In this episode of the Energy Tech Podcast, hosts Jeff Perry and Mike Flores sit down with Paola Paz of Automated Dynamics (ADC) to explore the theme “Factory to the Field: The Next Generation of Industrial Automation.”Paola shares her journey from sales into applications engineering, where she has become a hands-on problem solver helping customers bridge the gap between legacy equipment and modern automation solutions. From automotive plants in San Antonio to oil & gas operations and emerging data centers, she explains how ADC’s portfolio — including Red Lion, Banner, Pulse, HMS, and Turck — delivers real-world value across industries.Key topics include:• The role of applications engineers as “secret weapons” on the factory floor• How generational mindsets shape adoption of new technology• Legacy equipment challenges and the risks of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”• Bridging the IT/OT divide with modern networking and protocols• The role of edge devices, predictive maintenance, and data logging in industrial transformation• How AI, cybersecurity, and digital convergence are reshaping the future of automationIf you work in manufacturing, oil & gas, energy, or data centers, this conversation offers insight into real challenges and practical solutions for taking industrial automation to the next level.https://www.adcreps.com/https://www.bannerengineering.com/us/en/products/connectivity-technology/snap-signal.html00:00 – Introductions & Welcome 02:42 – Meet Paola Paz (Automated Dynamics, ADC) 04:48 – Career Journey: From Sales to Applications Engineering 07:42 – The Role of an Applications Engineer (hands-on problem solving) 10:30 – What ADC Represents: Red Lion, Banner, Pulse, HMS, Turck 12:27 – Serving Automotive, Manufacturing, and Oil & Gas 15:05 – Legacy Equipment Challenges in Industrial Automation 17:05 – Generational Mindsets in Controls Engineering 19:34 – Why Critical Assets Stay on Old Technology 22:11 – Safety Risks and Preventative Maintenance 23:46 – Emerging Tech: Banner Snap Signal & Data Centers 26:27 – Power, Connectivity, and Edge Data in Modern Facilities 29:37 – IT vs OT: Bridging the Gap 33:44 – Network Challenges, Protocols, and Training Engineers 36:12 – Convergence, AI, and the Future of Industrial Automation 39:33 – AI Adoption Barriers in Manufacturing 42:58 – Closing Thoughts & Future Episodes with Paola Paz