The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek

Leslie Galer is the Owner of Collaborative Quality Improvement LLC, A Quality and Food Safety Consulting company. She also subcontracts for Commercial Quality Assurance and Food Safety Solutions. Leslie is a highly efficient and results-driven professional with Black Belt and Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certifications. Over 20 years experience in the Food and Dietary Supplements Industries, focusing on: R&D, factory food safety and quality systems, and quality management. Before founding Collaborative Quality Improvement LLC, Leslie worked in Leadership and Management roles at Kraft Heinz and Walgreens. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Geoff Nelson is the Vice President of Technical Solutions at SafetyChain. SafetyChain is a digital plant management platform for process manufacturers trusted by more than 2,000 facilities to improve plant-wide performance. It unifies production and quality teams with data and insights, tools, and delivers real-time operational visibility and control by eliminating paper and point solutions. Geoff has been with SafetyChain for over 11 years. Prior to taking on his current role, Geoff held senior leadership roles in engineering, software development and product development. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.  

Neha Sharma is a Product Manager at Grantek, she has 10+ years of experience in defining technology solutions to solve business/IT problems for manufacturers. Over the years, Neha has worked across various positions such as Software Developer, Module Lead, Techno-Functional Consultant and Manufacturing Engineer. Neha has worked for world class clients across the globe. Neha has experience in the automotive industry, packaging industry, agricultural industry, building materials, food & beverage and pharmaceuticals. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Nic Stachtchenko is the Sr. Manager of ID Products at Cognex. Cognex designs, develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of image-based products. Cognex products include machine vision systems, machine vision sensors, and barcode readers that are used in factories and distribution centers around the world. Cognex is the world's leader in the machine vision industry, having shipped more than 4 million image-based products, representing over $10 billion in cumulative revenue, since the company's founding in 1981. Prior to working for Cognex, Nic held management roles with Bain & Company, Proctor & Gamble and Pratt & Whitney. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Ian Wilson is the Safety & Logistics Practice Leader at Grantek. Ian is an experienced Project Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the industrial automation industry. Skilled in Process Control, Control Systems Design, SCADA, Engineering, and Process Automation. Ian is a proven and strong program and project management professional with a TUV focus in Machine Safety. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

William Barnette is a Senior Project Manager focused on Digital Manufacturing at Kraft Heinz. William is an Application Developer, Database Administrator, and Project Manager in a wide variety of business applications. He has created everything from full blown applications to thousands of scripts for end users. William is a Visual Basic, VBA and VB script specialist. William has worked at Kraft Heinz for over 34 years. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Derek Kostelnik is Grantek’s Practice Leader of the Solution Support Group. Derek leads a team of Service & Support professionals located across North America. The Solution Support Group provides support to Grantek clients who value uptime and limited disruptions across their manufacturing operations Derek has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering, and he has worked at Grantek for almost 25 years. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions. Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Kartik Sundar is the founder of TeamSlide. Launched in 2015, TeamSlide is a slide search solution for PowerPoint users in several fields including marketing, sales, and professional services. They enable customers to share knowledge, ensure consistent messaging, and drive productivity when building presentations. Kartik has a PhD in Bioengineering from Georgia Tech and later worked as a management consultant before launching TeamSlide. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Welcome to Season 4 of The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek. This season we welcome back our host, David McKenna. David is Grantek’s Smart Packaging Practice Leader. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufacturers.

