Épisodes

  • Matt Bradbury with Business Acquisition and Merger Associates
    Oct 3 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Matt Bradbury, Managing Director at Business Acquisition & Merger Associates about "Sound Merger/Acquisition Solutions ". Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk podcast, celebrating industry professionals and featuring Matt Bradbury, a seasoned M&A expert with 20 years of experience and $2 billion in transaction value. Bradbury's firm focuses on manufacturing, distribution, and B2B services, with 80% of clients having blue-collar workforces. He discusses the growing demand for electrical infrastructure due to increased data center needs and the impact of reshoring and nearshoring on manufacturing. Bradbury emphasizes the importance of smart power generation and automation in meeting these demands. He can be reached at matt@buysellyourbusiness.com or 704-905-0565. Action Items
    • [ ] Follow up with Matt Bradbury on LinkedIn (Matthew Bradbury) to stay updated on his firm's activities and industry insights.
    • [ ] Connect with Matt Bradbury at Buy, Sell Your Business (matt@buysell-yourbusiness.com) to discuss potential M&A opportunities in the utility services space.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their contributions.
    • The podcast is sponsored by Siemens Smart Infrastructure and Grid Software Services, encouraging listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
    • Scott MacKenzie mentions the podcast is being broadcasted from Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and expresses his enthusiasm for utility-related topics.

    Introduction of Matt Bradbury and His Firm
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces Matt Bradbury, who has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the utility services space.
    • Matt Bradbury shares his background, mentioning he started his firm 20 years ago and has sold about 215 companies, with a total transaction value of almost $2 billion.
    • His firm focuses on manufacturing, distribution, and B2B services, with 80% of their clients having a blue-collar workforce.
    • Matt Bradbury is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and discusses the importance of the utility industry and the need for infrastructure updates.

    Expectations and Importance of Distribute Tech
    • Scott MacKenzie asks Matt Bradbury about his expectations and the importance of Distribute Tech.
    • Matt Bradbury explains the 20-year tailwind of needing to update electrical infrastructure due to increased demand from data centers and AI.
    • He shares an anecdote about a data center operator in California who mentioned the lack of available power during a fishing trip.
    • Matt Bradbury discusses the importance of private equity groups and the qualities he looks for in partners, emphasizing the need for smart, humble, and approachable groups.

    Challenges and Opportunities in the Utility Industry
    • Scott MacKenzie and Matt Bradbury discuss the challenges and opportunities in the utility industry, including the need for more power generation and the impact of reshoring and nearshoring manufacturing.
    • Matt Bradbury mentions the importance of retaining tribal knowledge and marketing the trades as a viable career option.
    • Scott MacKenzie highlights the innovation and automation taking place in the industry, which offers global opportunities for professionals.
    • They discuss the complexities of managing distributed solutions and connected generation, and the role of technology in improving efficiency.

    Future Trends and Technological Solutions
    • Scott MacKenzie and Matt Bradbury discuss future...
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    14 min
  • Michael DeMaria with Fluke Reliability
    Oct 1 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Michael DeMaria, Director, Product Management at Fluke Reliability about "Prepare, Predict, Prevail". Scott Mackenzie and Michael DeMaria discuss the industrial trends and innovations at the Xcelerate 2025 event in Austin, Texas. Michael, a product manager at Fluke Reliability, highlights the importance of collaboration and learning from each other in the industry. He outlines the "Prepare, Predict, Prevail" theme, emphasizing the need for data-driven insights and automation to manage work orders effectively. Michael also addresses the generational gap in the workforce, stressing the importance of technology and communication to bridge this divide. The conversation underscores the role of Industry 5.0 in integrating human expertise with advanced technology. Action Items
    • [ ] Explore ways to automate the work order creation and management process to handle the increasing volume of data and insights.
    • [ ] Investigate how to better communicate the value of reliability and maintenance initiatives to upper management.
    • [ ] Develop strategies to bridge the generational gap and enable knowledge transfer from the retiring workforce to the new generation of workers.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, highlighting the importance of industry professionals and their contributions.
    • The podcast is broadcasting live from Accelerate 2025 in Austin, Texas, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces Michael de Maria, a seasoned industry professional, and sets the stage for their discussion.

