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Calibration is becoming increasingly connected, with mobile technology playing a growing role in helping organisations improve efficiency, compliance and operational performance. However, deploying mobile solutions in industrial environments presents challenges that go far beyond those faced in traditional business settings. In this episode, we explore how industrial mobility is reshaping calibration and maintenance activities across manufacturing and the process industries. From hazardous and explosion-proof areas to highly regulated pharmaceutical facilities, organisations must balance the need for real-time access to calibration and asset data with stringent safety, security and compliance requirements. Joining us is Sami Koskinen, Director of Digital Transformation at Beamex, who discusses why successful mobile deployments require close collaboration between IT and operational teams, the impact of IT/OT convergence and the role of cybersecurity in supporting reliable, connected operations. We also examine the practical considerations for implementing mobile technology, the common pitfalls organisations should avoid and how a strategic approach can improve safety, reliability and productivity.

Industrial automation is entering a new phase. What was once focused primarily on improving efficiency is now playing a critical role in helping manufacturers and process industries build resilience, achieve sustainability goals and remain competitive in an increasingly complex global market. From artificial intelligence and digital twins to private 5G networks and predictive analytics, emerging technologies are transforming how industrial operations are monitored, managed and optimised. At the same time, businesses are navigating challenges such as stricter environmental regulations, skills shortages and evolving supply chains, all while seeking new opportunities for growth. In this episode, host Dave Howell explores the key trends shaping the future of industrial automation and digital transformation. The discussion examines how organisations are adopting advanced technologies, the impact of consolidation across the automation sector and what the next decade could hold for manufacturers, energy providers and process industries worldwide. Joining the podcast are Florian Funke and Harpreet Singh, Partners at L.E.K. Consulting. Drawing on their extensive experience advising clients across industrial manufacturing, energy, transportation, logistics, industrial technology and business services, they share insights into the market forces, investment trends and innovation strategies driving the next wave of industrial growth. Tune in to discover how automation is moving beyond efficiency to become a strategic enabler of resilience, sustainability and long-term business success.

In heavy industry, trust is never abstract. It is welded into every joint, embedded in every specification, and measured in microns. Clients do not invest in promises - they invest in certainty. That certainty begins long before equipment leaves the factory floor. Behind every successful industrial project lies a chain of accountability. Engineers interpret complexity and design viable solutions. Manufacturers transform drawings into precision-built stainless steel systems. Marketing ensures that this expertise is understood, differentiated, and trusted in competitive markets. This episode explores how the three forces of engineering, manufacturing, and marketing converge to create industrial credibility. Through the perspectives of process engineering, stainless steel production, and strategic marketing leadership, the discussion reveals what truly builds long-term confidence in the process industry. Today's episode is brought to you by RAP Group - a strategic industrial partner built for complexity, scale, and precision. Since its founding in 1992, RAP Group has grown into a network of specialised companies, each contributing deep expertise across general construction, electrical systems, heating, plumbing and advanced process technologies. From food and pharmaceuticals to personal care and chemical industries, RAP Group delivers fully integrated, turnkey solutions - designing, building and even relocating entire industrial facilities and utilities across the region and beyond. Headquartered in Romania and operating internationally, the group combines global capability with a highly personalised approach. With a team of over 500 professionals, more than 1,000 completed projects and the majority of its work delivered across borders, RAP Group has built its reputation on safety, quality, flexibility and reliable execution. In this episode, we'll explore what it takes to deliver complex industrial projects at scale - and how RAP Group continues to help businesses build, adapt and grow in an increasingly demanding world, with special guests: Bogdan Urdea – Sales Expert / Sales Director, RPE Andrei Petrici – Technical Director, RAP Steel Production Loana Lorenc – Marketing Director RAP Group

