The Human and Machine Podcast

In this episode, we host Leon Potgieter from Hulamin. We discuss a cohesive Industrial IT team's roles, skills and culture. We delve into data silos, supply chain delays and other industry challenges. But also short-term optimisation opportunities and the importance of continuous learning. Let us know if you find our discussion helpful or have anything to add! We'd love to hear from you.

In this episode, we host Kenney O'kennedy and Riaan Du Plessis from Zutari. We speak about how Zutari Solutionists integrate technical mastery with creative intelligence and digital acumen to co-create enduring infrastructure to benefit all. We also discuss the near-term view on renewable energy solutions and the importance of interoperable and future-fit solutions.   Guest speaker info: Kenney O'kennedy Associate Industrial Engineer kenney.okennedy@zutari.com    Riaan Du Plessis Associate Electrical Engineer Riaan.DuPlessis@zutari.com   

In this episode, we speak with Rob Obree from Next Integration. And how organisations can use their data to improve operations in a practical and sustainable manner. 

In this first episode of 2022, we speak with Carolina Torres from Cognite, an Industrial software business that helps transform industrial data into customer value. We explore the crucial role data plays in the energy transition to a more sustainable future. The role of Industrial DataOps as the enabler. And the large-scale adoption of emerging technologies like AI, ML, and Robotics. If you're devoted to a future-proof digital and data system for a carbon-neutral future, join the conversation!

In this episode, we speak with Ray Sensenbach, Product Design Manager at Inductive Automation. Designing an interface might seem like a second-tier priority for many engineers when creating their industrial applications since it appears to be a decorative detail. But, good interface design can increase operator productivity, decrease human error, and make operators feel more at ease. Ray shares his thoughts and practical approach to the power of user interface (UI) design.

In a data-driven world, it’s critical that the people who need the data to make timely, strategic business decisions, to have access to it. In this episode, we speak with Almero Roux from Control Systems Integration. Integration and Mining sector veteran Almero shares his experience and learning on collecting, cleaning, and contextualising mass amounts of data. Their approach and philosophy followed and why a single version of the truth instils trust and drives information to action. Learn more about CSi here: www.controlsi.co.za 

The manufacturing sector is a crucial enabler of our economic recovery and remains a focus for government and the industry. Moreover, as a nation, we have an incredible Southern African opportunity.   This episode explores experiences, challenges and actions with Vinesh Maharaj, Associate Director and Smart Manufacturing Lead at PwC. We also touch on Smart Manufacturing concepts, technology innovation and the crucial role of people and creativity.

In an industry where women are historically under-represented, we have everything to gain. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) have proved to drive business performance and innovation. In this episode, we host Devendree Ankiah, an engineer, wife and mother. We speak about the impact and importance of women in engineering. And her fascinating journey of leading by example. And demonstrating that a career in engineering can be a fulfilling and rewarding pursuit for women.

In this conversation with Chris, Tech Supply Lead – Africa Zone at AB InBev, we hear about this exciting initiative driving productivity, flexibility and sustainability. Underpinned by a physical and digital transformation and a third vital pillar: A focus on the human element. The crucial role people play in adopting new technology and leading business transformation.

Machine Learning (ML) will revolutionise entire industries. And change the way we interact with data and use it to enable digital growth.   We speak with machine learning crafters Dr. McElory Hoffman and Dr. Johan van der Merwe from Praelexis. They share why they believe in purpose before profit and explain the competitive advantage opportunity - the types of machine learning and the proven approach to building a data-driven enterprise.    Visit them at www.praelexis.com 

In this episode, we host Albertus from Zero Touch Edge Computing experts, Stratus.  We speak about monitoring, security and high availability for edge environments. And how the way we acquire and manage data at the operational edge has transformed.

In our second podcast with Arlen Nipper, Arlen shares an update on #MQTT and how #SparkplugB provides the modelling standard for OT Data and #DataOps. We discuss why Tools on Platforms, not coding on Operating Systems, are crucial and six other foundational requirements for your Industrial Platform.  

Top MES Insights and Trends for 2021 with Gerhard Greeff, Divisional Manager PM&C at Iritron, and Vice Chairman at MESA Africa. Learn more about the journey from globalisation to ‘glocalisation’ here. 

In this insightful episode, we speak with Walker from Intellic Integration about the concept of the Unified Namespace. And the role it plays as you build out your Industry 4.0 and IIoT architecture. The Unified Namespace is also a key to get us to the holy grail: Cloud-enabled and closed-loop business processes, in real-time.

As Manufacturers transition to Industry 4.0, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. We speak with Brian Pinnock from Mimecast about the current threat landscape. And how manufacturers can better position themselves to address the challenges and risks of today’s rapidly changing security landscape. Learn more about Mimecast here: www.mimecast.com

Kudzai has a passion for helping others. By finding a small piece of explanation that clarifies precisely, how something works. That passion led to the creation of Industry40.tv. Now a trustworthy and inspiring place to find everything you need to learn and master Industry4.0 technologies. This is his story. Learn more about Industry40.tv here: www.industry40.tv

In this episode we host Herman Scheepers, a passionate data scientist and engineer. We chat about technologies that were generally investigated BC (Before COVID), but not yet implemented. And how those technologies are set to become mainstream and pervasive AC (After COVID).

Senele is the Director of 4IR Innovations and non-Executive Director of the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA). But also the founder of Ososayensi Education Advancement NPO: Ososayensi (pronounced "Oh-So-Sciency") is an education initiative aimed at developing future-ready scientists within young school learners. In this inspiring episode, we speak with Senele about her passion for the STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), working with young learners and her exciting placement with the U.S. State Department TechWomen Programme. Learn more about the company: 4irinnovations.co.za

Online Educator and Industry 4.0 enthusiast, Walker Reynolds, shares his inspiring personal journey with us. And passion for helping save and create middle-class jobs by making manufactures more efficient; leveraging IIoT and Industry 4.0 principles. Walker shares what Digital Transformation actually is, and what it's not. Why Digital Transformation only has a 10%-20% success rate and why OEE is a number you MUST be calculating. Join the Intellic Online Learning Center today and enjoy free IIoT courses. The courses are designed to help manufacturers learn to create digital factories using IIoT and Industry 4.0 Architectures. Sign up here: www.intellic.online 

The most critical challenges facing manufacturers throughout the value chain are, fundamentally, data challenges. In this episode, we speak with Leandra, a Data Scientist with Decision Inc., about her fascinating role in leading the change and opportunity of information. Learn more about Decision Inc: www.decisioninc.com If you want to feature on our show, or want us to cover any specific topic, let us know at podcast@element8.co.za or visit our website www.element8.co.za