Jeremy Anderson, president of Process and Data Automation, joins Gary Cohen live from the CSIA Conference to discuss his journey from field service technician to company president and what that experience taught him about leadership, automation and manufacturing.

In this episode, Jeremy explores the practical realities of adopting AI, managing risk, closing the skills gap and building stronger customer relationships. He also explains why technology alone cannot solve flawed processes and why looking beyond a project’s immediate scope can separate good companies from great ones.

• (00:00:00) - Welcome to the CSIA Conference Podcast
• (00:02:02) - Journey from Technician to President
• (00:03:53) - Navigating Change in System Integration
• (00:05:55) - The Impact of Technology on Customer Expectations
• (00:08:39) - Understanding Automation Projects
• (00:10:44) - Skills Needed for the Next Generation
• (00:13:47) - Advice for Manufacturing Leaders
• (00:15:50) - The Importance of the CSIA Conference

Behind every successful digital transformation in manufacturing is the uncomfortable truth that technology alone can’t deliver results. In this episode, recorded live at the CSIA Conference in Baltimore, we sit down with Tak Tarui, vice president of global business development at Mitsubishi Electric Iconics Digital Solutions (MEIDS).

Tak breaks down why system integrators are the most important — and often most overlooked — force in industrial automation. We explore the implementation gap and why scaling a digital business requires a capable ecosystem of partners who can make the technology stick.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why the best technologies create value only when deployed with technical rigor.
• Lessons from the Iconics acquisition on how to scale digital business through standard architectures.
• The two non-negotiable principles for building a global partner ecosystem.
• Inside the Standard, Elite and Diamond Elite tiers designed to empower integrators.
• How Tak’s background as a competitive alpine skier shaped his approach to cross-cultural business development and acting as a bridge for stakeholders.

CHAPTERS

00:00 The Importance of System Integrators in Digital Transformation

02:46 Personal Journeys and Professional Backgrounds

05:03 Building Trust and Clarity in System Integration

06:48 Mitsubishi Electric's Digital Strategy and MIDAS

08:39 The Role of System Integrators in Digital Transformation

09:01 Enhancements in the System Integrator Program

11:15 Sales Engagement and Partner Visibility

12:22 Benefits for New System Integrators

13:26 The Value of Networking at Conferences

14:39 Skiing Adventures and Personal Interests

• (00:00:00) - The Importance of System Integrators in Digital Transformation
• (00:02:46) - Personal Journeys and Professional Backgrounds
• (00:05:03) - Building Trust and Clarity in System Integration
• (00:06:48) - Mitsubishi Electric's Digital Strategy and MEIDS
• (00:08:39) - The Role of System Integrators in Digital Transformation
• (00:09:01) - Enhancements in the System Integrator Program
• (00:11:15) - Sales Engagement and Partner Visibility
• (00:12:22) - Benefits for New System Integrators
• (00:13:26) - The Value of Networking at Conferences
• (00:14:39) - Skiing Adventures and Personal Interests

In this episode of the Ctrl+Alt+Mfg podcast, recorded live from the CSIA Conference in Baltimore, host Stephanie Neil sits down with Daren Dieleman, vice president of business development at Interstates and chair of the CSIA Board of Directors.

The manufacturing landscape is shifting rapidly, and system integrators are at the center of that transformation. Daren explores the real-world impact of AI on the factory floor, the ongoing people challenge in a competitive talent market and why leadership in automation now requires a growth mindset and radical humility.

This conversation offers a grounded look at where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead of the change curve.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How integrators are using AI for efficiency without losing sight of core PLC programming.
• Navigating the transition as junior leaders move into senior executive roles.
• Why customers are moving away from transactional projects toward trusted advisor relationships.
• The emerging technologies that demand every integrator's attention.
• Why the best leaders are willing to get uncomfortable to drive innovation.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview

02:18 Member Engagement and Industry Challenges

05:29 Technological Advancements and AI Impact

08:29 Leadership Traits for the Future

11:24 Customer Expectations and Trust

14:28 Closing Thoughts and Conference Takeaways

• (00:00:00) - Introduction and Conference Overview
• (00:02:18) - Member Engagement and Industry Challenges
• (00:05:29) - Technological Advancements and AI Impact
• (00:08:29) - Leadership Traits for the Future
• (00:11:24) - Customer Expectations and Trust
• (00:14:28) - Closing Thoughts and Conference Takeaways