
Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast
Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast provides news and insights for professionals involved in manufacturing, storage, and logistics. It covers technologies, economic conditions, and best practices to help achieve operational excellence. The podcast features contributions from 14 seasoned manufacturing journalists from Endeavor Business Media’s Manufacturing Group.
Episodes

Supply Chain Management and the Go-Live Gap (American Machinist)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, chief editor Robert Brooks takes a look at how manufacturers that implement supply-chain management technology frequently face the “go-live gap”. It’s what separates a technically successful implementation from an operation that is truly prepared to use the new platform, follow the new processes, make the right decisions, measure and capt

How to Bring AI into Safety Culture (Talking EHS)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, McKenna Schutty, safety, health and environmental manager at TDIndustries, a Texas-based facilities services and mechanical construction company, discusses how her company brought AI into its safety organization.

How Manufacturers Can Build Stronger Regional Networks and Domestic Supply Chains (IndustryWeek)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Ilana Preuss, a champion of small-scale manufacturing and founder of Recast City, discusses the importance of raising the visibility of small-scale manufacturing, whose impact on the larger economy is being overlooked from lack of data and lack of awareness. While large manufacturers attract lots of attention, a strong domestic manufactur

'Muddy Waters' of Implementing AI and How Manufacturers Can Avoid Them (Smart Industry)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Smart Industry's Sarah Mattalian talks with Mike Fedorov, COO and co-CEO of Applied AI Labs, who discuss why AI implementations often fail to deliver expected results. They explore how manufacturers can work with the muddy waters of imperfect data, establish effective governance, and design AI solutions around measurable business outcomes

Stop the Shortcuts that Force Reliability to Take a Back Seat (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

The Past, Present and Future of Workplace Safety (Talking EHS)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Nicole Stempak speaks with the current and previous two presidents of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) -- Monique Parker, Linda Tapp and Pam Walaski -- about strategies safety leaders can use to stay energized, the importance of mentorship, and how embracing change and diversity can lead to more effective safety initiat

How the Fast 41 Program Speeds Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Permitting (IndustryWeek)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Laura Putre speaks with Emily Domenech about efforts to streamline federal permitting for large manufacturing and critical minerals projects. They discuss how the Fast-41 program coordinates agencies to reduce project delays, improve transparency, and accelerate approvals while maintaining environmental and safety standards

Editor's Product Picks: 4 New Manufacturing Products (New Equipment Digest)
On this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, New Equipment Digest Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis rounds up four new products worth a closer look:
a passive exoskeleton that eases shoulder strain during overhead work
an AI-powered device that keeps forklift-based inventory tracking accurate in real time
a connected ultrasound platform built for multisite reliability programs,
a new inl

Employee Engagement Is Key to a Successful Safety Culture (Talking EHS)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Jennifer Ferdinand-Stong, corporate safety manager at construction firm Gaylor Electric and recently named Health and Safety Professional of the Year by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) for 2026, shares her thoughts on how to create a realistic and sustainable safety culture.

Solving Manufacturing Labor Shortages with Puerto Rico's Skilled Workforce (IndustryWeek)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Anna Smith speaks with Clay Martin, CEO and founder of Isla Talent, about innovative approaches to solving manufacturing workforce shortages by recruiting skilled workers from Puerto Rico. They discuss strategies for expanding talent pipelines, supporting employee relocation, and improving retention through communication, t

Fact or Fiction? The Truth About Reliability and What Plant Managers Get Wrong (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

Your AI Strategy Is Built on a Blind Spot (Smart Industry)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Scott Achelpohl is joined by Nick Hasselbeck and Matt Martin of E Tech Group to discuss the challenges legacy OT systems create for digital transformation and AI adoption. The conversation explores why siloed data, limited network visibility, and outdated equipment remain major obstacles for manufacturers. They also examine practical stra

How to Stay Cool on the Job as Temperatures Soar (Talking EHS)
Employers have an obligation to protect workers from all jobsite hazards, including the summer heat and humidity. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, learn the current regulations, signs of heat stress and what you can do to help workers be comfortable—and safe—this summer from Corey Stringer Institute’s Maggie Morrissey.

