Automating the Chain: Recent Episodes
Tee Ganbold, Gulf Relay, SVT Robotics
Automating the Chain is the communication bridge that will span the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. We’ll learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in a clear and accessible way.
We’re focused on empowering technical leaders of organizations by providing them with a platform to educate their team, their community, and the wider population about the latest automation technology providers (both software and hardware) in their industry and why automation is beneficial to businesses and society.
We’ll also cover the wider positive and negative implications of industrial automation.
Sponsored by Gulf Relay and SVT Robotics.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Jeff Burnstein, President of the Association for Advancing Automation (A3), to talk about the adoption of industrial automation and A3’s piece in that progress.
Topics in this conversation include:
- The mission behind A3 (2:01)
- A3’s community and what they provide for their members (3:09)
- Why automation is being adopted more now than ever before (4:09)
- The primary reason the adoption of automation is slowed (5:42)
- Why there should not be a concern about automation decreasing job opportunities (6:56)
- A message about A3’s conference, Automate Forward (9:15)
The Association for Advancing Automation (A3) is the world's largest global vision and imaging trade group. Their members include manufacturers of vision components and systems, system integrators, distributors, OEMs, end-users, consulting firms, academic institutions and research groups directly involved with vision and imaging. Together these companies increase the quality of everyday lives with the mission to advance the understanding and use of vision and imaging technologies to drive global expansion and growth through education and promotion.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. In each episode, we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Aaron Prather, Senior Advisor for the Technology Research and Planning Team at FedEx Express, to talk about how to set a team up for success in an automated workplace and how small companies can grow into being partners with international companies.
Topics in this conversation include:
- What Aaron and his team are doing at FedEx (1:46)
- How FedEx encourages other companies to adopt new technologies (3:27)
- How FedEx is adopting automation (5:35)
- How FedEx is preparing their employees for an automated shift in the workplace (9:16)
- The technical makeup of Aaron’s team and how to build your network of experts (11:52)
- The importance of networking (14:27)
- How COVID changed the supply chain (16:23)
- Software and hardware companies that are driving the FedEx supply chain (19:57)
- At what point small businesses could start working with FedEx (23:14)
- How FedEx builds and buys different aspects of their company (25:26)
- What FedEx’s customers are asking for (26:47)
- Where FedEx is growing (29:33)
- What Aaron is excited about in the future of the global supply chain (32:20)
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. In each episode, we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Benjamin Gibbs, Co-Founder and CEO of READY Robotics to talk about making robotics user-friendly to spark the future of industrial automation.
Topics in this conversation include:
- How Ben came to start READY Robotics (1:39)
- What READY is about (3:44)
- How READY technology has been adopted (5:20)
- How many languages are needed outside of READY (9:01)
- How READY is re-skilling to build and learn robotics (10:14)
- READY became successful (12:00)
- READY geographic focus (12:46)
- How READY wants to grow (13:25)
- How READY has been affected by COVID (14:26)
- How READY is partnering with those whose jobs they are automating (16:49)
- What Ben is excited about in the coming future (18:27)
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. In each episode, we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Thomas Crihfield, Head of Success at SVT Robotics, to talk about the history of industrial robotics and what got us where we are today.
Topics in this conversation include:
- How we got where we are today (5:21)
- Break down of the robotic arm (8:16)
- What inspired the adoption of industrial robotics (14:53)
- How many industrial robots there were at the beginning versus today (19:10)
- Friction points in the adoption of industrial robotics (25:36)
- Cost perspective of adopting industrial robots (31:49)
- Technical competence, success, and the fear of missing out (34:06)
- Having the most efficient supply chain or e-commerce platform (39:12)
- Advice for those whose current job may become automated (44:45)
SVT Robotics is a company that's eliminating code so end-user manufacturing companies can connect any robot to any interface in the automation space. Currently, their focus is on the warehouse and manufacturing space, but long-term goals include stepping into home goods.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. In each episode, we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Jeff Hedges, President & Owner of JHedges Consulting to talk about the evolution of Automation and how companies are utilizing the ever-changing technologies in the supply chain to increase productivity and drive growth.
Topics in this conversation include:
- How Jeff got into industrial automation (1:53)
- How large the material handling industry is (4:26)
- Caution signs to look for when investing in the industry (6:26)
- Startups (14:11)
- The development in AI in software (17:51)
- The micro-fulfillment movement (18:29)
- The returns process (19:11)
Jeff Hedges is an Advisor, Coach, Educator to VC/PE firms & automation companies that specializes in robotic warehouse automation.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Henry Wood, Co-Founder of Inovo Robotics, to talk about how robotic technologies are allowing businesses to be free from the monotony of repetitive tasks and allow them to focus on avenues of growth and innovation.
