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EnergyTech Podcast
EnergyTech Podcast
Author: Opsite Energy
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Energy Innovation meets Industrial Technology: There is finally a podcast that balances technical depth with real-world applicability for field teams, operations groups, and senior leaders who want to see a real return on technology , IiOT, and AI Investments
47 Episodes
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Live from Ignition Community Conference (ICC) 2025 in Sacramento, we sit down with Dave Eifert of Phoenix Contact to break down how PLCnext is reshaping edge computing, open automation, and energy data integration.
Phoenix Contact has long been known as a staple inside the control cabinet — but today, they’re moving decisively beyond the panel. In this episode, we explore how PLCnext acts as a true edge gateway, enabling no-code, low-code, and full PLC programming approaches while leveraging open protocols like MQTT, Sparkplug, OPC UA, and Node-RED.
We cover real-world use cases across energy management, data centers, manufacturing, oil & gas, and off-grid power systems, including how teams can modernize brownfield systems without touching critical control logic.
If you’re exploring edge-driven architectures, open ecosystems, or proof-of-concepts for energy and data infrastructure, this conversation is packed with practical insight.
🏭 Phoenix Contact
Website: https://www.phoenixcontact.com
PLCnext Platform: https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/products/automation/plcnext-technology
⚙️ Ignition Community Conference (ICC)
Ignition Community Conference: https://inductiveautomation.com/icc
Ignition Platform: https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition
🎙️ Energy Tech Podcast / Opsite Energy
Opsite Energy: https://www.opsiteenergy.com
0:00 – Welcome to the Energy Tech Podcast (Live from ICC 2025)
0:44 – Dave Eert’s role at Phoenix Contact
1:30 – Phoenix Contact’s evolution beyond the control cabinet
2:48 – From components to solutions and edge applications
3:20 – What PLCnext really is and why it matters at the edge
4:07 – No-code, low-code, and full PLC programming explained
4:51 – Open protocols: MQTT, Sparkplug, OPC UA & Ignition
5:30 – Using PLCnext as an edge gateway in brownfield systems
6:12 – PLCnext Store and pre-built edge applications
7:00 – Node-RED support and protocol conversion use cases
8:05 – Integrating legacy PLCs without disrupting operations
8:44 – Energy management, sub-metering & IO strategy
9:47 – Data centers, off-grid energy & convergence challenges
10:35 – What a Phoenix Contact proof-of-concept looks like
11:22 – Field Application Engineers & solution development
12:20 – Phoenix Contact’s edge-first future
12:50 – AI, MCP, and open ecosystems in automation
14:05 – Why community and openness matter going forward
15:00 – Closing thoughts & where to find Phoenix Contact at ICC
Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, Mike Flores sits down with Austin Blake — Director of Data at CNX Resources — for one of our deepest, most comprehensive conversations yet on data quality, machine learning, edge computing, anomaly detection, and what real digital transformation looks like inside a major upstream operator. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how CNX is rebuilding its entire data foundation, streaming real-time operational data from the field, and applying advanced machine learning models to critical equipment like fracture fleets, flowback operations, and multi-stage compressor stations.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
1. Modernizing Oilfield Data
How CNX moved from siloed spreadsheets to a governed Snowflake data lake with clean, consistent, ML-ready data.
2. Real-Time Edge Visibility
How MQTT + AWS IoT Core deliver sub-second frac, flowback, and drilling data—and how offset-well monitoring helps prevent frac hits.
3. Machine Learning That Works
How CNX built practical anomaly detection models using 1-second SCADA data to improve compressor uptime and maintenance planning.
4. AI vs. Reality
Why GenAI won’t fix bad data—and why traditional time-series ML still delivers the most value in oil & gas operations.
5. Austin’s Career Path
How a completions engineer became CNX’s Director of Data and what he’s learned about failing fast and delivering real value.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to the Energy Tech Podcast
00:16 – Introducing Austin Blake (Director of Data, CNX)
00:48 – CNX’s digital transformation and Austin’s role
01:30 – Fixing siloed data with a modern Snowflake architecture
03:05 – Data governance, medallion layers, and eliminating Excel chaos
04:05 – Austin’s background: field engineering → completions → data
06:00 – Why completions lacked real-time data historically
07:03 – Rise of Python, analytics, and why engineers must learn data
08:30 – When CNX realized it needed to fix data before ML
12:00 – Why ML fails without clean data
13:30 – The well-naming problem in oil & gas
15:00 – Misconceptions about AI “orchestrating” bad data
16:02 – Aligning drilling, completions, production & midstream around data
17:10 – CNX’s edge journey: Red Lion, vendors, and protocol challenges
18:30 – Building the edge → AWS IoT Core → MQTT pipeline
20:04 – Why sandbox environments accelerate innovation
21:30 – Hot vs cold data paths: real-time vs long-term reporting
24:00 – Real example: completions dashboards in Grafana
25:20 – Preventing frack hits with offset-well observability
28:00 – Demo walkthrough: real-time frack visualization
32:50 – Why smaller operators can do this themselves
34:00 – Building context at the edge (MQTT/Sparkplug)
35:20 – Machine learning on compression fleets
37:30 – Using 1-second SCADA for anomaly detection
39:50 – Deploying ML models + measuring success via uptime
42:00 – Austin’s personal approach: iterate fast, fail fast, deliver value
44:30 – AI vs ML: what matters in oil & gas
47:00 – Closing thoughts + subscribe
Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from Ignition ICC 2025 in Sacramento!
In this episode, we sit down with Rene Gamero, Industry 4.0 Executive at Opto 22, to unpack what modern edge computing really looks like across energy, distributed generation, and industrial operations.
We dig into Opto 22’s long relationship with Inductive Automation, what makes Groov EPIC a true IPC + PLC + HMI platform, and why energy operators—from oil & gas to solar and battery storage—are rapidly adopting an edge-first architecture.
Rene breaks down:
- Why edge computing is gaining massive traction in oil & gas
- The three pillars operators care about: cost, complexity & cybersecurity
- How Opto 22 simplifies UDT structure, MQTT/Sparkplug, and standardization
- Real-world case study: Half-gigawatt distributed solar deployment across Chile
- Why Groov EPIC’s long-term form factor commitment (20+ years) matters
- How Opto22’s learning kits and training accelerate POCs and modernizations
- ICC 2025 insights: Ignite 8.3 momentum, Prove-It sessions, and community growth
- If you’re evaluating edge solutions, upgrading legacy PLC infrastructure, or considering MQTT/UNS architectures with Ignition, this is a must-watch.
