Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship

#15: Decoding 2025 and a Roadmap for 2026

Fifteen years ago I was inspired by Chris Guillebeau (https://chrisguillebeau.com/ [https://chrisguillebeau.com/]) and accomplished some life goals over just a few years. One of his methods of working on multiple goals simultaneously is to do an annual review of the previous year and make plans for the next. It has been a while since I have done this, so I decided to do mine this year on my podcast. TAKEAWAYS The influence of Chris Guillebeau and the Annual Review (01:00 – 3:00) In 2010 I bought Chris Guillebeau’s book “The Art of Non-Conformity”, which influenced me to accomplish a few bucket list items over the following couple of years. Every year he does an annual review, so I am using this in part to motivate myself. My past year (03:20 – 19:00) I did some things on purpose, and some other things just kind of happened. The year started well, but kind of got off track with acquiring a bunch of old equipment. I did take some fun trips and started this podcast, but didn’t accomplish many of the things I had planned on. Next Year’s Goals: Marketing (19:00 – 20:40) I have taken on a marketing intern and hope to do better with that aspect of my business this year. My Calendar (20:40 – 22:40) I can look back over the past 12 years and see the work I have done since 2012, this has been a useful tool. More on the Roadmap and Marketing (22:40 – 32:20) Successes and failures in goalsetting. Mixed results on extracurricular activities, some awesome trips but I am starting to feel my age. What are your goals for next year? Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com [http://www.automationllc.com], https://chrisguillebeau.com/ [https://chrisguillebeau.com/]  CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com [https://www.automationllc.com] Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ [https://www.facebook.com/AutomationConsultingLlc/] LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc [http://inkedin.com/in/franklamb] YouTube: @automationllc [https://www.youtube.com/@automationllc]

#14: Drop Into the Deep End: Navigating Unfamiliar Processes with Familiar Tools

How does a typical subcontracting job work in system integration? You have a scope of work and you are about to visit a plant for the first time, not knowing what to expect. Join me as I walk you through a trip to a fresh application. TAKEAWAYS Subcontracting to Patrick Bunn and BAC (01:00 – 3:20) Patrick is a familiar face from a previous podcast. The Scope of Work (SOW) and an overview of the application. Communications and other items on the SOW (3:20 – 6:00) Fixing a communications issue and how previous experience with unknown applications at ABD helped provide confidence. More on the process. How important is it to understand it? (6:00 – 12:10) The hydrogen process and layout of the facility, reformers and the control systems. The purpose of the visit. Changes to the code, and information on the SCADA systems. Mapping and documentation (12:10 – 13:20) Why mapping and written documentation is important for both the customer and future integrators. Leveraging what you know (15:00 – 20:00) Where to start? The discovery process and organizing a plan. When you aren’t familiar with a plant, procedures and where things are, it’s important to start with what you already know. Some of the things that you need to know in system integration jobs, drawing on previous experiences. You will not understand everything immediately! (20:00 – 26:30) Learning on the fly. Again, documentation. Who to talk to and ask questions? Lesson learned on toggling pushbuttons. More on how to approach unfamiliar applications. Starting with the basics can lead to more complex design jobs. Building trust, interfacing with customers. (26:30 – 30:15) Some advice on working with new customers, making things reversible, asking questions. Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com [http://www.automationllc.com], https://www.bunnautomation.com/ [https://www.bunnautomation.com/] CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com [https://www.automationllc.com] Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ [https://www.facebook.com/AutomationConsultingLlc/] LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc [http://inkedin.com/in/franklamb] YouTube: @automationllc [https://www.youtube.com/@automationllc]

