216: Automating Control Panel Design and Fabrication Featuring Rittal’s Brian Jung and EPLAN’s Kruno Kutnohorski

Manually manufacturing control panels is difficult. It demands highly skilled labor, years of reading schematics, and the ability to troubleshoot. What’s more, it’s a time-consuming process. This is where automated and semi-automated panel design and assembly comes in. Not only does this innovation drastically reduce the amount of time spent manufacturing panels, but it also frees up skilled laborers to do higher-value work.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rittal’s Brian Jung and EPLAN’s Kruno Kutnohorski. Join us as we discuss the difference between semi-automated and automated panel design and assembly, how to help customers overcome technology hesitancy, and why automation is nothing to be afraid of.

In this episode, find out:

• The difference between automating panels in America and the rest of the world
• The importance of having a story to tell that’s backed by data, rather than just conceptual
• How EPLAN and Rittal use “lighthouse customers”
• Best practices for effective collaboration
• How automation is helping solve the skilled labor shortage
• Why there’s no right or wrong way to start with automation
• Brian’s “Girl Scout cookie enterprise,” and Kruno’s favorite football team and animal!

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Tweetable Quotes:

• “Before, we had a story to tell conceptually, now we have a story to tell because we have actual data to back it up.” - Brian Jung
• “If we can help customers going from manual to semi-automated, they are saving a lot of time.” - Kruno Kutnohorski
• “You're not displacing a human, right? They're doing other jobs that bring value to the company.” - Brian Jung

Links & mentions:

• EPLAN, provides ECAD software and service solutions for electrical panel builders, electrical design, automation and mechatronic engineering
• Rittal, the world's leading systems provider for Enclosures, Power Distribution, Climate Control, IT infrastructure, 19" racks, and software and services
• Golden Road Brewing Company, Los Angeles' largest craft brewer

Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.