Industrial Automation – It Doesn’t Have To…

In celebration of National Robotics🤖 Week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joseph Collett, media lead with Red Nation Robotics Team 4576.Joseph describes what sparked his interest in robotics and the Red Nation Robotics (RNR) team. Joseph walks us through a FIRST Robotics competition match. It's really fun & you don't want to miss it!You'll learn how the robotics teams are structured. Also, the many benefits of FIRST - both technical and non-technical.Joseph shares his passion for the RNR team, sponsors, and mentors. The mentors are really something special!YOU can help support RNR TODAY -- vote for RNR Team 4576 by searching for ACTprep.com on Facebook. Like or follow their page and then like, share, or comment on the RNR 4576 post.To find and support your local FIRST team, visit FirstInspires.org.To support RNR team #4576, please visit www.RedNation4576.com.Reach out with any questions or comments.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtube.com/live/gVheE9eVAP4#elliTek #RedNationRobotics #FIRSTRobotics #robotics 

Let's get a grip on automation and get moving. That's what we're talking about in today's episode.elliTek is excited to announce our new automation partner - SCHUNK.SCHUNK is known for its unique gripping technology. As Brandon says, SCHUNK takes the cake for how hard you can grip something.What some folks, at least in the U.S., don't know SCHUNK also does linear motion. They do belt-driven modules and ball screw modules, also known as rodless modules.But wait! That's not all...SCHUNK also has linear actuators, rotary actuators, linear motors, workholding, and toolholding products.During this episode, we'll take a closer look at SCHUNK's offerings.Here are links to the videos we're talking about, plus a couple of bonus videos. One featuring the world's first pneumatic gripper with CERTIFIED GripGuard that you really must see, PGL-plus-P, and SCHUNK Vero S vs conventional change over.PGL-plus-P gripper - the world's first pneumatic gripper with certified GripGuard - https://youtu.be/lQ6sKwE-t4oSCHUNK Vero S vs conventional change over of a vice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zK9cRfLd73cHandling of large workpieces with the configurable large stroke gripper PLG - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyQ2qP2PIEYThe new standard in assembly automation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzXtK-3bsZoEGS - electric rotary gripping unit from SCHUNK - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTA99ephjOwSCHUNK Life Sciences - Assembly Automation - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjQhFO06KI4If you're in Tennessee, reach out to elliTek. We would love the opportunity to get to know you.Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek and our Automation Partners will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/9k2nAfpYMkI#elliTekAutomationNation #SCHUNK #grippers #linearmotion #automation

This is an interesting episode that was initiated by a listener's request. If you're thinking of starting your own business, Brandon has been down that road and shares his words of wisdom.If you've listened to any of elliTek's podcasts, you know that Brandon will have a different twist on the topic. So, the other side of the coin is addressed to Managers and how to harness the energy of your entrepreneurial-spirited employees.For those considering starting a business, remember to check with your legal sources and accountants.Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek and our Automation Partners will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/jbyO6OWO5hY#elliTekAutomationNation #entrepreneurship #smallbusiness #management

We're looking back so we can move forward. Every year predictions are made. During this episode, we review the 2022 major predicted challenges affecting manufacturing, but we don't stop there.You'll hear actionable solutions that elliTek's engineers have put in place, as well as solutions our partners offer.The partners highlighted in this episode include:LinMotSmartShift RoboticsFANUCHanwha RobotsMotomanSiemensYaskawa Drives & MotionCKDLearn more about elliTek's automation partners >> https://www.ellitek.com/distribution.There are several past episodes that are mentioned. Here are the links to the shows in the order in which they were mentioned.Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be In Short Supply Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be a LossIndustrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Inflate Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Doom & Gloom Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  #33 Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Risky Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To...  Wasteful Here's the link to download Section 48C Manufacturers' Tax Credit >> https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NMqxS99WdsiBFzMuwVxucJ1fSgQC1Qbc/view?usp=share_link.Is your plant in East Tennessee? 👉Reach out for an Automation Assessment. One of elliTek's engineers will walk with you through your facility to identify the processes that would be good potentials to automate. Best of all -- there's NO CHARGE!Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek and our Automation Partners will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/wvfPh9tXO9Q#elliTekAutomationNation #manufacturing #automation #AutomationAssessment

