Tower Construction, Data Infrastructure & AI in Energy | Brandon Young | Midland Tower - Ep 071

Low Bandwidth Video for Critical Infrastructure | Stuart McCone of VideoSoft at ENTELEC - Ep 075

In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with Stuart McCone, Founder and CEO of VideoSoft. Stuart shares how VideoSoft built ultra low-bandwidth video technology designed specifically for harsh industrial environments, remote infrastructure, and mission-critical operations. The conversation dives into: Real-time video over limited bandwidth networks Low latency video for oil & gas operations Edge video processing and compression Drone and BVLOS video applications Video AI and machine learning at the edge OT cybersecurity and encrypted video transport SCADA, telecom, and operational network integration How operators can deploy video reliably in remote environments VideoSoft is actively supporting some of the largest critical infrastructure deployments in North America, including large-scale midstream energy operations where reliable video transport across constrained networks is essential. Topics Covered: ✅ Low-bandwidth video technology ✅ Critical infrastructure communications ✅ BVLOS drone video ✅ Edge AI video analytics ✅ Operational technology (OT) networks ✅ Video compression for harsh environments ✅ Oil & gas telecom infrastructure ✅ Cybersecurity for industrial video systems ✅ Real-time video transport If you're involved in industrial networking, SCADA, OT cybersecurity, drones, video analytics, or remote operations — this episode offers practical insight into how modern video architectures are evolving for industrial environments. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on industrial automation, SCADA, AI, edge computing, OT cybersecurity, and energy technology innovation. #VideoSoft #IndustrialVideo #SCADA #OilAndGas #EdgeComputing #IndustrialAI #ENTELEC #Cybersecurity #BVLOS #OperationalTechnology #IndustrialAutomation #IIoT #energytechpodcast 00:00 – Introduction from ENTELEC 2026 00:36 – Meet Stuart McCone, Founder of VideoSoft 01:06 – Building Video Technology for Harsh Environments 01:58 – The Rise of IoT & Industrial Video 03:09 – Solving Low Bandwidth Video Challenges 03:49 – Critical Infrastructure, Latency & Terrain Challenges 04:41 – Video in 24/7 Industrial Control Rooms 05:32 – How VideoSoft Compresses Video at the Edge 06:13 – Simplicity, Reliability & Cybersecurity 07:40 – Where VideoSoft Fits in OT Architectures 08:20 – “Thread Through a Straw” Video Compression Analogy 09:32 – Real-World Industrial Video Use Cases 10:15 – Defense, Aviation, Drones & Energy Applications 10:30 – 30,000 Camera Deployment with Enterprise Products 11:15 – VideoSoft Platform & Proprietary Protocols 12:07 – BVLOS Drone Video & Remote Operations 13:20 – Extending Drone Operations with Low Bandwidth Video 14:18 – AI & Machine Learning for Industrial Video 15:10 – Connecting Edge AI Detection to Operations 16:42 – The Future of Automation & Video Systems 17:51 – How Customers Deploy VideoSoft 18:30 – Simplifying Deployment for Industrial Operators 19:22 – Scaling Video Technology for Critical Infrastructure 20:00 – Final Thoughts & Closing

Open BMS, AI at the Edge & Data Center Innovation | Martin Villeneuve of Distech Controls - Ep 074

In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at Inductive Automation’s Data Center Discovery Day 2026 in Tysons, Virginia, Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with Martin Villeneuve, President of Distech Controls. Martin shares how Distech Controls evolved from an open BMS innovator into a major player in the rapidly growing data center market. The conversation explores open protocols, edge AI, MQTT, Sparkplug B, Docker-based edge computing, and the convergence of HVAC, electrical systems, and industrial automation inside modern data centers. The team also discusses: Why open architecture matters in industrial systems Data center infrastructure challenges Edge compute and AI-ready building systems Sparkplug B and MQTT integration PLC and DDC convergence MCP (Model Context Protocol) and AI interoperability The future of BMS and industrial data contextualization How Ignition and open-source technologies are changing the market If you're involved in industrial automation, data centers, BMS, SCADA, HVAC, or OT infrastructure, this episode provides a forward-looking discussion on where the industry is heading. 🎙️ Presented by OpSite Energy 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on SCADA, OT, industrial automation, AI, and energy technology. #DataCenters #IgnitionSCADA #MQTT #SparkplugB #EdgeAI #IndustrialAutomation #BMS #SCADA #DataCenterInfrastructure #OTCybersecurity #BuildingAutomation #EnergyTechPodcast Chapters 00:00 – Intro from Data Center Discovery Day 2026 00:19 – Meet Martin Villeneuve of Distech Controls 01:03 – Why Distech is targeting the data center market 01:43 – Launching a new PLC line for data centers 02:21 – Innovation and disruption in BMS technology 03:06 – Open protocols vs proprietary systems 03:54 – Moving fully to BACnet IP architecture 05:20 – Future-proofing legacy customer systems 06:26 – How Distech integrates with Ignition 07:04 – Docker containers, MQTT & edge AI 08:01 – Sparkplug B and open ecosystem development 09:25 – Edge connectivity and legacy protocol integration 10:13 – Native Sparkplug B support roadmap 11:20 – Making industrial data AI-ready 12:15 – Haystack, RealEstateCore & MCP explained 13:18 – Open-source software and Ignition’s ecosystem 14:10 – Reliability and resiliency in critical systems 15:05 – Biggest blind spots in data center infrastructure 16:13 – Integrating HVAC and electrical systems together 17:35 – Lessons from European and Asian data centers 18:16 – Closing thoughts from Data Center Discovery Day Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Industrial AI Starts with Better Data | Mike Tilman on Edge Computing & UNS - Ep. 073

