Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 023 : The Internet of Things – IIOT
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Date: 4/20/21

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: While drinking RumChata & coffee, Kurt discusses IIOT and the pros and cons of the transformative technology for material handling and adjacent industries. Check out the latest episode from Lift & Tilt.

What is IIOT?

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) refers to the extension and use of the internet of things (IoT) in industrial sectors and applications. With a strong focus on machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, big data, and machine learning, the IIoT enables industries and enterprises to have better efficiency and reliability in their operations. The IIoT encompasses industrial applications, including robotics, medical devices, and software-defined production processes.

The IIoT goes beyond the normal consumer devices and internetworking of physical devices usually associated with the IoT. What makes it distinct is the intersection of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). OT refers to the networking of operational processes and industrial control systems (ICSs), including human machine interfaces (HMIs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, distributed control systems (DCSs), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).

The convergence of IT and OT provides industries with greater system integration in terms of automation and optimization, as well as better visibility of the supply chain and logistics. The monitoring and control of physical infrastructures in industrial operations, such as in agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities, are made easier through the use of smart sensors and actuators as well as remote access and control.

Sources:
Industry Week | Still Struggling with IIOT? Ask a Farmer
https://www.industryweek.com/technology-and-iiot/article/21159462/still-struggling-with-iiot-ask-a-farmer

Wall Street Journal | It Shouldn’t Cost the Farm to Fix a Tractor
https://www.wsj.com/articles/it-shouldnt-cost-the-farm-to-fix-a-tractor-11616537863

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 022 : What is Smart Manufacturing & Who Should Use It
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Date: 3/15/21

Host: Kurt & Mandy Guntner

Overview: While drinking Unshackled Cabernet, Kurt and Mandy discuss Smart Manufacturing and what size organizations should use it. Check out the latest episode from Lift & Tilt.

What is Smart Manufacturing & Who Should Use It

Over the past few years, there’s been a distinct tendency to associate smart manufacturing with mega-enterprises in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, and the process industry. In fact, the roots of this radical, data-driven approach lie firmly in the German Mittelstand of family-owned, industrial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

What is it?

Smart manufacturing (SM) is a technology-driven approach that utilizes Internet-connected machinery to monitor the production process. The goal of SM is to identify opportunities for automating operations and use data analytics to improve manufacturing performance. And, it all starts with gathering data to help drive decision making.

Is it expensive?

For smaller enterprises, the most worthwhile returns will often be found in enhancements to productivity and efficiency. That’s not just because these businesses tend to work on very tight margins. With fewer resources in terms of both plant and manpower, it is even more important that they are consistently doing the right things, at the right times, and in the right places. For example, in one SME use case we’re familiar with, data analytics is pivotal to ensure that production lines are continuously balanced to optimize inventory utilization.

Isn’t it only for large enterprises?

Far from being the preserve of larger enterprises, smart manufacturing is a thoroughly democratic asset that can and should be considered by businesses of any size. Not merely to level the playing field, but to tilt it in favor of manufacturers that are simply better at exploiting the rich insight buried within their production data. 

Sources:
Industry Week | Democratizing Smart Manufacturing
https://www.industryweek.com/technology-and-iiot/article/21157325/democratizing-smart-manufacturing

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 021 : Recruiting Talent for Digital Transformation(s)
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Date: 2/22/21

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: While drinking MollyDooker Syrah, Kurt, discusses the challenges facing industrial businesses in recruiting and retaining the talent necessary for digital transformations in industrial based businesses. Check out the latest episode from Lift & Tilt.

Recruiting Talent for Digital Transformation(s)

Digital transformation is likely to cause anxiety and fear among current workers, who may be wondering what these new tools will mean for their jobs and whether they will be able to keep up with the new skills required by the technology. On the flip side, there is declining interest from younger workers in the manufacturing profession.