Links
Opto 22 Website: https://www.opto22.com
Energy Tech Podcast (YouTube): https://youtube.com/@EnergyTechPodcast
Ignition ICC: https://inductiveautomation.com/icc
⏱️ CHAPTERS
00:00 – Intro
00:10 – Welcome to the Energy Tech Podcast
00:26 – Live at ICC 2025 in Sacramento
00:47 – Guest intro: Rene Gamero, Opto 22
01:12 – What Rene does at Opto22 & global coverage
01:55 – Opto22 + Inductive Automation partnership
03:00 – ICC 2025 momentum, growth & first-time attendees
04:10 – Why podcasts matter at ICC
05:20 – Edge computing in oil & gas
06:30 – ICC “level up”: venue, 8.3 release, Prove It sessions
07:40 – Energy industry modernization outlook
08:45 – Where Opto22 fits: Edge, UDT structure & standardization
09:50 – How Opto22 trains OT teams
11:00 – Deep dive: Groov EPIC = IPC + PLC + HMI
12:40 – Hardware simplicity & expandability
14:30 – The “lightbulb moment”: realizing EPIC is a full platform
15:20 – Cost, complexity & cybersecurity pillars
17:00 – SIL & safety considerations
18:45 – Reducing complexity across mixed vendor environments
20:20 – Cybersecurity built into EPIC from day one
22:10 – Distributed energy case study (Chile solar fleet)
24:40 – Standardizing remote generation sites
25:40 – Final thoughts & discount for Energy Tech listeners
26:05 – Closing remarks – Like & Subscribe
Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento: Greg Sloyer (Industry Principal, Manufacturing at Snowflake) joins the Energy Tech Podcast to break down how OT data from Ignition can flow—with context—into Snowflake using IoT Bridge, MQTT/Sparkplug, and Snowpipe Streaming, then combine with ERP/CRM data for real business outcomes. We dig into Cortex (semantic layer, NLQ, search over manuals/service records), DataOps/DevOps realities, and pragmatic analytics for energy: compression fleets, maintenance, and production trends.
Guest
Greg Sloyer, Industry Principal—Manufacturing, Snowflake.
What you’ll learn
- Why ICC 2025 is a “level up”: new venue, Ignition 8.3, PROVE IT
- Edge → Cloud: UDT context, MQTT/Sparkplug, IoT Bridge & Snowpipe Streaming
- OT + IT together: time series + ERP/CRM for bigger, multi-site problems
- PoC fast paths for regional operators (free trials; zero-code landing)
- Democratized analytics: run anomaly detection via SQL
- Cortex: semantic layer, natural-language questions, and search over manuals & service history
- Energy-specific cadence: hourly/daily/7-day moving averages vs sub-ms myths
- Fleet view of compressors: MTTR/MTBF, asset health, and market-aware maintenance
- When to use Snowpark/Streamlit vs NLQ for quick operator answers
Links & resources
• Snowflake for Manufacturing & Energy: https://www.snowflake.com
• IoT Bridge (with Cirrus Link): https://cirrus-link.com/
• Ignition 8.3 (Inductive Automation): https://inductiveautomation.com/news/inductive-automation-releases-ignition-83
• Opsite Energy – Insight-Driven Remote Operations: www.opsiteenergy.com
00:10 Welcome to Energy Tech Podcast @ ICC 2025
00:26 Guest intro: Greg Slayer (Snowflake)
00:49 Greg’s role: Industry Principal, Manufacturing
01:44 ICC “level up”: new venue & more room for real OT/IT talks
02:46 Why ICC 2025 matters: Ignition 8.3 + PROVE IT track
03:50 Where Snowflake fits with Ignition & IA
04:21 Getting shop-floor OT data into Snowflake (since 2023)
05:03 IoT Bridge + MQTT/Sparkplug → OT+IT data together
06:01 Edge-first: UDT context, Snowpipe Streaming, zero-code landing
07:24 Context that business users understand (units, semantics)
08:33 Add sensors/tags → auto-populate in Snowflake for data science
09:05 Fast start for regional energy players (trials & PoCs)
10:51 Democratized analytics: SQL anomaly detection on time series
11:51 Modeling options, right cadence (hourly/shift vs sub-ms)
12:42 Snowflake Cortex: semantic layer, NLQ, medallion patterns
13:28 Energy cadence: 7-day moving averages, hourly/daily ops
15:44 Maintenance reality: dispatch latency & practical “near real-time”
16:28 Cortex Analyst & Search: manuals, service records, tech assist
19:16 Compression fleet use case: asset health + market signals
20:26 Fleet-level KPIs: MTTR/MTBF across sites & vendors
21:01 Snowpark & Streamlit vs NLQ answers for ops
22:32 “Advanced analytics,” not hype: optimization + ML in Snowpark
24:26 Wrap-up, resources & how to try it; Like & Subscribe
Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Recorded live at Inductive Automation’s ICC 2025 in Sacramento, we sit down with Magnus McHune (HiveMQ) to unpack what it really takes to scale MQTT, build a unified namespace (UNS) that sticks, and bridge the OT/IT divide without blowing up cost or complexity. We dig into HiveMQ’s roots in connected vehicles, why manufacturers are standardizing on MQTT + UNS, what “leveling up” looks like with Ignition 8.3 and new Ignition module work, and how to think about cost, complexity, and cybersecurity as your data volume 10× or 100×. We also touch on HiveMQ Pulse (context + ontology for industrial data) and practical start-up patterns (K8s/VMs, clustering, QoS, topic design).
You’ll learn:
• How to design MQTT topics/payloads that scale
• When open source hits limits—and where enterprise support fits
• Architectures for edge ↔ site ↔ central clusters
• Why outbound-only MQTT + TLS simplifies security models
• How context/semantics (Pulse) unlock AI/ML value
Presented by OpSite Energy — Insight-Driven Remote Optimization.