    Michael de Maria's Background and Role at Fluke
    • Michael DeMaria shares his extensive experience in the industry, starting in 1980.
    • He discusses his role as the product manager for the software and services solution at Fluke.
    • Michael explains the three pillars of Fluke: Reliability Proof, Technic, Azema DLI, and Emerson.
    • He provides a brief history of Azema DLI, its origins, and its significant Navy contracts.

    Discussion on Prepare, Predict, and Prevail
    • Michael outlines the theme of the event: Prepare, Predict, and Prevail.
    • He explains the importance of identifying needs and understanding machinery in the Prepare phase.
    • The Predict phase focuses on making insights from data and creating actionable understanding.
    • The Prevail phase involves automating work orders and ensuring efficient execution.

    Challenges and Solutions in Data Management
    • Michael discusses the challenges of managing a vast amount of data, including 100 trillion data points.
    • He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing data and leveraging limited skilled resources.
    • The conversation touches on the criticality assessment of assets and its impact on data analysis.
    • Michael highlights the automation of data capture and analysis to streamline processes.

    Automation and Work Order Management
    • Michael explains the automation of work order creation and its benefits.
    • He discusses the challenges of managing a backlog of work orders and the importance of prioritization.
    • The conversation covers the need for daily management of data and work orders.
    • Michael emphasizes the role of dashboards in presenting actionable information.

    Generational Gap and Technology Adoption
    • Michael and Scott discuss...
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    22 min
  • Arthur Field with Machine Shop Tech Talk
    Sep 29 2025
    Scott Mackenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. He emphasizes the importance of amplifying voices in manufacturing, particularly in attracting and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Scott discusses the need for a resilient business culture and the role of people in driving success. Arthur Field, a guest on the podcast, shares his journey from machinist to sales and now to promoting manufacturing through videos and podcasts. He highlights the impact of consistent communication and the importance of trust in building successful manufacturing businesses. Both Scott and Arthur stress the necessity of education, collaboration, and innovation in the industry. Action Items
    • [ ] Subscribe to the Machine Shop Tech Talk podcast
    • [ ] Explore the resources and stories shared by Arthur and MTDCNC to learn about successful manufacturing companies and technology solutions
    • [ ] Connect with Arthur Field on LinkedIn

    Outline Introduction and Purpose of Industrial Talk Podcast
    • Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
    • Scott highlights the importance of amplifying voices in the industry and celebrating the contributions of individuals.
    • The podcast aims to inspire the next generation of industrial leaders by sharing stories and insights from industry influencers.
    • Scott sets the stage for the conversation with Arthur Field, the voice behind Machine Shop Tech Talk.

    Challenges and Opportunities in Modern Manufacturing
    • Scott discusses the current economic boom in the industry and the need to bring more manufacturing back to the forefront.
    • He emphasizes the importance of people in the industry, despite advancements in automation.
    • Scott talks about the need for a resilient business culture and the importance of inspiring young professionals to join the industry.
    • He challenges listeners to inspire the next generation and invest in education from an early age.

    Introduction of Arthur Field and His Background
    • Scott introduces Arthur Field, the guest for the episode, and highlights his contributions to the industry.
    • Arthur shares his journey from starting in an assembly plant to becoming a machinist and eventually moving into sales.
    • He discusses the challenges of entering the sales market during a downturn and the importance of perseverance.
    • Arthur talks about his current role with MTD CNC and his passion for helping high-level shops succeed.