As industry leaders seek to appeal to both younger and older generations, it is critical that they work to alleviate these concerns. Our human hardwiring often causes us to see change as a threat, triggering a survive response that helps us problem-solve against that threat. Successful transformation requires us to embrace opportunity (what we call the thrive response), which allows us to collaborate, innovate, and work differently. As technology advances, leaders must find ways to calm the natural survive response that comes from the fear of digitization. Too often, leaders underestimate the resilience and willingness of employees to learn new skills. Leaders should invest in building capabilities across the workforce—not just in new technology, but also in adaptability and change.

Sources:
Industry Week | Too Often Overlooked, Talent Is an Important Piece of Digital Transformation
https://www.industryweek.com/talent/article/21153525/too-often-overlooked-talent-is-an-important-piece-of-digital-transformation

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 020 : Nanomanufacturing – Travel Factory Concept?
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Date: 1/20/21

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt and Mandy discuss Unilever’s traveling factory concept as a way to mitigate supply chain risk and increase resiliency. Check out the latest episode from Lift & Tilt.

Nanomanufacturing – Travel Factory Concept?

In this Lift & Tilt Short Pour Episode:

Unilever’s grand vision for the scheme is a network of small-scale production facilities situated around the world “wherever, and whenever, needed”. Unilever says the units could also play a key role in other product categories, such as its beauty and home care products business. 

Olivera Trifunovic, a Unilever Engineering Manager who helmed the travel factory project, envisions “a new dynamic model where thousands of nano factories could be run from a central system, allowing us to have flexible production lines wherever, and whenever, needed”. 

Units could also be leased, rented or sold to entrepreneurs outside the consumer products group, opening new doors for collaboration and creating innovation testbeds. 

Sources:
Supply Chain Digital | Unilever Floats Sea Container Travel Factory Concept
https://www.supplychaindigital.com/technology-4/unilever-floats-sea-container-travel-factory-concept?fbclid=IwAR1Yo3EFfDCLHdSPC2MTMhfYOKVmT6Y2UbXHdo9G7dv-6ZaRAvFA65ND3RU

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 019 :  Industry Outlook 2021 – Trends & More
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Date: 12/23/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt and Mandy discuss an Industry Week article as well as a forecast report from Deloitte consulting group about what to expect in 2021. While sipping Meiomi wine the duo discuss how the trends mentioned may shape business in 2021. Check out the latest episode from Lift & Tilt.

Industry Outlook 2021 – Trends & More

1) Disruption

Expect further disruption in 2021. Supply chain’s will continue to shift as businesses attempt to increase resiliency from pandemic, geopolitical, and technological forces. Changes to consumer buying habit and trends as well as labor disruptions are also likely to remain issues as the pandemic wanes and the economy expands to pre-covid conditions.

2) Digitalization

Accelerated adoption of autonomous work systems as well as a reliance on data driven business models will continue. Workforces will need continued training and more robust support to thrive in the anticipated A.I. and machine learning environments. Business operations will implement more system based rules to build better resiliency and stability into their businesses.

3) Adaptation

The businesses that will thrive are those that are the most agile and demonstrate the ability to adapt to the disruptions presented by this new paradigm.

Sources:
Industry Week | How Will Manufacturing Business Models Change in 2021
https://www.industryweek.com/leadership/strategic-planning-execution/article/21145516/how-will-manufacturing-business-models-change-in-2021

Deloitte | 2021 Manufacturing Industry Outlook
https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/energy-and-resources/articles/manufacturing-industry-outlook.html

Meiomi Pinot Noir

A rich garnet color with a ruby edge, the wine opens to reveal lifted fruit aromas of bright strawberry and jammy fruit, mocha, and vanilla, along with toasty oak notes. Expressive boysenberry, blackberry, dark cherry, juicy strawberry, and toasty mocha flavors lend complexity and depth on the palate. The well-integrated oak provides structure and depth seldom seen in Pinot Noir.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 018 :  AWS Panorama – Good, Bad, Ethical?
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Date: 12/9/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt & Mandy discuss the new artificial intelligence system, AWS Panorama, launched last week and its potential to transform warehouse supply chains. But, can it be implemented ethically? Does employee surveillance breed compliance or contempt? Find out the questions you need to ask to implement this system ethically in this new episode from Lift & Tilt.