Links & resources
- OpSite Energy: https://www.opsiteenergy.com
- Energy Tech Podcast: https://www.opsiteenergy.com/all_podcast
- HiveMQ (MQTT platform): https://www.hivemq.com
- Ignition by Inductive Automation: https://inductiveautomation.com
- Learn about HiveMQ Pulse: https://www.hivemq.com/solutions/
00:00 Intro (Energy Tech Podcast @ ICC 2025)
00:35 Guest intro — Magnus McHune, HiveMQ
01:55 What a Principal Architect actually does (customer-driven R&D)
02:40 Origins & verticals: automotive → manufacturing, data centers
03:55 MQTT + Unified Namespace as the backbone
04:50 “Level up” at ICC: Ignition 8.3, venue, Prove-It flavor
05:35 HiveMQ x Ignition: modules in development & why
06:20 Moving up-stack: data context, semantics, and insights
07:20 Building for scale: edge, site, central; reliable data movement
08:25 Common scaling pitfalls (topic design, payloads, QoS, support)
10:05 From OSS POCs to supported platforms (avoiding tech debt)
12:00 The flywheel: once UNS is live, use cases multiply
13:10 Getting started fast: containers, K8s operator, clustering
15:00 Bridging OT/IT & business needs with MQTT + extensions
16:40 Services & support: solutions, professional services, 24/7
18:05 The big three: cost, complexity, cybersecurity
19:30 Data-center patterns & data federation
21:05 Security story: TLS, auth, one-way outbound connections
23:10 Where AI/ML fits: pipelines today, context with HiveMQ Pulse
24:45 MCP & tool-calling—what to watch next
26:30 Wrap-up & where to learn more
In this episode, Flexware Innovation’s Eric Mormon joins us on the show floor in Sacramento to talk Ignition 8.3, Spark MES, edge architectures, UNS/MQTT, real-world DataOps, and where AI/ML/MCP actually create value in manufacturing. If you care about turning plant data into competitive advantage—without locking yourself into a black box—this one’s for you.
Guest
Eric Mormon — Solutions Architect, Flexware Innovation (Premier Ignition Integrator). Eric helps design scalable MES and SCADA solutions using an open, native-Ignition approach with the Spark MES framework.
What you’ll learn
- Why ICC 2025 feels different: venue, Ignition 8.3, and the PROVE IT track
- Spark MES: bottleneck visibility, downtime drivers, target vs actual, part-level issues
- Open vs. closed MES: designing systems that conform to your process (not the other way around)
- Edge to UNS: PLC skills + Ignition Edge + MQTT for clean, actionable data
- Tackling legacy/trapped data with a robust tag model and standards
- Empowerment over dependency: frameworks, training, and front-end tools non-programmers can use
- DataOps in the real world: on-prem vs. cloud, secure movement, and when sub-ms matters
- DevOps for Ignition: Git workflows, deployments, change management, scalability
- AI/ML/MCP: value-first use cases (NLP for config, reporting assist, interoperability)
Links & resources
• Flexware Innovation – https://www.flexwareinnovation.com/
• Spark MES - https://sparkmes.io/sparkmes-overview-a-smarter-mes-built-on-ignition-for-oee-traceability-inventory-more/
• Opsite Energy – www.opsiteenergy.com
00:00 Intro
00:10 Welcome to Energy Tech Podcast @ ICC 2025
00:34 Guest intro: Eric Mormon, Flexware Innovation
01:00 Flexware’s Ignition journey & team growth
01:37 Who we serve: energy, water/wastewater, data centers & more
02:55 ICC “Level Up” theme & new Sacramento venue
03:28 Ignition 8.3, PROVE IT track, and why we’re here
04:19 What “Level Up” means to Eric & the industry
05:01 Leveling up at Flexware: partners, practices, customer experience
05:52 New Integrator Solutions program & Spark MES announcement
06:37 What Spark MES solves (downtime, bottlenecks, targets, part issues)
07:41 Open, native-Ignition approach—system conforms to you
08:15 From PLCs to the edge: Ignition Edge, MQTT & UNS foundations
09:41 Unlocking legacy/trapped data & tag model strategy
11:23 Becoming one team with the client; empower & enablement
13:36 Design principles: extensible, maintainable, perspective-first UX
15:56 Not low/no-code—scalable additions without heavy scripting
16:56 DataOps choices: on-prem vs cloud, secure movement, streaming needs
18:42 Framework 80/20: land-and-expand with an open core
19:44 ICC takeaways: Ignition 8.3, UNS, AI, DevOps & Git workflows
21:14 AI/ML/MCP: practical value, NLP config, reporting, next steps
22:38 Wrap-up & subscribe
Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from Inductive Automation’s ICC 2025 in Sacramento, Mike sits down with Mark La Liberte (HMS Networks) to unpack why Red Lion’s DA50/DA70 and FlexEdge have become go-to edge gateways for energy, water/wastewater, and data centers. We dig into store-and-forward, Sparkplug B / MQTT, OPC UA, DNP3, ruggedization, and how Crimson® 3.2 collapses multiple boxes (edge gateway + router/firewall + HMI + cellular + basic control) into one platform.
We also cover:
- Why Ignition 8.3 and the expanded ICC venue are a “level up”
- The case for a “Prove It” track focused on the energy sector
- Practical wins: reducing cost & complexity while improving cybersecurity
- Real-world stories: Modbus RTU to MQTT in minutes, DA50/DA70 in the field, FlexEdge sleds
- Support & training: free tech support, fast response, hands-on enablement for OT & IT
Guest: Mark La Liberte, HMS Networks
Topics: Edge computing, MQTT/Sparkplug B, OPC UA, Crimson 3.2, FlexEdge, DA50/DA70, N-Tron switches, CANbus/J1939, cellular/Starlink backhaul, NAT, deadbands, UDTs/AOIs, store-and-forward.
Presented by OpSite Energy — Insight-Driven Remote Optimization.
🔗 Energy Tech Podcast: https://opsiteenergy.com/all_podcast
🔗 OpSite Energy: https://opsiteenergy.com/
🔗 HMS Networks: https://www.hms-networks.com/
Chapters / Timestamps
00:00 – Intro / music
00:10 – Welcome & guest intro (HMS + Mark La Liberte)
01:08 – Why HMS supports the Ignition community & digital transformation
02:12 – ICC “Leveling Up”: new venue, Ignition 8.3, and “Prove It” ideas
03:29 – Red Lion strategy and role within HMS Networks
03:32 – Security + protocols: DNP3, Modbus RTU → OPC UA / MQTT / Sparkplug B
05:20 – Field story: Modbus water meters → MQTT with a Red Lion DA50
06:11 – DA50/DA70 & FlexEdge: HDMI, headless HMI, store-and-forward (256 GB)
07:40 – Bandwidth savings with MQTT publish-on-change / deadbands
08:05 – Modular sleds, cellular as a weak link, NAT & networking notes
09:52 – Rugged switching (N-Tron) & harsh environments / temps
10:07 – Popular sleds & protocols: RS-485/Modbus, OPC UA sharing, CANbus/J1939, Starlink
12:06 – Targeting the “big three”: cost, complexity, cybersecurity
13:20 – Crimson 3.2 as the differentiator; replacing multiple boxes (under ~$3K)
14:38 – Crimson capabilities: multi-protocol, headless HMI, VPN, diagnostics, deadbands
16:26 – Fast time-to-value: AB tags, UDTs/AOIs, publishing in minutes
18:58 – Getting started: download C3.2, emulator, Windows 11; free tech support & response times
21:02 – Training for OT & IT; global coverage
21:57 – Wrap-up & call to action
Uygar Duzgun “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
In this episode, co-hosts Jeff Perry and Mike Flores are joined by Daniel Netto (VP of Compliance at Opsite Energy) to dive deep into how data & AI are being used to understand the pipeline regulatory audit landscape — using real audit data from the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) and focusing on how these insights can drive better control-room operations, compliance and training.