    The Role of MTD CNC and Its Impact on the Industry
    • Arthur explains the origins of MTD CNC, which started as Machine Tools Direct to provide better information about machine tools in the UK.
    • He discusses the importance of awareness in manufacturing and how MTD CNC helps shops make informed decisions.
    • Arthur shares success stories of shops that have benefited from the information provided by MTD CNC.
    • He emphasizes the need for trust and effective communication in the industry.

    The Importance of Video and Podcasting in Industry Communication
    • Arthur explains his transition from direct sales to creating videos and podcasts to reach a larger audience.
    • He discusses the challenges of traveling to meet shop owners and the limitations of physical presence.
    • Arthur highlights the benefits of video content in breaking down barriers and providing quick, actionable information.
    • He shares his experiences with teaching first aid and public speaking to improve his communication skills.

    The...
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    36 min
  • Curt Chamberlain with Utility Performance Consultants
    Sep 26 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at Xcelerate 2025 and talking to Curt Chamberlain, Managing Consultant at Utility Performance Consultants about "Leveraging the EMaint solution for the Utility Market". Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Curt Chamberlain, a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility sectors. Chamberlain discusses his work with utilities like OG&E and a large Northeast utility, focusing on SAP implementations to cut OPEX by a billion dollars. He also details his projects with EMaint and Deep Blue, including a tight five-month implementation of EMaint for a pipeline company and a subsequent 18-month transition to EMaint's X5. Chamberlain highlights the challenges of regulatory compliance and the potential of AI in maintenance, emphasizing the need for substantial data to drive AI effectiveness. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Curt Chamberlain on LinkedIn to continue the conversation.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to the Podcast
    • Speaker 1 introduces Scott Mackenzie as the host of the industrial talk podcast, highlighting his dedication to industry innovations and trends.
    • Scott MacKenzie welcomes listeners to the podcast, emphasizing the importance of industry professionals and their contributions.
    • Scott mentions the early morning conversation at the Accelerate conference, sponsored by Fluke Reliability.
    • Scott promotes Fluke Reliability, encouraging listeners to visit their website for more information on asset management, maintenance, and reliability.

    Discussion on Autonomous Vehicles and Personal Experiences
    • Scott and Curt discuss their experiences with autonomous vehicles, including taking one to a cigar shop and a short ride in another one.
    • They share their thoughts on the comfort and safety of autonomous vehicles, with Speaker 2 expressing a desire to take one to the airport.
    • Scott and Speaker 2 talk about the strange feeling of being in a car with no visible driver and the future of autonomous vehicles.

    Background on Curt Chamberlain
    • Curt introduces himself as a consultant with extensive experience in the energy and utility business, particularly in maintenance and process improvement.
    • He shares his background in the utility industry, starting in the mid-90s, and his work with various utilities, including OG and E.
    • Curt describes his role in implementing SAP for OG and E, including payroll, maintenance, and other business systems.
    • He mentions his recent work with a large utility in the Northeast, focusing on cutting a billion dollars in operating costs through SAP implementation.

    Implementation of E-Mate and Challenges
    • Curt discusses his work with EMaint, a crude pipeline company, and the implementation of their asset management system.
    • He describes the tight deadline and the challenges of transferring 389,000 historical work orders from the old system to E-Mate.
    • Curt explains the regulatory requirements for maintaining historical data and the complexity of the implementation process.
    • He shares the success of the implementation and the transition to E-Mate's new product, X5, which was pioneered by his team.