AWS Panorama – Good, Bad, Ethical?

1) Good

AWS Panorama will create a cost-effective way for companies to utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to better manage quality control, safety violations, waste reductions, and operational efficiency in real-time with computer vision.

2) Bad

While AWS Panorama will create many positives for warehouse operations, it’s rife with opportunities for abuse and could create unforeseen circumstances related to ethical business practices, labor disputes, algorithmic bias, and public relations.

3) Ethical

Ethics will boil down to how the system is implemented. Does your business have a corporate culture of ethical business practices? Do your employees perceive that they’re treated just and fair? Will your organization be transparent about employee surveillance and the business objectives of the system? Ultimately, the answers to these questions will determine if the system can be used ethically.

Sources:
Mashable | AWS Panorama Worker/Customer Tracking Technology
https://mashable.com/article/amazon-aws-panorama-worker-customer-tracking-technology-smart-cameras

The Verge | Amazon Warehouse Fulfillment Centers Productivity Firing & Terminations
https://www.theverge.com/2019/4/25/18516004/amazon-warehouse-fulfillment-centers-productivity-firing-terminations

Behavioral Scientist | The Paradox of Employee Surveillance
https://behavioralscientist.org/the-paradox-of-employee-surveillance/

Lakewood Brewing – Temptress

Temptress is seduction in a glass. This imperial milk stout pours with a thick, milk chocolate head, opens up with sweet caramel aromas and a warm complexity that grows deeper with every sip.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 017 :  Can Employers Require COVID Vaccine?
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Date: 11/19/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt & Mandy discuss how employers may approach the COVID vaccine and their policy towards it while drinking a red blend from a winery in Chile. Find out what questions to ask to shape your company’s COVID vaccine policy in this new episode from Lift & Tilt.

Can Employers Require COVID Vaccine?

1) The short answer is “Yes” they can.

An employer can make a vaccination a requirement if you want to continue working there. But there are significant exceptions for potential concerns related to any disability you may have and for religious beliefs that prohibit vaccinations. And experts say that employers are more likely to simply encourage their workers to get immunized rather that issue a company-wide mandate.

2) What about liability concerns?

Employers will need to make careful considerations regarding the potential for litigation regarding safe working environments as well as employee health should a vaccine be determined to have adverse side effects. Requiring vaccines for employment could have unforeseen adverse health concerns for employees and open the employer up to litigation. Not taking precautionary measures to keep employees safe from COVID could be seen as creating a hazardous work environment.

3) So what’s the plan moving forward?

Experts are predicting that the safest course of action for employers and employees will be recommended and potentially incentivized vaccinations.

Sources:
Seyfarth | Top Ten Considerations for Employers When it Comes to Potential COVID-19 Vaccine Programs
https://www.seyfarth.com/news-insights/top-ten-considerations-for-employers-when-it-comes-to-potential-covid-19-vaccine-programs.html

Montes Twins Red Blend 2016

Montes Twins is loaded with aromas of red and black fruit, sweet spices and bitter chocolate. The wine is creamy, youthful and easy to drink. Food Pairing: Enjoy with red meats, pasta and pizza or by itself.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 016 :  Innovation Efforts & Chaos Pilots
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Date: 11/11/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt and Mandy discuss a Harvard Business Review article about transformational teams for innovation and how certain personality traits make some employees better fits for innovative projects. Find out how to identify chaos pilots for your team in this new episode from Lift & Tilt.

Innovation Efforts & Chaos Pilots

1) What is a chaos pilot and why are they crucial?