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:1b844f90-444e-4037-9708-3bcd4ccc8235-1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode, host Dave Howell is joined by Kelly Lovesy, Sales Director at Wewise, to explore how rising energy costs are reshaping the landscape for UK manufacturers - and what can be done about it. The discussion opens with the growing pressure on industrial energy users, particularly SMEs, as electricity prices rise and demand across Europe continues to increase. Dave and Kelly examine why energy has shifted from a manageable overhead to a significant operational risk, impacting margins, investment decisions and long-term competitiveness. They then turn to practical solutions, focusing on how renewable energy - especially on-site solar paired with energy storage - is helping manufacturers take greater control of their energy use. Kelly explains how generating and storing power can stabilise costs, reduce reliance on the grid and create immediate financial benefits. Finally, the conversation looks at the bigger picture: how the savings achieved through renewable energy can be reinvested back into the business. From boosting productivity and supporting workforce development to enabling digitalisation and expanding production capacity, this new approach offers SMEs a pathway to more resilient, sustainable growth. This episode provides valuable insight into how manufacturers can move beyond simply managing energy costs to using energy strategy as a driver for long-term success.

Hosted by David Howell, this episode explores how hyper-efficient motor technologies are transforming industrial performance, sustainability and long-term competitiveness. As a global leader in motors and drives, ABB Motion sits at the forefront of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. Through continuous innovation, it is helping industries transition towards energy-efficient, decarbonised and circular operations. Electrification, digitalisation and circularity are now converging to fundamentally redefine how industrial systems operate. High-efficiency motors and digital powertrains are enabling organisations to optimise performance while significantly reducing emissions. From heavy industry and manufacturing to transport and buildings, these technologies are supporting everything from renewable integration to electric mobility. This is not a gradual shift. It is a systemic transformation in how energy is produced, managed and consumed. In this episode, David Howell is joined by Daniel Eberli, Global Business Line Manager at ABB, to unpack the forces driving this change and what it means for industrial leaders. Episode Overview Industrial motors continue to account for a substantial share of global electricity consumption, yet they have historically been overlooked as a major efficiency opportunity. Often regarded as the "silent workhorses" of industrial plants, many systems remain unchanged for years, driven by a "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" mindset—despite hidden inefficiencies steadily draining energy and cost. With nearly half of installed motors now more than a decade old, the scale of the opportunity is significant. In recent years, however, energy efficiency has moved from a technical consideration to a strategic priority. Governments worldwide have recognised its critical role in energy security and industrial competitiveness, resulting in tighter regulations and minimum efficiency performance standards. At the same time, volatile energy prices have sharpened focus on operating costs, with electricity accounting for the overwhelming majority of a motor's total cost of ownership. As a result, businesses are increasingly prioritising efficiency not only for sustainability but also for clear financial returns. Successful organisations are taking a structured, systems-level approach to efficiency. Rather than relying on ad-hoc upgrades, they are conducting comprehensive energy appraisals, identifying high-impact opportunities and implementing clear roadmaps. Case studies such as Aurubis demonstrate the potential: large-scale upgrades to high-efficiency motor systems can deliver substantial energy savings, reduced emissions and rapid payback periods, while also simplifying operational complexity. A key insight discussed in the episode is the true cost profile of industrial motors. While initial purchase costs are minimal, energy consumption dominates over the lifecycle. This makes efficiency improvements one of the most effective levers for reducing both operational expenditure and environmental impact. Advances in motor technology, including ABB's latest synchronous reluctance solutions, are now delivering measurable gains in performance, reliability and lifecycle cost. Digitalisation is further accelerating this transformation. The integration of AI, predictive analytics and variable speed drives is enabling real-time optimisation of energy use and early detection of potential failures. By aligning energy consumption with actual demand and improving system reliability, organisations can unlock additional efficiency gains while reducing downtime. Real-world implementations, such as GSK's Singapore facility, highlight how digital monitoring and predictive capabilities can exceed performance targets and deliver strong returns on investment. Electrification and energy efficiency are increasingly working hand in hand. High-efficiency motor technologies deliver the greatest impact in continuous-duty applications such as pumps, fans and compressors, which represent a large proportion of industrial energy use. However, scaling these solutions requires careful consideration of application-specific requirements and long equipment lifecycles, reinforcing the importance of selecting the right technology from the outset. Circularity is also becoming a practical reality within industrial operations. Modern motor designs are highly recyclable, and innovations in materials—such as the use of low-carbon and recycled copper—are reducing embedded emissions. Combined with transparent lifecycle assessments, these developments are enabling organisations to align operational improvements with broader ESG objectives. Key Takeaways for Business Leaders For organisations looking to accelerate their energy transition, the episode highlights three critical actions: Conduct a comprehensive fleet-wide energy audit to identify inefficiencies and prioritise high-impact opportunities Develop a structured upgrade roadmap, focusing on replacing outdated motors with high-efficiency alternatives and integrated drive systems Implement real-time energy monitoring to track performance, validate savings and continuously optimise operations Final Thoughts Many organisations are still at an early stage in their efficiency journey, working to quantify energy use, identify savings opportunities and prioritise modernisation investments. The path forward requires a clear, structured progression—from insight to implementation and ongoing optimisation. For today's industrial leaders, the challenge is balancing immediate operational demands with long-term sustainability goals, while unlocking both financial and environmental returns. To learn more and begin your journey, visit ABB.