    Transition to Deep Blue and Current Projects
    • Curt talks about his retirement and subsequent return to work with Deep Blue, a company in the water business.
    • He describes the company's operations in Midland, Texas, and their role in treating and disposing of water used in hydraulic fracking.
    • Curt explains...
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    21 min
  • Kevin Kucera with RPM Electric
    Sep 24 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Kevin Kucera, CEO at RPM Electric about "Hardening the Grid and Electrical Safety". Scott Mackenzie hosts Kevin Kucera on the Industrial Talk Podcast, discussing safety and innovation at the Distribute Tech event in Dallas, Texas. Kucera highlights the importance of grid hardening technology, which protects against fast transients and electromagnetic pulses, operating in six nanoseconds and guaranteed for 1000 events. He shares a personal story about a near-fatal electrical incident, emphasizing the need for safety protocols. The conversation also touches on the significance of proper grounding and the dangers of working with electrical systems, underscoring the importance of professional training and adherence to safety standards. Action Items
    • [ ] Provide information about Kevin's company's product, the ultra-fast surge arrester, to interested parties.

    Outline Distribute Tech Event Overview
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast and highlights the importance of industry professionals.
    • Scott MacKenzie mentions the sponsor, Siemens, and encourages listeners to visit siemens.com for more information.
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces Kevin Kucera , who will discuss safety and his experiences at Distribute Tech.
    • Kevin Kucera spells his last name and Scott MacKenzie jokes about the pronunciation.

    Event Attendance and Activity
    • Kevin Kucera mentions the large attendance at Distribute Tech, with 600 exhibitors and 18,000 attendees.
    • Scott MacKenzie expresses surprise at the large number of attendees and describes the event as a "zoo."
    • Kevin Kucera describes Distribute Tech as the number one show for utility, with significant interest and innovation.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera discuss the buzz around grid hardening technology and the importance of resilience in medium voltage systems.

    Grid Hardening Technology
    • Kevin Kucera explains the technology developed by Advanced Fusion Systems to protect against fast transients and electromagnetic pulses.
    • The devices operate in six nanoseconds and are guaranteed for 1000 events, with no metal oxide or silicon internally.
    • Scott MacKenzie asks for a real-life use case, and Kevin Kucera provides an example of a nuclear event and directed energy weapons.
    • The technology protects against catastrophic failures by shunting pulses to the ground quickly.

    Installation and Safety Considerations
    • Kevin Kucera describes the installation process, which involves using a meter of wire and connecting to the ground.
    • The devices can be placed at transformers, rectifiers, or as EMP scouts on the line.
    • Scott MacKenzie and Kevin Kucera discuss the importance of proper grounding and the use of bonding poles.
    • Kevin Kucera shares his background in the electrical industry and his passion for electricity.

    Electrical Safety Incident
    • Kevin Kucera shares a personal story about a close call with electrical safety at a dry dock in downtown Seattle.
    • He describes the incident where a rod fell and hit a phase, causing a 14-foot fireball.
    • Kevin Kucera explains how the breaker tripped instantly, saving him from severe injury.
    • The incident highlights the importance of safety and the potential dangers in the electrical industry.

    Subsequent Safety Measures
    • Kevin Kucera describes the subsequent repairs and safety measures taken after the incident.
    • He...
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    24 min
  • Drew Walts with IRISS
    Sep 22 2025
    Scott Mackenzie hosts an industrial podcast featuring Drew Walts from IRISS, discussing their ultrasound technology for identifying electrical challenges before failure. Drew, with 25 years of experience in ultrasound and infrared, highlights IRISS' Sonus product line, including the compact Sonus XT and the cloud-based SonusVIZ for data analysis. They emphasize the importance of integrating various inspection technologies for comprehensive asset management. Drew also mentions IRISS' IoT solutions for continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency in industrial settings. Action Items
    • [ ] Reach out to Drew Walts via email (d.walts@iriss.com) or LinkedIn to learn more about IRISS' solutions and get technical support.

    Outline Introduction and Welcome to Industrial Talk
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry innovations and professionals.
    • Scott welcomes listeners, highlighting the importance of industrial professionals and their contributions to society.
    • Scott expresses excitement about the current state of the industry, mentioning the rapid pace of change, innovation, and technology.
    • Scott introduces Drew Walt from IRISS, focusing on their technology for identifying electrical challenges before failure.