We've all done it... bought a product that didn't meet our expectations. Were we sold a bill of goods, or did we hear what we wanted to hear? That has been the case with many industrial IoT systems, which doesn't sit well with Brandon. Because the only reason to have an IoT system is to make educated business decisions. If you're confused by all the marketing terms surrounding industrial IoT, you're not alone. Is data funnel, data translation, or remote connect really industrial IoT? What the heck is AIoT?Brandon clarifies these terms and goes on a BrandRant about how industrial IoT products are marketed. He then provides requirements for a true edge-based MES Gateway Appliance.Before we delve into the requirements of an edge-based MES Gateway Appliance, we need to have an understanding of what "the edge" is. What defines "the edge?"Brandon provides his perspective and then his requirements for a true edge-based MES Gateway appliance.A true edge-based MES Gateway appliance must:Be reliableCommunicate nativelyPerform data manipulation and disseminationHave data storage capabilitiesWe explore each of these necessary conditions, why it's a requirement, and how it's beneficial.Stay tuned to hear Brandon's "extra bonus" requirement!Learn more about elliTek's new automation partners, Pizzato Industrial Control & Safety Devices, https://www.ellitek.com/pizzato-distributor, and Honeywell barcode scanners and Intermec printers, https://www.ellitek.com/distribution.Don't forget Brandon's Robot🤖 Challenge! If anything was possible, what challenges if overcome with a robotic system, could change your entire production outlook when it comes to labor needs?Send your challenge to info@elliTek.com. We can't wait to hear from you!Here's the link to the Safety podcast, https://www.ellitek.com/podcast/episode/4dcfd87b/industrial-automation-it-doesnt-have-to-be-unsafe. Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/yUlsIh1xetU#elliTekAutomationNation #IndustrialIoT #IIoT #MESGatewayAppliance

We 💙 automation, but you can't take the human element out of it.The quality of any automated system at the plant floor level is usually made evident through the design of the human machine interface or HMI. HMIs provide a means for the machine and the human to interact - to converse. It is the very conduit by which a human can influence the machine.These systems range from hardware-based touchscreens to fully capable supervisory control and data acquisition systems (SCADA) which are largely software-based.Join us as we dive into the various features and benefits across the multiple offerings of both hardware and software-based HMI systems (OT based) and discuss when and where one may utilize a larger-scale SCADA system.Our special guest for this episode is Alan Cone. Alan is the Marketing SIMATIC WinCC Manager at Siemens.Alan provides an overview of the HMI options in the Siemens portfolio and describes the capabilities of each.Alan clarifies how a software-based HMI or soft HMI differs from the SCADA-based systems. He then illustrates the primary advantages of SCADA systems and the industries he typically sees them utilized.Stay tuned to hear about some real-world Use Cases that you can implement in your facility that can help reduce your downtime.Don't forget Brandon's Robot🤖 Challenge! If anything was possible, what challenges if overcome with a robotic system, could change your entire production outlook when it comes to labor needs? Send your challenge to info@elliTek.com. We can't wait to hear from you!Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek AND Siemens will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/ZmnYwMpagH0#elliTekAutomationNation #HMI #SoftHMI #SCADA 

From Mars🚀 to your facility -- hear how manufacturers can utilize Siemens's innovative, NASA-type technology to manage the painful issues that we have been going through the past couple of years.Joining us in this episode are three guests from Siemens Drives Group to explain Siemens Drives technology from an interstellar perspective down to the local level, so it doesn't have to be painful.Our first guest is Rudy Hauser, the Programs and Promotions Manager at Siemens. Rudy provides a 300,000 ft. view of Siemens Drives from SINAMICS, SIMOTIS, Totally Integrated Automation, and Digital Twins to the innovative solutions that are here today -- Siemens Xcelerator. As Rudy said, "These are exciting times!"Bringing a Channel Partner perspective is Andrew Miller, a Partner Manager at Siemens. Andrew brings it down to a National level and shares how Siemens selects their partners, the benefits of having a local presence, and the benefits to the local manufacturers. "It's a win-win-win" according to Andrew, and we concur!Matt Wagner is a Drives & Motion Consultant for Siemens. Matt shares a more granular, local perspective of Siemens Drives from a millennial point of view. We find out what ELDP is. Matt walks us through some of the cool new products that are rolling out. "Where you're seeing a lot more of the innovation is on the Usability," said Matt. Brandon wholeheartedly agrees!Learn more about Siemens Xcelerator:  https://www.siemens.com/global/en/products/xcelerator.html.Read about Siemens and Nvidia partnership:  https://press.siemens.com/global/en/pressrelease/siemens-and-nvidia-partner-enable-industrial-metaverse.Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek AND Siemens will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/aAkpXAGqHbw#elliTekAutomationNation #SiemensDrives #DigitalTwin #Xcelerator #NVIDIAOmniverse