In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, Mike Flores sits down with Mike Tilman — an edge computing innovator and OT/IT integration expert with decades of experience in oil & gas communications, industrial networking, and data infrastructure. Mike shares his journey from early IT consulting in the oilfield to supporting large-scale edge computing and data strategy initiatives for a major energy producer. The conversation dives deep into some of the biggest challenges facing industrial operators today: Unified Namespace (UNS) and contextualized data MQTT, Sparkplug B, and edge architectures OT vs IT integration challenges AI readiness in industrial operations Why “garbage in, garbage out” matters for AI Data lakes, semantic models, and predictive maintenance Industrial cybersecurity and OT risk management The role of ENTELEC as a true industry community If you're involved in SCADA, automation, industrial networking, cybersecurity, AI, or digital transformation in energy — this episode is packed with practical insights from real-world deployments. Topics Covered: ✅ Edge compute in oil & gas ✅ Unified Namespace (UNS) strategies ✅ MQTT & Sparkplug B architectures ✅ OT cybersecurity challenges ✅ AI and industrial data quality ✅ Predictive maintenance & analytics ✅ SCADA modernization ✅ ENTELEC community insights 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on SCADA, automation, industrial AI, OT cybersecurity, and energy technology innovation. #EnergyTechPodcast #UNS #MQTT #IndustrialAI #SCADA #OilAndGas #EdgeComputing #ENTELEC #OperationalTechnology #Cybersecurity #DigitalTransformation #SparkplugB #IndustrialAutomation #OTSecurity #AI 00:00 – Introduction from ENTELEC 2026 00:42 – Meet Mike Tilman: Edge Computing Innovator 01:30 – Mike’s Background in Oil & Gas Technology 02:35 – Supporting Edge Compute & Data Strategy 03:10 – Bridging OT and IT Systems 03:53 – Challenges of Deploying Industrial PCs in OT 05:00 – Balancing Risk vs Value in New Technology 06:03 – Consulting for Operators, Vendors & Integrators 07:00 – Unified Namespace (UNS) Explained 07:47 – Why Contextualized Data Matters for AI 09:00 – Data Engineering vs Proper UNS Design 10:52 – MQTT, Sparkplug B & Report-by-Exception Models 11:44 – Avoiding Rip-and-Replace Architectures 12:40 – Predictive Maintenance & Collecting More Data 14:18 – Why AI Alone Won’t Fix Bad Data 15:21 – “Garbage In, Garbage Out” for AI 16:21 – AI as a Tool, Not the Solution 16:56 – Top 3 Requirements for Industrial AI 18:12 – Mike’s Role with ENTELEC Cybersecurity Committee 18:44 – What Makes ENTELEC Different from Other Conferences 19:29 – Upcoming OT Cybersecurity Webinar Initiative 21:20 – The Value of ENTELEC Membership & Training 22:01 – ENTELEC Fall Seminar in Odessa 23:05 – Closing Thoughts & Final Takeaways Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

PHMSA Control Room Management Series - Part VII Point To Point Verification - Ep 072