You'll learn:
◽How RRC audit data is collected, structured and analyzed
◽What AI tools (GenSpark.ai, Amplify, VZero) are being used to scrape, parse and visualize audit findings.
◽Key trends from 2024-2025: procedure-based vs observation-based violations, alarm‐management top categories, controller-training deficiencies.
◽The role of mindset, accountability and documentation in successful control-room and pipeline-audit readiness.
◽How OpSite Energy applies these insights for clients, and how you can too
🔗 Links & Resources
OpSite Energy: https://www.opsiteenergy.com
GenSpark.ai: https://www.genspark.ai
Ampify: https://www.ampify.com
Texas RRC pipeline safety data: https://apps.rrc.texas.gov/portal/s/inspections
📬 For business/consulting inquiries: info@opsiteenergy.com
👍 If you found this episode valuable, please like, subscribe and ring the bell for future installments. Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway or questions for our next episode.
0:00 Intro & Welcome
0:10 Episode overview and guest introduction
1:00 Background: Texas RRC & Pipeline Audit Framework
2:20 How state audit agencies work with federal rules (DOT/FEZA)
4:10 Demo: Raw audit data scraping via VZero
6:00 Using GenSpark & Ampify for data parsing and dashboarding
8:22 Key findings: 80+ inspection lines, 15 operators, ~10 distinct violation types
9:20 Breakdown: 73% procedure-based + 27% observation‐based
10:00 Defining “procedure”, “observation” and “records” violations
11:19 2024 data deep dive: eight operators cited, peak month May
13:11 Preparing for an audit: strategy, records, controller interview
14:38 2025 data update: more violations, new categories (emergency procedures, leak detection)
17:03 Sentiment analysis from executive closing letters
18:10 Doubling of violations 2024→2025; documentation & training gaps
20:05 Audit readiness: know your plan, engage operations people, accountability
22:13 Procedural rollout: controllers must follow the plan and screen actions
25:22 The role of AI in drafting procedures — caution & review required
30:32 Opsite’s offer: how we help you, reach-out & next steps
31:56 Outro & plug for CRM series
Uygar Duzgun “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento, we sit down with Jonathan Huddle of Electron Automation—long-time oil & gas practitioner, electrician, and core member of the Ignition Oil & Gas Collective (IOGC).
Jonathan walks through 25+ years in OT/SCADA and the hard-won patterns that actually scale: why UDTs and a clean tag model / unified namespace are non-negotiable, how and when to move from Vision to Perspective for responsive/mobile UX, planning scalable architectures that survive M&A and 10× tag growth, and practical ways to blend MQTT + “cloud” with on-prem realities. We also kick around the current AI/ML/MCP hype cycle and where near-term wins likely show up (alarm management, pipeline recommendations, maintenance).
Recorded live at ICC 2025.
Presented by OpSite Energy — Insight-Driven Remote Optimization.
What you’ll learn:
- Building a durable UDT/tag structure as the foundation for UNS, Perspective, and downstream analytics.
- When & why to standardize on Perspective (and stop shipping new Vision projects)
- Scaling patterns for 0.5M → 1M+ tags, load balancing, and planning for M&A
- Blending MQTT + data center/cloud without breaking operations
- A pragmatic take on AI/ML/MCP in industrial environments (early wins & pitfalls)
- How communities like IOGC accelerate real-world adoption
If you enjoyed this, hit Like and Subscribe to Energy Tech Podcast.
📨 Have a topic or guest in mind? Comment below!
00:00 Intro — Live from ICC 2025
00:34 Guest intro: Jonathan Huddle (Electron Automation)
01:31 Early roots: electronics repair → troubleshooting mindset
02:08 25 years in oil & gas automation; host-side SCADA; Ignition journey
03:49 Electrician background & why hardware perspective matters
04:10 Inside the IOGC: origins, purpose, 275+ companies, ~400 members
05:22 ICC 2025 theme “Level Up” — what’s different this year
06:40 The recurring challenge: bad tag structures & why UNS matters
08:59 UDTs as leverage for Perspective & future analytics/AI
10:56 Rapid iteration story: delivering features in hours, not weeks
12:22 Do it at the edge: context where it’s created
13:31 From Vision → Perspective: mobility & responsive by default
15:22 Scaling architectures & planning for growth/M&A
16:46 Load balancing, tag providers, and “infinite” front-end scale
18:58 Quoting & architecture tools; getting to cost quickly
19:08 “Masterclass” mode — cloud data, MQTT, & on-prem reality
20:55 AI/ML/MCP hype: pragmatic adoption and real use cases
22:39 Ignition updates (file-based tags, new modules) & impact
24:15 Where MCP may land first: alarms, pipeline recs, maintenance
25:50 Takeaways from ICC 2025 & staying energized by the community
26:30 Wrap-up & subscribe
Uygar Duzgun “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Recorded live from Inductive Automation’s ICC 2025 in Sacramento, host Mike Flores sits down with Jap Johal from QCA to discuss how Ignition is transforming bulk handling, terminal automation, and the next generation of industrial data systems.
Jap shares insights into:
- QCA’s work as a software architecture and integration firm specializing in bulk terminals and automation
- How Ignition’s partner ecosystem and MQTT/UNS data models enable better visibility and interoperability
- The rise of “digital expectations” in industry—why operators now want Amazon-like ease in control environments
- Future-ready ideas like local LLM agents, data-driven operations, and AI-powered insights for industrial efficiency
Links:
🔗 QCA Systems: http://www.qcasystems.com/
🔗 Connect with Jap: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jap-johal/
🎧 Energy Tech Podcast: https://opsiteenergy.com/all_podcast
🔗 OpSite Energy: https://opsiteenergy.com/
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more discussions on SCADA, IoT, MQTT, PHMSA CRM, and the future of control rooms.