    Drew Walts' Background and IRISS' Solutions
    • Drew Walt introduces himself as a subject matter enthusiast with 25 years of experience in ultrasound and infrared technology.
    • Drew shares his background, starting with infrared in the military and later working with UE Systems for 16 years.
    • Drew discusses his transition to IRISS, where he now develops training and provides service work.
    • Scott and Drew talk about IRISS' history, its expansion, and its commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for industrial inspection.

    IRISS' Products and Technologies
    • Drew explains the Sonus product line, including the Sonus XT, a compact ultrasound device with various probes.
    • Drew highlights the SonusVIZ, a tablet-based acoustic camera, and the Sonus View recorder for sound analysis.
    • Scott and Drew discuss the benefits of these products, such as their compact size, affordability, and versatility.
    • Drew emphasizes the importance of combining different technologies like ultrasound, infrared, and TEV detection for comprehensive inspections.

    Data Analysis and AI Integration
    • Scott inquires about data analytics solutions for the Sonus products.
    • Drew explains the cloud-based data platform of the SonusVIZ, which stores and analyzes data collected in the field.
    • Drew discusses the potential of AI in enhancing electrical inspection, particularly in identifying harmonic patterns and electrical failures.
    • Scott and Drew talk about the future of IoT solutions and the integration of various sensors for continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance.

    Field Applications and Real-World Examples
    • Drew shares a real-world example of using the Sonus products to inspect a facility with multiple faults.
    • Drew describes the process of collecting data from various technologies and presenting findings to the client.
    • Scott and Drew discuss the importance of timely and accurate data analysis to prevent catastrophic failures.
    • Drew highlights the role of human technicians in interpreting data and making critical decisions based on the findings.

    Future of IRISS and Industry Trends
    • Drew talks about the development of new products like the DTU for continuous monitoring of electrical systems.
    • ...
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    36 min
  • Jim Vinoski with the Manufacturing Talks Web Show and Podcast
    Sep 19 2025
    Industrial Talk is talking to Jim Vinoski, Founder and Host of the Manufacturing Talks Web Show and Podcast about "Passion voice, powerful advocate, manufacturing success". Scott Mackenzie interviews Jim Vanoski on the Industrial Talk Podcast, discussing the importance of amplifying industrial voices and inspiring the next generation of leaders. Jim shares his extensive manufacturing background, including 16 years with General Mills, and his transition to writing for Forbes and podcasting. They discuss the challenges in the food industry, including cost-cutting and the rise of private labels, and the need for innovation and skilled labor. Jim emphasizes the importance of responsible investment in manufacturing and the role of culture and policy in shaping the industry's future. Action Items
    • [ ] @Scott MacKenzie - Reach out to Jim to continue the conversation and explore opportunities to collaborate.
    • [ ] Connect with Jim on LinkedIn to share information on responsible investment firms in manufacturing.

    Outline Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast
    • Scott Mackenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott highlights the importance of amplifying industrial voices and inspiring the next generation of industrial leaders.
    • The podcast aims to celebrate industry professionals and provide resources for listeners.
    • Scott introduces Jim Vanoski, a manufacturing expert, and sets the stage for their conversation.

    Jim Vanoski's Background and Career
    • Jim Vanoski shares his extensive career in manufacturing, starting with chemicals, paints, coatings, and food ingredients.
    • He worked for 16 years with General Mills, progressing from engineering to plant management.
    • Jim emphasizes his close connection with the factory floor and his writing for Forbes on manufacturing.
    • He discusses his transition to podcasting and the launch of his own show, Manufacturing Talks.

    Challenges in the Food Industry
    • Scott and Jim discuss the challenges faced by the food industry, including the rise of private labels and store brands.
    • Jim explains how cost-cutting measures by big brands have led to a decline in quality and innovation.
    • They discuss the impact of price pressures and the loss of value for consumers.
    • Jim mentions a marketing guru, Peter McDonald, who highlighted the importance of creating value for consumers.