CT Scanning Plus AI is a QA Breakthrough (American Machinist)
Computed tomography (CT) has a parallel life beyond its service in diagnostic medicine. From aerospace and automotive to defense and electronics, it’s one of manufacturing's most powerful quality assurance technologies.
By creating detailed three-dimensional views of both external and internal part features without destructive testing, CT allows manufacturers to detect defects, verify dimensions,

How Smart Manufacturers Use 5G, Robots and MES (IndustryWeek)
For IndustryWeek’s Smart Manufacturers video series, Senior Editor for Technology Dennis Scimeca visited four different plants to inquire about a specific technology deployment at each. He spoke 5G with John Deere, talked MES development with Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence, discussed brownfield sites and corporate responsibility with battery manufacturer Viridi and dodged a fleet of robots on

Editor's Product Picks: 4 New Machining and Metalworking Products (New Equipment Digest)
NED Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis breaks down four machining and metalworking products from the latest issue, covering 3D laser cutting for job shops, solid carbide taps for high-volume threading, multi-operation precision grinding, and high-pressure coolant toolholding for difficult-to-machine materials.
Laser Next Core 3D Laser Cutting Machine
TC180 Supreme & TC280 Supreme Solid Carbide Taps
L

Managing Worker Fatigue in High-Heat Industrial Environments (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Thomas Wilk speaks with Tito Warren of Red Wing about the challenges industrial facilities face in protecting workers from heat stress during the summer months. Their conversation explores the role of hydration, environmental controls, PPE, and emerging wearable technologies in supporting worker health and safety. They also discuss how fo

Don't Depend on Technology to Keep Your Warehouse Safe (Supply Chain Insider)
In this special National Forklift Safety Day podcast, hear what OSHA's David Keeling and Logisnext Americas' Carl Modesette have to say about the need for situational awareness from everybody who comes near a forklift, not just the operators. And ENEROC USA's Max Khabur explains why standardized forklift battery testing is essential for safety.

Firefighting Is Not A Maintenance Strategy (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, sponsored by Hydro Inc., Thomas Wilk speaks with Ares Panagoulias and Robert McCowan about building effective condition monitoring programs that reduce maintenance firefighting and improve asset reliability. The discussion explores the foundational steps organizations should take before deploying sensors, including defining goals, assigni

A Glimpse Inside the 2026 USMCA Review Process (IndustryWeek)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Patrick Childress, an international trade and disputes attorney at Holland & Knight, shares an update on how negotiations are proceeding with USMCA—also known as the United States, Mexico, Canada agreement—a trilateral trade agreement that comes up for its required six-year joint review on July 1. It's an agreement that has significan

OT and IT Convergence Success Stories (Smart Industry)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, every OT and IT journey is different, but two SMEs from Lincoln Nebraska-based Huffman Engineering join the podcast with some tips and to share some positive summer vibes from their clients.

The Warning Signs of a Broken Reliability Culture and How Plant Leaders Can Fix It (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

What Safety Issues Should Businesses Be Most Concerned About? (Talking EHS)
Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council, explains why the NSC first developed National Safety Month in 1996—and what workplace safety issues they’re focusing on this year.

How Jabil Drives Revenue with Procurement and Supply Chain (IndustryWeek)
In this episode of Great Question, IndustryWeek Senior Editor Laura Putre talks with Frank McKay and Graham Scott, Supply Chain Officer and Chief Procurement Officer at Jabil respectively, about how they transformed procurement to a cost driver at the global contract manufacturer—offering their own optimized supply-chain technology to customers as a service. They also discuss how they’ve tackled r

Editor's Product Picks: 5 New Additive Manufacturing Solutions (New Equipment Digest)
New Equipment Digest (NED) Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis breaks down five additive manufacturing products from the June issue, spanning multimaterial prototyping, magnesium-capable metal AM, continuous FFF production, ultra-large-format powder bed fusion, and high-performance polymer printing for aerospace.
J850 Core PolyJet 3D Printer
PA-300 LPBF Metal Printer
Funmat Pro 310 Apollo FFF Printer
EP-

Why Industrial AI Is Moving Closer to the Edge in Energy Operations (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk speaks with Andy Foster, Chief Product Officer at IOTech, about the growing use of edge AI across discrete manufacturing, process manufacturing, and energy operations. The conversation explores how manufacturers are using AI for predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, production optimiz

What Does AI Mean for Your Robot? (American Machinist)
Small and medium-sized manufacturers have a skilled labor shortage - and the last solution proposed to address that (automation and robotics) is about to encounter the next proposed solution: agentic artificial intelligence. A recent article introduces they interesting possibility that “Agentic AI Could Make Robots Affordable for Small Businesses.”
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturi

A Psychologist’s Reflections on Workplace Safety (Talking EHS)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Virginia Tech's E. Scott Geller muses on how workplace safety has improved—and worsened—over his 50-plus year career.

