Shows
Great Question: A Manufacturing PodcastExploring the Evolving Role of System Integrators in Modern ManufacturingIn this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Tom Wilk, the chief editor of Plant Services, talks with Jose Rivera, the CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). In December, Jose announced he would be stepping down after a decade of dedicated leadership and strategic vision. Under Jose's guidance, the CSIA has seen significant modernization, increased resilience, and a strong financial position. We spoke with Jose when he joined the CSIA 10 years ago and it's my privilege to talk with him one more time to look back over the past 10 years, and then look ahead at next...2025-04-2426 minGreat Question: A Manufacturing PodcastExploring the Evolving Role of System Integrators in Modern ManufacturingIn this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Tom Wilk, the chief editor of Plant Services, talks with Jose Rivera, the CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). In December, Jose announced he would be stepping down after a decade of dedicated leadership and strategic vision. Under Jose's guidance, the CSIA has seen significant modernization, increased resilience, and a strong financial position. We spoke with Jose when he joined the CSIA 10 years ago and it's my privilege to talk with him one more time to look back over the past 10 years, and then look ahead at next...2025-04-2426 min
Talking Industrial AutomationLeading with Value: Smarter Pricing Strategies for Today's Industrial Market with Brian Doyle | Episode 107 of Talking Industrial Automation with Lisa RichterIn this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Brian Doyle, CEO of Holden Advisors, to explore how B2B companies—especially in manufacturing and industrial sectors—can unlock growth through value-based pricing. Brian shares insights on navigating market uncertainty, communicating across generational teams, and tackling challenges like tariffs and inflation with pricing strategies that stick. Key Takeaways: Why value-based pricing outperforms cost-plus models How to assess your company’s pricing power Common pricing pitfalls during market disruptions The importance of segmenting customers by price sensitivity Tips for sales teams to defend pricin...2025-04-1627 minTalking Industrial AutomationMatt Wise of E Tech Group | Episode 106In today's episode, we're talking industrial automation with Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group as we explore how E Tech Group became a powerhouse in system integration, earning accolades like the 2025 System Integrator of the Year award. Discover Matt's unique journey from marketing to leading over 600 employees across North America and how his diverse background shapes innovative strategies for tackling industry challenges. Key Takeaways: - Learn about E Tech Group's evolution through strategic acquisitions and its impact on scaling operations. - Understand the complexities faced by clients in automation and how E...2025-03-1422 minTalking Industrial AutomationTIA Rewind - Jim Biehl of Partner at Wipfli, LLP (formerly of Clayton & McKervey)In this encore presentation of one of the most listened episodes of Talking Industrial Automation, Jim Biehl reveals why some businesses thrive and others flame out, based on his decades of experience. Plus, he discusses the No. 1 inhibitor to business growth. Hint: It's not what you think. Register for the CSIA 2025 Conference HERE 2025-02-1526 min
Talking Industrial AutomationCole Wangsness of OnLogic | Episode 105In today’s episode, we’re talking industrial automation with Cole Wangsness, who is a Solution Architect at OnLogic. Since joining the team in 2018, Cole has focused on empowering companies to solve complex technology challenges at the edge -- encompassing both software and hardware -- by leveraging OnLogic's industrial computing solutions and its robust partner ecosystem. Through his work with customers, partners, vendors and the team at OnLogic, Cole gets to feed his passion for making complex technologies -- such as AI at the Edge & Device Orchestration -- easier to understand and deploy. Hear al...2025-01-1523 min
Talking Industrial AutomationKyle Carreau of PTC/KepwareIn today’s episode, we’re talking industrial automation with Kyle Carreau, who is an Enablement Manager for the Kepware team at PTC. Kyle is the “go-to” technical and commercial resource For Kepware’s technology partners, international distributors, and North American resellers, Kyle Carreau is a go-to technical and commerical resource. In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, you'll hear how he uses his decades of experience in Industrial automation -- a heavy focus on Industrial Networking and communications, SCADA/HMI software, and PLCs -- to excel in his role as enablement manager. P.S. The s...2024-12-1527 min
Talking Industrial AutomationEconomic and Labor Update with Alex Chausovsky | Episode 102This episode is a special one – content from a recent CSIA members-only presentation – a Virtual Keynote Address by Alex Chaukosky, who is director of analytics and consulting for the Bundy Group. But that title really does not give you the full picture because he is also a super whiz when it comes to taking economic and labor data and making it understandable, non-partisan, fact based – and more importantly, actionable. The catch is that this is only a portion of his full presentation and only audio – CSIA members can access the full presentiaotn, including video and slides, at...2024-10-1838 min
Control IntelligenceHow system integrators are using digital toolsIn this episode of Control Intelligence, editor-in-chief Mike Bacidore shares highlights from a panel discussion that took place at the CSIA Exchange.
