Episode 68: AI Beyond the Hype - What Industrial Leaders Need to Know

Getting an AI pilot to work is one thing. Scaling it across an organization and delivering measurable business value is another. In Episode 69 of Digitalization Tech Talks, Jonathan Alexander of Albemarle joins Don Mack and Cole Lewis to explain why promising AI initiatives often become trapped in “pilot purgatory.” From building scalable data foundations to balancing horizontal and vertical AI strategies, this conversation explores the people, processes, and technologies required to scale AI across manufacturing operations. If your organization is looking to move from isolated AI experiments to repeatable, enterprise-wide value, this episode offers practical insights to help you think big, start small, and scale fast. Show Notes:Website: ADKAR Model for Change Management (https://www.prosci.com/blog/adkar-model)Paper: Use of AI in Chemical Manufacturing (https://www.chemengonline.com/use-of-ai-in-chemical-manufacturing/?printmode=1)E-book: Industrial AI: Transform the entire value chain (https://bit.ly/4zH79u0)Video: The Industrial AI Revolution: Siemens Keynote at CES 2026 (https://youtu.be/R4Wm6YdoZSs?si=rB9tZV_ulpEOoYd2)Contact Us:Jonathan Alexander (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-alexander1/)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)Cole Lewis ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/cole-lewis/)

Science fiction once imagined a world where people could simply talk to technology and make things happen. Today, that vision is rapidly becoming reality. In Episode 68 of Digitalization Tech Talks, Brian Herr of HHI Advisory joins Don Mack and Cole Lewis to discuss the convergence of the physical and digital worlds and what it means for industrial organizations embracing AI. From AI maturity and trustworthy AI to explainability, governance, and long-term strategy, this conversation explores how manufacturers can move beyond AI experimentation and create lasting business value. If you're wondering how industrial AI will evolve over the next few years and what steps leaders should take today, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Show Notes:Website: HHI Advisory Group LLC (https://www.hhiadvisory.com/)Website: Digital twin: The living blueprint (https://www.siemens.com/en-us/company/digital-twin/)E-book: Industrial AI: Transform the entire value chain (https://bit.ly/4zH79u0)Video: The Industrial AI Revolution: Siemens Keynote at CES 2026 (https://youtu.be/R4Wm6YdoZSs?si=rB9tZV_ulpEOoYd2) Contact Us:Brian Herr ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/brian-herr/)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)Cole Lewis ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/cole-lewis/)

In this episode we explore how chemical recycling is moving from promising research to real-world industrial deployment. Abe Dyck, Head of Corporate Development and Investor Relations at Aduro Clean Technologies joins us to discuss Hydrochemolytic™ Technology (HCT), an innovative approach designed to convert difficult-to-recycle plastics into valuable hydrocarbon feedstocks.The conversation goes beyond chemistry to examine what it actually takes to scale a new process technology. Abe shares insights on pilot plant operations, continuous processing, feedstock challenges, data collection, process automation, simulation, and AI. Together, we explore how digitalization is helping reduce risk, improve decision-making, and accelerate the path from laboratory innovation to commercial reality.Show Notes:Website: Aduro Clean Technologies (https://adurocleantech.com/)LinkedIn: Aduro Clean Technologies on LinkedIn (https://sie.ag/4cA9zv)Video: Chemistry Goes Music (https://sie.ag/6xmZaj)Video: World Cup 2026 – From Waste to Water (https://sie.ag/5CXC8t)Website (Siemens): Chemical Recycling (https://sie.ag/5uS6ks)Press Release (Aduro Clean Technologies): Aduro Engages Siemens to Deliver Advanced Automation for Hydrochemolytic™ Pilot Plant (https://sie.ag/qutYX)Contact Us:Abe Dyck ([email protected] and www.linkedin.com/in/abedyck/)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)Cole Lewis ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/cole-lewis/)

In Episode 66 of Digitalization Tech Talks, we explore how a global brewery successfully transitioned from paper-based processes to a fully digital environment—without stopping production. Join us as we sit down with Fred Husman, a seasoned automation expert at SkyIO, to unpack a real-world digitalization journey at one of the world’s largest brewing operations. This episode dives into how Constellation Brands tackled the challenge of digitizing live operations, overcoming concerns around uptime, product quality, and system risk while implementing a Brewing MES solution that delivers end-to-end traceability and real-time production insights. From separating data collection from core production logic to leveraging digital twin simulation for safe, large-scale deployment, this conversation reveals the practical strategies that made “no disruption” digitalization possible. Fred shares key lessons on automated data capture, IT/OT convergence, and why building a strong data foundation is critical before unlocking AI-driven value. Whether you’re in brewing or any process industry, this episode offers actionable insights on how to scale digital transformation while keeping operations running smoothly—and how to empower operators to focus on what matters most: making better products.  Show Notes:Website (SkyIO): SkyIO (https://skyio.com/)LinkedIn (SkyIO): SkyIO on LinkedIn (https://bit.ly/4fYqiAp)Video (Siemens): Constellation Brands Nava Brewery (https://bit.ly/4oNRlRi)Website (Siemens): Breweries (https://bit.ly/4uQbA2h)Contact Us:Fred Husman ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/fredhusman/)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)Cole Lewis ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/cole-lewis/)