How Manufacturers Can Navigate the New CBP Tariff Refund Portal (IndustryWeek)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Anna Smith speaks with Ben Johnston, COO at Kapitus, about the new tariff refund portal launched by U.S. Customs and Border Protection following the Supreme Court’s ruling on IEEPA-related tariffs. They discuss how manufacturers, importers, and customs brokers can navigate the refund application process, including key docum

How Manufacturers Are Managing Risk in an Era of Global Volatility (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Thomas Wilk meets up with Rosemary Coates of the Reshoring Institute to catch up on how current events are impacting manufacturers who were already shifting their reshoring strategies. Despite geopolitical conflict and energy shortages, Coates identifies are few sectors that are thriving (semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and plastics) and

How to Bridge the Gap Between Shop Floor Reality and AI Strategy in Manufacturing (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Nick Haase of MaintainX explores the challenges manufacturers face as workforce retirements and labor shortages collide with the push for AI adoption. He discusses how disconnects between leadership and the shop floor can lead to ineffective technology and stalled implementation. The conversation highlights the importance of capturing tri

Why More PMs and High Wrench Time Don’t Guarantee Reliability (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

Weathering the Storm... or Hurricane, or Tornado, or Heat Wave (Talking EHS)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Jason Moreland of AlertMedia explores how changing weather patterns and climate trends increase risks for workers and organizations, and explains why proactive planning, communication and training are vital to mitigate impacts of extreme weather events across seasons.

Human-Shaped Robots: What's the Point? (Hannover Messe edition)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Dennis Scimeca and Machine Design's Rehana Begg talk all of the walking robots at Hannover Messe, the massive trade show that took place in Germany in late April. Amongst the automation equipment, software, machines and controllers were a lot of upright, humanoid robots. In nearly every hall at the show, robots walked aroun

Rethinking Local Manufacturing in a Global Market (American Machinist)
"Local manufacturing marketplaces" are regional networks in which value is created and retained - as opposed to being distributed outside the local economy. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, management consultant Chris Bassett explains that manufacturers’ drive for efficiency in their decision-making causes them to pass by opportunities that involve less time and fewer co
Understanding Agentic AI: Innovation Exec and Ford Scientists Share Tips
The generative AI trend based on large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT has for years dominated the conversation about artificial intelligence. When something like agentic AI enters the conversation it’s easy to conflate terms, confuse agentic with generative, and not get the full picture.
On this episode of Production Pulse we spoke with Ron Norris, former Director of Innovation at Georgia Pac

April Editor's Picks: 5 Industrial Products Worth Watching
This month, New Equipment Digest Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis shares her April picks—five products that caught her attention for solving real problems in manufacturing and industrial environments. On the list: the RUN coordinate measuring machine for shopfloor inspection, the MasterMover MasterHandler electric tugger for moving heavy wheeled loads in tight spaces, the Tormach 770MX CNC mill with up

The Future of System Integration in Data Centers, Defense, and Manufacturing (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk talks with Adrienne Meyer, CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA), about the evolving role of system integrators and the growing importance of automation in today’s manufacturing landscape. They explore how the ongoing skills gap is accelerating the adoption of automation, shifting

Building a Sustainable Future: Strategies for Environmental and Social Responsibility (Talking EHS)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, EHS Today's Nicole Stempak talks with experts from BSI (www.bsigroup.com) about the current landscape of ESG, sustainability, and environmental regulations, emphasizing practical strategies for businesses to navigate complex compliance and leverage sustainability for business value.