    The Role of Innovation and Disruption
    • Scott and Jim discuss the concept of innovation and disruption, using Kodak as an example.
    • Jim explains the challenges of staying innovative while maintaining profitability.
    • They talk about the importance of continuous improvement and the role of new technologies in manufacturing.
    • Jim shares his experience with Clayton Christensen's book, "The Innovator's Dilemma," and its relevance to modern manufacturing.

    Journey into Podcasting
    • Jim shares his journey into podcasting, inspired by seeing others in the industry doing it.
    • He describes his initial setup with a webcam and microphone from Best Buy.
    • Scott and Jim discuss the challenges and rewards of podcasting, including overcoming self-doubt and technical hurdles.
    • Jim emphasizes the importance of having street cred and relevant experience in manufacturing.

    Impact of Manufacturing on Society
    • Scott and Jim discuss the broader impact of manufacturing on society, including job creation and economic growth.
    • They talk about the need to...
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    43 min
  • Kenneth Munson with Rhythmos.io
    Sep 17 2025
    Industrial Talk is onsite at DistribuTech 2025 and talking to Ken Munson, Founder and CEO at Rhythmos.io about "Grid-Edge solutions to respond to the increase electrification devices". Ken Munson, a serial entrepreneur and former private equity professional, discussed his company Rhythmos, which focuses on grid edge technologies. He highlighted the significant growth in load due to electric vehicles and the electrification of various devices, emphasizing the need for better visibility and management of this load. Rhythmos uses advanced analytics and machine learning to optimize load distribution, enhancing utility planning and operational efficiency. The company leverages Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) data to profile and characterize load impacts, providing utilities with the flexibility to manage their networks more effectively. Munson also mentioned the importance of AI in forecasting and load management. Action Items
    • [ ] Connect with Ken Munson on LinkedIn
    • [ ] Visit Rhythmos' website at Rhythmos.io

    Outline Introduction and Welcome
    • Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and innovations.
    • Scott welcomes listeners and highlights the importance of industry professionals in solving daily problems and making the world a better place.
    • Scott mentions the current broadcast location at Distribute Tech in Dallas, Texas, and introduces the guest, Ken Munson.
    • Ken Munson corrects his name and jokes about being in trouble with his mom, leading to a light-hearted exchange.

    Ken Munson's Background and Achievements
    • Ken Munson describes himself as a serial entrepreneur with three companies under his belt, including Sun Virgin Energy and Rhythmos.
    • Ken explains his entry into the energy sector in 2006 to solve grid edge challenges and the formation of Sun Virgin Energy.
    • He mentions his transition to a company in the skater world and the subsequent formation of Rhythmos.
    • Scott provides the correct spelling of Rhythmos and asks Ken to elaborate on the company's mission.

    Understanding Grid Edge Technologies
    • Ken defines grid edge technologies, which include electric vehicles, solar, storage, and service transformers.
    • He highlights the significant growth in load due to electric vehicles and the electrification of various devices.
    • Ken discusses the challenges utilities face with visibility below the substation and the impact of service transformer costs and lead times.
    • Scott shares his perspective as a former transmission lineman, emphasizing the linear nature of power generation and delivery.

    Challenges and Solutions in Grid Edge Management
    • Ken explains the bi-directional challenge utilities face with the growth of new load and the role of automation, AI, and machine learning in improving forecasting and asset management.
    • He describes the lack of granular visibility at the service transformer level and the impact of increased load growth.
    • Ken introduces Rhythmos' platform, which provides granular visibility and optimizes load to prevent premature overload of assets.
    • The platform creates a dynamic operating envelope on the distribution network, enabling utilities to manage load more effectively.

    Implementation and Regulatory Considerations
    • Scott inquires about the complexity of setting up Rhythmos' solution and the communication with system operators.
    • Ken explains the use of Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) data for advanced analytics...
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    18 min