For five decades, Beamex has operated in a world where the smallest measurement error can ripple into serious consequences. From its beginnings as a small Finnish calibration company to a global leader trusted by more than 15,000 customers across 140 countries, Beamex's story is not just one of growth, but of discipline, judgement and earned trust. In this special anniversary episode of the Beamex Podcast, host David Howell sits down with Jan-Henrik Svensson, CEO of Beamex, to explore what it truly takes to build longevity in a high-stakes, highly regulated industry. Together, they look beyond milestones and marketing to examine the real forces behind Beamex's success: pragmatic decision-making, a culture that values precision over speed and the courage to say no when long-term trust is on the line. The conversation also looks forward. As calibration enters an era shaped by AI, data-driven workflows, digitalisation and sustainability, this episode explores how Beamex is preparing for the next 50 years - and how the very definitions of precision and trust are evolving. Whether you work in calibration, industrial automation, quality management, or simply want to understand how critical systems remain safe and reliable, this is a thoughtful, future-facing discussion worth your time.

Beamex is your trusted partner for calibration excellence, providing accurate measurements, reliable data, and traceability for a safer and less uncertain world. Beamex helps improve efficiency, ensure compliance, and increase safety with its comprehensive ecosystem of calibration solutions – from field calibration to workshop calibration, calibration management, and services. Through the company´s global reach, Beamex products and services are available in over 90 countries. This episode explores how data-rich operational environments are becoming the backbone of modern industry and why secure OT systems and reliable measurements are essential for future innovation and growth. We'll examine how calibration ensures trustworthy data, how mobile and digital tools are evolving to meet the realities of industrial work, and why cybersecurity has become a non-negotiable foundation for any organisation seeking resilience and efficiency. Today's podcast will unpack the organisational, technical, and cultural shifts needed to build safer, more reliable, and more data-driven operations.

Host Dave Howell is joined by special guest Mark Nicholls, Business Development Manager at Beamex, to explore the critical role of data integrity, calibration and compliance in the water and wastewater industry. In this episode, we uncover why the demand for reliable, traceable data has never been greater, and how digital calibration solutions are enabling utilities to move away from outdated paper-based systems towards smarter, more efficient workflows. Drawing on insights from the Cunliffe Report and real-world examples from a major UK water supplier, we discuss the challenges operators face, from inconsistent calibration practices to record-keeping gaps and the technologies driving meaningful change. With innovative tools such as LOGi CAL and the MC6-EX, we highlight how utilities can strengthen safety, reduce waste and build greater public trust in water quality through forward-thinking calibration strategies.