How a Small Manufacturer Joined the Artemis II Space Mission (IndustryWeek)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Jill Jusko speaks with Bryan Croft about how a small, family-run business unexpectedly became part of the Artemis II space mission. They explore how HC Brands’ Simply Stamps division was discovered through digital marketing efforts and tasked with engineering a highly specialized product to meet strict aerospace requirement

Why Is Manufacturing Such a Huge Target for Cyberattacks? (Smart Industry)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Jennifer Szkatulski of Immersive Labs talks with Smart Industry's Sarah Mattalian about why manufacturers are prime targets for cyberattacks, particularly ransomware, and the far-reaching impact on operations and supply chains. She breaks down how attacks occur—from phishing and credential theft to system infiltration—and how even

How to Spot Fake Reliability Programs (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

Innovations in Safety and Sustainability: Insights from Southern Glazer (Talking EHS)
Kay Yoder of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits describes the evolution of EHS into a people-centered, technology-enabled discipline, emphasizing inclusive leadership, employee engagement, sustainability, and continuous learning as key drivers of safer, more proactive workplace cultures.

How One U.S. Heavy-Truck Components Manufacturer Is Navigating Tariffs and USMCA uncertainty
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Laura Putre speaks with Richard Demirjian of heavy-truck components manufacturer TCCI about the impact of Section 232 tariffs and the USMCA on his business. They explore how Section 232 tariff rebates are influencing sourcing decisions, sometimes favoring overseas production over domestic manufacturing. The conversation also examines supp

Podcast: How Bush Brothers & Company Deployed a Three-Phase PM Optimization Strategy (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Thomas Wilk speaks with Tony Peterson and Jeff Shiver about a three-phase approach to preventive maintenance optimization and its impact on manufacturing performance. The conversation explores how improving PM accuracy, leveraging tools like P&IDs and CMMS data, and engaging technicians can shift operations from reactive to proactive

AI, Automation, Supply Chain and Vending Machines: Grainger Officials Talk Manufacturing Trends
Most grownup professionals are smart people, but that doesn't mean we don't do some really stupid things from time to time. Think about your last expense report. Between filling out the forms, supervisors checking them, accounting reviewing them again (and sending them back five times because you used the wrong code for the rental car company), companies spend vast sums of money every year in hope

Three CMMS Strategies To Eliminate Redundant Maintenance Work (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk and Eruditio principal trainer and consultant Brian Hronchek discuss how many organizations underutilize their CMMS systems and miss opportunities for efficiency. They explore practical strategies to unlock more value, including standardizing preventive maintenance activities and leveraging built-in

How To Get Smart About Manufacturing (American Machinist)
Smart Manufacturing is the label that has emerged to describe production systems that incorporate digital technologies, real-time data, and interconnected systems to make manufacturing processes more automated, adaptive, and efficient. It involves sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and connected machines that monitor, optimize, and automate manufacturing processes in real time.
In t

The Future of Procurement: Embracing Automation, Integration and AI (Supply Chain Insider)
Connected procurement integrates all stages of the source-to-pay process, providing real-time visibility and enhancing organizational agility. In this "In Case You Missed It" podcast, based on an article from two Accenture procurement experts, you'll hear how organizations are shifting from reactive procurement processes to connected, data-driven workflows that enhance agility, resilience and stra

AI Adoption in Manufacturing Maintenance, Stories from the Field
IndustryWeek's Dennis Scimeca recently hosted a roundtable discussion at Fluke's annual Xcelerate conference, an event centered around industrial maintenance and asset protection.
Joining Dennis were three professionals from three very different industries:
Jason Hahn, Amsted Automotive
Lee McClish, NTT
Nathan Kibert, Eaton
In the session, the panel discussed the impact of AI on supply cha

Preparing Manufacturing's Future: How Kettering University's Co-op Model Provides Real-World Experience
With artificial intelligence (AI), mass customization and shrinking lot sizes changing expectations in manufacturing, companies need new skills and abilities from those who they hire. So, where do you find an entry level engineer with years of experience and training in how to deal with the constantly changing needs of production?
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Ketteri

Connectivity is the Missing Piece to Drive Manufacturing Performance with AI
Samuel Pasquier, head of product management for Cisco System's Industrial IoT Connectivity Portfolio, says manufacturers want to use more AI in factories to drive efficiency and growth, but many programs are stuck in trial and failing to produce expected gains.
New research from the networking technology company shows that two major factors are getting in the way: computing power and the network b

Maintenance vs. operations—Improving Communication Through Shop Floor Accountability (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

A Fresh Approach to Tackling Workplace Safety Problems (Talking EHS)
Donavan Hornsby, chief strategy officer with Benchmark Gensuite, shares the results of his company's "EHS Pressure Point" report on risk, readiness and the shift to AI, and offers his insights into anticipated changes and trends in workplace safety in 2026.