In this special episode of Digitalization Tech Talks, longtime co-host Jonas Norinder joins Don Mack for a reflective conversation marking the close of an important chapter in the podcast’s journey as Jonas transitions to a new role. After years of exploring digital transformation, industrial AI, and the evolving value of data with industry leaders, Jonas shares the moments, insights, and conversations that shaped both the series and his own perspective on digitalization. From standout episodes to key industry shifts, this episode offers a look back at what has made the podcast a trusted voice in the process industries. At the same time, the conversation looks ahead. Listeners are introduced to new co-host Cole Lewis, who joins the series as it continues to build on a strong foundation and expand its reach. Together, Don, Jonas, and Cole discuss what’s next for Digitalization Tech Talks, including emerging topics, future guests, and how the podcast will continue delivering practical insights for organizations navigating their digitalization journey.Show Notes:Website: Digital Transformation, Siemens Xcelerator (bit.ly/3RxLOBQ) Episode 45, part 1: Midrex Technologies – From Digital Vision to Digital Transformation (bit.ly/4fbiOcY)Episode 45, part 2: Midrex Technologies – From Digital Vision to Digital Transformation (bit.ly/3PLZybt)Episode 64: AI-Ready Before AI – The Foundations Industrial Leaders Can’t Skip (bit.ly/4dA5VrM)Contact Us:Jonas Norinder ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/jonasnorinder)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)Cole Lewis ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/cole-lewis/)

In this episode of the Digitalization Tech Talks podcast, hosts Jonas Norinder and Don Mack unpack a hard truth: industrial AI success is decided long before any model is deployed. Joined by guest Dave Griffith, industrial operations and AI enablement leader and co-host of the Manufacturing Hub podcast, they cut through the hype to explore what actually drives scalable results. The conversation covers early AI use cases, why “AI is the last mile,” and how data orchestration, instrumentation, and integration create the foundation for value. Dave also explains why OT data governance must come before scale and why one high-impact application is the fastest path out of pilot purgatory. Tune in to get practical guidance you can apply immediately and accelerate your journey to becoming AI-ready. Show Notes:Podcast (YouTube): Industrial AI in Manufacturing What Actually Works and What Does Not (https://sie.ag/2KRrrS) LinkedIn: The Manufacturing Hub (https://sie.ag/4n3MhX)Website (Siemens): We're accelerating the industrial AI era (https://sie.ag/5N3Dzi)Website (Siemens): Siemens Industrial Copilot (https://sie.ag/21j3db)Website (Siemens): AI at the 2026 Hannover Messe (https://sie.ag/7NuMcb) Contact us:Dave Griffith ([email protected]) and LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/)Don Mack email ([email protected])Jonas Norinder email ([email protected])

In Episode 63, we conclude a two‑part series on cybersecurity by shifting from research insights to real‑world operational experience. Building on the findings from the recently released Intelligence‑Driven Active Defense Report 2026, this episode focuses on what those findings mean on the plant floor. We are joined by Marco Ayala, a long‑time cybersecurity practitioner with extensive experience across the process industries. Marco also serves as President of InfraGard’s Houston Chapter and National Sector Chief for Energy, offering a unique perspective at the intersection of industry and critical infrastructure protection. The group explores what OT teams are dealing with day to day, where common cybersecurity blind spots exist, and how IT/OT convergence is creating new challenges. They also examine the current of OT defenses, why gaps persist, and what practical first steps organizations can take to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. The episode wraps up with actionable takeaways aimed at helping listeners better understand today’s threat landscape and take meaningful steps toward improving the resilience of their operations. Show Notes:Website: Welcome to InfraGard (https://infragard.fbi.gov/)Website: ISA/IEC 62443 Series of Standards (https://bit.ly/3NUPyfc)Website: ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Certificate Program (https://bit.ly/4t3ySkx)Website: ABS Industrial and OT Cybersecurity Solutions (https://bit.ly/4bPohTn)Website: Siemens IT/OT Cybersecurity (https://bit.ly/4svqY3z)Video: Increased visibility and security level within the OT (https://bit.ly/3O05AV4)Whitepaper: Intelligence-Driven Active Defense Report 2026 (https://www.siemens.com/en-us/events/s4/)Contact Us:Marco Ayala ([email protected] and https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-marc-ayala-a3b26934/)Jonas Norinder ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/jonasnorinder)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)