ABB's latest innovation - the ACS380-E machinery drive, is redefining industrial automation. With built-in dual Ethernet ports, robust cybersecurity features and simplified commissioning tools, this next-generation drive is more than hardware, it's a complete platform designed for connectivity, compliance and performance. In this episode, we explore how the ACS380-E helps machine builders streamline integration, prepare for upcoming EU Machinery Regulations and future-proof operations across applications like conveyors, bottling systems and extrusion lines. From cold commissioning via USB-C to ABB's Drive Composer 3 software, discover why the ACS380-E stands at the forefront of motion control innovation. Whether you're an OEM, engineer, or industrial tech enthusiast, you'll gain practical insights into how ABB is shaping the future of automated machinery.

In this podcast with Keith Smith, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of IntelliAM, we are considering the role of AI in manufacturing – exploring the current challenges facing the industry as well as myth-busting the common barriers to adoption. IntelliAM – which stands for intelligent asset management – is a UK tech company specialising in AI and machine learning for the manufacturing industry. Many of the world's largest manufacturers – including half of the world's top 12 FMCGs – are using IntelliAM's solution to unlock insights from billions of machine asset data points. IntelliAM is on a mission to revolutionise the machine asset management industry – using AI to increase productivity, cut operating costs and drive smarter decision-making on the factory floor.   About Keith Smith: Keith is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of IntelliAM. He has 27 years of experience in the manufacturing and engineering industry, including extensive expertise in the FMCG sector. He specialises in the development and promotion of Asset Care Standards that help manufacturers unlock the full potential of their operations. In his role at IntelliAM, Keith leads all operational teams, driving the development of the IntelliAM platform to help customers achieve world-class asset care standards.  He's able to speak about AI adoption within the manufacturing sector and how it can help manufacturers to unlock greater productivity, quality, performance, efficiency, and safety, while also reducing waste and increasing throughput in the UK's manufacturing sector. Topics include: What the biggest pressures facing manufacturers today and how rising demands and shrinking resources are reshaping the way they operate. Why traditional predictive maintenance systems are struggling to keep up with modern manufacturing environments Examples of how outdated maintenance methods are leading to costly downtime or inefficiencies on the plant floor Ways AI fundamentally changes the maintenance game, particularly in interpreting asset data and predicting failures before they happen Limitations of traditional condition monitoring tools and human interpretation and how does IntelliAM's approach go beyond them? IntelliAM's six-step AI model: a structured journey rather than a quick fix The importance of industry-specific knowledge in AI deployment and how IntelliAM bridges engineering expertise with technology Common misconceptions about AI adoption in manufacturing, from job loss fears to ROI concerns Shifting mindsets from reactive to proactive maintenance and how AI helps manufacturers lead rather than follow The future of intelligent maintenance and how manufacturers can prepare today

In this episode, we're exploring the future of real-time process monitoring with a spotlight on Metrohm's 2060 RISE, a high-tech Raman spectrometer designed to deliver lab-quality analysis directly within production environments. As industries grapple with growing demands for efficiency, safety and compliance, the ability to monitor materials in real time, without sending samples to a lab, is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. Joining host Dave Howell, is Paul Hamilton, Business Manager for Metrohm Process Analytics in the UK, to break down why Raman spectroscopy is proving to be a game-changer for complex processes, from pharma to petrochemicals. We'll explore how 2060 RISE helps identify materials, detect impurities and streamline operations, all while reducing downtime and boosting productivity. Together, we'll also uncover the origins of this breakthrough instrument, what makes it uniquely suited for integration in hazardous and high-throughput environments and why many in the industry are saying: "Why didn't this exist 10 years ago?" Whether you're a process engineer, a compliance lead, or simply someone passionate about smart technology and safer operations, this conversation will show how Raman spectroscopy and 2060 RISE in particular, is reshaping the future of process analysis.

