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The Smart Factory Podcast: Powered by Catalyst Connection: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Catalyst Connection
The Smart Factory Podcast, powered by Catalyst Connection, explores how manufacturing is evolving on the ground — not in theory, but in practice.Recorded inside the Citizens Bank Podcast Studio at Mill 19 in Pittsburgh, the podcast connects the region’s industrial legacy with the technologies, talent, and strategies shaping what comes next.Each episode features candid conversations with manufacturers, technology leaders, workforce experts, and partners working at the intersection of operations, automation, digital tools, energy, and leadership. The focus is practical. What’s working, what’s challenging, and how manufacturers are making decisions in real environments.Built for small and mid-sized manufacturers, The Smart Factory Podcast delivers grounded insight, relevant examples, and clear perspective on the future of American manufacturing — one conversation at a time.
Latest Episodes
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- 1 weeks ago29 min
Start with the Problem: Making AI Work in Manufacturing
AI can help manufacturers build software faster, automate manual processes and unlock value from the data they already have—but only when it solves the right problem. Jordan Saunders of NextLink Labs joins Matt Holjes to discuss how manufacturers can move beyond AI experimentation and identify practical opportunities with measurable business impact. They explore why quoting is emerging as a strong AI use case, the risks of “vibe coding,” and how manufacturers can use AI to improve workflows without sacrificing software quality, security or maintainability. Jordan also shares real-world examples of AI helping manufacturers reduce quoting time, capture knowledge from meetings and identify new business opportunities.
- 3 weeks ago26 min
Software That Fits: How AI Is Changing the Build vs. Buy Decision
AI is changing the economics of custom software. Sean joins Matt Holjes to explore how manufacturers can move beyond spreadsheets, whiteboards and disconnected systems by using AI to build practical tools around the way their teams actually work—and why custom software could soon become an expectation rather than a luxury.
- Oct 5, 202631 min
The ERP Reality Check: Leadership, Cost and AI
ERP implementations are expensive, complex and notoriously difficult to get right. But according to Mark Engleman, the biggest factor in success often isn’t the software—it’s leadership. Drawing on more than 30 years and 1,000 ERP projects, Mark joins Matt Holjes to explore where implementations go off track, how manufacturers can better control costs and risk, and when it may be time to move beyond a legacy system. They also look ahead at how AI could reshape enterprise software—and potentially challenge the traditional ERP model altogether.
- Sep 14, 202618 min
Built to Pivot: Lessons from a Lifelong Entrepreneur
What does it take to repeatedly turn an idea into a successful business? Denise shares candid lessons from a career of launching, growing and selling companies across diverse industries. She discusses using data to identify market opportunities, learning from failure, building trusted teams and recognizing when it is time to pivot—or walk away. The conversation also explores why determination, self-awareness and a clear exit strategy are essential to defining your own future.
- Aug 31, 202624 min
A Legacy of Innovation, Safety, and Growth at SKC Inc.
For more than 60 years, SKC Inc. has developed innovative solutions that help protect workers from occupational and environmental hazards. In this episode, Todd Tommaney joins guest host Tom Reed to discuss SKC’s history, family-owned culture, approach to employee development, and continued investment in technology and growth. Todd also shares how SKC used the Energy and Manufacturing in Appalachia program and grant funding through Catalyst Connection to strengthen its sales and customer support teams.
- Jul 13, 202620 min
Marketing Smarter with AI: Simulated Audiences for Manufacturing
Akaash Ramakrishnan of AdSkate explains how AI simulated audiences help manufacturers test marketing campaigns, improve messaging, and make smarter marketing investments before launch.
- Jun 29, 202636 min
Built to Last: 100 Years of Innovation at Mancini's Bakery
What does it take to modernize a 100-year-old family business without losing what made it successful in the first place? Nick Mancini Hartner of Mancini's Bakery shares how the iconic Pittsburgh bakery is blending artisan breadmaking traditions with smart manufacturing technologies to improve quality, traceability, and operational performance. From hand-twisted loaves and family history to digital transformation, RFID tracking, and data-driven decision-making, this conversation explores how innovation can support growth while preserving authenticity.
- Jun 15, 202625 min
From Tribal Knowledge to AI: Practical Manufacturing Applications That Work
Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for manufacturers to improve productivity, preserve workforce knowledge, and streamline operations without major capital investments. In this episode, Adam Marsh of Ledge discusses how manufacturers are using AI to support quality management, quoting, scheduling, contract review, and digital work instructions. The conversation explores strategies for capturing tribal knowledge before experienced workers retire, avoiding common AI implementation pitfalls, and building a practical roadmap that delivers measurable business value. Adam also shares why AI may be one of the most accessible entry points into Industry 4.0 for small and medium-sized manufacturers.
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About The Smart Factory Podcast: Powered by Catalyst Connection
The Smart Factory Podcast, powered by Catalyst Connection, explores how manufacturing is evolving on the ground — not in theory, but in practice.Recorded inside the Citizens Bank Podcast Studio at Mill 19 in Pittsburgh, the podcast connects the region’s industrial legacy with the technologies, talent, and strategies shaping what comes next.Each episode features candid conversations with manufacturers, technology leaders, workforce experts, and partners working at the intersection of operations, automation, digital tools, energy, and leadership. The focus is practical. What’s working, what’s challenging, and how manufacturers are making decisions in real environments.Built for small and mid-sized manufacturers, The Smart Factory Podcast delivers grounded insight, relevant examples, and clear perspective on the future of American manufacturing — one conversation at a time.
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