In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast, hosts Luke van Enkhuizen and Denis Gontcharov explore the critical topic of data quality in metals manufacturing, with a strong focus on SCADA systems and modern cloud platforms like Databricks. 

Denis kicks off with a big announcement: his business is now refocused on integrating legacy SCADA architectures with scalable cloud-native environments such as Azure Databricks. Together, Luke and Denis dive into the key challenges of aligning SCADA data with business use cases, the erosion of trust caused by bad data, and the urgent need for automated monitoring. 

The discussion emphasizes how companies—from SMBs to enterprises—can implement robust data quality testing using open-source frameworks like Soda and Great Expectations. You’ll learn how to embed testing into ETL pipelines, use Databricks to store and analyze data reliably, and ensure high-quality inputs within a Unified Namespace (UNS).  

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to the Smart Metals Podcast
 00:44 Big Announcement: Refocusing Business Activities
 01:12 Understanding SCADA and Data Quality Challenges
 04:37 Importance of Data Quality in Manufacturing
 07:22 Real-World Data Quality Issues and Consequences
 11:04 Steps to Ensure High Data Quality
 27:00 Open Source Solutions for Data Quality Testing  

Notable Quotes: 

1. “SCADA is essentially the second layer of the automation pyramid—supervisory control and data acquisition. It collects data from PLCs and individual machines. The challenge is moving this high-frequency, millisecond-level time series data to the cloud. Data quality is one of the key problems in this area.” – Denis Gontcharov
2. “My new focus is helping companies integrate legacy SCADA systems into modern platforms like Azure Databricks, where they can finally get control over their industrial data.” – Denis Gontcharov
3. “Almost any factory using modern machinery has multiple layers—sensors, PLCs, SCADA, MES, ERP, and eventually the cloud. Much of this may be hidden inside vendor-specific solutions, but understanding these layers is essential.” – Luke van Enkhuizen
4. “Bad data completely erodes trust. If your dashboard shows an off number and you can’t explain it, users stop trusting your data platform—no matter if it’s SCADA or Databricks behind the scenes.” – Denis Gontcharov
5. “You can’t manually verify data coming from hundreds of time series across SCADA systems. You need an automated application watching your data 24/7 and flagging anomalies before they affect operations.” – Denis Gontcharov
6. “Where should you do data quality checks? Ideally, inside your pipeline—after transformations—whether you’re using SCADA historians or sending data into Databricks. This prevents dirty data from entering your clean system.” – Denis Gontcharov
7. “ETL stands for extract, transform, load. As you bring SCADA data into Databricks or your UNS, every step must be monitored and tested.” – Denis Gontcharov
8. “Just like raw ore needs refining before it becomes usable gold, raw SCADA data must be cleaned, structured, and tested—often inside platforms like Databricks—to unlock its real business value.” – Luke van Enkhuizen

 
Relevant Links: 

• 🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
• 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: https://gontcharov.eu/
• 🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://vanenkhuizen.com/

In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast, Luke van Enkhuizen and Denis Goncharov dive into a real-world case study of deploying a Unified Namespace (UNS) at a welding shop in the Netherlands using the United Manufacturing Hub (UMH). 

They discuss the challenges of integrating ERP and MES systems, why traditional point-to-point connections often fail, and how a UNS enables real-time visibility, data flexibility, and scalability. 

🔹 What you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why a UNS was chosen over traditional integrations
✅ How the system was deployed in just one day
✅ The business benefits: real-time alerts, scalability & low cost
✅ How SMBs can leverage enterprise-grade software without major investment 

🎧 Listen now and learn how to future-proof your digital transformation!  