In the 62nd episode of Digitalization Tech Talks, hosts Jonas Norinder and Don Mack kick off a two‑part series on the evolving state of industrial cybersecurity. They uncover what’s really happening inside OT networks long before a cyber incident hits the plant floor including why over 80% of adversary behavior occurs months before impact, why air‑gaps no longer provide real protection, and how legacy vulnerabilities continue to be actively exploited. As guest Adam Robbie puts it “OT security is no longer a hidden problem — it’s a visibility problem.” This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating IT/OT convergence, looking for ways to improve industrial defenses, or preparing for emerging cyber risks. The insights come directly from a new white paper supported by a commercial and research partnership between Palo Alto Networks and Siemens, together with Idaho National Labs as the third-party research partner. Show Notes:Research Paper (S4 Conference): Intelligence-Driven Active Defense Report 2026 (https://sie.ag/416Tgm)Website (Palo Alto): OT Security Insights 2025 (https://sie.ag/2ZcgDY)Website (US Department of Energy): Cybersecurity for the Operational Technology Environment (https://sie.ag/5p9z6a)Website (Siemens): Industrial cybersecurity solutions | Siemens (https://sie.ag/4HJ8L4) Contact us:Adam Robbie email ([email protected]), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamrobbie/)Tilo Pinkert email ([email protected]), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tilopinkert/)Priyanjan Sharma email ([email protected]), LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyanjansharma/)  Don Mack email ([email protected])Jonas Norinder email ([email protected])

In this second part of episode 61 of Digitalization Tech Talks, hosts Jonas Norinder and Don Mack continue the conversation with Meena Sankaran, Founder and CEO of KETOS, to explore how digitalization is reshaping water management in the process industries. Meena shares the most common operational challenges she sees across plants and explains what it takes to build water insights that operations and environmental teams can trust with the power of robotics and AI.Drawing from real‑world examples, Meena highlights where plants see early wins, how they quantify improvements, and the practical steps organizations can take to begin their digital water journey with both innovation and creative business models. Her perspective offers a clear look at how data, automation, and actionable intelligence are defining the future of industrial water.Show Notes:Website: Automated Water Quality Monitoring | KETOS (https://ketos.co/)Article: KETOS Partners with Siemens (https://bit.ly/4rFfycX)Website: Sustainable water all the way – solutions for the water industry (https://bit.ly/3LFUkMJ)Videos: KETOS – Water Monitoring Solution (https://bit.ly/4k6J48N)Request a demonstration: Request your demo (https://ketos.co/request-a-demo)Ad LinkSiemens Extended Payment Terms: Buy now. Pay later. (https://siemens.com/paylater)Contact Us:Meena Sankaran ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/meenas)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)Jonas Norinder ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/jonasnorinder)

In this episode of Digitalization Tech Talks, hosts Jonas Norinder and Don Mack are joined by Meena Sankaran, Founder and CEO of KETOS, to explore how digitalization is reshaping water management in the process industries. Meena shares the most common operational challenges she sees across plants and explains what it takes to build water insights that operations and environmental teams can trust with the power of robotics and AI. Drawing from real‑world examples, Meena highlights where plants see early wins, how they quantify improvements, and the practical steps organizations can take to begin their digital water journey with both innovation and creative business models. Her perspective offers a clear look at how data, automation, and actionable intelligence are defining the future of industrial water. Show Notes:Website: Automated Water Quality Monitoring | KETOS (https://ketos.co/)Article: KETOS Partners with Siemens (https://bit.ly/4rFfycX)Website: Sustainable water all the way – solutions for the water industry (https://bit.ly/3LFUkMJ)Videos: KETOS – Water Monitoring Solution (https://bit.ly/4k6J48N)Request a demonstration: Request your demo (https://ketos.co/request-a-demo) Ad LinkSiemens Extended Payment Terms: Buy now. Pay later. (https://siemens.com/paylater) Contact Us:Meena Sankaran ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/meenas)Don Mack ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/don-mack)Jonas Norinder ([email protected] and linkedin.com/in/jonasnorinder)