Jeff and Scott welcome Tim Ryan, Construction Sales Executive for North America at WIA Systems, to discuss the unique challenges of construction technology. Tim shares insights from his construction background and explains how the industry differs from manufacturing in terms of variability, change management, and technology adoption. The conversation explores construction's evolution from cost-focused legacy systems to modern ERP solutions, the complexity of managing multiple subcontractors and constant project changes, and why construction remains a "laggard of laggards" in technology adoption compared to manufacturing.

Key Takeaways

• Construction's Extreme Variability: Unlike manufacturing's engineer-to-order, construction projects involve constant changes from multiple stakeholders with limited control over variables
• Technology Laggard Status: Construction significantly lags behind manufacturing in technology adoption, creating opportunities for companies that embrace modern ERP systems
• Data Ownership Matters: Construction companies generate valuable data but often don't own or leverage it effectively due to multi-tenant SaaS limitations
• Integration Complexity: Construction projects require coordination between multiple CAD systems, subcontractors, and software platforms that don't communicate effectively

Best Quote

"Construction has a lot of point solutions... everybody talks about how they'd like to do it that way, but they don't. And those are the kinds of things where we want to provide the tools to be able to do that easily." - Tim Ryan

Timestamps

00:07 - Introduction to Tim Ryan and WIA Systems background

02:23 - Tim's construction industry experience and technology journey

06:55 - Evolution of construction software from cost management to comprehensive solutions

11:33 - Data as asset: people, materials, and data as core problem categories

16:07 - Construction vs. engineering-to-order manufacturing differences

20:42 - Change management and ripple effects in construction projects

25:13 - CAD integration challenges in construction workflows

29:46 - Real-world example of construction change complexity

34:27 - Collaborative modeling limitations and IP protection concerns

41:25 - Competitive advantages and business process standardization

46:12 - Legacy construction ERP limitations and cottage industry solutions

52:55 - SaaS vendor lock-in and data ownership challenges

Tim Ryan and WIA:

Tim Ryan | LinkedIn

WIA Systems is a global ERP, FSM, CRM & BI services provider.

Summary

Jeff and Scott address a common customer question: Can CADtalk replace PDM and PLM systems? They clarify the distinct roles of CAD, PDM, PLM, and ERP systems, explaining how CADtalk serves as the intelligent integration layer connecting these systems rather than replacing them. The discussion covers challenges with custom integrations, the importance of upgradability, and why best-of-breed approaches often outperform monolithic solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Different Systems, Different Jobs: CAD, PDM, PLM, and ERP each serve specific manufacturing workflow purposes and cannot be consolidated into one system
• Integration is the Real Challenge: Connecting systems effectively as vendors upgrade and business needs evolve is more difficult than managing individual systems
• Custom Integrations Have Hidden Costs: 90% of integration effort goes into maintenance, not initial development
• Best-of-Breed Strategy: Specialized systems connected with robust integration tools often deliver better results than all-in-one solutions

Best Quote

"We're not trying to be those systems. We're trying to be that digital thread between them... We're the streets, not the blocks." - Scott Brickler

Timestamps

00:01 - Memorial Day weekend and Taste of Cincinnati discussion

03:09 - Does CADtalk replace PDM/PLM systems?

05:05 - Why this question comes up in customer conversations

08:00 - PDM and PLM system evolution and vendor consolidation

11:45 - Different roles of each system in the workflow

15:01 - Maintaining integrations across system upgrades

18:30 - Why custom integrations fail over time

23:06 - Hidden complexity of building maintainable integrations

27:05 - Upgradability: fail loudly vs. fail silently

31:19 - How CADtalk works with CAD vs. PDM vs. PLM

34:57 - Data enrichment through engineering workflow

37:50 - "Streets vs. blocks" integration analogy

42:44 - Why vendors offer frameworks vs. complete solutions

45:35 - Best-of-breed vs. monolithic systems

Connect With Us

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

Website - https://cadtalk.com/demo

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ew1yioTzMOqMvWQxN4eZX

Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/

Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/

Summary

Jeff and Scott dive deep into the complexities of manufacturing processes and how companies can avoid overcomplicating their operations. Drawing from real-world experience implementing ERPs and working on shop floors, they explore the balance between recognizing legitimate complexity and avoiding the "special snowflake syndrome" that leads to unnecessary customizations.