Timestamps: 

00:00 – 🎙️ Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcast
 00:50 – 🔍 Understanding the Client’s Needs
 02:07 – 🏭 Why Choose a Unified Namespace?
 05:43 – ⚙️ Implementing the United Manufacturing Hub
 11:35 – 🔄 Deployment and Real-Time Success
 20:47 – 🚧 Challenges and Lessons Learned
 27:19 – 🌍 Future Prospects and Final Thoughts  

Notable Quotes: 

📢 "Why not just make a point-to-point connection between the ERP and the MES system? The answer lies in real-time visibility. We needed flexibility to change things over time, and the MES system was a closed, off-the-shelf solution. A Unified Namespace gave us the control we needed to integrate multiple systems seamlessly." – Luke van Enkhuizen 

📢 "One of the key reasons we chose a Unified Namespace was future expandability. Today, we’re integrating ERP and MES, but tomorrow we may need to add SCADA systems, cloud data, or even CRM insights. With a UNS, we build an independent system that grows with the business." – Denis Goncharov 

📢 "The biggest frustration with traditional point-to-point integrations is that they break. Data gets out of sync, connections fail, and you end up manually fixing errors. A UNS ensures that everything stays aligned in real-time without those fragile dependencies." – Luke van Enkhuizen 

📢 "We managed to develop and deploy the entire solution in just one day. By following IT best practices and leveraging the United Manufacturing Hub, we had everything prepared before even stepping onto the factory floor. That level of efficiency is a game-changer." – Denis Goncharov 

📢 "You don’t need to start with the perfect business case—just a direction. Once we implemented the UNS, the client immediately saw 10 more opportunities they could tackle. That’s the real power of having an open, scalable data infrastructure." – Luke van Enkhuizen  

Links & Resources: 

🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
🔗 About Denis Goncharov: https://gontcharov.eu/
🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://vanenkhuizen.com/  

Support the Podcast! 

✅ Sharing is Caring! If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with colleagues who might find it useful. 😊
✅ Rate the Show! Did this episode give you new ideas? Leave us a 5-star review on iTunes or Spotify to help more people discover the podcast! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  

Ready to Listen? 

🎧 Press play and discover how a Unified Namespace can transform your factory floor! 🚀 

 In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast Denis and I, dive into the topic of transferring shop floor data to the cloud and leveraging AI for predictive maintenance and other use-cases in the metals industry. 

We discuss essential components like the Unified Namespace (UNS) and Data-Centric AI, highlighting why smaller manufacturers shouldn’t shy away from cloud technology.

We also break down common misconceptions about AI, particularly for SMBs, and explore the benefits of cloud services. 

You’ll hear a step-by-step approach to implementing predictive maintenance and get practical advice on how to start using AI-driven insights—without excessive costs or complexity.

If you're a manufacturer looking to make data-driven decisions, optimize maintenance strategies, and leverage AI in a practical, actionable way, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics
00:00 – 🎙️ Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcast
00:23 – 🔍 Understanding Shop Floor Data and AI
02:29 – ⚙️ Preventive vs Predictive Maintenance
04:57 – 🔄 Steps to Implement Predictive Maintenance
08:10 – ☁️ Benefits of Cloud Solutions
09:46 – 📊 Data Management and Unified Namespace
28:57 – 🏭 Practical Advice for Manufacturers

Notable Quotes:

1. "We always break it down into having a solid data infrastructure and having a solid data strategy. And both of these concepts can be summarized with two words respectively: the Unified Namespace and Data-Centric AI." – Denis Gontcharov
2. "Very often, we talk about AI and especially cloud, and smaller manufacturers think, ‘Oh, that’s something for enterprises.’ The goal today is to dispel this myth and tell you that the cloud is far more accessible than you may imagine." – Denis Gontcharov
3. "Preventive maintenance is like going to the gym and eating healthy to avoid getting sick, while predictive maintenance is like wearing a smartwatch that warns you when you’re about to have a health issue." – Luke van Enkhuizen
4. "If we’re just copying our existing systems to the cloud, why would anyone use them there instead of on-premises? We have to provide them with something better—something with more context, better-organized data, and real insights." – Denis Gontcharov
5. "The cloud is not just a place to store data; it’s a new way of organizing infrastructure. If we’re just renting a big computer in the cloud and copying all our applications, we’re not using the cloud in the right way." – Denis Gontcharov
6. "Manufacturers shouldn’t fear the cloud—it’s not just for enterprises. Because of its pay-as-you-go structure, it’s surprisingly affordable and far more flexible than building your own data center." – Denis Gontcharov
7. "AI equals model plus data. The old way focused on tweaking the model, but today, improving the data itself—what we call Data-Centric AI—often leads to better results." – Denis Gontcharov
8. "If someone comes to your factory and says, ‘We have the perfect solution for you, and it costs six digits,’ you should probably walk the other way." – Luke van Enkhuizen