Topics in their conversation include:
- The start of Inovo Robotics (1:55)
- What is different about Inovo Robotic technology (4:47)
- How Inovo robots can do more things than just one task at a time (7:00)
- The way Inovo raised capital and found success early on in the space (11:47)
- The various industries that robotics can be used in (13:38)
- What are the challenges facing robotics in light of COVID? (17:55)
- Where are the greatest opportunities for growth in robotics in the future? (19:37)
Inovo Robotics strives to make capable, versatile, robotics accessible to all. They address the problems growing businesses have in automating repetitive, hazardous or precise tasks and believe there is a better way. They want to free customers from the monotony of repetitive tasks so they can focus on more valuable and rewarding work. They also believe in putting customers in control by providing intuitive, easy to use interfaces, so that configuring robots for specific tasks is as easy as possible.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Kara Ashby, President of Sedlak Supply Chain Consultants to talk about the evolution of Automation and how companies are utilizing the ever-changing technologies in the supply chain to increase productivity and drive growth.
Topics in this conversation include:
- How Sedlak is helping clients with automation needs (2:00)
- Exploring the core values of family, faith and profession in automation (4:46)
- Where is automation headed in the future? (6:28)
- Working with larger and smaller companies in providing automation solutions (8:50)
- With automation being more familiar to clients, how is it changing? (11:35)
- How the pandemic has pushed innovations in automation (13:40)
- Where Sedlak is focusing on growth? (17:30)
- Exciting initiatives for the future of Sedlak (19:20)
Sedlak is a comprehensive supply chain and distribution logistics advisory firm providing independent and innovative solutions to companies around the world and across a broad range of industries. They have successfully served over 1,200 clients through more than 2,500 projects based on operational best practices. Today, their breadth of services extends into network strategy, facility planning and design, operations improvement, transportation planning, and inventory optimization.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit
https://www.automatingthechain.com/
.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Kai-Shing Tao, Chairman & CEO of Remark Holdings to talk about the power of AI and how the company is providing practical and accessible solutions to their clients that solve problems and reduce risk.
This wide-ranging conversation includes topics such as:
- How Remark got its start? (2:02)
- Remark’s AI Technologies (4:33)
- Companies that use Remark’s Technology (8:38)
- How COVID has Opened Doors for Expansion (10:50)
- Remark’s Growth in the U.S. Market (12:53)
- What does the future look like in the AI space? (17:32)
Remark Holdings primarily focuses on the development and deployment of artificial-intelligence-based solutions for businesses and software developers in many industries. Additionally, the company owns and operates digital media properties that deliver relevant, dynamic content.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Mike Allan, Co-Founder and CEO of Routeique to talk about integrated solutions for connecting manufacturers, distributors & retailers through cloud-based delivery management.
Topics in this conversation include:
- How Routeique got started in the space (2:06)
- Where is the value for Routeique in supply chain? (4:34)
- Seeing the product in action (7:40)
- Automation and simplification in the supply chain (13:07)
- How Routeique has grown in the last few years (20:31)
- How COVID has changed customers and consumers (22:02)
Routeique is a cloud-based, end-to-end order and delivery management solution built to make supply chains seamless. Their software & hardware solutions connect manufacturers, distributors, retailers and more! This allows their clients to feel like they own their supply chain network, even when they don't. Instead of relying on small clusters of visibility, Roteique focuses on synchronized planning and execution across the extended supply network, allowing for flexible manufacturing and intelligent fulfillment.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Joe Weaver, Co-Founder and CEO at Ario, to talk about how augmented reality (AR) is being used in manufacturing to transfer knowledge and reduce human error in operations across the supply chain.
Topics in this conversation include:
- How Joe got started in the world of augmented reality (AR) (1:33)
- Explaining AR and the benefits of consumer application (3:45)
- How AR is providing innovative solutions in the COVID era (6:10)
- The ways that Ario provides solutions for clients and consumers (8:16)
- How companies can work with Ario (15:06)
- What does the future look like in the space of AR? (19:12)
Ario combines the power of scalable web and mobile technologies with augmented reality. They provide companies with tools to easily capture and distribute expert knowledge across all levels of your organization.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Vince Martinelli, Head of Product & Marketing at RightHand Robotics, to talk about the future of e-commerce order fulfillment and how robotics is changing automation and traditional workflows.