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro and Welcome from ICC 2025
00:30 – Jap joins from QCA: first impressions of ICC
01:15 – Partner ecosystem and collaboration in Ignition
02:45 – “Level Up” theme: the Prove It sessions
04:00 – What QCA does and Jap’s role as a software architect
05:00 – How Ignition integrates across client systems
06:30 – QCA’s focus on bulk handling and terminal automation
07:50 – Using MQTT for flexible, scalable data movement
08:40 – From HMIs to data dashboards and insights
09:40 – The challenge of fragmented data and networks
11:30 – Future vision: LLMs and AI-driven root cause analysis
13:00 – Moving beyond dashboards to conversational analytics
14:00 – The “digital expectation” in industrial operations
15:00 – Building trust through successful automation projects
16:00 – The role of AI, MCP, and Ignition in modernization
17:40 – Gaining trust through data and results
18:30 – Jap’s final takeaway from ICC: community collaboration
19:00 – Closing and outro
Uygar Duzgun “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from Ignition Community Conference 2025 in Sacramento, the Energy Tech Podcast sits down with Bryan Fosmark, IT & Automation Director at Sagepoint Energy, to explore how they’re transforming renewable natural gas (RNG) operations with Ignition 8.3, cloud deployment, and seamless IT/OT convergence.
Brian shares how Sagepoint leverages centralized Ignition servers, Perspective projects for mobile and desktop, and API-driven analytics to optimize environmental, compliance, and financial performance across landfill-gas and dairy-farm RNG sites.
We also dive into:
- How Ignition enables real-time visibility across rural RNG facilities
- The role of store-and-forward and MQTT in unreliable-network environments
- Managing mergers & acquisitions with plug-and-play SCADA integration
- Balancing operations vs IT priorities and building cross-functional teams
- The path to deploying AI and MCP (Model Context Protocol) within energy infrastructure
- Cost, complexity, and cybersecurity advantages of Ignition
📍 Recorded live at ICC 2025 (Sacramento, CA)
0:00 – Intro: Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento
0:28 – Meet Bryan Fosmark & Sagepoint Energy
1:00 – ICC 2025 atmosphere & Ignition 8.3 “Level Up”
2:00 – What Sagepoint Energy does: Landfill & RNG projects
3:20 – How Ignition drives real-time operations and compliance
4:40 – Deploying Ignition in the cloud with enterprise integration
6:10 – Designing for mobility and multi-device Perspective apps
7:00 – Bridging IT and OT for true convergence
8:30 – Containerized development & real-time operator feedback
9:20 – Scaling Ignition through M&A and multi-SCADA integration
10:30 – Land and expand: How Ignition enables rapid site visibility
11:20 – Connectivity challenges and store-and-forward success
12:00 – Using MQTT for rural and low-bandwidth operations
12:40 – Balancing technology and operations through relationships
13:30 – Future outlook: AI, MCP, and next-gen automation
15:00 – Private-equity agility & entrepreneurial development
16:00 – Cost, complexity & cybersecurity advantages of Ignition
18:00 – Takeaways & developer collaboration goals at ICC 2025
20:00 – Closing thoughts from Mike Flores & Bryan Fosmark
Uygar Duzgun “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento, the Energy Tech Podcast sits down with Amy Williams, Solutions Architect at Skellig Automation. We dig into why culture (not tools) is the first domino in digital transformation, how Ignition 8.3 signals a true Industry 4.0 platform, and why empowering frontline operators beats top-down “model → action” thinking.
Amy breaks down an edge-first approach, vendor openness, Unified Namespace (UNS) patterns, and practical “land & expand” plays for manufacturers—plus real life-sciences use cases for ML, golden batch, and PAT (process analytical technology).
You’ll learn:
- Why culture and mindset shifts unlock transformation
- What’s meaningful about Ignition 8.3 (and how to use it)
- How to empower operators and converge OT/IT
- Picking/opening vendors to fit your digital expectations
- Land-and-expand steps that actually stick
- Life sciences: ML, golden batch, and PAT in the real world
Guest: Amy Williams — Solutions Architect, Skellig Automation
Hosts: Mike Flores & Jeff Perry — Energy Tech Podcast
🔗 Skellig Automation: https://skellig.com/
🔗 Connect with Amy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-williams-a8974b114/
🎧 Energy Tech Podcast: https://opsiteenergy.com/all_podcast
🔗 OpSite Energy: https://opsiteenergy.com/
Support the show
👍 Like, 💬 comment, and 🔔 subscribe. Share this with someone moving from Industry 3.0 → 4.0.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:10 Welcome & guest intro (Amy Williams, Skellig)
01:35 Skelligs mission: accelerate life sciences with DT
02:26 Culture tools: the mindset shift that matters
03:48 ICC 2025 “level up”: venue, Ignition 8.3, Prove-It format
06:20 What we’re learning at ICC: takeaways so far
07:30 Why Ignition 8.3 matters (refactors, MCP server, AI tooling)
09:24 OT/IT convergence & empowering frontline operators
12:06 Edge-first data: access, model, contextualize for ML/AI
14:34 Vendor openness & buyer power: set digital expectations
16:36 Where Ignition fits: UNS, enterprise data reconciliation
18:16 Real-time supply-chain lens on one digital architecture
18:59 Land-and-expand playbook: find gaps, start small, iterate
20:06 Life sciences today: ML, golden batch, PAT use cases
21:12 Wrap-up & subscribe
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento, the Energy Tech Podcast sits down with Zach Scriven—longtime Ignition community leader and UNS evangelist—to talk Level Up, Ignition 8.3, the Prove It wave, and how to actually execute digital transformation (beyond buzzwords). We dig into Unified Namespace (UNS), MQTT/Sparkplug, agile delivery with integrators, and why a top-down digital strategy plus bottom-up execution wins in oil & gas and beyond.
What you’ll learn:
- Why “strategy first” is step zero for digital transformation
- UNS explained (real-time fabric) vs. historians (consumers/nodes)
- Ignition 8.3 momentum, MQTT modules, and scale without lock-in
- Agile, iterative delivery “turnkey” fantasies
- Where energy ops (O&G, RNG, landfill gas, battery/storage, data centers) can start
Guest: Zach Scriven — creator/leader in the Ignition community; producer behind early UNS storytelling, Firebrand-winning projects, and the Prove It ethos.