The AI You Don’t Want To Use (IndustryWeek)
Pradip Singh, chief manufacturing officer at semiconductor manufacturer GlobalFoundries, has seen it all when it comes to AI. Well, he would see it all if there wasn’t so much AI thrown at him that he needs people to weed through the slop and get to the good stuff – and even only a few “good” AI pitches ever get through.
That’s because AI developers don’t understand manufacturing. They don’t grasp

How Corbel is Modernizing Capital Equipment Sales with AI
Industrial manufacturers have invested heavily in automation on the shop floor—but sales processes often remain manual, slow, and fragmented. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Laura Davis, editor-in-chief of New Equipment Digest, sits down with Le’ora Lichtenstein, founder and CEO of Corbel, a next-generation CPQ platform, to discuss how AI-powered configurators, unstruct

AI-Assisted, Cloud-Connected Radios Are Reducing Language Barriers on the Factory Floor (Smart Industry)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Relay co-founder and CEO Chris Chuang joins the podcast to delve into another corner of artificial intelligence in manufacturing: How voice is being turned into data, ending the disconnect among workers who don’t sit at desks or dwell near workstations.

How Modular Factories Are Reshaping U.S. Manufacturing Capacity (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Thomas Wilk of Plant Services sits down with Justin Baucum of Isembard to explore how modular, software-driven factories are reshaping U.S. manufacturing capacity. The conversation traces Justin’s unconventional path into manufacturing and how mission-driven thinking translates into building faster, more resilient production networks. Tog

The AI Adoption Challenge For Foundry Workers (FMT)
The concept of a “company GPT” is helping small and midsized manufacturers grasp the potential for artificial intelligence in their enterprises, and make real progress in their journeys. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Amatrium Inc. co-founder and president Andrew Halonen discusses his recent article "AI Is a Journey for Foundries and Equipment Builders" and why he argu

A Deep Dive into Navigating OSHA Policies and Compliance (Talking EHS)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Peter Vassalo, senior counsel with the Littler legal firm, explains how OSHA has maintained its core activities despite leadership challenges, emphasizing ongoing inspections, citations, and the cautious approach to rulemaking, while exploring the impact of increased use of opinion letters for compliance assistance.

Is AI Another Tool in the Lean Toolbox? (Production Pulse)
Yes, AI has a place in lean and continuous improvement, but don't jump off the deep end. Try experimentation and remember: Respect for people prevails.
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Jill Jusko sits down with Eric Lussier to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and lean manufacturing. Their conversation examines where AI can genuinely support continuous

Turn Overwhelmed Maintenance Planners Into Strategic Leaders (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

A New Approach to Reducing Serious Injuries and Fatalities (Talking EHS)
Traditional safety metrics often miss the human factors contributing to serious harm, emphasizing the need for human-centric approaches that address stress, fatigue, and psychological risks. In this "In Case You Missed It" podcast, you'll hear why Jonathan English, CEO of Evotix, believes that 2026 is the time for a complete system rebuild to help companies reach meaningful SIF reduction.

Nearshoring, USMCA, and the Future of North American Supply Chains (Production Pulse)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Laura Putre sits down with Mike Jackson to reflect on how suppliers navigated a turbulent 2025 and what the outlook looks like heading into 2026. Their conversation explores shifting trade policies, tariffs, and the evolving role of USMCA, alongside ongoing uncertainty around electrification and EV adoption. They also dig into nearshoring

When Do Scraper Strainers Make More Sense Than Basket or Backwash Filters? (NED)
How do you know when a scraper strainer makes more sense than a basket or backwash filter? In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, New Equipment Digest chief editor Laura Forbes breaks down the real-world differences between industrial strainer types and what engineers should consider when specifying filtration for high-solids applications. This episode is based on an article b

AI and the Future of Industrial Maintenance (Plant Services)
Artificial intelligence is not coming for jobs in the abstract. It is coming for tasks, and the maintenance and reliability world sits directly at this crossroads.
On one hand, AI can process years of work orders, interpret patterns in vibration and oil analysis, map failure precursors, and generate predictive recommendations faster than any human analyst. On the other hand, no algorithm can yet