Are you ready for some GOOD news?!?  Unless you've had your head in the sand, you've heard of elliTek's new Automation Partner, so this company shouldn't be unfamiliar to you.Over the past many months, we have been working closely with a fantastic company.  It's a huge, behemoth company.  It's the largest industrial manufacturing company globally and one in which elliTek is extremely privileged to partner.  This is the official announcement that elliTek is now an authorized distributor for Siemens Digital Industries and Controls products!Our special guest is Ryan Wood. Ryan is the East Region Partner Sales Manager for Siemens.We talk with Ryan about Siemens technology including what Digital Industries is and the products it encompasses.Why did Siemens sign elliTek as a Digital Industries and Controls partner?What impressed Brandon about Siemens?  Hint, cybersecurity! They are way ahead of their competition when it comes to cybersecurity, and Ryan explains how.We explore Siemens PLCs and the advancements made by Siemens TIA (Totally Integrated Automation) Portal. TIA is Integrated engineering software from the Enterprise to the field level with all devices programmed and communicating within the TIA engineering platform.Stay tuned to hear what Siemens does that outpaces its competition!If you'd like to learn more about Ryan Wood, here's his LinkedIn profile, https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-wood-2251138/.This is a good article about the history of Siemens TIA (Totally Integrated Automation), https://ingenuity.siemens.com/2021/11/25-years-of-tia-a-trip-back-in-time-through-maximum-consistency-at-all-levels/.Learn more about the Charter of Trust, https://www.charteroftrust.com/.  Here's a link to Siemens press release about the Charter of Trust, https://press.siemens.com/global/en/feature/charter-trust-takes-major-step-forward-advance-cybersecurity.Here's the link to Brandon's interview in Food Engineering magazine, https://www.foodengineeringmag.com/articles/99100-keeping-machines-and-ot-networks-and-it-safe-from-cyberattacks.Learn about IEC 62443, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_62443 and IEC 61131, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEC_61131.If you'd like to learn more about NIST 800-82, here's a link https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-82/rev-2/final.Wherever you are in your Automation Journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/yEBhcFm95Mk#elliTekAutomationNation #SiemensDigitalIndustries #cybersecurity

Everyone is searching for ways to reduce costs and in manufacturing, automation is typically the answer.  But some of the parts needed to automate aren't available?  What do you do?  Join us as we talk about some practical automation alternatives that may not be obvious.  If you're wondering WHY the automotive industry is struggling, Brandon provides some context to answer, why this is still happening, and why there's still a global semiconductor chip shortage.   The issues surrounding these struggles aren't going away next week.  Brandon shares some not-so-obvious practical automation alternatives that require some creative, out-of-the-box thinking.  We call it Brandspectives. 😃 Let us know what you think.  Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn.Stick around for Brandon's pop quiz on the 4 reasons to automate. Hanwha's collaborative robots are IN STOCK!  Learn more about Hanwha's cobots at https://www.ellitek.com/hanwha 🤖 and schedule a demo.Here are the links to the episodes that were mentioned:Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be In Short SupplyIndustrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be UnstableIndustrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... #33  Wherever you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/_fjbFYJCftQ #elliTekAutomationNation #PracticalAutomationAlternatives 

Are we getting ready to undergo a new Industrial Revolution or are we already in it?There are many definitions of Industry 5.0.  Is it combining human creative and critical thinking with the speed and skill of automation?  Is it prioritizing "the wellbeing of the worker?"  Is it a wasteless world?  Or, is Industry 5.0 a combination of these?For someone whose been in industrial automation for 25+ years, what is Brandon's perspective of Industry 5.0?To lay the groundwork, Brandon explains the four Industrial Revolutions, and how the technologies resulting from each Industrial Revolution impacted the next.What's Brandon's concept of Industry 5.0?What would be the benefits of Industry 5.0?What are the  concerns of Industry 5.0? How do we solve the scariness of letting the machines do the decision making?What is the endgame of Industry 5.0 according to Brandon's muddied crystal ball?Here's a link to the episode where we talked about Risk Assessments. Wherever you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out  with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/_fjbFYJCftQ #elliTekAutomationNation #Industry5.0 