2024-07-0806 minControl IntelligenceHighlights from Control System Integrators Association ExchangeIn this episode of Control Intelligence, editor-in-chief Mike Bacidore, who attended CSIA Exchange in Dallas, shares memorable insights from the event.
2024-04-2206 min
Talking Industrial AutomationSandy Gennaro Professional Speaker and DrummerIt's not often that an industrial autlomation podcast features a rockstar as a guest -- but it's happening today. Sandy Gennaro -- former drummer for bands as diverse as The Monkees to Joan Jett to Cyndi Lauper -- is here to tell you about his lessons learned from life on the road and other musings. Full disclosure: He is also a keynote speaker for the upcoming CSIA Conference, where he will parlay his experience as a drummer in rock band to leading successful teams. You also migh be surprised with how much you have in co...2024-03-1538 min
Talking Industrial AutomationKen Hackett of General Control Systems Meet Ken Hackett, who is Director of Business Development for General Control Systems. In this role, he uses his 30 years of expertise in engineering design, sales, service, and installation of process controls, instrumentation, and electrical systems to partner with clients in the life sciences, industrial, and food beverage sectors. In addition, for the past three years, he has served as President of the ISA Eastern Chapter. Finally, full disclosure, Ken will be a speaker at the upcoming CSIA Marketing Workshop held in conjunction with the 2024 CSIA Conference in Dallas this April. Hear how he has...2024-02-1540 min
Talking Industrial AutomationCrossover Episode with the Rivergate Marketing Podcast We are doing something a little different with this episode of Talking Industrial Automation because TIA host Lisa Richter was invited to be a guest on the Rivergate Marketing Podcast, produced by Rivergate Marketing, a full-service digital marketing company and CSIA member. This episode touches on a little bit about a lot of things – from marketing to the CSIA Conference to the upcoming CSIA Makreting workshop. Even if you don’t plan to attend the conference, this crossover episode still offers some insights you might be interested in and maybe even a spicy take or two. (RIP Koozie...2024-01-2430 min
Talking Industrial AutomationKaren Griffin of Hargrove Controls and Automation | Episode 91 Finding a role that allowed her to advance her technical skills while also progessing her career was exactly what Karen Griffin was looking for when she landed at Hargrove Controls and Automations. She went on to serve in various automation roles over the next 10 years such as engineering leader, main automation contractor program sponsor, senior program manager and controls and automation engineer for the refining, oil and gas, chemicals and pulp and paper industry. Today, Karen is vice-president and managing member representative of Tormod, an asset life cycle company. There she leads a team of 150 p...2023-12-1523 min
Talking Industrial AutomationWhat's New in the Best Practices Manual 6.0 with Tony ValasekFor many CSIA members, the Best Practices Manual is THE reason they joined the association -- and for good reason. The BP Manual Best Practices Manual is the most comprehensive collection of best practices within a system integrators industry. This crowdsourced, comprehensive document -- written by integrators for integrators -- represented hundreds of hours of collective wisdom going back to the early 1990s. The latest version -- 6.0 -- was released just last month. The BP Committee Chair, Tony Valasek of EOSYS, reveals what's new in this release. Plus a little bit about how the sausage gets made.2023-07-1521 min
Keepin' The Lights OnSmarter Water Infrastructure with Jose Rivera and Steve MarchMunicipalities are faced with many challenges as they plan for the future of their water, wastewater facilities. Aging infrastructure, technology advancements, data management, cybersecurity, and automation is a small list of concerns facing operators.In this panel discussion we feature the future of water wastewater from the perspective of industry leadership, integrators, and manufacturers.Topics include sustainability, future-proofing, implementing holistic solutions, and what makes a job successful.Our guests on this panel discussion: Steve March, U.S. Ecosystem Sales Leader for Schneider Electric Jose Rivera, CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) Thank...2023-06-2156 minTalking Industrial AutomationGrowing Into Leadership Roles with CSIA Emerging Leaders SIG "People are like an unstable PID loop," jokes Keith Mandachit of Huffman Engineering in this episode of Talking Industrial Automation. Hear what else he and his fellow panelists Andrew Palmberg (Technical Systems Inc) and Becca Johnson (Gray Solutions) share about growing into a leadership role during the encore presentation. (This content originally appeared on the www.controlsys.org website as part if CSIA's Emerging Leaders SIG.)2023-06-1540 min
