Digital transformation remains a top priority for manufacturers, but many initiatives still stall between strategy and execution.

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Dan Furrow, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. industrial, global accounts and international markets, at Wesco, and Luis Atencio, solutions architect for Wesco’s smart manufacturing team, join the podcast to explore what separates modernization from true digital transformation.

They discuss:

• Why modernization is only the foundation
• How data silos undermine enterprise-wide visibility
• The importance of orchestration when integrating hardware, software and systems
• How AI can support workforce continuity and reduce unplanned downtime
• Why successful initiatives begin with business outcomes, not technology trends

With real-world examples and practical best practices, this episode provides a grounded look at how manufacturers can unlock value from the data they already have.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
• (00:05:37) - Understanding Modernization vs. Digital Transformation
• (00:10:12) - The Role of Friction in Transformation
• (00:14:57) - Breaking Down Silos in Manufacturing
• (00:18:30) - The Importance of Orchestration
• (00:20:44) - Data as a Critical Asset
• (00:25:07) - Real-World Applications of Data Integration
• (00:29:21) - Common Themes in Successful Projects
• (00:32:31) - Best Practices for Manufacturers
• (00:34:55) - Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Cybersecurity threats are no longer confined to IT systems. They’re now crossing into the physical world, with real consequences for manufacturing, supply chains and critical infrastructure. In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, hosts Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil are joined by Ian Bramson, vice president of global industrial cybersecurity at Black & Veatch, to unpack what this shift means for industrial organizations.

The conversation explores why the industrial attack surface is expanding, how supply chains and legacy systems create hidden vulnerabilities and why cybersecurity needs to be built in early through concepts like clean build, not bolted on after startup. Bramson also dives into how attackers are using AI, what “AI vs. AI” means for defenders and the unique challenges of securing OT environments as operations move to the cloud. HIs takeaway is to keep it simple, start early and focus on building a resilient cybersecurity foundation that can adapt as technology — and threats — continue to evolve.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Cybersecurity in Manufacturing
• (00:05:47) - The Growing Threat of Cyberattacks
• (00:09:25) - Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
• (00:13:34) - The Concept of Clean Build
• (00:17:43) - Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
• (00:23:06) - AI in Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Threats
• (00:27:04) - Cloud Security Challenges
• (00:29:47) - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Automation is no longer optional, but where should manufacturers invest to see real returns?

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, we’re joined by Mark Hoske, editor-in-chief of Control Engineering, to break down the findings of the 2026 State of Industrial Automation Report. We discuss where automation is delivering measurable ROI, why advanced process controls continue to lead, how manufacturers are balancing efficiency with risk and what year-over-year data reveals about changing adoption trends.

The conversation also explores workforce challenges, skills gaps and how automation is being used to create higher-skill roles rather than replace workers. If you’re specifying, implementing or justifying automation investments, this data-driven episode cuts through the hype to focus on what’s actually happening on today’s plant floors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Automation and Manufacturing Trends

08:58 Insights from the 2026 State of Automation Report

18:19 Key Findings and Surprises in Automation Investments

21:42 Emerging Technologies in Automation

23:41 Insights from the 2025 State of Automation Report

24:52 Looking Ahead: The 2026 Automation Report

27:25 The Importance of Community in Automation Research

28:53 Future Trends and Research in Automation

31:03 Connecting the Dots: Automation and Community Engagement

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Automation and Manufacturing Trends
• (00:08:58) - Insights from the 2026 State of Automation Report
• (00:18:19) - Key Findings and Surprises in Automation Investments
• (00:21:42) - Emerging Technologies in Automation
• (00:23:41) - Insights from the 2025 State of Automation Report
• (00:24:52) - Looking Ahead: The 2026 Automation Report
• (00:27:25) - The Importance of Community in Automation Research
• (00:28:53) - Future Trends and Research in Automation
• (00:31:03) - Connecting the Dots: Automation and Community Engagement