Key Takeaways

• Avoid the Special Snowflake Syndrome: Companies often believe their processes are completely unique, leading to costly parallel systems instead of leveraging proven manufacturing workflows
• Drive Complexity to One Place: Instead of creating multiple custom processes, identify where variation actually occurs and handle complexity at that single point while using standard processes everywhere else
• Question Assumptions Without Arrogance: Balance challenging existing decisions with understanding why they were made - both perspectives are necessary for improvement
• Industry Experience Matters: Working with consultants who have lived the problems on shop floors provides invaluable insight that pure software vendors cannot match

Timestamps

00:02 - Introduction to manufacturing complexity challenges

04:51 - Different types of manufacturing complexity beyond bill of materials

06:09 - How people think differently about variation and similarity

10:33 - The Dunning-Kruger effect in manufacturing and language learning

16:30 - Pattern matching and analogical reasoning in problem-solving

20:44 - Finding the "golden mean" between oversimplification and overcomplication

23:25 - Common ERP implementation mistakes and the special snowflake syndrome

25:02 - Visual example: parallel processes vs. driving complexity to one point

29:36 - Real-world case study: wine label manufacturing solution

34:37 - Job flattening problems and why they create new complexities

38:22 - How simplification can drive complexity back into engineering

40:54 - Systems thinking and taking advantage of existing ecosystems

43:21 - The dichotomy of questioning vs. respecting existing processes

48:02 - Final advice: balance arrogance with healthy questioning

Connect with us:

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

Website - https://cadtalk.com/demo

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ew1yioTzMOqMvWQxN4eZX

Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/

Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/

Episode Summary

Professor Jörg Fischer shares his journey from mechanical engineering to becoming a leading expert in PLM and digitalization. The discussion explores how understanding Bill of Materials (BOM) structures reveals a company's operational framework, the challenges of master data management in ERP systems, and the shift from Engineering to Order (ETO) to Configure to Order (CTO) strategies. The conversation highlights how traditional systems struggle with lifecycle management and explores innovative concepts like "part proxies" that could transform manufacturing flexibility.

Key Takeaways

• The BOM as a Company's Framework: Understanding BOM structures reveals how information flows through an organization
• AI Requires Quality Data First: Before AI can transform manufacturing, companies must establish strong data foundations
• Master Data Limitations: Traditional ERP systems often lack flexibility in handling master data that changes throughout product lifecycles
• Part Proxy Revolution: The concept of "part proxies" could allow companies to maintain engineering consistency while enabling manufacturing flexibility
• Global Factory Networks: Post-pandemic supply chain challenges are driving companies to create distributed manufacturing networks that require new approaches to parts management
• PLM-ERP Integration: The line between PLM and ERP systems is blurring as companies need seamless information flow from design to production

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to PLM and Digital Integration

01:09 Jörg Fischer's Career Journey

05:51 Understanding Companies through BOM Structures

09:13 The Evolution of BOM and Digitalization

11:41 AI and Data Management in Manufacturing

13:52 Challenges with Master Data in ERP Systems

18:13 The Importance of Revisioning in Manufacturing

20:35 Engineering to Order vs. Configure to Order

25:08 The Concept of Part Proxy in Engineering

28:17 Challenges in Manufacturing and Local Content

31:06 The Importance of Flexible Supply Chains

34:03 Integrating PLM and ERP Systems

36:55 The Role of Plant BOMs in Modern Manufacturing

39:48 The Future of Product Development and Systems Engineering

43:47 The Evolution of PLM and ERP Systems

Connect With Us

YouTube

LinkedIn

Website

Spotify

Scott Brickler

Jeff Brickler

Follow Professor Jörg W. Fischer on LinkedIn and YouTube.