Great Question: A Manufacturing PodcastThe changing role of control system integrators in the automation industryThe Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) is a global trade association with over 500 member companies in 35 countries that seeks to advance the industry of control system integration. Control system integrators use their engineering, technical and business skills to help manufacturers and others automate their industrial equipment and systems. For this year's System Integrator Roundtable episode, Plant Services editor in chief Thomas Wilk spoke with three veteran system integrator professionals about how the industry is changing and which new technologies are poised to make a big impact. Kurt Wakeman is the business director for Materials Handling group at E Tech...2023-05-1124 minGreat Question: A Manufacturing PodcastThe changing role of control system integrators in the automation industryThe Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) is a global trade association with over 500 member companies in 35 countries that seeks to advance the industry of control system integration. Control system integrators use their engineering, technical and business skills to help manufacturers and others automate their industrial equipment and systems. For this year's System Integrator Roundtable episode, Plant Services editor in chief Thomas Wilk spoke with three veteran system integrator professionals about how the industry is changing and which new technologies are poised to make a big impact. Kurt Wakeman is the business director for Materials Handling group at E Tech...2023-05-1124 minTalking Industrial AutomationLisa Ryan of Grategy | Episode 83 Drawing on her experience as a certified speaking professional and best selling author, Lisa Ryan offers some advice for companies that want to retain talent and build a company culture that makes employees want to stay. Along the way, she also gives some tips on public speaking, networking and navigating social awkwardness. If you want to hear more from Lisa, she will be one of the CSIA Executive Conference’s keynote speakers. 2023-04-1534 min
The Sound of AutomationEpisode 30: Challenges for System Integrators TodayIn this episode we talk with Jose Rivera, CEO of Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). Heading into CSIA 2023 taking place in May, Bryan and Jose discuss some of the long term drivers businesses are seeing right now in the integration industry.Guest Jose Riverahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joseriveraw/Host Bryan Powrozekhttps://claytonmckervey.com/team/bryan-powrozek/For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us here.2023-03-1529 minTalking Industrial AutomationPod in a Box | Episode 77In this episode, we’re talking industrial automation as usual but instead of hearing from one or two guests, you’re going to get to hear from a lot of them – hot mike style-ish because I grabbed random 2022 Rockwell Automation Fair attendees as they stopped by the CSIA booth and hit record. So what you are about to listen to is a series of micro-interviews from people in all kinds of roles from around the world who were brave enough to step up and talk into the Yeti microphone I set up in a DIY recording studio – which wa...2022-11-3028 minGreat Question: A Manufacturing PodcastThe future of industrial work: Navigating current and future challengesJosé Rivera is the CEO of the Control System Integrators Association, and has been working with the CSIA members on the role of the system integrator in digital transformation. José is focused on strategy and business development, and has a deep understanding of industrial markets and technology, as well as business-to-business marketing and sales. Plant Services editor in chief Thomas Wilk recently spoke with José about the people, places, and work that system integrators provide.
2022-06-0818 minGreat Question: A Manufacturing PodcastThe future of industrial work: Navigating current and future challengesJosé Rivera is the CEO of the Control System Integrators Association, and has been working with the CSIA members on the role of the system integrator in digital transformation. José is focused on strategy and business development, and has a deep understanding of industrial markets and technology, as well as business-to-business marketing and sales. Plant Services editor in chief Thomas Wilk recently spoke with José about the people, places, and work that system integrators provide.