Relevant Links:
🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: https://gontcharov.eu/
🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://vanenkhuizen.com/

Sharing is caring!
If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with some friends or colleagues who might find it useful. Thank you! 😊

Would you like to help?
Did this show help you with new ideas for your business? Then rate the show on iTunes or Spotify. This helps people like you find the show and us to be able to book more guests with industry specialists and top solution providers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This week at Smart Metals Podcast, we, the hosts Denis Gontcharov and Luke van Enkhuizen, had a fascinating conversation about the future of factory connectivity with Russ Waddell, an expert in industrial connectivity.

We explored the challenges of integrating manufacturing systems, the importance of cultural and technological shifts, and how to leverage AI and data science to unlock the full potential of manufacturing processes.

We delved deeper into topics like the evolution of industrial connectivity, unified namespaces, and strategies for starting your digital transformation journey. If your current challenge is connecting your manufacturing systems, scaling digital projects, or understanding how to use your data effectively, then listen to this episode when you have a moment.

🎧 LISTEN NOW ➡️

Topics
[00:00] 🎙️ Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcast
[00:40] 🔍 Russ Waddell: Journey into Industrial Connectivity
[08:20] 🌐 Defining Factory Connectivity
[17:44] 🚧 Challenges and Opportunities in Factory Connectivity
[27:52] 🏭 Evolution of Machining and Paperless Operations
[29:18] 💡 Technological Advancements and Their Impact
[32:13] 🛠️ The Role of Software in Modern Manufacturing
[36:21] 🔮 Future Trends and Cultural Shifts in Manufacturing

Interesting Quotes
• “If you could just see the data in all of your industrial controllers… Imagine what you could do with that. Everything else we talk about comes back to your favorite use case for that data.” – Russ Waddell
• “When we talk about factory connectivity, everyone has a different definition. A machine maker, a software seller, or someone on the factory floor will all see it differently. That’s why it’s so important to have conversations like this to get a clearer picture.” – Luke van Enkhuizen
• “AI has created a major use case for having all the data in one place. That’s why connectivity is more relevant than ever.” – Denis Gontcharov
• “AI is clearly the next step after basic monitoring and predictive analytics. But it needs clean, accessible inputs. The cleaner the data, the more time your team can spend on building algorithms instead of copying and pasting from CSV files.” – Russ Waddell
• “When you step into some manufacturing facilities, it feels like you’re back in the 80s or 90s. That’s not just a technology problem—it’s a cultural one. Companies need to learn what’s possible and build small-scale successes to see the potential.” – Luke van Enkhuizen

This week at Smart Metals Podcast, we, the hosts Denis Gontcharov and Luke van Enkhuizen, had a conversation about implementing Unified Namespace (UNS) in manufacturing environments with Brian Pribe, founder and president of MACH Controls LLC. We explored how to make advanced manufacturing technology accessible to businesses of all sizes. 

We delved deeper into practical implementation of UNS, the combination of MQTT and Kafka, and making these solutions affordable for smaller manufacturers. If your current challenge is connecting your manufacturing equipment or implementing a unified namespace solution, then listen to this episode when you have a moment. 