In this episode of Integrate Intelligently, hosts Jeff and Scott Brickler discuss how data has become manufacturing's most valuable asset. They explore how the rise of AI and machine learning has transformed data from a byproduct of operations into a strategic resource that can drive competitive advantage. The brothers share insights about data collection strategies, the relationship between data quality and business outcomes, and practical steps manufacturing companies can take to harness their data effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Data as the primary asset: Manufacturing companies need to recognize that their data is potentially more valuable than their physical products or IP
• Quality matters: The accuracy and consistency of data directly impacts the insights and competitive advantage you can derive from it
• Compounding advantage: Companies with better data collection processes gain increasingly better insights, creating an exponential competitive advantage
• Process improvement: Reducing human variability in data collection leads to higher quality data and better downstream decision-making
• Actionable insights: Look for use cases in other industries that can be applied to manufacturing to identify valuable data collection opportunities

The Integrate Intelligently Quote of the Show

"The data is actually worth more than the thing that you're trying to do... because those insights could save you millions in the future, just the cumulative effect of all of those things."

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Data as an Asset

03:13 - The Shift in Manufacturing Mindset

06:06 - The Value of Accurate Data

08:53 - Data as a Competitive Advantage

12:14 - The Role of AI in Data Utilization

14:52 - The Future of Data in Manufacturing

18:03 - The Importance of IoT in Data Collection

24:49 - The Value of Data in Healthcare

27:10 - Industrial AI and Data-Driven Decisions

29:19 - The Importance of Data Accuracy

32:23 - Reducing Variability in Data Collection

35:41 - Data Privacy and AI Models

39:03 - Developing a Data Strategy

41:29 - Use Cases and Creative Applications of Data

Connect With Us

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@cadtalk6667

LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/company/cadtalk

Website - https://cadtalk.com/demo

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6ew1yioTzMOqMvWQxN4eZX

Guests LinkedIn

Scott Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottbrickler/

Jeff Brickler - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-brickler-cadtalk/

Join Jeff Brickler, Scott Brickler (CADTALK CEO), and Cindy Bratel (Baker Tilly) for an in-depth discussion on sustainability in manufacturing. This episode explores how technology is driving environmental transformation in the industry, the challenges facing manufacturers today, and how companies can leverage sustainable practices for competitive advantage. From circular manufacturing to ESG reporting requirements, discover how modern ERP systems and data management are reshaping the future of manufacturing.

Key Takeaways:

• Sustainability initiatives are driven by regulation, consumer demand, and Gen Z workforce expectations
• Circular manufacturing and resource efficiency can align profitability with environmental goals
• Data collection and governance are fundamental for ESG reporting and decision-making
• Manufacturing returning to the US will look different—more automated and sustainable
• IFS Cloud offers sustainability management modules and emissions tracking capabilities

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Sustainability in Manufacturing

04:04 Cindy's Journey in Manufacturing and Technology

08:47 The Impact of Sustainability on Manufacturing

10:04 Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Manufacturing

12:15 The Shift Towards Circular Manufacturing

16:32 Technology's Role in Enabling Sustainability

21:30 IFS Solutions and Sustainability Management

22:59 Navigating International ESG Regulations

25:18 The Importance of Data in ESG Initiatives

27:11 Starting the Sustainability Journey

30:04 Driving Forces Behind Sustainability

32:54 The Impact of Gen Z on Sustainability

36:04 The Role of Data Management

40:45 The Future of Manufacturing and Sustainability

Connect with us:

Website: CADTALK.com

LinkedIn: CADTALK Software

YouTube: CADTALK Software

Guest:

Cindy Bratel, Baker Tilly Digital Services

Website: BakerTilly.com

Email: cindy.bratel@bakertilly.com

LinkedIn: Cindy Bratel, MBA | LinkedIn

Event:

IFS Connect - June 2-4, 2025, Nashville, TN

Episode Summary

In this episode, Jeff and Scott Brickler explore the complex world of tariffs and their impact on manufacturing. They discuss how tariffs function as economic levers, their historical context, and practical strategies for manufacturers to adapt to these economic shifts. The conversation covers everything from the fundamentals of tariffs to innovative approaches for maintaining competitiveness in a changing global landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Tariffs are designed to equalize different economies and protect domestic industries, but they create immediate cost pressures
• When facing tariff increases, manufacturers can either raise prices, accept lower margins, find efficiencies, or redesign their approach
• Economic constraints often drive innovation and force companies to address inefficiencies they previously tolerated
• Technology integration, including automation and AI, will be crucial for manufacturers to remain competitive despite tariffs
• Manufacturing companies that embrace change and develop creative solutions will emerge stronger from economic shifts
• Future manufacturing may rely heavily on robotics, potentially creating high-skilled jobs while transforming the production landscape

Episode Chapters

00:00 Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact Jeff and Scott introduce the concept of tariffs, explaining how they've historically functioned as revenue sources and economic protection mechanisms.

09:18 The Economic Implications of Tariffs The conversation shifts to how tariffs affect economic equilibrium and the tension between free trade and protectionism. Scott explains how tariffs function as economic levers similar to interest rates and government spending.

15:46 Adapting to Change: Strategies for Manufacturers This segment explores how manufacturers can respond to tariff-induced cost increases, emphasizing the need to "do more with less" and find efficiencies rather than simply raising prices.

26:51 The Nature of Human Laziness and Creativity Scott discusses how humans naturally seek patterns and conserve energy, but economic stressors force creative problem-solving. The hosts explore how constraints drive innovation in business.

32:06 Navigating Tariffs and Manufacturing Challenges The conversation focuses on practical leadership approaches during economic shifts, with Scott emphasizing that effective leaders provide vision while encouraging team-driven solutions to cost challenges.

39:00 Opportunities in Manufacturing Amidst Tariffs Jeff and Scott identify potential growth areas emerging from tariff implementation, including domestic contract manufacturing and technology solutions that enable cost-competitive production.

42:22 The Future of Robotics and Manufacturing Efficiency The episode concludes with a discussion about how robotics and automation might transform manufacturing.

Connect with Us

Youtube

LinkedIn

Website

Spotify

Scott Brickler

Jeff Brickler

In this episode, Jeff and Scott Brickler discuss the process of selecting the right ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system for manufacturing businesses. The brothers share their insights as integration experts who have worked with numerous ERP systems. They explore how different departments have varying priorities when selecting an ERP, and why flexibility and adaptability should be key considerations. Scott also provides tactical advice for modern ERP selection, including leveraging AI to identify organizational patterns and priorities.

Key Takeaways:

• Every ERP has strengths and weaknesses; the best one depends on your specific business needs
• ERPs typically focus on accounting needs as CFOs often drive purchasing decisions
• Flexibility and configurability should be prioritized to accommodate future business changes
• Customization isn't inherently bad if you can still upgrade your system
• Consider what aspects of your business will remain constant vs. what might change

Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction to ERP Selection

[02:51] Understanding ERP Systems and Their Importance

[06:10] The Trade-offs in ERP Selection

[08:55] Optimizing for Business Needs

[12:11] Complexity vs. Simplicity in ERP Solutions

[14:50] The Role of Stakeholders in ERP Decisions

[18:01] Leveraging ERP for Business Growth

[21:11] The Importance of Flexibility in ERP Systems

[23:56] Conclusion and Key Takeaways

[27:31] The Importance of Customization in ERP Systems

[30:00] Flexibility and Adaptability in Business Processes

[32:18] Understanding Business Constraints and Problem Evolution

[34:04] Identifying Core Business Needs and Future Flexibility

[37:12] The Balance Between Complexity and Simplicity

[43:22] Tactical Advice for ERP Selection and Implementation

Connect with us:

Youtube

LinkedIn

Website

Spotify

Scott Brickler

Jeff Brickler

About CADTALK Software: CADTALK provides integration solutions that bridge the gap between CAD/PDM/PLM and ERP systems, improving data flow and accelerating manufacturing processes. As a neutral integration partner, CADTALK works with numerous ERP systems, bringing engineering data into your business systems with flexibility and configurability.