The Downtime | Episode 20: The Prophecy of Productivity

This week on The Downtime podcast, Sarah and Sheri welcome Jonathan Mitchell, senior applications engineer with Emerson. Tune in!

Courtesy: WTWH Media

This week’s episode of The Downtime podcast serves up a seasonal mix of pumpkin spice, packaging innovation and advanced analytics in manufacturing. Co-hosts Sarah and Sheri bring their signature energy and expertise to the conversation, joined by Jonathan Mitchell, senior applications engineer at Emerson, who shares insights on predictive maintenance, packaging sustainability and what to expect at Pack Expo Las Vegas.

Sarah and Sheri kick off the episode by diving into fall vibes, chatting about pumpkin spice and seasonal favorites. Their lighthearted banter sets a warm tone for the technical topics that follow.

Sheri highlights a Plant Engineering story that explores how manufacturers can accelerate predictive maintenance strategies using advanced analytics. She explains how data-driven approaches allow companies to move beyond reactive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending equipment life.

Sarah shifts gears to preview Pack Expo, one of the packaging industry’s biggest events. She spotlights Somic Packaging’s 434 SuperFlex case packer, which will make its debut in Las Vegas. Sarah encourages listeners to download Packaging OEM’s eBook on energy efficiency in packaging machines, offering deeper insights into how manufacturers can save resources while meeting sustainability goals.

Sarah teases that upcoming episodes of The Downtime will feature Pack Expo preview interviews with JLS Automationand Hoosier Feeder. The co-hosts introduce their guest, Emerson’s Jonathan Mitchell.

Mitchell outlines Emerson’s Floor to Cloud approach, which connects factory operations with cloud-based insights to improve decision-making. He explains Emerson’s role in packaging applications and breaks down the company’s analysis on predictive maintenance, underscoring how early fault detection reduces risk and costs.

Mitchell turns to consumer-driven packaging sustainability trends, noting that demand for eco-friendly solutions is reshaping the industry. He emphasizes how manufacturers are innovating to balance performance with reduced environmental impact.

The conversation shifts to modularity in factory automation. Mitchell highlights how modular design enables flexibility and scalability, making it easier for manufacturers to adapt to changing production needs. He reflects on his own path to becoming an engineer, offering a personal glimpse into the career journey behind the technical expertise.

Mitchell discusses air compressors, stressing their role in efficient plant operations and sharing key insights on how to optimize their performance. He previews Emerson’s Pack Expo Las Vegas demonstrations, giving listeners a look at the technologies they can expect to see firsthand.

The episode continues with a lively round of “Finish the Phrase,” the co-hosts’ game segment that blends quick thinking with lighthearted humor. Sarah and Sheri close out the show, tying together themes of technology, sustainability and innovation with their trademark enthusiasm.

With a blend of seasonal fun, technical depth and forward-looking industry insights, The Downtime once again delivers an episode that connects listeners to the evolving world of manufacturing and packaging.