2022-06-0818 minTalking Industrial AutomationCrossover Episode with The Sound of Automation | Episode 68The Future of Work, the importance of benchmarking and even a bad pun or two make an appearance during this special crossover episode with the host of The Sound of Automation, Bryan Powrozek of Clayton & McKervey. Plus, you'll also get a sneak peak into the agenda for the upcoming CSIA Executive Conference.2022-06-0127 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 21: Looking ahead to CSIA ConferenceIn this episode we talk with Lisa Richter, Director of Industry Outreach and Growth at Control System Integrators Association (CSIA) .Lisa and Bryan look ahead to the CSIA conference taking place next month and share with listeners what to expect, who will be there, and the discussion panel topics, focusing on the theme "The Future of Work". Guest Lisa Richterhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisarichter/Host Bryan Powrozekhttps://claytonmckervey.com/team/bryan-powrozek/For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.w...2022-05-2727 minGreat Question: A Manufacturing PodcastKick-start your plant’s digital programs in 2022Sam Hoff is the president and CEO of Patti Engineering, a Certified member of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). Under Sam’s leadership, Patti Engineering has become a leader in applications of Industry 4.0 and digital twining to improve manufacturing through AI and data science. Plant Service spoke with Sam early last year about how maintenance teams can get their digital programs off the ground, and Sam checked in recently with Editor in Chief Thomas Wilk about what teams can do to kick-start these programs in 2022.
2022-01-0712 minGreat Question: A Manufacturing PodcastKick-start your plant’s digital programs in 2022Sam Hoff is the president and CEO of Patti Engineering, a Certified member of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA). Under Sam’s leadership, Patti Engineering has become a leader in applications of Industry 4.0 and digital twining to improve manufacturing through AI and data science. Plant Service spoke with Sam early last year about how maintenance teams can get their digital programs off the ground, and Sam checked in recently with Editor in Chief Thomas Wilk about what teams can do to kick-start these programs in 2022.
2022-01-0712 min
elliTek's Automation Know-HowIndustrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be UncooperativeSend us a textThis is a special crossover episode with CSIA, Control System Integrators Association. Lisa Richter, host of CSIA's podcast "Talking Industrial Automation", sat down for a chat with elliTek's Brandon Ellis.CSIA is a global trade association that strives to advance the control system integration industry. CSIA has more than 500 member companies that they provide many benefits for, one of which is a guest interview for CSIA's podcast.During this episode you'll learn how Brandon got into automation. You'll find out how elliTek began and how elliTek has evolved over the...2021-09-2148 minThe Sound of AutomationEpisode 09: Automation Report with CSIAIn this episode, we talk to CSIA CEO Jose Rivera. This Control System Integrators Association leader shares some of the biggest trends impacting industrial automation right now. Learn how automation can help businesses increase efficiency, save costs, and stay competitive. Guest: Jose RiveraCEOCSIAhttps://www.controlsys.org/people/jose-riveraHost: Bryan Powrozekhttps://claytonmckervey.com/employee/bryan-powrozek-cpa-cgma-mba/Denise Askerhttps://claytonmckervey.com/employee/denise-j-asker-iom-mm/For more information on Wipfli, please visit our website at:https://www.wipfli.com/manufacturing. You can also contact us...2021-06-1637 min
elliTek's Automation Know-HowIndustrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be UnsecureSend us a textThis podcast expands on Brandon's interview with Food Engineering magazine, "Keeping machines and OT networks and IT safe from cyberattacks". We take a deep dive into cybersecurity. Listen to the full episode to learn:Are cyberattacks evolving?Has automation technology opened the door to hackers?Is the Operational Technology (OT) side vulnerable to cyberattacks?What are some vectors that can infect systems?Does "unplugging" the control systems work?Is there a safe way for manufacturers to utilize remote monitoring?Is OT/IT convergence the only way for manufacturers to achieve d...2020-10-1357 min