In this latest PII Podcast, Dave Howell speaks with Jeff Shaffer, Sales Director for Process Manufacturing at Graco, to explore how electric diaphragm pumps are redefining performance and sustainability across the process industries. Diaphragm pumps have long been the unsung workhorses of manufacturing—from paints to pharmaceuticals. But while demand for automation, energy efficiency and lower costs has soared, pump innovation has lagged behind. That's now changing. Jeff shares insights into the rapid growth of the electric operated double diaphragm (EODD) pump market, projected to reach $941.1 million by 2034, and how Graco's breakthrough QUANTM® pump is driving this transformation. Originally launched two years ago, the QUANTM line has been enhanced with features such as the XTREME TORQUE™ motor and expanded power options including 480V, making it easier to deploy and more compatible with existing systems. With real-time energy savings, measurable sustainability benefits and drop-in replacement capability for traditional AODD and gear pumps, this new generation of electric pumps offers an answer to both operational challenges and greenwashing scepticism. Tune in as Dave and Jeff unpack what this means for the future of automated and sustainable manufacturing.

In today's industrial landscape, calibration and measurement are essential for efficiency, safety, and compliance. They drive advancements in automation, robotics, IoT, and digital transformation, ensuring precision and reliability. In this episode, Dave speaks with Sami Kosiken, Director of Digital Transformation, who discusses how process managers can implement accurate calibration to prevent disruptions, enhance safety, and ensure regulatory compliance with Beamex digitalised calibration solution, forming the foundation of modern industrial success.

In this episode, Dave speaks with Aaron Lober, Vice President of Marketing at CADDi, a trailblazing company in the field of manufacturing intelligence software.  With over 15 years of experience in driving growth across various industries, Aaron shares his insights on how CADDi is revolutionising the manufacturing sector through strategic marketing and cutting-edge technology.  We'll dive into CADDi's flagship product, CADDi Drawer, which utilises patented AI to transform supply chain data and enhance product development. Join us as we explore how CADDi's innovations earned them recognition on Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies 2024 list and a top spot in the SaaS awards for Best Business Intelligence and Engineering Management Software.

In this episode, Shawn Dagley, Kahuna's Director of Manufacturing, discusses how Kahuna's data-driven approach to skills management enables leaders to understand their skills supply and demand to make informed staffing decisions in dynamic environments. Kahuna digitises, manages, and validates workforce skill, competencies, experiences, certifications in one platform to increase efficiencies, standardise training and development programs, close skills gaps, mitigate operational risks, increase safety, and guide strategic operating decisions with validated skills insights. From a manufacturing perspective, Shawn and the Kahuna team see four main drivers for establishing a skills-based approach and practice: Worker attainment – There is a severe shortage of manufacturing expertise available in the market today.  A well-organised skills management program can help search for the right type of candidate and develop the candidate's proficiency in the required skills. This method broadens the scope of the job search and improves retention chances within the organisation by supporting development efforts. Worker retainment – Employee satisfaction leads to lower attrition rates.  Data shows the average tenure of a manufacturing employee has fallen from 20 years in 2019 to only three years in 2023.  With an easily accessible and standardised skills management program, employees have visibility into skills and training requirements, empowering them to own their learning journey within the organisation and shows them the business is invested in their development. Capitalising on the investment in Industry 4.0/Smart Factory – Many companies are investing significantly in I4.0 technologies.  Things like Connected Equipment, Additive Manufacturing, Virtual and Augmented reality, Predictive Maintenance.  But companies are forgetting to invest in their workforce to maximise the investment in this equipment. Increased product complexity – As products get more complex with the introduction of electronics, software, and AI built in, companies need to expand the capabilities needed in the design and manufacturing of these products.  This will drive new skills requirements for teams and individuals. Don't miss this episode and the opportunity to improve skills management and operational excellence initiatives within your manufacturing environment. Get in touch with Shawn [email protected]   Topics include:   The key benefits of shifting to skills-based practices in manufacturing How skills management contributes to the efficiency and flexibility of the workforce Why companies struggle with using Excel for skills management How the Kahuna Skills Management Platform works and its core features Real-time visibility into workforce capabilities, and why is this important How skills management supports initiatives like Smart Factories and improves overall equipment efficiency Compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards How tying compensation to upskilling can increase workforce flexibility Success story of a client who significantly benefited from implementing Kahuna's skills management system Integrating with other systems like Core HRIS, Learning Management Systems, and Planning & Analytics tools What the first steps are transitioning to a skills-based management system