This conversation covers many topics including:
- How Vince got started in the industry (1:39)
- The problem RightHand Robotics is solving in the space (3:19)
- Picking Devices in Robotics and How Customers Benefit from using them (4:50)
- Working with Integrators in the space (10:39)
- The need for robotics in the online shopping and operations environment (13:15)
- Where is warehouse automation headed in the future? (17:36)
- Exciting trends in the space coming up (21:55)
RightHand Robotics (RHR) is a leader in providing end-to-end solutions that reduce the cost of e-commerce order-fulfillment of electronics, apparel, grocery, pharmaceuticals, and countless other industries.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Trevor Blumenau, Founder & CEO of Voodoo Robotics, to talk about how companies can use cost-effective technologies to drive efficiency and growth. Trevor shares the story of Voodoo Robotics and how the company is serving warehouse and manufacturing needs through small but powerful technological innovation.
Topics in this conversation include:
- The story behind the name “Voodoo” (1:59)
- What does Voodoo Robotics do in the industry? (3:06)
- Why do customers choose Voodoo Robotics? (7:22)
- Implementing Voodoo technology in existing infrastructure (13:25)
- How Voodoo Robotics integrates with other providers and software (20:08)
- The need for more robotic technologies due to the COVID climate (24:19)
- Where does Voodoo Robotics go from here? (26:15)
Voodoo Robotics, the leading innovator in picking warehouse automation, provides cost-effective technology for warehouse inventory management and order fulfillment solutions. With engineering and robotic expertise, the Texas-based pioneer brings the next wave of state-of-the-art automation to material handling industries.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Ian Smith, CEO at Ware, to talk about how drone technology is revolutionizing warehouse inventory operations. Ian shares how the market is adapting to drone technology and how companies are using drones to solve complex problems and increase productivity.
This interesting conversation includes:
- The need for drone technology and the difference Ware makes in the industry (1:30)
- What does the drone market look like today? (4:42)
- The cost of Ware products for their clients (8:57)
- Ware’s growth as a business in recent years and what’s next? (11:38)
- Where does Ware go from here? (14:01)
Ware combines the smartest drones with powerful software to deliver accurate inventory reports straight into your WMS. From data capture, to data processing and everything in between, Ware provides the technology and automation to improve warehouse inventory logistics. Ian and his team are doing great things in the industry and we thank him for coming on the show.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Jeff Berken, Founder and President of Berken Solutions to talk about the importance of automation in the conveyor industry. They also talked about how COVID has highlighted the further need for automation and how businesses are combatting the changes to the industry.
Topics in this conversation include:
- How Berken got started and the specifics of the conveyor industry (1:38)
- Ideal clientele and the need for conveyor technology (5:30)
- Deploying a Berken solution for clients (7:23)
- How has conveyor technology evolved and where is it going? (10:14)
- The impacts of COVID on the conveyor industry (13:52)
- What’s ahead for the Berken and the conveyor marketplace? (18:18)
Berken Solutions seeks to ensure a smooth conveyor integration process that completely satisfy the system’s requirements for capability and performance. They also look to make every integrator look like a master solutioneer in the eyes of the customer. Jeff and his team are doing great things in the conveyor space and providing innovative solutions for their clients.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Paul Hermsen, Co-Founder and Owner of Inther Group, to discuss the rapidly changing landscape of automation systems. They also discuss the use of AI and the ways it impacts the labor market, business, and consumers.
This wide-ranging conversation discusses:
- The background of starting Inther Group (2:13)
- The landscape of the system integrated market and trends in the industry (3:52)
- Change of consumers and businesses in light of the COVID crisis. (9:27)
- Automation’s effects on the labor market (10:54)
- The cost-saving effects of automation systems (13:18)
- Addressing the skills gap in the warehouse automation market (16:25)
- Where is Inther Group going in the future? (21:02)
Inther Group is an international system integrator with a full scope of techniques for successful project implementations. From design to system integration into service & support; a full-service partner for your logistics. Paul and his team are growing at a rapid pace by providing ideal solutions for their clients.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Alex Wakefield, CEO of Longbow Advantage, to discuss how data-driven technology can improve efficiency while cutting costs for companies. Alex points out that companies can save time and money simply by highlighting the inefficiencies of their data systems to allow for growth.