#13: Automation Marketing Tips with Emily Merritt of Clearlead Marketing

How does marketing work for industrial system integrators? Emily Merritt of Clearlead Marketing discusses the ins and outs of marketing for companies and service providers in industrial automation. TAKEAWAYS Current projects (01:00 – 2:10) What Emily and Clearlead have been working on since OT SCADA CON this Summer How Emily got started in marketing (2:30 – 8:40) From technical writing and data analysis to the study of marketing in system integration. How  experiments form the marketing message. How she met her first system integrator client. Service marketing (8:40 – 16:35) The niche of industrial automation services. How does the initial message get created? Are potential customers responding to the message? How does marketing make sense for small companies? Booking appointments is different than creating a quality message. Working with customers to create Linked In content (18:15 – 21:20) Marketing requires effort from the customer. Some of the things that are required in creating a marketing campaign and message. Newsletters and e-mail lists (21:20 - 28:00) How to communicate with potential customers. Reuse of content, using AI. Should these be outsourced? There’s no wrong way to market (28:15-31:30) Try different methods, all methods have effects. Make sure you have a call to action! How this podcast evolved and whether I should have a newsletter (31:30-35:00) Emily’s advice on what to put in a newsletter. Is everything promotional and all content a marketing tool? Will it enhance the chances of making a sale? Is it good “bait”? Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com [http://www.automationllc.com], https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymerritt-clearlead-marketing/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymerritt-clearlead-marketing/], https://clearleadmarketing.com/ [https://clearleadmarketing.com/], youtube.com/@Clearlead  [https://www.youtube.com/@Clearlead] CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com [https://www.automationllc.com] Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ [https://www.facebook.com/AutomationConsultingLlc/] LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc [http://inkedin.com/in/franklamb] YouTube: @automationllc [https://www.youtube.com/@automationllc]

#12: Industrial Automation Products: An Overview

What kind of products are used in Industrial Automation and manufacturing? Are computers used to control machines? Why are industrial components so expensive compared to commercial products? A look at some of the items used in manufacturing. TAKEAWAYS Controllers (01:00 – 7:20) Types of controllers: PLC, DCS, process and microcontrollers, timers and counters, computers, even pneumatic! Sensors (7:20 – 18:25) What do industrial sensors detect? Photoelectrics, Inductive and capacitive proximity switches, limit switches, buttons and switches are examples of “discrete” sensors. Analog sensors, linear current and voltage, thermocouples are examples of analog sensors. Color detection, encoders and resolvers, machine vision are examples of sensors that don’t fall cleanly into analog and discrete categories. Actuators (20:10 – 23:20) Things that move, fluid power and motors. Servos and steppers. Indicators… Actuator Controllers (23:20 – 29:20) fluid power accessories, VFDs and other motor controls.  Associated Devices (29:20-33:30) Transformers, fuses and breakers, power supplies, wire distribution, relays, enclosures, wire, labels etc. Software (33:30-34:20) SCADA, CAD, programming, sizing Machinery Types (34:20-37:50) A few of the types of machines you might see in a typical factory, process control and utilities. Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com [https://www.automationllc.com] Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ [https://www.facebook.com/AutomationConsultingLlc/] LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc [http://inkedin.com/in/franklamb] YouTube: @automationllc [https://www.youtube.com/@automationllc]

#11: Starting a Small Business in Industrial Automation

Do you have experience in manufacturing or industrial automation? Have you ever thought of starting your own business? This episode is for you!  TAKEAWAYS Product Sales   (01:00 – 12:00) Distributors, Manufacturers Reps and Online sales Services (12:00 – 19:30) Industrial electricians, panel fabrication, system integration, training and mechanical trades Machines and Systems (21:10 – 29:40) It can be difficult to organize small companies into categories Marketing Methods (29:40 – 32:50) Different ways of advertising and selling your product or service Funding (32:50-36:00) Different ways of funding your startup Six Tips on Starting a Business (36:00-41:30) Learn about business and your industry, start small, don’t borrow, network and other advice. Links mentioned in this episode Automation Consulting, LLC, www.automationllc.com CONNECT WITH FRANK Website: https://www.automationllc.com [https://www.automationllc.com] Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/ [https://www.facebook.com/AutomationConsultingLlc/] LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc [http://inkedin.com/in/franklamb] YouTube: @automationllc [https://www.youtube.com/@automationllc]