The increasing costs of raw materials, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and cybersecurity are the top business challenges facing manufacturers.  How can we overcome these obstacles and prepare for future crises?During this episode, you'll hear our perspective on what's going on in the world today and how manufacturers can build a business that's as future-proof as possible.But first, you'll hear Brandon's Supply Chain Brandology and how manufacturers' supply chain efforts have sifted during these crises.You'll also hear about the advantages of working with an Automation Distributor.  Here's the link to the article in Control Design.Stick around to hear the skill sets CEOs are looking for in tomorrow's leaders.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Here's the link to the episode about how semiconductor chips are made and why there's a shortage.Here's the link to the ROI episode.Here's the link to the cybersecurity episode.Reach out  with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/uzz0G7gZf80 #elliTekAutomationNation #BusinessChallenges #Sustainability 

With prices rising across the board and historically high inflation rates, how can manufacturers battle inflation?In this episode, we're talking  about ways manufacturers can shorten their ROI by getting more bang for their buck.Before we delve into the topic, Brandon quizzes Beth on Fieldbus Protocols discussed in the previous episode and why it's important to know the differences.  Do you know the answers?A big way manufacturers can battle inflation is by automating processes.Let's say you want to automate with a robot - industrial or collaborative, but you can't justify the cost on one process.  Smartshift Robotics has your back!“Smartshift Robotics is a Global supplier of Tool Change systems for the Robotics Industry. We manufacture Tool Changers that are high in payload capacity but low in weight as tools itself, this making sure we do not steal the utilization rate of the Robot. With our universal adaptor system and by being the fastest Tool Change system Globally, Smartshift work on all from Collaborative, Industrial, SCARA to Delta robots and linear machines. Smartshift is honored to have signed a Partnership with elliTek, a Partnership based on the sales and technical qualities elliTek has in the US market. This Partnership strengthens the Smartshift Robotics pressens in the market and by having this close collaboration with elliTek, we are confident that our interests are taken care of as a Manufacturer, by elliTek.”Lars Julius Skulstad – Global Development Manager, Smartshift RoboticselliTek's engineers ❤ Smartshift Robotics innovation! Smartshift Robotics patented robot bases and tool changer systems are universally compatible with almost all lightweight industrial and collaborative robots and tools.  The dovetail style design provides a mechanical, simple, easy, and accurate way to amortize the robot cost across multiple processes. Smartshift's Robot Base allows a very precise means of moving your robot to other workstations without reprogramming.  Watch the video to see how quickly and easily you can move your robot.Smartshift's Tool Changers enable your robot to automate tool changes in seconds! Literally, you have to watch the video.  Learn more about Smartshift Robotics.  elliTek's engineers have first-hand experience with Smartshift products.  Talk to an engineer today, 865-409-1555.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Link to show about articulated arm robots.Reach out  with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/v_8SHqYhx1g #elliTekAutomationNation #SmartshiftRobotics #ExpandYourROI

It's Season 4 Episode 1 of Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To. 🎉🎉🎉 If you're new to Industrial Protocols, you need to check out this episode.During the offseason, elliTek signed with a new automation partner, CKD.  CKD provides both Electric and Pneumatic Solutions.Not only does CKD produce high-quality, long lasting products, but elliTek's engineers have been impressed with CKD's attention to details. Tune in to hear why those details are so impressive and why we're talking about Industrial Protocols.  Hint: CKD supports new fieldbus technologies with their manifolds.What is a Fieldbus? What is EtherNet/IP and the difference between Ethernet and EtherNet/IP?What is TCP and the difference between TCP and TCP/IP.What is Modbus and the difference between Modbus, Modbus TCP, and Modbus TCP/IP?What protocols do most manufacturers use?Of course, there are more acronyms. Here's what they mean.CIP:  Common Industrial ProtocolOVDA:  Open DeviceNet Vendors AssociationTCP:  Transmission Control ProtocolLearn more about CKD, https://www.ellitek.com/ckd.  elliTek's engineers have first-hand experience with CKD products.  Talk to an engineer today, 865-409-1555.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out  with any questions or future topics.Website:  www.ellitek.com/contact-usLinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/v_8SHqYhx1g If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.#IndustrialProtocols #elliTekAutomationNation #EmpowerWithKnowledge 