Topics 

• [00:00] Introduction to the Smart Metals Podcast
• [00:32] 📊 Brian Pribe's Journey in Manufacturing and MACH Controls LLC
• [01:59] 🚀 Understanding and Implementing Unified Namespace
• [04:45] 🌐 Technical Deep Dive: MQTT and Kafka Integration
• [11:14] 📋 European Data Act and Its Impact on Manufacturing
• [16:13] 💡 Making Technology Accessible for Small Manufacturers
• [23:03] 📈 Unlocking Business Insights with Unified Namespace
• [24:52] 🏭 First Steps: From Strategy to Proof of Concept
• [28:35] 🔄 Integrating IT and OT Systems
• [31:32] 🔮 Future of Manufacturing and Generational Transition

Interesting Quotes

• "The Unified Namespace isn't just about connecting devices - it's about contextualizing data in a way that makes sense for your business." – Brian Pribe
• "For non-critical applications, open source all the way. Start with FOSS solutions. It's not going to cost you anything, and it's going to push you in the right direction." – Brian Pribe
• "You can only improve what you measure. And if you're not measuring anything, you're not going to improve at all." – Brian Pribe
• "I think the biggest challenge is not per se that the machines don't have the connectivities. It's the fact that most users of the machines are not even remotely aware how many sensors and computer systems are actually in their plant." – Luke van Enkhuizen
• "The licensing costs for connecting machines through OPC UA can be substantial - manufacturers end up spending significant amounts yearly just to get data." – Denis Gontcharov
• "Something has to give - your profit margins are really not that outstanding. Why not just get the data and measure what you want to improve? Otherwise you won't." – Denis Gontcharov

Resources:

• 🔗 Follow the show: Smart Metals Podcast
• 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: gontcharov.eu
• 🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: Sheet Metal Connect
• 🔗 About Brian Pribe: LinkedIn Profile
• 🔗 MACH Controls LLC: machcontrols.com
• 🔗 Email Brian: bpribe@machcontrols.com
• 🔗 Join the Community: Find Brian on United Manufacturing Hub's discord or 4.0 Solutions discord

Sharing is caring!
If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with some friends or colleagues who might find it useful. Thank you! 😊

Would you like to help?
Did this show help you with new ideas for your business? Then rate the show on iTunes or Spotify. This helps people like you find the show and us to be able to book more guests with industry specialists and top solution providers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast, hosts Denis Gontcharov and Luke van Enkhuizen welcome Todd Abraham from InnoVaas. They dive into digital transformation within the metals industry, focusing on the Unified Namespace’s growing influence in Asia and Europe. The discussion covers enabling technologies like Apache Kafka and MQTT, cultural differences in technology adoption, and how agile approaches help smaller companies innovate. The episode concludes with advice on navigating digital transformation and the importance of structured data for machine learning.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Smart Metals Podcast
00:49 Meet Todd Abraham from InnoVaas
02:39 Unified Namespace in Asia vs. Europe
05:08 Cultural Dynamics in Technology Adoption
06:39 The Role of Innovation in Global Markets
11:50 Digital Transformation Strategies
41:53 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

Notable Quotes:

"Building the Unified Namespace is about doing the work upfront to contextualize and normalize your data, so it’s ready when you need it for machine learning." — Todd Abraham
"You can’t just hand a data engineer a pile of disorganized data and expect results. Structuring your data from the beginning makes everything, including machine learning, much more effective." — Luke van Enkhuizen
"Don’t boil the ocean. Break digital transformation into small, actionable steps, creating value incrementally." — Todd Abraham
"We act as Sherpas, guiding companies through digital transformation, but they still have to walk the path themselves." — Denis Gontcharov
"The agile, smaller organizations are the ones that will thrive in the future, as larger corporations struggle to adapt." — Todd Abraham

Key Takeaways:

• Start small: Focus on solving a key problem incrementally for faster success.
• Use open-source tech: Platforms like Apache Kafka and MQTT are crucial for real-time data integration.
• Real-time visibility: Structured data upfront simplifies the digital transformation process and accelerates machine learning.

