Operational Excellence Consulting. Ed and Alvaro kick off the episode by covering the creative ways businesses are reducing waste and contributing to the circular economy. Then, they interview David to hear his insights and learn about his experiences rolling out TPM and 5S on the plant floor. To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ed and Alvaro answer listener questions: Where should you look for savings when you implement machine health? What should I have learned in trade school to help me succeed and grow in my career?   Alvaro also complains to the dean of his university, and Ed discusses how machine health can actually make us better corporate citizens. To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple SpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioYouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ed and Alvaro wrap up their 3 part series on operational excellence. In this episode, they hone in on AM/PM (autonomous maintenance/predictive maintenance) and FI/CI (focus improvement/continuous improvement). When it comes to operational excellence, “let’s win together”! To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

Ed and Alvaro tackle listener questions, including: how manufacturers are using GenAI in their plants the use of devices similar to Google Glass 3 tips for avoiding machine health mistakes To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/manufacturing-meet-up/id1741576040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5aWmbWIjqtisBM3qjhtxxm?si=7cce310235be4c8d Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/66b872a6-b1ea-459b-913f-7056d59a6a5b/manufacturing-meet-up iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-manufacturing-meet-up-168048443/ YouTube Music (formerly Google Play): https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC1hxtT-xcDLkHsC756iZ4yw  

In this episode, Ed and Alvaro discuss news stories that caught their attention, as well as a deeper dive into two key pillars of operational excellence: people and quality.   Listen in as they discuss: Boomers getting hired back into manufacturing Engaging folks in continuous improvement from leadership to the shop floor  Empowering the shop floor as business owners The difference between quality and features Maintaining safety as well as quality   To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music (formerly Google Play)    

Ed and Alvaro tackle 3 questions in this Ask Me Anything: 1. How has the average plant floor worker or operator's core skill set (and/or toolbox) changed over the past 10 years?  2. What Industry 4.0 technologies do you consider table stakes for current M&R professionals?  3. What is precision maintenance, and what are its benefits?  To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/manufacturing-meet-up/id1741576040 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5aWmbWIjqtisBM3qjhtxxm?si=7cce310235be4c8d Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/66b872a6-b1ea-459b-913f-7056d59a6a5b/manufacturing-meet-up iHeart Radio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/263-manufacturing-meet-up-168048443/ YouTube Music (formerly Google Play): https://music.youtube.com/channel/UC1hxtT-xcDLkHsC756iZ4yw  

In this episode, Ed and Alvaro talk about the fundamental building blocks of operational excellence – along with the alphabet soup of acronyms that come with these methods of managing your manufacturing. Ed also drops a truth bomb: nothing is as silent as yesterday’s applause. (So you have to keep improving!) Links to news stories mentioned in this episode: Artificial Intelligence set to transform beverage industrySikich Manufacturing Industry Pulse To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com  

 What’s the best training you’ve received in your career? Ed and Alvaro share their favorite courses – plus the real life training they got riding along with delivery drivers.   They also cover the two “must have” tools workers want on the shop floor. Safety equipment/gear tops the list …it’s all about coming home with 10 fingers and 10 toes. To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Download the full podcast here: Apple  Spotify  Amazon Music iHeart Radio YouTube Music (formerly Google Play)

In this episode, Alvaro and Ed consider the evolution of blue-collar jobs to “new-collar” jobs, recognizing that Gen Z may not want or even need college when they can learn advanced skills that don’t require advanced college degrees. They also discuss plant tours—what they’re looking for and what they don’t want to see (spoiler alert: Ed really isn’t into wet paint). Additionally, Ed covers the perils of discussing business in a bathroom stall. To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Watch us: YouTube Learn more: augury.com/podcasts   

In their first Ask Me Anything episode, Ed and Alvaro answer the burning question: what is the best vibration analysis setup? (Here's a hint: it doesn't involve a broomstick anymore.) They also cover how to convince the boss to adopt new technology. Let's keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Watch us: YouTube Learn more: augury.com/podcasts   

It's no secret that manufacturing is experiencing a labor shortage. In this episode, Ed and Alvaro discuss how technology and training can retain talent and attract new people to manufacturing careers. Let's keep the conversation going: Email us at [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint: endpoint.augury.com Watch us: YouTube Learn more: augury.com/podcasts   

Your place for real talk about working efficiently and kicking back on your downtime. Pull up a chair and join manufacturing veterans Ed Ballina and Alvaro Cuba every other week as they break down factory life.  To keep the conversation going: Email us: [email protected] Find us on The Endpoint Watch us: YouTube