In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Gary Cohen and Stephanie Neil talk with Adrienne Meyer, CEO of the Control System Integrators Association (CSIA), about why system integrators are becoming more essential than ever in modern manufacturing. As companies push ahead with AI, digital transformation, robotics and smarter automation, integrators are the ones connecting systems, software and operations to make those investments actually work.

Meyer shares how the role of the system integrator is evolving beyond traditional controls work into data-centric, networked and AI-aligned solutions. She also discusses the biggest trends shaping the market right now, including workforce shortages, brownfield upgrades, cybersecurity demands and the growing opportunities in data centers, semiconductors and defense.

The conversation also looks at the value CSIA brings to the integration community, why collaboration remains so important in a competitive market and what attendees can expect from the 2026 CSIA Conference in Baltimore.

• (00:00:00) - System Integrators: Driving the Future of Manufacturing
• (00:07:01) - Meet Adrienne Meyer: New CEO of CSIA
• (00:09:50) - The Role of CSIA and System Integrators
• (00:17:47) - Current Trends and Opportunities in System Integration
• (00:22:34) - Upcoming CSIA Conference Highlights
• (00:25:41) - Navigating Change in System Integration
• (00:30:02) - Addressing Workforce Shortages and AI Adoption
• (00:31:49) - Technological Opportunities and Disruptions
• (00:35:58) - Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Manufacturing may be stabilizing but its workforce is at a turning point.

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Amara Rozgus, editor-in-chief of Plant Engineering, breaks down insights from the 2026 Plant Engineering Salary Survey. The data shows a highly experienced, well-paid and satisfied workforce, but one that’s rapidly nearing retirement, with too few junior engineers coming up behind them.

We discuss the growing skills gap, declining entry-level salaries, the risk of institutional knowledge loss and how AI is being viewed on the plant floor. Is it a helpful tool or a potential threat?

If you’re thinking about workforce strategy, digital transformation or the future of manufacturing talent, this episode is for you.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Manufacturing Challenges
• (00:01:29) - Stephanie Gets Catfished Over a Dog
• (00:05:12) - The State of the Plant Engineering Workforce
• (00:07:12) - Insights from the 2026 Salary Survey
• (00:10:25) - The State of Manufacturing Engineering
• (00:15:15) - The Aging Workforce and Skills Gap
• (00:23:13) - The Role of AI in Manufacturing
• (00:27:08) - Conclusion and Future Outlook

Digital transformation remains a top priority for manufacturers, but many initiatives still stall between strategy and execution.

In this episode of Ctrl+Alt+Mfg, Dan Furrow, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. industrial, global accounts and international markets, at Wesco, and Luis Atencio, solutions architect for Wesco’s smart manufacturing team, join the podcast to explore what separates modernization from true digital transformation.

They discuss:

• Why modernization is only the foundation
• How data silos undermine enterprise-wide visibility
• The importance of orchestration when integrating hardware, software and systems
• How AI can support workforce continuity and reduce unplanned downtime
• Why successful initiatives begin with business outcomes, not technology trends

With real-world examples and practical best practices, this episode provides a grounded look at how manufacturers can unlock value from the data they already have.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Digital Transformation in Manufacturing
• (00:05:37) - Understanding Modernization vs. Digital Transformation
• (00:10:12) - The Role of Friction in Transformation
• (00:14:57) - Breaking Down Silos in Manufacturing
• (00:18:30) - The Importance of Orchestration
• (00:20:44) - Data as a Critical Asset
• (00:25:07) - Real-World Applications of Data Integration
• (00:29:21) - Common Themes in Successful Projects
• (00:32:31) - Best Practices for Manufacturers
• (00:34:55) - Conclusion and Key Takeaways