Relevant Links:

• 🔗 Follow the show
• 🔗 About Todd Abraham
• 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov
• 🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen
• 🔗 InnoVaas

Sharing is Caring!

If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with some friends or colleagues who might find it useful. Thank you! 😊

Would You Like to Help?

Did this show help you with new ideas for your business? Then rate the show on iTunes or Spotify. This helps people like you find the show and helps us book more guests with industry specialists and top solution providers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this episode of the Smart Metals podcast, we (Denis Gontcharov and Luke Van Enkhuizen) had the pleasure of hosting Wim Dijkgraaf, founder and CEO of Quotation Factory. We discussed the challenges and solutions in high mix, low volume manufacturing, focusing on the impact of Event-Driven Architectures (EDA) and Unified Namespace (UNS) in transforming the metalworking industry.

Wim shared how Quotation Factory leverages advanced systems to estimate production times, streamline operations, and enhance responsiveness.

We also dove into the concept of semantic hierarchy and explored the potential for AI in building autonomous, smart factories. The episode wraps up with insights on how these architectures can make manufacturers more agile, reliable, and ready for digital transformation.

Timestamps:
- 00:13 Introduction and Guest Welcome
- 00:32 Wim Dijkgraaf's Background and Quotation Factory Overview
- 02:07 Challenges in High Mix, Low Volume Manufacturing
- 03:31 Manual Processes and Data Integration Issues
- 10:42 Event-Driven Architecture and Its Benefits
- 18:19 Unified Namespace and Semantic Hierarchy
- 35:31 Conclusion and Future Prospects

Notable Quotes:
1. "If you create point-to-point connections, both parties should understand the world on the other side. This creates complexity and increases the time and cost of integrations. That's why event-driven architecture adds value." – Wim Dijkgraaf
2. "Many metalworking companies believe they have a lot of data because it’s in their ERP. But to become a smart factory, the critical information is actually the events happening in real time." – Wim Dijkgraaf
3. "You want to observe and store events as they happen, with all the necessary data tied to that moment. That's what a good data strategy is about—capturing events." – Wim Dijkgraaf
4. "When there’s a manufacturing issue, like a standstill or quality concern, you need data from several systems to identify the root cause. If you rely only on the ERP, you lose real-time insight." – Luke Van Enkhuizen
5. "The Unified Namespace allows all your data—whether from sensors or MES systems—to be unified in one place. This semantic hierarchy makes it easy for both humans and machines to navigate and understand the data." – Denis Gontcharov

Relevant Links:
- 🔗 Follow the show: [https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/](https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/)
- 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: [https://gontcharov.eu/](https://gontcharov.eu/)
- 🔗 About Luke Van Enkhuizen: [https://sheetmetalconnect.com/](https://sheetmetalconnect.com/)
- 🔗 About Wim Dijkgraaf and Quotation Factory: [https://www.quotationfactory.com/en/](https://www.quotationfactory.com/en/)

This week at the Smart Metals Podcast, we had a conversation about the state of Unified Namespace (UNS) adoption in the European metals industry. We were joined by Angelo Hulshout, a seasoned software architect, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities that UNS presents for metals manufacturers in Europe.

We delved deeper into the cultural differences between Europe and the U.S. in adopting innovative technologies like UNS and the practical steps manufacturers can take to start their digital transformation.

If your current challenge is navigating the complexities of UNS implementation in the metals industry, then listen to this episode when you have a moment.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 01:24 Understanding Unified Namespace Adoption in Europe
• 04:35 Challenges and Real-World Examples
• 08:58 Comparing European and US Approaches
• 23:53 Challenges in Time Tracking for Metals Industry
• 27:02 Unified Namespace Solutions for Metals Industry
• 30:17 Real-World Examples and Scalability
• 33:14 Getting Started with Unified Namespace

Notable Quotes:

