Beyond the Concept – Concept Systems
For an episode of “Beyond the Concept” podcast, a show by Concept Systems, host Tyler Kern chatted with John Miller, the principal engineer at Rockwell Automations, and Jerry Flynn, the company’s principal controls engineer. The trio particularly discussed Programmable Numerical Control, mostly known by its initials, PNC, and how Rockwell has been a premier leader…
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Architecture & Design
System Integration Field and CSIA’s Role
Jose Rivera, CEO of Control System Integrators Association (CSIA), joined host Daniel Litwin to explain CSIA’s role in the systems integration field in the latest Beyond the Concept podcast episode. In 2015, Rivera, an electrical engineer, transitioned from serving large automation equipment suppliers to becoming the CEO of CSIA, a 500-member organization. Rivera explained that…
Beyond the Concept - Concept Systems
Beyond the Concept: Managing the Risk of Using Out-of-Date Parts and Products in a Facility
Facilities can ill afford to have equipment go down with today’s supply chain challenges. Lost hours could quickly become lost days if a replacement is unavailable. Sam Cafferata, Principal Engineer at Concept Systems, spoke with Tyler Kern about this all-too-real issue and what facilities can do to ensure their equipment is up-to-date and in good…
Beyond the Concept - Concept Systems
Steve Strong’s Vision for Concept Systems Going into 2023
After a momentous twenty-three years, Michael Helm has stepped down in his role as CEO with Concept Systems. Helm passed the torch down to Steve Strong, who chatted with host Tyler Kern about his future-forward visions for Concept Systems. After spending almost 15 years at the Boeing Company, Strong knows a thing or two about…
Architecture & Design
Navigating Greenfield Projects with Rick Pruden and Ron Schiedler
Two of the main contributing factors driving the financial success of greenfield projects are budgeting and schedule. On the latest episode of the Beyond the Concept podcast, Rick Pruden, Strategic Solutions Specialist at Concept Systems, and Ron Schiedler, Principal Engineer at Concept Systems, spoke to Beyond the Concept’s Tyler Kern about mitigating these risk factors…
Beyond the Concept - Concept Systems
Making Complex Robotic Applications Simple with Justin Garski and Evan Gonnerman
We breathe without thinking. Blink without noticing. But when it comes down to it, all of our normal bodily functions are not as easy and effortless as they appear—at least not for complex robotic applications. Justin Garski, the Americas OEM Segment Manager for Packaging, Converting, Print and Web at Rockwell and Evan Gonnerman, Senior Controls…
Beyond the Concept - Concept Systems
Beyond the Concept: Automation in the Airlines and Aerospace Markets
Steve Strong, Regional Engineering Manager, Seattle, at Concept Systems, spoke with Tyler Kern about some of the automation challenges in the airline and aerospace industries. Something both markets have in common: they each have expensive and complex products to manufacture and automate. Strong said because of these complexities, the proposals Concept Systems does and…
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Reboot Business Education: Make Lifelong Learning the Default
As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and digital skills rapidly evolve, business schools find themselves at a crossroads. Traditional MBA programs and executive education are no longer endpoints but touchstones in a lifelong learning journey. As digital tools and technologies advance rapidly, educational models must keep pace to remain relevant in a changing workforce. Business schools…
Career Planning Beyond the College Track: How Work-Based Learning Expands Career Options for Students
As debates around the value of college heat up and the demand for skilled workers rises, a growing number of educators and policymakers are rethinking the “college for all” mindset. A 2024 report from Georgetown’s CEW found that many middle-skill jobs—requiring only a certificate or associate’s degree—pay over $53,000 annually early on in a…
Applied Digital Ellendale AI Data Center: April 2025 Update
Progress continued throughout April at Applied Digital’s Ellendale AI Data Center, as construction efforts advanced across multiple fronts. With favorable weather conditions and a clear focus on critical infrastructure, the ELN02 site remains on track to support the growing demands of high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence. Key developments from April include: Metal jacketing installation…
The Produce Distribution Industry Needs Flexibility, Empathy, and a New Generation of Talent
As inflation reshapes consumer habits and restaurant margins tighten, the produce distribution industry is under more pressure than ever. This high-touch, low-margin, logistics-heavy business is facing rising freight costs, labor shortages, and evolving food safety standards — all while trying to deliver perishable products across a fragmented national landscape. Between 2020 and 2024, the…