Manufacturing Technology Demand in 2026 (American Machinist)
There are interesting and encouraging data points amid all the confusion, with some trends emerging about job shop activity, high-demand industries, and manufacturing employment.
New orders for CNC machines are a reliable indicator of near-term growth in manufacturing activity - in nearly every major manufacturing sector - because those purchases mean operations are preparing for new business comi

Supply Chain Predictions for 2026: Where Do We Go From Here? (Supply Chain Insider)
AI is getting better at predicting potential outcomes, but the technology still isn’t as reliable as humans at coming up with predictions that put everything into context for what it all means. In this podcast, Material Handling & Logistics’ chief editor, Dave Blanchard, takes listeners on a fast-paced tour of predictions for what the supply chain will look like in 2026 and beyond, featuring i

Manufacturing Going on Offense for Talent Recruitment
We've all heard someone say it recently: Nobody wants to work these days. It's the refrain of a stressed manager who's short-staffed and losing production capacity because the company can't recruit people.
Even if it's true (and really, has anyone ever really wanted to work? Isn't that why we pay them?), complaining won't fill your plant vacancies. Blaming other industries won't help either as th

Crystal Ball 2026: AI and Everything Else
Smart Industry content chief Scott Achelpohl wraps up the annual prediction series with highlights from SI's roster of subject-matter experts, who had a lot to say about how AI was moving well beyond the hype and coming to a production line near you.

Turn Your New Years’ Goals Into Real Reliability Gains (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

Proactive Strategies for Safer Work at Heights (Talking EHS)
Fall protection violations remain the most cited OSHA issue, emphasizing the need for continued focus despite some recent decreases in violations. In this interview with Phil Jacklin, continuing education program manager with Diversified Fall Protection, you'll hear that progress is being made through increased awareness, proactive safety practices and better data tracking, but challenges persist,

2025 - Best of "Great Question with Plant Services"
This year-end wrapup episode collects clips from three of the most popular Plant Services episodes from the past 12 months. In these clips, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk talks about:
"How oil analysis can boost equipment reliability, but only if you use the data," with Mike Holloway, 5th Order Industry
"How PM optimization improves reliability and reduces unplanned downtime," with Brian

2025 - Best of "Ask A Plant Manager" with Joe Kuhn
In our monthly podcast miniseries, Ask a Plant Manager, Joe Kuhn, CMRP (former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant) considers commonplace scenarios facing the industry and offers his advice, as well as actions that you can take to get on track tomorrow. This episode collects three of our favorite moments with Joe over the past year:
Maintenance vs. reliability engineers — k

Podcast: How Is UL’s ECOLOGO Certification Shaping Sustainable Industrial Equipment? (Plant Services)
In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Plant Services chief editor Thomas Wilk and UL Solutions Senior VP of Industrial Testing, Inspection, and Certification Jeff Smidt explore the growing role of independent sustainability certification in the industrial sector. Their discussion centers on ECOLOGO and how it evaluates materials, manufacturing practices, and full product life

Put On a Coat, It’s Getting Hotter (American Machinist)
Could a dual-layer metallic coating be an innovation in jet-engine design?
There is a line of innovation from product design to metallurgy, to production, and to product performance. For aerospace and defense systems, precision parts that operate under intense heat and high pressure are critical to performance and reliability. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, American Ma

Debunking the Biggest Myths About Industrial Exoskeletons
Industrial exoskeletons are gaining traction in manufacturing and logistics, but misconceptions still overshadow what they actually do. New Equipment Digest chief editor Laura Davis breaks down the biggest myths with insights from HeroWear’s Matthew Yandell, PhD, to reveal the truth behind this fast-growing technology. To learn more, visit: https://www.newequipment.com/55325220

Keeping Maintenance Crews Engaged, Safe, and Production-Ready During the Holidays (Ask A Plant Manager)
Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In

Lessons in Safety Leadership: A Matter of Respect (Talking EHS)
Caroline Johnson shares some of the lessons she learned about leadership from her time in the U.S. Navy and how her fellow officers continue to inspire her as an executive advisor and coach with DEKRA.

Why Data Collection in Machine Shops Is Worth the Effort (Production Pulse)
Mike Payne, president and owner of Hill Manufacturing & Fabrication loves data and metrics. If he can pull information from a machine, he's doing it. Mike talked with IndustryWeek's Dennis Scimeca about why he collects all of that data, what he does with it and why, despite all of this technology, succeeding in manufacturing is still all about relationships and performance, not technology.
Pay
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