1. "The biggest challenge with Unified Namespace adoption in Europe is not the technology itself, but the cultural approach to innovation." – Denis Gontcharov
2. "MQTT is becoming a game changer in real-time data exchange, especially when compared to traditional systems in manufacturing." – Angelo Hulshout
3. "It's not completely tailored to you and then you can get it almost for free in software terms, but you just have to put more effort into it, defining how you want it." – Luke van Enkhuizen
4. "Manufacturers need to start small with UNS adoption, focusing on low-risk areas like time tracking and inventory traceability to demonstrate value." – Angelo Hulshout
5. "In the metals industry, especially, Unified Namespace can dramatically improve operational efficiency by providing real-time insights into production processes, reducing waste, and enhancing traceability." – Denis Gontcharov
6. "I think the key takeaway is finding out where you can make the biggest bang for your buck, where these things would be able to launch quickly next to the business or building on top of the business without having to exchange systems." – Luke van Enkhuizen

Relevant Links:

• 🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
• 🔗 About Angelo Hulshout: https://www.shinchoku.eu/ | LinkedIn
• 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: https://gontcharov.eu
• 🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://vanenkhuizen.com/

Sharing is caring!
If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with some friends or colleagues who might find it useful. Thank you! 😊

Would you like to help?
Did this show help you with new ideas for your business? Then rate the show on iTunes or Spotify. This helps people like you find the show and us to be able to book more guests with industry specialists and top solution providers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This week at Smart Metals Podcast, we, the hosts Luke van Enkhuizen and Denis Gontcharov, had a conversation about the critical role of domain knowledge in the metals industry, particularly in the context of increasing automation and AI.

We delved deeper into the challenges of preserving expertise in a digital age and the potential future of factories. If your current challenge is balancing domain knowledge with technological advancements, then listen to this episode when you have a moment.

Topics

• [00:00] Introduction to the Smart Metals Podcast
• [00:26] The Future of Factories and AI: How domain knowledge remains crucial
• [03:57] The Role of Domain Knowledge: Preserving expertise in a digital age
• [06:17] Challenges in Data Collection and AI Implementation
• [19:33] Case Study: Aluminum Smelting Process
• [29:42] AI in Manufacturing: Potential and Limitations
• [34:22] Conclusion and Future Topics

Interesting Quotes

• "Domain knowledge is what makes your company what it is today. It's the secret sauce that's hard to replace." – Luke van Enkhuizen
• "Even with the best AI, the most complex and ambiguous decisions will always need a human touch." – Denis Gontcharov
• "Without clean data and solid digital infrastructure, even the deepest domain knowledge can't be effectively leveraged." – Luke van Enkhuizen
• "The factory of the future will have only two employees, a man and a dog. The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment." – Warren G. Bennis
• "We still don't really know what happens chemically inside the [aluminum electrolysis] cell. It's essentially still a very big black box." – Denis Gontcharov

Resources:

• 🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
• 🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukevanenkhuizen
• 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgontcharov

Sharing is caring!
If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with some friends or colleagues who might find it useful. Thank you! 😊

Would you like to help?
Did this show help you with new ideas for your business? Then rate the show on iTunes or Spotify. This helps people like you find the show and us to be able to book more guests with industry specialists and top solution providers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

 In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast, host Luke van Enkhuizen and co-host Dennis Gontcharov delve into Luke's journey from welder to consultant for the metalworking industry.

The discussion covers the challenges faced by metalworking companies in digital transformation and provides practical advice on how they can become more efficient and meet customer demands.

 Luke highlights the importance of creating a strategic plan, understanding customer needs, and ensuring comprehensive training for staff to effectively implement digital solutions. 

The conversation also touches on the role of vendors, the urgency for digital transformation due to market uncertainties, and the evolving landscape of software solutions in the industry. 

