EECO Asks Why Podcast

Can modern e-commerce platforms really transform the way industrial manufacturers operate? We unpack the revolutionary impact of e-commerce account management within the industrial sector. You'll discover how these platforms have evolved to meet the multifaceted needs of purchasing, engineering, logistics, and installation. From real-time pricing and quote requests aiding purchasing agents to...

We're tearing down the old procurement playbook and rewriting rules that foster stronger connections with industrial distributors, through digital toolkits that transform procurement from a support function to a centerpiece of strategic influence. As we wade through this digital tide, the insights shared are bound to redefine your approach to efficiency and relationships in this competitive a...

Unlock the future of digital procurement with us as we traverse the exciting landscape of industrial distribution's transformation. Experience firsthand how EECO is spearheading innovation by offering self-service platforms that mirror the ease of B2C transactions within the B2B sphere. In this episode, you'll gain unparalleled insight into the three cornerstones of a seamless digital pu...

Discover the transformative shift that's redefining industrial manufacturing: the ascendancy of managed network switches. We will walk through the cutting-edge intersection of technology and production, where managed switches reign supreme to streamline data flow, bolster efficiency, and dramatically cut downtime. Let's examine the critical nuances between unmanaged and managed switches,...

Unlock the secrets to operational excellence with a deep dive into the world of power monitoring in industrial manufacturing. We weave through genesis including technology such as chart recorders to the latest sophisticated systems, providing an eye-opening perspective on process health. Discover how the shift from scheduled maintenance to condition-based strategies, with smart motor protection an...

Embark on a journey through the evolution of industrial automation as we unravel the mysteries of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) on ECO Ask Why. Prepare to trace the lineage of innovation from the days of clunky relays to the sleek, data-driven era of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and sophisticated control system. We're not stopping at the hardware; we delve into the network...

What if the key to revolutionizing your manufacturing operations lies in the smart protection of your motors? As industrial leaders seek competitive advantage, embracing smart motor protection is not just about enhancing reliability and longevity of equipment, but also about steering the company's perception towards quality. We introduce you to the countless benefits of this technology, illus...

Are you ready design systems that make a true impact in industrial manufacturing? In this enlightening episode, we're taking you on a tour from the drawing board to the production line. We're not just drawing blueprints here; we're creating tangible, practical systems that will revolutionize the way you work. We'll be sharing tried and tested strategies, setting objectives, and...

What if you had a detailed list of your assets, helping you to prioritize investments, identify risks, and streamline your path to efficiency? That's what an Installed Base Evaluation (IBE) offers, and we're diving deep into the transformative power of IBEs. We'll explore how knowing exactly what you own can serve as a foundation for effective strategizing and action planning where...

Debriefing can have a powerful impact on business when done correctly. In this powerful conversation Robert "Cujo" Teschner breaks down the idea behind a debrief and to execute them to achieve significant results.  His definition of a debrief is simple and elegant - Debrief is the constructive evaluation of the quality of our decisions and associated actions measured against the objectiv...

Michael Van Keulen does a phenomenal job of breaking down the role of technology in procurement.  He has a passion for procurement and  believes that best-in-class procurement outcomes depend on three factors:  People Process Technology  Without the right combination of these three elements, sustainable best-in-class procurement outcomes will not be achieved.  For technology to make a meaningful c...

In this episode we explore the ways in which software can help create supply chain agility. Ara Surenian discusses the importance of supply chain agility, the role of software in achieving it, and some examples of software solutions that can be used to enhance supply chain agility. Specific areas explored are: What is supply chain agility? Ara explains that supply chain agility refers to the abili...

In the fast paced world of data centers Bret Lehman is changing the game! He shares his incredible journey and how the landscape has changed so much over the last 20 years.  Bret gives an inside look at key areas of innovation including: Server design Cooling challenges Workforce attrition Sustainability for the future Bret is on the frontlines of industry and the impact he is making is genuine. ...

Flexibility, customization and innovation are the heart of the exciting world of modular data centers!  In this conversation Michael Hennings and Bret Lehman give an inside look at this evolving technology.  As frontline industry leaders they have a perspective that is unparalleled in this space.   They share insight around how the technology has changed over the years and what is coming down the...

Look for challenges and never be content. That is what drives Michael Hennings and he shares about his amazing journey in this Hero conversation.  Michael is the Director of Business Development at Hubbell and is on the front lines of cutting edge technology daily.  His career began in distribution and has provided him tremendous opportunities to grow into the role he currently has at Hubbell. Mic...

83% of B2B buyers prefer an e-commerce or digital experience, as opposed to picking up the phone! Let that sink in for a minute.  The digital experience for those in manufacturing is here and the businesses that are making the investments now will be the ones carrying the flag in the future.  Curt Anderson is the expert in all things eCommerce (he literally wrote the book about it) and in this ins...

Being on the front lines of game changing industry solutions is what our hero Jerry Foster lives every day! In this inspirational conversation Jerry unpacks his personal journey through industry and some of his incredible experiences.  Working with the best minds of manufacturing puts him in a great position to see the hurdles firsthand and engineer solutions that truly make an impact. Jerry gets...

When quality becomes part of your culture the game changes completely! Anthony Murphy shares how he and the team at PLEX stay focused on building solutions that helps organizations align to achieve amazing results.  When everyone is driving in the same direction greatness awaits and the leaders of manufacturing recognize there is tremendous power in this mindset. He reviews how to take a holistic...

We need more evangelists for manufacturing! Curt Anderson is one of the most energetic and impactful voices that is ensuring manufacturing get the attention it deserves.  He is extremely passionate about helping manufacturers connect with customers through eCommerce solutions and in this epic Hero conversation he shares his amazing story. Curt took the entrepreneurial plunge in the midst of COVID...

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) are impacting factory floors like never before. In this information packed episode we welcome Jerry Foster from Plex to unpack the realities of these powerful solutions.  He shares how the need for manufacturers to track and document the transformation of raw materials into finished goods led to an exciting world of MES. Manufacturers desire control and report...

Your work environment affects your impact.  In this New Year's Special Chris shares a recent idea he implemented with the EECO Asks Why studio that can be utilized wherever you find yourself working.  With as much time as we spend at work throughout our careers having pride in your environment is key.   Moving forward into the new year think about what can you modify in your work environment...

The Christmas season brings lots of opportunities to step away and reflect.  One of the benefits of that reflection is the ability to see what is working and what adjustments you should consider in the future.   In this Christmas special Chris shares 5 valuable insights he's learned from procurement professionals that have recently come on the show. Their knowledge is sure to help many improv...

When the worlds of manufacturing and education collide powerful things can happen! That's exactly what Jeremiah Williams is leading at Danville Community College in Danville, Virginia.  He is the Directior of Integrated Machining Technology and their program is leading the way in developing some of the strongest machining technicians in industry.  Jeremiah shares how a program like his got st...

Our hero Alicia Gilpin is making waves in the industrial automation world. From controls to social media influencer to podcaster her plate stays full. In this fun hero story she unpacks her journey and shares lessons learned along the way.  She has an amazing example of how people are coming to her directly for engineering support and the new way she can serve them.  By leaning into her LinkedIn n...

The world of sourcing has changed dramatically.  In this information packed conversation Karen Blackburn returns and provides an inside look at the world of professional procurement.  Karen covers the areas that matter most in manufacturing including: Sustaining and securing the supply chain What value added services truly matter Creative ways to consider freight The power of Vendor Managed Invent...