Jim Toman is a Senior MES Advisor at Grantek. Jim has 30+ years of experience creating data driven systems for manufacturers.   In this bonus episode, the discussion centers around the upcoming Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Rule 204 enforcement. FSMA falls under the authority of the United Stated Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The changes coming with FSMA 204 will go into effect and become enforceable in January 2026, at that point food manufacturers who sell product in the United States must be in compliance with these updated regulations. FSMA Rule 204 requires planning, budgeting and engaging with suppliers as well as end customers since quality data has to be transmitted downstream through each step in the supply chain.   The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Grant Daft is a Software Applications Specialist at Videojet. Based in UK, Grant has been with Videojet since 2004. During the almost 20-year tenure, Grant has served in leadership roles focused on solutions support, software application development and product management.   Since the 1960s, Videojet is a global leader in the development and manufacture of high-quality product identification equipment for coding and marking – including Continuous Ink Jet printers, Laser Marking Systems, Case Coding, Print and Apply Labeling, Thermal Inkjet Printers, and Code Assurance Software.   Videojet products and services allow customers to apply variable data such as best-by date, production date, lot number, and operator information – as well as linear and 2D bar codes - to virtually any kind of product packaging, shipping container or pallet. Videojet work with vendors in packaged goods, pharmaceutical, and industrial goods industries, improving productivity, growing brands, and staying ahead of industry trends. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Robin Maurice is the District Leader of Grantek’s Montreal Office. In this role Robin oversees the work done by Grantek in New England, Quebec, Eastern Ontario, Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States. Robin lives in Montreal, QC. His primary language is French, with English being his second language. Don’t be surprised to hear some funny translated expressions from Robin on today’s episode, he is famous for those. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Doug Yerger is a Principal Engineer at Grantek. Doug’s 30-plus years of experience includes the architecting, design, implementation, commissioning, and support of PLC Control Systems, Robotic Applications, Vision Applications, Database Applications, MES Implementations, Warehouse Management Systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems, and HMIs. Doug serves as a leader within the organization, providing governance, technical direction, and facilitating knowledge propagation, Doug also helps advance the manufacturing industry through his membership on HMI and SCADA standards committees (ISA 101 and 112 respectively) with the International Society of Automation (ISA). Doug has been driving Grantek’s adoption of new design tools, shortening and improving the design cycle. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions. Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Angela Morris is the Head of Global IT Manufacturing Capabilities at The Kraft Heinz Company. Angela is a driver of strategy and vision, passionate promoter of operational excellence, classically trained musician, love of gardening, student of culture, and active in community engagement and service. Today, Angela is accountable for strategic planning and to drive digital automation and integration in her current role at Kraft Heinz. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions. Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Andrea Ruotolo, PhD. is the Global Head of Customer Sustainability at Rockwell Automation. As Rockwell Automation's Global Head of Customer Sustainability, Andrea drives sustainability innovation and champions AI/ML for industrial sustainability. With 18 years of global executive experience, she co-founded a smart grid consultancy, led global energy initiatives, and held senior utility roles. Andrea holds a Fulbright Doctorate in sustainable energy systems, two Master's degrees in Engineering and Business Administration, and a specialization in Digital Business Strategy & AI from MIT Sloan School of Management. Andrea was recently named a Top LinkedIn Voice on Artificial Intelligence. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions. Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Emilee Cook is a Director of Product Strategy at Apprentice.io, leading technology to help Life Sciences companies get life-saving drugs to market faster by connecting global workforces and scaling complex manufacturing. Over her 10 years in life sciences, she’s spent time in R&D producing biomimetic devices at Draper Laboratory, developed Syncade solutions for 260+ customer issues, founded new user-driven product development approaches, and crafted strategies for next-gen pharma solutions at Emerson and now at Apprentice.io. She recently won Manufacturing Institute’s STEP AHEAD Emerging Leader Award for 2021 for these efforts. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Lisa Cronk is currently an Operations Manager at Grantek. Lisa has over 13 years of experience in Engineering and System Integration. Lisa currently focuses on projects for large Food & Beverage manufacturers. Lisa has served in the Canadian Forces and she also has experience working in the Mining, Life Sciences and CPG industries. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek. This season we are proud to welcome our new host, David McKenna. David is Grantek’s Smart Packaging Practice Leader. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Huck Bales is Grantek’s Director of MES & Digital Solutions Engineering. He has over thirty successful years of providing systems development, project management, and consulting services in the manufacturing sector. Huck has managed large projects with scope, schedule and budget responsibilities. He has a solid understanding of business and technical issues and a natural ability to communicate with clients, managers, peers and staff. Huck has spent a lot of time working with clients to define the functional requirements to drive better production using improved technology. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions. Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.

Patrick Harrigan is a leader with Tulip Interfaces. Patrick is a technical sales leader focused on identifying and delivering digital transformation solutions for Fortune 500 Manufacturing customers. With over 12 years of leadership experience, he is a forward-thinking consultant with exceptional understanding of manufacturing business processes and how technology can be leveraged to deliver disruptive enterprise solutions. Currently, Patrick is Head of Global Alliances at Tulip. The Industry 4.0 Podcast with Grantek delivers a look into the world of manufacturing, with a focus on stories and trends that lead to better solutions.   Our guests will share tips and outcomes that will help improve your productivity. You will hear from leading providers of Industrial Control System hardware and software, Grantek experts and leaders at best-in-class industry associations that serve Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufactures.