EECO Asks Why Podcast

Business & Finance

About

Welcome to EECO Ask’s Why – A podcast that dives into industrial manufacturing topics and spotlights the heroes that keep America running. On this podcast, we do not cover the latest features and benefits on products that come to market. Instead, we focus on advice and insight from the top minds of industry because people and ideas will be how America remains number one in manufacturing in the world.

Episodes

  • Achieve Results - 100 Year Celebration Series

    This episode of EECO Asks Why Podcast, part of the 100 Year Celebration Series, focuses on achieving results by emphasizing personal responsibility for company outcomes and the discipline to align daily activities. It explores how speed wi…

  • From Insights To Impact

    This episode discusses turning operational data into actionable decisions to prevent downtime and improve reliability in manufacturing. It covers how intelligent devices and diagnostics enable evidence-based maintenance, moving beyond gues…

  • From Control To Intelligence

    This episode discusses the transition from automation control to operational intelligence, emphasizing the role of clean, contextualized data. It covers practical applications like digital twins and predictive maintenance, using a rail-sit…

  • Why Cybersecurity Belongs Inside Your Industrial Control Panel

    This episode of EECO Asks Why Podcast discusses cybersecurity within industrial control panels, explaining how they bridge the gap between the plant floor and the external world. It covers the risks of unauthorized access, subtle logic cha…

  • Smarter Panels, Better Decisions

    This episode discusses how connectivity and data acquisition transform control panels into smart components. It covers the roles of industrial switches, routers, cellular modems, and analog I/O in reducing downtime, improving Overall Equip…

  • Smart Protection For Safer Control Panels

    This episode of EECO Asks Why Podcast discusses industrial control panel safety, covering overcurrent protection, fuses, circuit breakers, and motor starters. It highlights intelligent electronic overload relays for monitoring and preventi…

  • Industrial Control Panels 101

    This episode breaks down industrial control panels, explaining the roles of PLCs, HMIs, and power systems in factory operations. It covers how to read panels, emphasizes safety principles like UL 508A and NFPA 79, and offers practical tips…

  • AI Agents: Manufacturing's Secret Weapon

    This episode discusses autonomous AI agents transforming manufacturing operations with real-time decision-making and predictive capabilities. AI agents analyze factory data to anticipate issues, leading to reduced downtime and maintenance…

  • Virtual Factories, Real Results: The Digital Twin Revolution

    Digital twin technology offers manufacturers a competitive edge through virtual replicas for testing, validation, and optimization. These dynamic simulations can compress development timelines, accelerate ROI, and, when enhanced with AI, p…

  • Digital Twins: The Future of Manufacturing

    This episode discusses digital twin technology, explaining how these virtual models mirror physical manufacturing systems. It covers their use in virtual prototyping, simulation, risk reduction, and operator training, highlighting time and…

  • Bridging the Industrial Skills Gap

    The EECO Asks Why Podcast episode on Bridging the Industrial Skills Gap examines the reality of manufacturing workforce challenges. It suggests that innovative training, recruitment, and intergenerational collaboration, alongside early STE…

  • The Network: Your Manufacturing Lifeline

    This episode of EECO Asks Why Podcast focuses on industrial networks as the lifeline of manufacturing operations. It details the challenges of manufacturing environments on networking equipment, the risks of using inadequate solutions, and…

  • 3 Ways To Begin Your Smart Manufacturing Journey

    EECO Asks Why Podcast episode 3 outlines three foundational steps for smart manufacturing: analyzing installed assets to understand the current infrastructure, conducting a smart tech review with diverse stakeholders to explore possibiliti…

  • Progression and Smart Devices

    The EECO Asks Why Podcast episode 'Progression and Smart Devices' discusses digital transformation in manufacturing, emphasizing incremental steps and the foundational role of smart devices and network standardization. It highlights the im…

  • Unlocking the Power of Ethernet in Industrial Manufacturing

    This EECO Asks Why Podcast episode details Ethernet's significance in industrial manufacturing, focusing on its reliability, scalability, and interoperability. It covers network levels, topologies, the OSI model, and compares Ethernet with…

  • Transforming Manufacturing: Embracing Smart Technologies and Dispelling Myths

    This episode of EECO Asks Why Podcast focuses on the urgent need for modernization in the manufacturing sector, defining smart manufacturing as the path forward. It covers benefits like increased productivity, overcoming barriers such as c…

  • Why Now is the Time to Lead

    This episode of EECO Asks Why Podcast discusses the importance of smart manufacturing for the future, exploring its historical context, current challenges in U.S. infrastructure, and the concept of collaborative systems. It offers practica…

  • Mastering Your Navigation Experience on EECO Online

    This episode of EECO Asks Why Podcast, hosted by Chris Grainger, focuses on navigating the EECO Online platform. It covers features like product families, product comparisons, event registration, and accessing support resources to enhance…

  • Unlocking Flexibility with Payment and Shipping Methods

    Unlock the secrets to revolutionizing your industrial manufacturing procurement process with insights from our latest episode. Discover how flexible payment options, such as credit card and account-based payments, can enhance your purchasi…

  • Streamlining Industrial Procurement: Unlocking Efficiency and Control

    Ever wondered how you can minimize downtime and keep your industrial manufacturing projects on schedule? Get ready to unlock the secrets of efficient online procurement with actionable strategies for optimizing your purchasing process. In…

  • Optimizing Online Procurement: Strategies for Efficiency and Accuracy

    How much time and money could you save by optimizing your online procurement process? Find out as we explore key strategies for enhancing efficiency and accuracy in industrial manufacturing procurement. We discuss the pivotal role of loggi…

  • Mastering Online Account Management

    We are getting down to brass tacks with this episode. We are beginning a series to help you unlock the secrets of our comprehensive online account management solution. I From the simplicity of registration to the complexities of personaliz…

  • New Features and Enhancements on EECO Online

    What if you could streamline your procurement process and make your operations more efficient with just a few clicks? Discover the game-changing features now available on our online experience, including an enhanced quick order functionali…

  • Revolutionizing Industrial Manufacturing Through E-Commerce: Maximizing Account Management and Cutting-Edge Technology

    Can modern e-commerce platforms really transform the way industrial manufacturers operate? We unpack the revolutionary impact of e-commerce account management within the industrial sector. You'll discover how these platforms have evolved t…

  • Embracing Digitalization: Revolutionizing Customer Engagement in Electrical Distribution

    We're tearing down the old procurement playbook and rewriting rules that foster stronger connections with industrial distributors, through digital toolkits that transform procurement from a support function to a centerpiece of strategic in…

  • Empowering Buyers in the Digital Age: The Future of Industrial Distribution

    Unlock the future of digital procurement with us as we traverse the exciting landscape of industrial distribution's transformation. Experience firsthand how EECO is spearheading innovation by offering self-service platforms that mirror the…

  • Unlocking Efficiency and Security in Smart Manufacturing with Managed Network Switches

    Discover the transformative shift that's redefining industrial manufacturing: the ascendancy of managed network switches. We will walk through the cutting-edge intersection of technology and production, where managed switches reign supreme…

  • From Reactive to Proactive: The Evolution of Industrial Power Monitoring

    Unlock the secrets to operational excellence with a deep dive into the world of power monitoring in industrial manufacturing. We weave through genesis including technology such as chart recorders to the latest sophisticated systems, provid…

  • Empowering Industrial Automation with IIoT Solutions

    Embark on a journey through the evolution of industrial automation as we unravel the mysteries of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) on ECO Ask Why. Prepare to trace the lineage of innovation from the days of clunky relays to the sle…

  • The Future of Manufacturing: A Deep Dive into Smart Motor Protection

    What if the key to revolutionizing your manufacturing operations lies in the smart protection of your motors? As industrial leaders seek competitive advantage, embracing smart motor protection is not just about enhancing reliability and lo…

  • Mastering System Design: From Concept to Reality

    Are you ready design systems that make a true impact in industrial manufacturing? In this enlightening episode, we're taking you on a tour from the drawing board to the production line. We're not just drawing blueprints here; we're creatin…

  • Unleashing Your Asset Potential with Installed Base Evaluations

    What if you had a detailed list of your assets, helping you to prioritize investments, identify risks, and streamline your path to efficiency? That's what an Installed Base Evaluation (IBE) offers, and we're diving deep into the transforma…

  • 250. Idea - How to Debrief to Win

    Debriefing can have a powerful impact on business when done correctly. In this powerful conversation Robert "Cujo" Teschner breaks down the idea behind a debrief and to execute them to achieve significant results. His definition of a debri…

  • 249. Idea - How Procurement Serves During Continuous Disruption

    Michael Van Keulen does a phenomenal job of breaking down the role of technology in procurement. He has a passion for procurement and believes that best-in-class procurement outcomes depend on three factors: People Process Technology Witho…

  • 248. Idea - Creating Supply Chain Agility Through Software

    In this episode we explore the ways in which software can help create supply chain agility. Ara Surenian discusses the importance of supply chain agility, the role of software in achieving it, and some examples of software solutions that c…

  • 247. Hero - Bret Lehman, Dir. of Product & Business Dev at PCX Corporation

    In the fast paced world of data centers Bret Lehman is changing the game! He shares his incredible journey and how the landscape has changed so much over the last 20 years. Bret gives an inside look at key areas of innovation including: Se…

  • 246. Idea - Inside look at Modular Data Centers

    Flexibility, customization and innovation are the heart of the exciting world of modular data centers! In this conversation Michael Hennings and Bret Lehman give an inside look at this evolving technology. As frontline industry leaders the…

  • 245. Hero - Michael Hennings, Director Business Development at Hubbell Incorporated

    Look for challenges and never be content. That is what drives Michael Hennings and he shares about his amazing journey in this Hero conversation. Michael is the Director of Business Development at Hubbell and is on the front lines of cutti…

  • 244. Idea - eCommerce Strategy for Manufacturing and Distribution

    83% of B2B buyers prefer an e-commerce or digital experience, as opposed to picking up the phone! Let that sink in for a minute. The digital experience for those in manufacturing is here and the businesses that are making the investments n…

  • 243. Hero - Jerry Foster, CTO at Plex Systems, Inc.

    Being on the front lines of game changing industry solutions is what our hero Jerry Foster lives every day! In this inspirational conversation Jerry unpacks his personal journey through industry and some of his incredible experiences. Work…

  • 242. Idea - Quality as a Mindset

    When quality becomes part of your culture the game changes completely! Anthony Murphy shares how he and the team at PLEX stay focused on building solutions that helps organizations align to achieve amazing results. When everyone is driving…

  • 241. Hero - Curt Anderson, eCommerce Evangelist for Manufacturers

    We need more evangelists for manufacturing! Curt Anderson is one of the most energetic and impactful voices that is ensuring manufacturing get the attention it deserves. He is extremely passionate about helping manufacturers connect with c…

  • 240. Idea - Taking the comPLEX out of MES

    Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are impacting factory floors like never before. In this information packed episode we welcome Jerry Foster from Plex to unpack the realities of these powerful solutions. He shares how the need for manu…

  • 239. Special - Happy New Year from EECO Asks Why

    Your work environment affects your impact. In this New Year's Special Chris shares a recent idea he implemented with the EECO Asks Why studio that can be utilized wherever you find yourself working. With as much time as we spend at work th…

  • 238. Special - Merry Christmas from EECO Asks Why

    The Christmas season brings lots of opportunities to step away and reflect. One of the benefits of that reflection is the ability to see what is working and what adjustments you should consider in the future. In this Christmas special Chri…

  • 237. Idea - Directly Impacting the Industrial Skills Gap

    When the worlds of manufacturing and education collide powerful things can happen! That's exactly what Jeremiah Williams is leading at Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia. He is the Directior of Integrated Machining Technology…

  • 236. Hero - Alicia Gilpin, Director of Engineering @ Process & Controls Engineering LLC

    Our hero Alicia Gilpin is making waves in the industrial automation world. From controls to social media influencer to podcaster her plate stays full. In this fun hero story she unpacks her journey and shares lessons learned along the way.…

  • 235. Idea - The New Age of Sourcing

    The world of sourcing has changed dramatically. In this information packed conversation Karen Blackburn returns and provides an inside look at the world of professional procurement. Karen covers the areas that matter most in manufacturing…

  • 234. Hero - Jeremiah Williams, Director of Integrated Machining Technology @ Danville Community College

    Some heroes wear capes and others make metal fly! Jeremiah Williams is an absolute hero of industry as he's building the next generation of machining leaders one class at a time. His journey led him to an exciting opportunity at Rolls Royc…

  • 233. Thanksgiving Special with Chris Grainger

    In this special episode Chris unpacks some of the moments he has been most thankful for since we launched EECO Asks Why. We hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving and get to celebrate with the ones that mean the most. Women in Engineerin…