Zach Scriven (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/in/zackscriven/
Inductive Automation / ICC: https://inductiveautomation.com/
Energy Tech Podcast: https://opsiteenergy.com/all_podcast
Opsite Energy (presenting sponsor): https://opsiteenergy.com/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:10 Welcome & ICC 2025 vibe
01:25 Why Zach matters: UNS, Prove It, community leadership
02:27 “Level Up” at ICC: new venue, Ignition 8.3, Prove It flavor
04:55 Early UNS stories (Pioneer project, GAN → MQTT)
06:52 UNS ≠ historian; real-time fabric + nodes/consumers
08:58 Industry 3.0 → 4.0: practical paths (MQTT brokers, edge, cloud)
12:20 Digital transformation strategy: north star, align top-down, execute bottom-up
16:40 Agile delivery with internal teams + SIs; why turnkey fails
20:55 Personal “Zachisms”: content, brand, mission, values
23:00 AI, ML, MCP: leverage and why it widens the gap
25:04 What’s next for Zach: building a value-added reseller with real outcomes
27:35 Closing & where to follow
Uygar Duzgun “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento, we sit down with Bhavnesh Patel, Go-to-Market lead at RL Core, to unpack how reinforcement learning (RL) is moving from labs to real-world OT/SCADA. We cover RL Core’s agent-based approach (observe → recommend → limited control → scale), where it fits alongside Ignition 8.3, OPC UA, and control systems, and why continuous processes (water/wastewater, solar + storage, oil sands upstream) see fast time-to-value—chemical/energy reductions, smarter setpoints, and adaptable control.
What you’ll learn
- RL vs. traditional MPC and why “data → action” beats “model → action” for many sites
- How RL Core deploys safely in stages and builds operator trust
- Where RL is working today: water/wastewater, H₂S scrubbing, solar + batteries, oil sands
- Practical paths for integrators and operators to pilot and scale
Guest: Bhavnesh Patel — RL Core (OT software startup applying RL to industrial processes)
RL Core: https://rlcore.ai/
Opsite Energy (presenting sponsor): https://opsiteenergy.com/
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:10 Welcome & ICC 2025 vibe
01:06 Who is Bhavnesh & RL Core’s focus
02:36 ICC “Level Up,” Ignition 8.3, “Prove It”
03:08 What RL Core does (reinforcement learning for OT)
04:04 RL vs basic PID vs MPC; adaptability without re-modeling
05:07 Agent learns by doing; data → action
06:00 Where it sits: SCADA/Ignition + OPC UA (read/write)
07:00 Safe rollout: observe → tiny control → recommendations → expand
08:56 Example outcomes (chemical/energy reductions; continuous improvement)
10:22 Use cases in compression fleets & oil & gas
11:58 Early-stage focus, ideal partners, role of SIs
13:36 “Intrinsically safe” mindset and guardrails
16:00 Continuous vs batch; why ROI is stronger in continuous
16:54 Industries seeing impact (water/wastewater, solar + storage, oil sands)
18:40 Solar + battery dispatch with policy/financial constraints
19:42 Readiness checklist & engagement model
20:59 Closing + next steps
Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento, Mike chats with systems engineer Adrian Harvey about why this year’s conference feels different—new venue, the Ignition 8.3 release, and a “Prove It” momentum. Adrian walks through a clever Maker Edition inventory app at home (inspired by warehouse projects) and then dives into real-world industrial wins: migrating a fully proprietary RNG plant to Ignition without server credentials, unifying multi-site operations that run different processes, and accelerating delivery with UDTs, PlantPAx structures, and—when needed—MQTT/Sparkplug B. She also shares a rail-facility story that went from zero to a full Ignition platform (plus Perspective mobile apps) in roughly six weeks. The conversation closes on AI: why Model Context Protocol (MCP) excites her, practical MCP prompts for BOM/inventory reconciliation, and potential applications for alarm management in energy.
Key takeaways"
- ICC 2025 “level up”: venue scale, Ignition 8.3, and hands-on “prove it” culture
- Practical migration playbook: document legacy screens → map process → leverage UDTs/OPC → use MQTT/Sparkplug B when protocols block you
- Operator-first design: iterate live, maintain consistent layouts, standardize across sites even if processes differ
- Speed matters: small teams + clear outcomes + reusable structures = weeks, not months
- MCP/AI isn’t hype if scoped to workflows (BOM checks, purchasing, alarm management assistance)
Useful links (mentioned or contextually relevant)
Ignition by Inductive Automation: https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition
Ignition Perspective Module: https://inductiveautomation.com/ignition/modules/perspective
Ignition Maker Edition: https://inductiveautomation.com/maker-edition
ICC (Ignition Community Conference): https://icc.inductiveautomation.com/
MQTT (protocol): https://mqtt.org/
Sparkplug Specification (Eclipse Foundation): https://sparkplug.eclipse.org/
4.0 Solutions (the “Prove It” vibe): https://www.4.0solutions.com/
Model Context Protocol (MCP): https://modelcontextprotocol.io/
00:00 – Intro music
00:10 – Welcome to Energy Tech Podcast; guest intro (Adrian Harvey) & ICC 2025 vibes
01:03 – Why ICC 2025 feels “leveled up”: new venue, Ignition 8.3, “Prove It” flavor, and podcast on site
02:12 – What Adrian hopes to get from ICC; differences from her 2023 Build-a-Thon experience
03:28 – Adrian’s Edge Theater talk: Maker Edition inventory app (home electronics “bits & bobs”)
04:47 – From warehouse automation ideas to a home AS/RS concept & very “loud/easy” UI choices
05:09 – Pivot to industry work: bridging tech & energy (oil & gas, RNG, landfill gas, data centers)
06:14 – Case study: migrating a proprietary RNG plant to Ignition (no server passwords!)
07:57 – Standardizing multi-site ops in Ignition despite differing processes (membranes, bio-reactors, water)
09:11 – Using UDTs/PlantPAx structures; when to lean on MQTT & Sparkplug B to unlock data
13:52 – Rail facility story: from zero to full Ignition platform + Perspective mobile apps in ~6 weeks
15:11 – Iterative UI with operators; fast feedback, alignment/consistency obsession in Designer
16:13 – How Adrian frames new projects: work backwards, small teams, rapid iteration
19:26 – Three essentials before “doing Ignition”: shared vocabulary, scoped expectations, relevant possibilities
21:14 – “What can Ignition do for me?”—tailoring the pitch to context (MES, historian, WMS, tracking, etc.)
22:37 – AI & MCP: why Adrian’s excited; OpenAI DevDay 2023 anecdote
22:48 – MCP example: BOM prompts against inventory, web price checks, and energy alarm-management ideas
23:39 – Wrap-up & sign-off
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento, we sit down with Andrew Hines, Senior Manager of Digital Operations at Autosol. With decades of experience in edge networks and SCADA data collection, Andrew shares how Autosol is helping operators simplify architectures, bridge legacy systems, and enable AI/ML at the edge.