With cases of cyber-crime occurring at an alarming rate, industrial manufacturing is caught in the crosshairs. What steps should you take to protect your systems?We talk to an industry insider, Keith Moore.  Keith has spent the last fourteen years in industrial IoT device development and has immense knowledge of internet protocols and their weaknesses.Before Keith joins the show, Brandon rants about what IoT is and what it isn't.We discuss how manufacturers can secure their data.The differences between a cyber risk and a vulnerability.The factors that can impact a risk assessment.How a threat analysis should be performed.If cybersecurity is a concern for your facility, you don't want to miss this episode!No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  https://youtu.be/v_8SHqYhx1g If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.#CyberSecurity #elliTekAutomationNation 

Sometimes your biggest pain point isn't your biggest problem. There are some processes that you may or may not want to automate. Come with us as we explore those processes.Brandon shares his perspectives, Brandspectives, on the types of industrial automation. He explains his two categories of automation, process automation and discrete automation, and why they matter.You'll hear examples of processes that can't be automated and why. Remember Brandon's Brandology about the four reasons to automate?Quality / ConsistencyDecrease Cycle Time / Increase ProductionReclassify LaborFlexibility / Quick SetupYou don't want to miss Brandon's new Brandology! The top four ways to determine if an application can be easily performed by a robot.🤖 This coincides with Brandon's latest BrandRant about feasibility and beneficial ROI. Stick around for examples of processes that can easily be automated and why.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaWatch👀 on YouTube:  www.youtube.com/channel/UCRouULcIyr0lMNPaL4ohR4A If you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.#IndustrialAutomation #elliTekAutomationNation 

It's almost Thanksgiving here in the United States, and we have so much to be thankful for!Join us as we reflect on past guests and episodes for which we are grateful.  If you haven't had the opportunity to listen to elliTek's podcasts, this is a rundown of a few of our favorites. We had the opportunity to do a crossover podcast with Lisa Richter of CSIA's Talking Industrial Automation podcast.  During this episode, you'll hear how Brandon got into automation, how elliTek began, and how elliTek has grown over the years.Dave Rice with Datalogic joined us for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Unsafe."  Dave has been in safety product sales for more than a decade, so it's safe to say that Dave knows safety!Recently, Jon Fields with Yaskawa Motion & Drives and Peter Zafiro with LinMot joined the show to talk about supply chain issues and semiconductor chip shortages.  Listen to hear how their companies are navigating these disruptions, "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be In Short Supply."Morgan Everett, Lead Mentor with Red Nation Robotics, was our special guest for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Last."  You'll hear how building a robot in six weeks isn't the team's biggest challenge!If you like welding -- robotic welding, you don't want to miss "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Boring."  For automation in general, check out "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Manual."ROI, return on investment, was much different pre-pandemic than it is now. Brandon breaks it down during "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be a Loss."For more on ROI and robotic automation, go to "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Menial."The FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was the topic for "Industrial Automation - It Doesn't Have To... Be Untraceable."  If the Rule is passed and finalized, affected companies will have two years to meet the recordkeeping requirements.Reach Out!  www.elliTek.com • (865) 409-1555

This is an issue of Global Proportions! We're talking about the supply chain crisis. From aluminum to semiconductor chip shortages, the lack of essential materials is affecting just about everyone and nearly all levels of production.Why is there a chip set crisis, aka Chipageddon? How long will Chipageddon last?Is there a fix for manufacturers?Tesla's sales are through the roof this year. How has Elon Musk managed this crisis? And, what lessons can we learn from Tesla?What products are machine builders, system integrators, and end users waiting on?What products are available now?How are elliTek's Partners navigating the supply chain crisis?Stayed tuned to here interviews with Jon Fields, Senior Motion Sales Engineer with Yaskawa Motion & Drives Division and Peter Zafiro, General Manager with LinMot Linear Motors.You'll hear how these two companies are succeeding AND delivering even in this chaotic logistical ordeal that everyone is experiencing.There is light at the end of the tunnel and it isn't an oncoming train. You can find your way through the supply chain crisis, but you may need to look outside of your normal sources!If you're searching for product, check out elliTek's Partners in Automation. There are products available. The lead times may be a bit slower than normal, but you won't be waiting a year to get what you need to keep your business moving forward.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!The last episode was elliTek's video debut. If you want to check out the video podcast, head over to elliTek's YouTube channel. While  you're there, go ahead and subscribe, so you don't miss an episode.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.Videos courtesy of:Name:  IntelTitle:  From Sand to Silicon: the Making of a ChipLink to video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q5paWn7bFg4Name:  Linas KTitle:  How Microchips are madeLink to video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2KcZGwntgg#elliTekAutomationNation