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Introduction and Host Background
• 00:42 Journey into Metalworking Consultancy
• 03:49 Understanding Sheet Metal and Industry Challenges
• 21:25 Common Pitfalls in Project Management
• 24:00 The Digitalization Gap in Metalworking
• 31:07 Steps to Embrace Digital Transformation

Notable Quotes:

1.  "So I have a very deep affiliation with actually the metal that I welded myself. And I always wondered like, how was this done? So I have this deep and a sort of passion for what I did when I was on the floor, knowing the frustrations, the inefficiencies. So I like to solve inefficiencies, right? I like things to work well." – Luke
2. "I often ask in any company that I come. My first question is like, 'Hey imagine I am new here today. This is my first day on the job. I'm an engineer. I have the qualifications. I have a business background. Tell me, I work in the work preparation department or I work in the sales department. Where can I find what I have to do? Like, what is the first next thing that I have to do? And where's the manual?'" – Luke
3. "So first step is get knowledge and start reading things, start watching videos, start really diving into this new generation media and don't rely on industry magazines or conferences where you only get vendor talk. Really! There is so much information out there about how you can digitally transform." – Luke
4. "I think that's a fair point to end because indeed one advantage of being so slow with adopting new technologies is that they by now have evolved so much that in my opinion, and you can see if you agree or not, that the biggest challenge is really not technical. We have great solutions. It's really about the manufacturers themselves. They've scoped discovering these by reading the correct resources." – Denis

This week at Metal Connect, we, the hosts Denis Gontcharov and Luke van Enkhuizen, had a conversation about digital transformation in the aluminum industry.

We delved deeper into Denis's journey from an aluminum process engineer to a data consultant and the unique challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in this sector. If your current challenge is navigating digital transformation in the aluminum industry, then listen to this episode when you have a moment.

🎧 LISTEN NOW ➡️ https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/

Topics

• [00:00] Introduction to the Smart Metals Podcast
• [00:41] 📊 Denis Gontcharov's background in aluminum and data
• [03:10] 🚀 Challenges in digital transformation
• [21:14] 🌐 Importance of Unified Namespace (UNS)
• [27:08] 🛠️ Practical steps for digital transformation
• [31:34] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Notable Quotes:

1. "My background can be summarized in two words: data and aluminum. I began my career as a process engineer in aluminum smelting and then transitioned to a data-focused role at companies like Novelis, a world leader in aluminum rolling and recycling." – Denis Gontcharov
2. "The most challenging aspect is aligning all the stakeholders. It's not just about getting OT and IT to work together, but also involving the business, accounting, and everyone else. This coordination has proven to be quite difficult." – Denis Gontcharov
3. "When you start implementing your digital transformation strategy, you often face initial challenges when gathering data. Companies frequently get stuck in 'pilot purgatory,' where they have numerous pilot projects that can't scale across different plants due to non-uniform digital infrastructure." – Denis Gontcharov
4. "It's crucial to demonstrate value, meaning you need to show that your use cases lead to concrete cost savings or increased revenue. The outcome of your first project should be a clear financial estimate of the cost savings or additional revenue it generated." – Denis Gontcharov
5. "Unified Namespace is a philosophy, a real-time snapshot of your business and a central repository of all your data. The way you build your unified namespace depends on your company. One solution I really like is provided by the German company United Manufacturing Hub." – Denis Gontcharov

Resources:

• 🔗 Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/
• 🔗 About Denis Gontcharov: https://gontcharov.eu/
• 🔗 About Luke van Enkhuizen: https://vanenkhuizen.com/

Sharing is caring!
If you liked this episode, please consider sharing it with some friends or colleagues who might find it useful. Thank you! 😊

Would you like to help?

Did this show help you with new ideas for your business? Then rate the show on iTunes or Spotify. This helps people like you find the show and us to be able to book more guests with industry specialists and top solution providers. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast, hosts Dennis Gontcharov and Luke van Enkhuizen explore the challenges and common pitfalls of digitalization in the metals manufacturing sector. 

They discuss the high failure rate of digital transformation initiatives, the difficulty in transitioning from pilot projects to full-scale implementation, and the absence of comprehensive digital strategies with a focus on data infrastructure and quality. The conversation addresses the misalignment between IT and OT departments, the drawbacks of relying on legacy solutions, and the essential role of a unified data strategy in breaking down operational silos. 