In this episode:
• Autosol’s role in SCADA polling, OPC UA, MQTT & edge compute
• Why Ignition + Autosol is a natural fit for modern architectures
• Helping operators migrate from legacy poll/response to edge-driven data
• Data simplification: one device, one poll, many consumers
• Utilities, oil & gas, and water infrastructure use cases
• Digital expectations across generations (Boomer ↔ Gen Z)
• Edge Compute as the “plate” analogy (multiple workloads, one box)
• Data center & off-grid power challenges: water, cooling, governance
• Autosol’s flexibility, openness, and customer-driven feature development
• The future of Autosol: enabling AI, machine learning, and MCP with more granular, efficient data
📍 Learn more: https://autosoln.com/
📍 Inductive Automation Ignition: https://inductiveautomation.com/
📍 OpSite Energy: https://opsiteenergy.com/
Chapters
00:14 Guest Intro – Andrew Hines (Autosol) joins live from ICC 2025
00:43 What Autosol does + Andrew’s role (Digital Ops & Edge)
01:50 Autosol + Ignition partnership explained
02:50 Where Autosol fits in edge & server-based architectures
04:00 Polling vs Edge-driven: supporting AI/ML at scale
05:02 Industry shift: simplification, consolidation & hybrid networks
06:29 Autosol’s strategy: legacy customers → edge-ready architectures
08:30 Customer-driven development: flexibility & nimbleness
09:05 Beyond oil & gas: utilities, water, power infrastructure
11:00 Digital expectations & generational workforce gaps
12:40 Collaboration, not just software: solving problems with clients
14:20 Convergence of data centers, water, and off-grid power
15:50 The energy cost of AI: why efficient data pipelines matter
17:30 Granular reporting & governance (water/power usage compliance)
18:00 Mid-sized operators: how Autosol engages new customers
20:05 Edge Compute analogy: plate, knife, fork & the entrée
22:00 Flexibility of EACM & multi-application edge boxes
23:01 The future of Autosol: openness, AI, and machine learning
24:16 Wrap-up & next steps
Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, we welcome Jeff Hancher — U.S. Army veteran, Fortune 500 leader, executive coach, and USA Today bestselling author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World.
Jeff shares his powerful journey from growing up in poverty to building a 25-year Fortune 500 career and launching his own leadership company. We discuss why feedback is often avoided, how to overcome fear when holding tough conversations, and why deposits of trust are essential before withdrawals of accountability.
We also dive into:
- The origins of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World
- Multi-generational challenges in today’s workforce
- The F-E-A-R model leaders face (Fallout, Emotion, Amateur, Retaliation)
- Why diversity is an advantage (the “Avengers” analogy)
- Leadership in 24/7 control rooms & shift work
- How to reset when you’ve given poor feedback in the past
- Practical frameworks for expectations, feedback, and accountability
Useful Links:
📖 Get Jeff’s book + free resources: FirmFeedbackBook.com
🎙 Listen to Jeff’s podcast: The Champion Forum (new episodes every Thursday)
📖 Firm Feedback in a Fragile World — https://www.firmfeedbackbook.com/
-https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-champion-forum-podcast-with-jeff-hancher/id1456048671
📖 John C. Maxwell — The 5 Levels of Leadership: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/blog/the-5-levels-of-leadership/
www.jeffhancher.com
0:00 – Intro & episode setup
0:18 – Guest welcome: author of Firm Feedback in a Fragile World
1:17 – Why this book matters (host’s Cape Cod story)
2:05 – Guest background: Army → Fortune 500 → leadership coach
3:49 – From poverty to purpose: early life & turning points
4:06 – Why write the book? Pandemic workshop → book origin
6:06 – The “fragile world”: multi-gen teams, quiet quitting, retention
8:43 – Why leaders avoid feedback: the F-E-A-R model (Fallout, Emotion, Amateur, Retaliation)
11:44 – The framework: Expectations → Feedback → Accountability
12:31 – Compliant vs engaged: the speed-limit analogy
15:06 – Making deposits before withdrawals (building trust)
16:27 – Mentor story: tough feedback that changed a career
21:07 – Leaders as culture shapers (large teams & politics
21:19 – Control rooms & shift work realities (12-hr rotations)
22:51 – Diversity as an advantage (the “Avengers” analogy)
25:18 – Earning the right to give feedback (breath-mint story)
28:08 – Shift-worker accountability: sharing your “why
31:16 – Socializing personal “whys” to drive team standards
34:24 – Motivation through impact: AED save story & purpose
36:31 – High standards, soft on people (Chick-fil-A example)
39:20 – Common mistakes: the “feedback sandwich” & labeling
43:00 – How to reset if you’ve given feedback poorly (fall on the sword)
45:56 – Boss vs. leader people don’t want to let down
46:04 – Lightning round: must-read, pre-conversation advice, favorite quote
50:16 – Where to find the guest: website & podcast plugs
50:47 – Wrap-up & thanks
Intro Music:
Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
We’re live at ICC 2025 (Sacramento) with Zoe Ritling from OnLogic—maker of rugged industrial PCs, edge servers, and panel PCs built for harsh environments. We dig into right-sized edge hardware for Ignition + MQTT, fast build-to-order turnarounds, and how manufacturers, energy producers, and integrators are scaling computer vision and edge data reliably.
Guest
Zoe Ritling, Business Development Manager, OnLogic — helping teams deploy configurable, industrial-grade compute from palm-size gateways to compact 1U/3U edge servers.
Highlights
- What OnLogic builds: rugged PCs/servers/panel PCs for plant floors, vehicles & remote sites
- Right-sizing edge hardware (configure CPU/RAM/I/O/cellular/Wi-Fi) so you pay for what you need
- Build-to-order ≠ slow: typical lead times ~3–5 business days (parts availability)
- Real deployments: data center MQTT bridge; CNX Resources scaling Ignition across the field; rail facility.