Chaos pilots are people who can creatively lead a project through uncertainty. They have negative capability, but they also have other critical skills, such as the ability to create structure within chaos and take action. Leaders who are chaos pilots are able to drive a team forward on a project even as the environment around them fluctuates.

Although it may sound glamorous to be such a person, being a chaos pilot is hard — they are the colleagues working on ambiguous projects and frequently getting beat up in the process. People who aren’t capable of being chaos pilots quickly flounder when the environment around the project gets shaky.

Chaos pilots often care more about creating meaningful change than about climbing a corporate ladder or getting another star on their charts.

2) What is negative capability?

In the modern context, negative capability can be thought of as the ability to be comfortable with uncertainty, even to entertain it, rather than to become so anxious by its presence that you have to prematurely race to a more certain, yet suboptimal, conclusion. Whereas many people cannot stand the fuzziness of uncertainty, those who demonstrate negative capabilities can facilitate the exploration of new terrain and the discovery of an adjacent possible opportunity.

Individuals with negative capability remain curious and focused even when your project is far from the end goal. Chances are, they will even find this point of the project enthralling, rather than overwhelming, which is exactly what you want. They will also be able to suspend judgement about an end result and stay open to many possible outcomes, rather than become fixed early on to one version of success.

3) Where can you find chaos pilots?

Finding chaos pilots to join you can be challenging and requires observation and experimentation, though there are a few fertile places to look for good candidates.

For example, look for people who are getting mixed performance reviews, but who are still highly prized by the organization. Often, these people are getting mixed reviews because they make those around them uncomfortable — because the potential candidates often challenge the status quo — but they continue to succeed, because they perform so well.

Sources:
Harvard Business Review | If Your Innovation Effort Isn’t Working Look at Who’s on the Team
https://hbr.org/2018/11/if-your-innovation-effort-isnt-working-look-at-whos-on-the-team

Tenet The Pundit Syrah 2016

The color is deep ruby with garnet highlights. Raspberry jam and citrus with soy and earthy undertone aromas are complemented by a brambly, subtle meaty character. A smooth mouthfeel glides into a long silky finish with flavors of juicy blueberry, hints of tobacco and subtle gamey undertones.

Blend: 90% Syrah, 4% Grenache, 4% Mourvedre, and 2% Viognier.

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters

Lift & Tilt Podcast – Episode 015 :  Are Amazon Autonomous Warehouses More Dangerous?
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Date: 10/13/20

Host: Kurt Guntner

Overview: Kurt and Mandy discuss the Reveal investigative report regarding the increase in serious injuries at Amazon autonomous warehouses while sipping pumpkin spice coffee. Join Lift & Tilt as they navigate this pressing topic.

Are Autonomous Warehouses More Dangerous?

1) The Reveal Report Findings

The report shows unusually high rates of injury across the board, even compared with equivalent warehouses run by other companies. Amazon warehouses counted 14,000 serious injuries in 2019 (meaning injuries that require days off or job restrictions), and “the overall rate of 7.7 serious injuries per 100 employees was 33% higher than in 2016 and nearly double the most recent industry standard”.

2) Amazon’s Response

Amazon, in a statement to Reveal, said that “the use of robotics, automation and technology in our fulfillment centers is enhancing our workplace, making jobs safer and more efficient.”

3) Our Take

While data distortion may have an effect on the actual percent increase, it’s more likely that the increase in injuries are due to game theory production strategies and the learning curve associated with optimal operation and production processes to increase productivity while keeping employees safe.

Sources:
The Verge | Internal documents show automated Amazon warehouses have higher injury rates
https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/29/21493752/amazon-warehouses-robots-higher-injury-rates-report-reveal

Pumpkin Spice Coffee

Produced by LTS Studios, an in-house division of Lift Truck Supply, Inc. – a full-line provider of Toyota forklift equipment, service, parts and rentals. LTS – Your Forklift Accessory & Parts Headquarters