They emphasize the importance of leveraging internal domain knowledge, minimizing dependence on external consultants, and ensuring that technology adoption directly supports specific business objectives. The episode underlines the need to begin with a clear digital strategy, involve domain experts, and view technology as a tool to enhance business processes, crucial for successful digital transformation in the metals industry.

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00:00 Introduction to Digital Transformation Challenges
00:13 The Pitfalls of Digitalization in the Metals Industry
01:07 Exploring 'Pilot Purgatory' and Strategic Deficiencies
03:09 Misalignment between IT and OT Departments
05:54 The Role of External Consultants in Digital Initiatives
15:51 The Importance of a Unified Data Strategy
23:46 Rethinking Business Processes for Effective Digitalization
26:55 Concluding Thoughts on Achieving Successful Digital Transformation

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Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/

About Denis Gontcharov: https://gontcharov.eu/

About Luke van Enkhuizen https://vanenkhuizen.com/

Navigating Digital Transformation in Multi-Site Enterprises

Do you struggle with managing digital transformation across multiple factories in different countries? Navigating cultural and technological disparities can be tricky. Let's explore how enterprise manufacturers can overcome these challenges for successful multi-site deployments.

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Content:

00:00 Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcast: Navigating Digital Transformation

00:22 The Complexities of Multi-Site Digital Transformation

02:13 Top-Down vs. Bottom-Up Approaches: Strategies and Challenges

03:30 Cultural and Technological Hurdles in Global Deployment

07:47 Exploring Bottom-Up Innovations: Opportunities and Limitations

16:29 Finding the Middle Ground: A Hybrid Approach to Digital Transformation

17:12 Practical Steps Towards a Unified Digital Strategy

23:47 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

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In this episode of the Smart Metals Podcast, hosts Luke van Enkhuizen and Denis Gontcharov delve into the complex world of digital transformation across multi-site enterprises. 

They discuss the challenges and opportunities of deploying a unified digital strategy either top-down or bottom-up, exploring the pros and cons of each approach. The conversation highlights the difficulties of standardization across different cultures, languages, and technologies, and how these factors can impede seamless integration. 

They propose a middle-ground solution using a 'unified namespace' architecture to balance centralized control with local flexibility, aiming to streamline operations while respecting the unique needs of each site. 

The episode touches on practical advice for starting digital transformation initiatives, emphasizing the importance of addressing local problems within an overarching enterprise strategy.

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Follow the show: https://smartmetals.transistor.fm/

About Denis Gontcharov: https://gontcharov.eu/

About Luke van Enkhuizen https://vanenkhuizen.com/

The Evolution from Data Science to Data Engineering in Industry 4.0

In this debut episode of the Smart Metals Podcasting Show, hosts Luke van Enkhuizen and Denis delve into the world of Industry 4.0, focusing on the critical shift from data science to data engineering within industrial environments. 

Denis shares his journey from a data scientist to a data engineer, sparked by the challenge of accessing and preparing data for analysis in the metal industry. He highlights the insufficiency of current systems to support the data analytics needed for Industry 4.0 and argues for a separate digital infrastructure for control and analytics. 

The discussion also covers the limitations of traditional ERP systems for real-time data analysis and the potential of a unified namespace to streamline data integration across various operational levels. 

The episode concludes with insights into establishing a robust digital infrastructure to support data-driven operations and the necessary mindset for companies embarking on their digital transformation journey.

00:00 Welcome to the Smart Metals Podcasting Show!
00:56 Diving Into the World of Data Engineering and Science
01:12 The Shift from Data Science to Data Engineering
03:42 Challenges in Industrial Data Management
06:52 Rethinking Data Integration for Industry 4.0
09:04 Learning from Past Mistakes: A New Approach to Data
15:05 The Unified Namespace: A Game Changer for Data Analytics
19:02 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions