{"id":131805,"date":"2025-09-04T08:17:58","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T13:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/?p=131805"},"modified":"2025-09-04T08:18:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T13:18:00","slug":"the-downtime-episode-20-the-prophecy-of-productivity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.controleng.com\/the-downtime-episode-20-the-prophecy-of-productivity\/","title":{"rendered":"The Downtime | Episode 20: The Prophecy of Productivity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>This week\u2019s episode of\u00a0<em>The Downtime<\/em>\u00a0podcast 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.emerson.com\/global\">Emerson<\/a>, who shares insights on predictive maintenance, packaging sustainability and what to expect at Pack Expo Las Vegas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Downtime | Episode 20: The Prophecy of Productivity\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8XA0Q7iio6M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sheri highlights a Plant Engineering story that explores how manufacturers can accelerate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantengineering.com\/how-to-accelerate-predictive-maintenance-strategies-with-advanced-analytics\/?utm_source=The%20Downtime&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=promotion&amp;utm_content=read-more\">predictive maintenance strategies using advanced analytics<\/a>. She explains how data-driven approaches allow companies to move beyond reactive maintenance, reducing downtime and extending equipment life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarah shifts gears to preview Pack Expo, one of the packaging industry\u2019s biggest events. She spotlights Somic Packaging\u2019s 434 SuperFlex case packer, which will make its debut in Las Vegas. Sarah encourages listeners to download <a href=\"https:\/\/www.packagingoem.com\/energy-efficiency-in-packaging-machines-a-growing-priority\/?utm_source=The%20Downtime&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=promotion&amp;utm_content=download-now\">Packaging OEM\u2019s eBook on energy efficiency in packaging machines<\/a>, offering deeper insights into how manufacturers can save resources while meeting sustainability goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sarah teases that upcoming episodes of\u00a0<em>The Downtime<\/em>\u00a0will feature Pack Expo preview interviews with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jlsautomation.com\">JLS Automation<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hoosierfeeder.com\">Hoosier Feeder<\/a>. The co-hosts introduce their guest, Emerson\u2019s Jonathan Mitchell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mitchell outlines Emerson\u2019s Floor to Cloud approach, which connects factory operations with cloud-based insights to improve decision-making. He explains Emerson\u2019s role in packaging applications and breaks down the company\u2019s analysis on predictive maintenance, underscoring how early fault detection reduces risk and costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mitchell discusses air compressors, stressing their role in efficient plant operations and sharing key insights on how to optimize their performance. He previews Emerson\u2019s Pack Expo Las Vegas demonstrations, giving listeners a look at the technologies they can expect to see firsthand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The episode continues with a lively round of \u201cFinish the Phrase,\u201d the co-hosts\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a blend of seasonal fun, technical depth and forward-looking industry insights,&nbsp;<em>The Downtime<\/em>&nbsp;once again delivers an episode that connects listeners to the evolving world of manufacturing and packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Timestamps for The Downtime: Episode 20<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>00:17 &#8211; The co-hosts start the show&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>0:49 &#8211; The co-hosts talk pumpkin spice, fall vibes<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>01:20 &#8211; Sheri shares a Plant Engineering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.plantengineering.com\/how-to-accelerate-predictive-maintenance-strategies-with-advanced-analytics\/\">story<\/a> on how to accelerate predictive maintenance strategies with advanced analytics<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>02:52 &#8211; Sarah talks about Pack Expo, including Somic Packaging\u2019s 434 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.packagingoem.com\/somic-packaging-434-superflex-case-packer-cpg\/\">SuperFlex case packer<\/a>, which will make its debut in Las Vegas&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>03:30 &#8211; Sarah urges readers to check out Packaging OEM\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.packagingoem.com\/energy-efficiency-in-packaging-machines-a-growing-priority\/\">eBook<\/a> on energy efficiency in packaging machines&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>04:21 &#8211; Sarah highlights Pack Expo preview content is coming to The Downtime, including interviews from JLS Automation and Hoosier Feeder<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>04:45 &#8211; Sarah and Sheri introduce today\u2019s interview guest, Jonathan Mitchell, senior applications engineer at Emerson&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>05:57 &#8211; Interview with Emerson\u2019s Johnathan Mitchell starts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>07:28 &#8211; Emerson\u2019s Floor to Cloud approach<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>09:41 &#8211; Emerson\u2019s presence in packaging applications<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>10:25 &#8211; Mitchell breaks down Emerson\u2019s analysis on predictive maintenance&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>13:18 &#8211; Mitchell explains how consumers are driving packaging sustainability trends<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>19:33 &#8211; Mitchell dives into modularity in factory automation&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>21:05 &#8211; Mitchell reflects on his journey to becoming an engineer&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>22:11 &#8211; Mitchell covers key insights on air compressors&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>33:30 &#8211; Mitchell highlights what Emerson will demo at Pack Expo Las Vegas<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>34:01&nbsp; &#8211; Mitchell interview ends<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>34:12 &#8211; Game time segment: \u201cFinish the phrase\u201d starts<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>44:04 &#8211; The co-hosts wrap up the show<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Check out our archive!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/nG1MXp36ykkQvLvZFr\"><strong>Episode 1: Packaging + Robots + Tariffs, Oh, My!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/uF6YQokfDhdt6sJEZd\">Episode 2: It\u2019s Gonna Be May<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/RhmEtVAVXa84VeojW7\">Episode 3: Doin\u2019 the Robot<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/Pb3ADIuCWqHdBYadgj\"><strong>Episode 4: Miss Worldwide<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/7Yji847l1MJtyqw02m\"><strong>Episode 5: Thinking Inside the Box<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/itoBQI0Sl7hNjrMVEM\"><strong>Episode 6: Conveyance, Copilots &amp; College Grads<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-7-running-on-ai-and-coffee?si=7631b61f79f54e5da2e1568a7fb3f35a&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\"><strong>Episode 7: Running on AI and Coffee<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-8-the-safety-dance?si=abaf43e87ce4482190f6fb17545c0ee8&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\"><strong>Episode 8: The Safety Dance<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/hfn0jXwz8Kw9L74Jqt\">Episode 9: Getting Flexible<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/83UhtQgGfppZYs227Y\"><strong>Episode 10: Manufacturing Fun!<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-11-party-in-the-usa?utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing&amp;si=e9cb47db740841eb8085d60ed6c7c2d2\"><strong>Episode 11: Party in the USA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-12-digital-transformation?si=d5bf039631c2433bbe93636736e6d34a&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\">Episode 12: Digital Transformation<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/CypPPj0ig1PHM8GmtM\">Episode 13: Driving Forward<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/on.soundcloud.com\/Td7Ydboj50sXQmv4UY\">Episode 14: Taking a Bite Out of Manufacturing<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-16-the-sound-of-sustainability?si=0c97fc03ef354439a0eb025075ff78dd&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\">Episode 15: Get a Grip<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-16-the-sound-of-sustainability?si=695891fa368c4bb2b3fdd1df3bec5070&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\">Episode 16: The Sound of Sustainability<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-ep-17-audio?si=9c9923f9ac944f73a41c700b439c5ade&amp;utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing\"><strong>Episode 17: Gimme S\u2019more Precision<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-18-record-breaking-efficiency?utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing&amp;si=57edbde75b3f4dde96ccb01243979fd9\">Episode 18: Record-Breaking Efficiency<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/soundcloud.com\/thedowntime\/the-downtime-episode-19-threes-company?utm_source=clipboard&amp;utm_medium=text&amp;utm_campaign=social_sharing&amp;si=399766ac953b4150afe76c21806c96d9\">Episode 19: Three&#8217;s Company<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This week on The Downtime podcast, Sarah and Sheri welcome Jonathan Mitchell, senior applications engineer with Emerson. Tune in!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":131806,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_sgb_lightbox_settings":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[110303],"tags":[109341,109340,109730,109356,110624,109824,109823,110358,110359],"tracking-metrics":[],"display-location":[109353],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Downtime | Episode 20: The Prophecy of Productivity - Control Engineering<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"This week on The Downtime podcast, Sarah and Sheri welcome Jonathan Mitchell, senior applications engineer with Emerson. 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