In Episode 7 of the Energy Tech Podcast Control Room Management (CRM) series, Mike Flores and Daniel Nieto break down one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — requirements in pipeline operations: point-to-point verification. This episode dives into how operators ensure that SCADA data can be trusted — from the field device all the way to the control room screen. When controllers lose trust in their data, alarm response, safety, and operational integrity are all at risk. Daniel shares real-world audit experience and practical guidance on: When point-to-point verification is required (beyond just new installs) How to validate field instruments, communication paths, and SCADA displays The role of alarm verification and safety-related points Common mistakes that lead to audit findings How to properly document and prove compliance during PHMSA audits If you're responsible for SCADA systems, control room operations, or regulatory compliance, this episode gives you a clear, actionable framework to ensure your data is accurate — and defensible. 👉 Subscribe for more CRM insights and real-world operational guidance. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Intro to CRM Series Part 7: Point-to-Point Verification 00:49 – What is Point-to-Point Verification? 01:17 – Why Trusting SCADA Data Matters 02:06 – End-to-End Verification (Field to SCADA) 03:32 – Regulatory Foundation (PHMSA 192 & 195) 04:30 – Core Concept: Field Devices, Comms, and Display Alignment 06:00 – Audit Expectations: What Inspectors Look For 07:37 – What Does “Thorough” Mean in an Audit? 08:47 – When Point-to-Point is Required (Key Triggers) 10:09 – Changes That Require Verification (Scaling, Mapping, Logic) 11:12 – Rule of Thumb for Triggering Point-to-Point 13:18 – What a Proper Point-to-Point Process Looks Like 13:58 – Communication Path & Data Refresh Rates 15:52 – Tag Mapping & Naming Consistency 17:13 – Alarm Verification & Setpoint Validation 18:21 – Who Should Perform Point-to-Point Testing? 20:34 – Using Synthetic Values When You Can’t Shut Down 22:25 – Objective: Eliminate Mapping, Scaling & Logic Errors 23:31 – Real-World Failure Example (Mismapped Transmitter) 26:27 – Safety-Critical Points to Prioritize 27:52 – Verification Requirements for Safety Logic 29:43 – Documentation & Audit Evidence Requirements 31:41 – Daniel’s 4-Step Compliance Framework 33:35 – Tie Point-to-Point to Management of Change (MOC) 34:53 – Common Misconceptions Explained 35:57 – Is Point-to-Point Just Paperwork? 36:37 – Do You Need to Verify Every Point? 37:42 – Top 3 Takeaways for Operators & Managers 40:17 – Preview of Episode 8: "When Screens Go Dark" Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com

Tower Construction, Data Infrastructure & AI in Energy | Brandon Young | Midland Tower - Ep 071

In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, recorded live at ENTELEC 2026 in Galveston, Texas, we sit down with Brandon Young, CEO of Midland Tower Construction. Brandon shares his journey from climbing 2,000-foot towers to leading a fast-growing infrastructure company supporting oil & gas, telecom, and data-driven operations across the U.S. We dive into how tower construction plays a critical role in modern energy infrastructure — from fiber networks and microwave communications to full EPC support and data-driven operations. We also explore the future of infrastructure, including how companies like Midland Tower are adapting to increasing data demands and the role of AI in optimizing operations. Key Topics Covered: Tower construction and infrastructure in oil & gas Fiber, microwave, and network deployment EPC partnerships and end-to-end project support Scaling operations across multiple states Data-driven operations in energy AI in infrastructure and field operations Workforce growth and company culture If you're in energy, telecom, or industrial infrastructure — this episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the backbone of modern operations. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations from ENTELEC 2026 👉 Follow OpSite Energy for insights on remote operations, SCADA, and energy tech #EnergyTech #ENTELEC2026 #OilAndGas #Telecom #Infrastructure #SCADA #AI #DigitalTransformation ⏱️ Chapters (YouTube Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro from ENTELEC 2026 00:17 – Meet Brandon Young (Midland Tower Construction) 01:17 – From Tower Climber to CEO 02:23 – What Midland Tower Construction Does 03:26 – Geographic Footprint & Growth 04:06 – Fiber, Networking & Infrastructure Work 04:46 – Working with EPCs & Engineering Teams 05:23 – Full Lifecycle Project Support 05:58 – Company Growth: 12 to 55 Employees 06:16 – Core Values & Leadership Philosophy 07:21 – Integrity in Infrastructure Work 08:05 – Simplifying Complexity for Customers 08:49 – Technology Roadmap & Industry Trends 09:16 – Data-Driven Operations in Energy 09:49 – AI in Infrastructure: Tool, Not Threat 10:19 – ENTELEC Experience & Industry Engagement 10:31 – How to Connect with Midland Tower 11:01 – Closing Thoughts Presented by Opsite Energy: www.opsitenergy.com Music: Uygar Duzgun / “Fast Life” courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com