This wide-ranging conversation includes topics such as:
- Longbow’s mission of customer focus (2:42)
- What does Longbow automate in the supply chain and how they differentiate themselves in the market? (3:48)
- Trimming costs and time with technological automation (8:44)
- Leveraging AI and ML in data processes (11:00)
- Tracking cost-saving and ROI by pinpointing inefficiencies (15:27)
- Helping companies bridge the gap between the technology team and the supply chain team (19:25)
- How COVID has impacted customers in the supply chain (22:58)
- Examining the enormous potential of the marketplace (26:48)
- Where does Longbow go from here? (28:22)
Longbow Advantage is a leading Supply Chain Technology Company built to provide best-in-class WMS, LMS, and TMS implementation and integration services. Alex and his team are doing great things in the industry and their success is attributed to the company’s mission of delivering the best customer experience possible.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee Ganbold sits down with Cameron Geiger, Chief Supply Chain Officer of TriMark USA and former SVP of supply chain at Walmart, to discuss the impacts of the COVID crisis on the restaurant supply chain. They also discuss how automation is allowing companies to innovate and adapt and what the future holds for the industry.
This wide-ranging conversation includes topics such as:
- Cameron’s background and experience in the supply chain (1:48)
- Cameron’s learnings from Handling Over 100+ Automation Projects for Walmart (4:25)
- The Impacts of the COVID Crisis on the supply chain (8:13)
- How TriMark USA has adapted in COVID (11:40)
- How automation is benefitting the consumer today (14:37)
- The importance of collaboration in building efficiency in systems (18:57)
- Exciting projects in the future of the supply chain industry (21:45)
TriMark USA is the largest distributor of kitchen equipment in the country and Cameron and his team are doing great things in the industry. They aim to lead with their values and to support the success and sustainability of our customers so they can focus on their culinary pursuits.
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Mike Futch, President of Tompkins Robotics to talk about his vast experience in the world of industrial robotics and discuss the t-Sort Robot series. We also talk about micro-fulfillment, how robotics affects the labor force in different markets, and what’s next for the industry. This wide-ranging conversation includes topics such as: The start of Tompkins Robotics (3:19) Discussion about the t-Sort Robot Series and how it can be implemented (5:58) Focusing on micro-fulfillment in robotics (14:15) Dispelling the myths of robotics taking away jobs (16:45) What’s next for robotics? (21:02) Mike and his team at Tompkins Robotics are doing great things and offer unique and effective t-Sort solutions for micro-fulfillment that is quickly deployed and greatly lowers labor costs while increasing the speed and accuracy of an assortment of tasks. Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/
In this episode, Tee sits down with Jerome Dubois is Co-CEO at 6 River Systems. Jerome shares his experience working with Kiva Systems (Amazon Robotics) and describes his journey and vision for building 6 River Systems.
- How the team designed a robotic called “Chuck” to act a drop-in solution for fulfillment (2:01)
- Why Shopify acquired 6 River & the universal problem they’re solving together (6:14)
- The specifications and features that make “Chuck” unique (8:00)
- How 6 River Systems makes integration with host systems a priority (11:20)
- Relieving the unforeseen spike in commerce volume as a result of COVID (14:26)
Jerome and his team are creating truly innovative systems that are changing the ways companies consider infrastructure needs and approach fulfillment in an ever-changing economy. Huge thanks to Jerome for taking the time to join the show!
Automating The Chain bridges the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
In this episode, Tee sits down with Wolfgang Lehmacher, Member of the Board of Directors of Liberatrade, Hong Kong. Wolfgang shares his decades worth of experience across the Supply Chain industry, how COVID is shifting the focus of the supply chain industry, and what he expects to be accepted as the new normal moving forward.
- Major economies driving a greater need for automation during the COVID era (3:26)
- Tax incentives for capital investments in automation (5:54)
- Balancing the spread of global resources to prevent a single source of failure (8:00)
- The shortage of quality of labor required by modern factories (12:20)
- Expectations for the Davos 2021 Annual Meeting (16:30)
We’re so thankful to have Wolfgang as a guest. Thank you for joining us!
Automating The Chain bridges the the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. Each episode we learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way. For more information, or to subscribe, please visit https://www.automatingthechain.com/.
Automating The Chain has been engineered to support and educate executives as they explore the potential of industrial automation within their organizations.
Together we’ll do this by discussing the latest news events, doing deep dives into relevant business case studies, and inviting key speakers from the industrial automation community who are serving as the technical leaders in an organization right now.
Automating The Chain (or ATC for short) is the communication bridge that will span the learning gap between business executives and their technical counterparts. We’ll learn from CTOs and experts in industrial automation as they explain their technology in an accessible way.
We’ll also empower technical leaders of organizations by providing them with a platform to educate their team, their community, and the wider population about the latest automation technology providers (both software and hardware) in their industry and why automation is beneficial to executives.