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