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Winner of the 2022 Apex Award of Excellence for Best Podcast. Join me, Theresa Houck, for Automation Chat, where I talk with industrial automation leaders, executives. practitioners and other subject matter experts to get their insights about technologies and trends affecting manufacturing and industrial automation professionals. I’m Executive Editor of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine (http://rok.auto/thejournal). We chat about digital transformation, analytics and information management, networks & security, motion control, motors & electrical systems, workforce challenges, business challenges and opportunities, and more. And get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
If you enjoy “Automation Chat,” please give us a 5-star rating and write review — it helps us, and we really appreciate it.
This another episode in our regular series “In Case You Missed It,” where we bring the written word to life by reading a great article from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
In this episode, the author reads her article! Carol Schafer, Global Senior Marketing Manager of LifeCycle Services at Rockwell Automation, reads, “Now Boarding: Digital Transformation for Process Automation,” from our October 2022 print magazine.
With the true value of modernized continuous and batch operations, you’ll learn why process manufacturers don’t need to fear digital transformation. See how digital systems help address lack of flexibility & agility, unplanned downtime, the skilled worker shortage, cybersecurity threats, and sustainability and compliance needs.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Resources from this episode:
- Read the article online, “Now Boarding: Digital Transformation for Process Automation”.
- Web Page: Accelerate Your Potential with the Digital Thread.
- Blog: See The Connected Enterprise Digital Representations of Assets and Operations Create a Roadmap for Improvement.
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Jan., Apr., July and Oct.), e-mail Carmela Kappel at ckappel@endeavorb2b.com.
- Subscribe to our 8 digital magazines (PDF format) at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Thursday May 18, 2023
In Case You Missed It: “How to Control an Electric Motor During a Network Failure”
Thursday May 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
This is another episode in our regular series “In Case You Missed It,” where Executive Editor Theresa Houck brings the written word to life by reading a great article from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine.
In this episode, Theresa reads, “How to Control an Electric Motor During a Network Failure.” Learn why programming in the appropriate motor state is crucial to prevent unexpected production losses when network communication issues arise.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day. (Pssst! You get a bonus Joke of the Day in this episode!)
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
Resources from this episode:
- Read the article online: “How to Control an Electric Motor During a Network Failure.”
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Jan., Apr., July and Oct.), e-mail Carmela Kappel at ckappel@endeavorb2b.com.
- Subscribe to our 8 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence.

Tuesday May 09, 2023
What’s Coming Up in The Journal: June 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
Tuesday May 09, 2023
In this brief episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck tells you what topics we’re covering in the next issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine — our June digital magazine that deploys June 29. Learn about upcoming stories on cloud-based MES in food manufacturing, how VFD cable affects motor performance, tips for secure remote access systems and more.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and Follow/Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode.
Access resources from today’s episode:
- The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork Magazine Online
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Jan., Apr., July and Oct.), e-mail Carmela Kappel at ckappel@endeavorb2b.com.
- Subscribe to our 8 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. Learn more

Tuesday May 02, 2023
How Digital Transformation Creates Value in Process Automation
Tuesday May 02, 2023
Tuesday May 02, 2023
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. Learn more.
Executive Editor Theresa Houck chats with Jason Pennington, Director of Digital Solutions at Endress+Hauser, about trends affecting the increasing demand for digital transformation in process automation. Also learn about some downsides of not taking advantage of digital tools; advancements and unique practices in process instrumentation smart technologies; and how Coriolis technology is improving process automation.
Access more resources from today’s episode:
- Endress+Hauser Web Page
- Contact Endress+Hauser at info.us@endress.com
- White Paper on Digitization: “IIoT and Sensing on the Edge”
- White Paper: “Instrument Training Enables IIoT Implementation: Proper use of smart instrumentation is the first step to implementing modern technologies”
- Blog: Digitalization in the manufacturing world: How level sensors benefit from IIoT connectivity
- Subscribe to The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork’s digital magazine.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and subscribe.
Video of this special podcast conversation is available on our YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/w4qwETowO20.

Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
In Case You Missed It: “Where Do You Start with Industrial Analytics?”
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
Tuesday Apr 18, 2023
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. Learn more.
his another episode in our regular series “In Case You Missed It,” where Executive Editor Theresa Houck reads a great article from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine that you might not have seen.
In this episode, Theresa reads the article, “Where Do You Start with Industrial Analytics?” Collecting data and turning it into useful information is vital to staying competitive. In this article, you’ll learn how to implement analytics, from those who’ve already done it.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
Access resources from this episode:
- Read the article, “Where Do You Start with Industrial Analytics?”
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Jan., Apr., July and Oct.), e-mail Carmela Kappel at ckappel@endeavorb2b.com.
- Subscribe to our 8 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
What’s Coming Up in The Journal: April 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
Tuesday Apr 11, 2023
In this brief episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck tells you what topics we’re covering in the next issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine — our April print magazine that mails April 20th. Learn about our upcoming stories on asset performance management, motors & drives, remote access systems and digital thread.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
Access resources from today’s episode:
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Jan., Apr., July and Oct.), e-mail Carmela Kappel at ckappel@endeavorb2b.com.
- Subscribe to our 8 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. Learn more.

Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
9 Industrial Automation Trends in 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
Wednesday Apr 05, 2023
In this episode from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine, Executive Editor Theresa Houck discusses important industrial automation trends helping manufacturers and producers with digital transformation and the skilled worker shortage.
Learn about smart technologies and strategies, including more-accessible automation, additive manufacturing, Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, turnkey robotics, blockchain, wearables and more.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
Sign up for the The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork digital magazine.

Thursday Mar 23, 2023
In Case You Missed It: “4 Common Questions About Zero Energy State & LOTO”
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. Learn more.
This the first episode in our regular series “In Case You Missed It,” where Executive Editor Theresa Houck reads a great article from The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine that can be useful to you.
In this episode, Theresa reads the article, “4 Common Questions About Zero Energy State & LOTO.” For electrical safety, it’s important to understand Zero Energy State, identify all energy going into and out of equipment, neutralize it, and make it safe to service.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
Access resources from this episode:
- Read the article, “4 Common Questions About Zero Energy State & LOTO.”
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Jan., Apr., July and Oct.), e-mail Carmela Kappel at ckappel@endeavorb2b.com.
- Subscribe to our 8 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Monday Mar 13, 2023
What’s Coming Up in The Journal: March 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
Monday Mar 13, 2023
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. Learn more.
In this brief episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck tells you what topics we’re covering in the next issue of The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork magazine — our March digital magazine that launches March 31. Learn about our upcoming stories about the skilled worker shortage, PID controller tuning, and a packaging OEM case study.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating, and subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode.
Access more resources from today’s episode:
- To subscribe to our 4 print magazines (Jan., Apr., July and Oct.), e-mail Carmela Kappel at ckappel@endeavorb2b.com.
- Subscribe to our 8 digital magazines at http://rok.auto/thejournal-subscribe.

Monday Feb 06, 2023
Effective Strategies to Deal with the Skilled Worker Shortage
Monday Feb 06, 2023
Monday Feb 06, 2023
** Award of Excellence Winner for Best Podcast, 2022 APEX Awards of Publication Excellence. Learn more,
In this episode, Executive Editor Theresa Houck talks with Dave Vasko, Senior Director of Advanced Technology at Rockwell Automation, and Jerry Foster, General Vice President of Research & Chief Technology Officer for Plex Systems, a Rockwell Automation company.
Find out how smart technologies, upskilling and reskilling are 3 keys to dealing with the skilled worker shortage — which is projected to continue to skyrocket — and what that entails, including the need for soft skills like problem solving and adaptability to handle evolving technology and business conditions.
And of course, get your family-friendly, silly Joke of the Day.
Subscribe to The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetwork’s digital magazine.
If you like “Automation Chat,” please leave us a 5-star rating and subscribe.