Today's topic is definitely not boring! The sparks are flying as we delve into the world of robotic welding.🤖🔥Why would you use a robot to weld instead of a person? That's were Brandon's Brandoloy for the four reasons to automate come into play.Quality / ConsistencyDecrease Cycle Time / Increase ProductionReclassification of LaborFlexibility / Quick SetupListen to hear why collaborative robots might be better for welding applications than industrial robots.You'll also hear how the types of materials affect the robot welding application.Why isn't it reasonable to get a robot and an off the shelf welder?Stayed tuned as Brandon shares insights into the considerations that need to be made when you're working with an automation company to implement a robotic weld work cell.Last but not least... Is the mullet making a comeback?This is elliTek's podcast video debut! Feeds went live on Tuesday, October 19th at noon EDT. Here's the link to the podcast on elliTek's YouTube channel, https://youtu.be/CZmFGMDDIrk. If you can't catch the video on YouTube, here's a link to the Welding Application video referenced during the show, https://youtu.be/0P1BIykOm2I. No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Reach out to us with any questions or future topics.LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.#elliTekAutomationNation

If you're considering the purchase of a collaborative robot, vision system, or industrial IoT system, this episode is for YOU!Before making an investment in the automation of a process, there are some commonly overlooked aspects that can be forgotten, overlooked, or even disregarded. With more than 25 years experience in the industrial automation market segment, Brandon shares his knowledge and experiences so others can hopefully avoid those pitfalls.For instance, why choose a collaborative robot if you have to guard it? What's the point? What about fast cycle times? Collaborative robots can't go as fast as a person, right? You may be surprised to hear the answers.As for vision applications, they can be fraught with problems if some details are left out. You won't be surprised to hear that lighting is important for vision systems, but seasonal changes and natural lighting can play an important role as well. Brandon shares several other details that need to be considered, including cybersecurity.Brandon has seen his fair share of failed or incomplete industrial IoT systems. That's why he invented the Data Commander™ MES Appliance. During this episode, he shares some of the biggest problems that he has encountered. One of the travesties that Brandon has seen in his career is holding onto a system that doesn't work. Sometimes portions of a system can be salvaged, sometimes not. The best way to avoid the common pitfalls is to ask the vendor to show you how it works.Seeing is believing. Schedule a demo to see the Hanwha collaborative robot, Datalogic vision system, or IIoTA™ MES appliance, email FreeDemo@elliTek.com.No matter where you are in your automation journey, elliTek will meet you there!Here is a link to elliTek's FAQ page, https://www.ellitek.com/faq. This page will soon be expanded to include FAQ on vision systems and IoT systems.Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.

This is a special crossover episode with CSIA, Control System Integrators Association.  Lisa Richter, host of CSIA's podcast "Talking Industrial Automation", sat down for a chat with elliTek's Brandon Ellis.CSIA is a global trade association that strives to advance the control system integration industry.  CSIA has more than 500 member companies that they provide many benefits for, one of which is a guest interview for CSIA's podcast.During this episode you'll learn how Brandon got into automation.  You'll find out how elliTek began and how elliTek has evolved over the years.  You'll also hear about trends, challenges, and predictions for the industrial automation segment.Whether you're a manufacturer, supplier, system integrator, or end user, you'll be sure to learn something new and insightful.Links referenced during the show:Control System Integrators Association, CSIA:  https://www.controlsys.org/homeCSIA Exchange. elliTek's page:  https://www.csiaexchange.com/213607/elliTek-IncCSIA Featured Interview:  https://www.csiaexchange.com/podcast.aspx Talking Industrial Automation podcast:  https://talkingindustrialautomation.com/Reach out to us with any questions or future topics!LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/company/ellitek-incInstagram:  www.instagram.com/ellitekFacebook:  www.facebook.com/ellitekTwitter:  www.twitter.com/elliTek_Inc/mediaIf you don't want to click on those links, pick up the phone and call us at (865) 409-1555 ext. 804.