- Where demand’s hottest: integrators, manufacturing digital transformation, renewables
- Support that knows the hardware: tech teams co-located with production (US/EU)
- AI at the edge: computer vision for safety/smoke/fire & quality/defect detection
- Edge servers for CONEX/remote sites: dust filtration, hot-swap fans, intrusion detection, lockable bezels
Links
• OnLogic – Industrial Edge Hardware: https://www.onlogic.com/
• Inductive Automation Ignition: https://inductiveautomation.com/
• OpSite Energy: www.opsiteenergy.com
00:00 Intro & music
00:10 Welcome to Energy Tech Podcast (ICC 2025)
00:31 Host intro (Sacramento) & guest setup
00:40 Guest: Zoe Ritling – OnLogic
01:13 What OnLogic does: rugged industrial PCs, servers, panel PCs
01:35 Zoe’s role: Business Development (relationship-first)
02:24 First time at ICC: community vibes & Ignition 8.3 buzz
04:55 “Level Up” theme + Prove It flavor + Energy Tech Podcast vision
05:58 Where OnLogic fits: bridging legacy OT ↔ modern data centers
06:56 Story #1: Data center use case (MQTT + Ignition at the edge)
07:48 Story #2: CNX Resources – scaling MQTT with OnLogic IPCs
08:54 Build-to-order without long waits; real talk on lead times
10:51 Right-sizing hardware: config options (CPU/RAM/I/O/cellular/Wi-Fi)
12:26 Another win: rail facility deployment & fast ship
13:45 Where demand is booming: integrators, mfg, renewables
14:47 Unboxing & support: guides, QR to tech docs, licensing
15:51 Support model: teams co-located with production (US/EU)
16:45 AI at the edge: computer vision, safety/smoke detection
18:14 Edge servers: 1U & 3U, built for harsh sites (dust, locks, fans)
20:51 “Edge data centers” in CONEX buildings & compact racks
22:00 OnLogic + Ignition community & partner ecosystem
22:46 Education/Lab collabs; future demo series invite
23:50 Wrap & subscribe
Live from ICC 2025 in Sacramento: Pat Smith (Avadine) joins the Energy Tech Podcast to unpack real-world upstream production automation—and why Ignition can (and should) power rod-lift optimization without the black boxes. Pat will discuss Avadine's new IPOC platform for pump off control.
Pat spent 16 years as an end-user/operator before becoming an integrator, bringing rare field credibility to SCADA conversations. He introduces IPOC (Ignition Pump-Off Control)—an open, Ignition-native approach to connect popular pump-off controllers (Lufkin, Weatherford, GE & more via Modbus), visualize downhole pump cards, issue control/setpoints, and push actionable data to the business.
What you’ll learn
- Why ICC 2025 is a “level up” (new venue + Ignition 8.3)
- The upstream gap: automate before the dehy, not just at the plant
- From silos to value: BOE focus, transparency, and operator empowerment
- IPOC overview: start/stop, setpoints, card retrieval & visualization
- Open integrations: Modbus devices, brand-agnostic controller support
- What’s next: AI/LLM pump-card diagnosis, MCP possibilities
- Ignition 8.3 roadmap tie-ins: event streaming & RESTful backend
- How to demo IPO and bring “Prove It” energy to production ops
Links & resources
• Avadine – IPOC (Ignition Pump-Off Control): https://www.avadine.com/
• Inductive Automation – Ignition 8.3: https://inductiveautomation.com/
• Opsite Energy – Insight-Driven Remote Operations: www.opsiteenergy.com
About the show
The Energy Tech Podcast covers SCADA, MES, DataOps, AI/ML, and control-room ops across energy and industrial markets—broadcasting onsite at ICC 2025.
Connect
Questions for Pat/Avadine or want a product demo? Drop them in the comments—and subscribe for more ICC sessions.
00:09 Welcome to Energy Tech Podcast @ ICC 2025
00:32 Guest intro: Pat Smith (Avadine)
01:06 “Level Up” at ICC 2025: venue & Ignition 8.3
01:36 Pat’s journey: 16 years as end user → now integrator
02:27 What Avadine does (custom software → SCADA integration)
03:18 Field credibility: Pat’s production/operator background
04:46 Bridging OT realities with SCADA/automation
06:06 Why upstream well ops (pre-dehy) need more automation
07:51 The challenge with proprietary pump-off controllers
08:33 Introducing IPO: Ignition Pump-Off Control
09:40 Open integrations (Modbus; Lufkin/Weatherford/GE, etc.)
10:56 From siloed data to business value (BOE focus)
11:52 Early traction: pilots, excitement, alternatives to legacy tools
12:42 What IPO does today: start/stop, setpoints, pump cards visualization
13:58 Next up: AI/LLM diagnosis of pump cards; MCP potential
14:56 Roadmap with Ignition 8.3: event streaming & RESTful backend
15:55 “Prove It” for Energy—call for demos & real results
16:26 Wrap-up: how to connect; like & subscribe
Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
--
We’re in the OpSite Energy Control Room to welcome our newest team member, Daniel Netto — VP of Regulatory Compliance. Daniel brings 25+ years in control room operations with dozens of state & PHMSA audits under his belt, and a track record of successful outcomes. We dig into what truly wins audits: preparation, ownership, and data that proves your procedures.
Guest
Daniel Netto, VP Regulatory Compliance, OpSite Energy — leads audit readiness, control room oversight, and client representation for state/PHMSA inspections.
What you’ll learn
- Daniel's path: water/wastewater → midstream → OpSite Energy
- Inside an audit: what inspectors really ask for
- “Audit-ready” culture: monthly/annual packaging of evidence
- Procedures vs. proof: shift turnover, hours of service, backup/failover tests, calibration & alarm data
- Why OpSite shares playbooks (no gatekeeping) + upcoming CRM Rule mini-series
- Tips for success: prep materials, assign owners, practice retrieval, be ready anytime
Links & resources
• OpSite Energy – Control Room Services: www.opsiteenergy.com
About the show
The Energy Tech Podcast covers SCADA, control rooms, audits/compliance, DataOps, and AI/ML across energy and industrial markets.
Connect
From another control room? Drop a comment with your questions for Daniel, and subscribe to catch the upcoming CRM series.
00:07 Welcome to Energy Tech Podcast (OpSite Energy)
00:24 Studio setup: OpSite Control Room, Canonsburg, PA
00:38 Guest intro: Daniel Netto joins OpSite Energy
01:11 Role: VP, Regulatory Compliance & control room oversight
02:20 Audit experience: state & PHMSA inspections (14–15 audits)
03:02 Mike & Daniel’s history (water/wastewater → midstream)
05:00 Why this matters: third-party control room representation
06:06 Field lessons: prepare for audits, know what inspectors want
07:51 Early days of the CRM rule & first Texas audits (~2014)
09:54 Shout-out to mentor Patricia Thompson & training impact
11:00 Living “audit-ready”: cadence, documentation, clarity
12:56 OpSite’s philosophy: share knowledge, don’t gatekeep
14:35 Upcoming Control Room Management (CRM) video series
16:12 Procedures vs. proof: it’s the data that counts
18:58 Examples: shift turnover, hours of service, backup tests
27:16 What makes a successful audit: prep, owners, audit-ready always
28:59 Wrap-up & call to like/subscribe
Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” / courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com























