22 – IoT Strategies for Modern Manufacturing with Alex Marcy

  • Updated on March 13, 2025  

Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes welcome Alex Marcy, the founder and CEO of Corso Systems, on this insightful episode of Unplugged: An IIoT Podcast. With an impressive 13-year career in industrial integration and automation, Alex shares his expertise on the significant impact of IoT innovations, strategies to overcome integration challenges in the manufacturing sector, and the transformative power of modern automation solutions.

Embracing IoT Innovations

In the realm of IIoT, Alex Marcy identifies MQTT as a pivotal technology revolutionizing industrial operations. He vividly recalls his transformative understanding, stating, “You click enable on your broker, and now you've created your entire production line with tags and your data's automatically flowing.” MQTT eliminates elaborate manual setups by ensuring automatic and efficient data transmission. Its introduction paved the way for simplifying complex IoT frameworks, offering businesses the capability to scale without significant overhead. For industries eyeing modernization, MQTT serves as a cornerstone for streamlined data management, fostering agility and operational excellence in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

Managing Integration Challenges

Transitioning from traditional manufacturing systems to sophisticated IoT solutions poses several intricate challenges. Reflecting on his personal experiences, Marcy states, "Do you wanna stay here and and go down this path or go somewhere else," highlighting the critical decision points companies face when adopting new technologies. He advocates for starting with smaller, manageable data sets to build a foundation, aiming for gradual yet impactful integration success. This strategy allows organizations to evolve without the burden of immediate large-scale changes, promoting a balance between innovation and stability. By adopting a phased approach, businesses can strategically align resources and capabilities, ensuring smooth transitions into advanced digital landscapes.

Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Modern Automation

At Corso Systems, Marcy has been at the forefront of redefining manufacturing through modern automation practices. He articulates the empowerment companies gain, mentioning, "You no longer need to call me to add pivots to your system." This shift towards automation enables a self-sufficient operational model where teams can independently drive efficiency and innovation. By empowering staff with automated solutions, organizations can streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Marcy's insights spotlight the competitive advantage automation offers, especially when navigating the dynamic demands of the manufacturing sector, facilitating both sustainability and adaptability.

Key Takeaway From The Episode

“The strength of MQTT is in its capacity to automatically manage data flows, enhancing operational efficiency dramatically.” - Alex Marcy

Key Takeaways

Alex Marcy highlights MQTT's revolutionary role in IIoT, simplifying complex data handling and integration processes to optimize operational efficacy. He underscores the importance of tackling integration challenges with a strategic, incremental approach to ensure thoughtful adoption and minimize disruption. Furthermore, modern automation furnishes organizations with the tools to boost independence and innovation, driving substantial process enhancements.

Wrap Up

In the ever-evolving industrial IoT sphere, leveraging technologies like MQTT and embracing automation unlocks significant potential for transformation. These advancements enable industries to augment productivity, self-management, and adaptability. For manufacturers, adopting a gradual and innovative technological path ensures alignment with cutting-edge solutions, enhancing competitiveness and efficiency in meeting today’s complex business demands.

About the Guest

Alex Marcy is the dynamic founder and CEO of Corso Systems, an industry leader in providing cutting-edge solutions for industrial integration and automation. With over 13 years of experience, Marcy has been instrumental in driving groundbreaking advancements in manufacturing through innovative IoT technologies and strategic automation. His academic background in chemical engineering and extensive expertise in control systems engineering uniquely position him as a thought leader in transforming industrial operations to maximize efficiency and productivity.

Learn more about Corso Systems: http://www.corsosystems.com

Connect with Alex on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-marcy-599378251/

Phil Seboa

Host

Phil Seboa is an automation enthusiast with a passion for Industry 4.0 and IIoT, with a background in Electrical and Automation. He has worked on projects ranging from electric motor modifications to high voltage transformer solutions for the Australian Power Grid. As a Sales Engineer at Phoenix Contact, Phil gained expertise in edge technology, automation, power reliability, and control systems. Currently, he is excited about the Ignition software platform's potential in the industrial sector and explores home automation using IIoT infrastructure. Committed to continuous learning, Phil actively engages with the automation community, sharing his knowledge and insights. Fun fact: Phil once drove a football team to a sponsored event at Wembley Arena and scored a goal on the pitch.

Ed Fuentes

Host

Ed Fuentes is an industrial automation expert with over 30 years of experience, currently a Technical Sales Executive at Inductive Automation Australia. He leverages Industry 4.0 technology to drive digital transformation in the Australian manufacturing sector. Ed has held key roles at ATS Global and Rockwell Automation, specializing in account management and technical sales. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Swinburne University of Technology, and is certified in Ignition Core 8.1 and as a Cisco Certified Network Associate. Dedicated to continuous learning, Ed actively participates in industry communities. Outside work, he enjoys exploring culinary places, talking to chefs, and entertaining friends and family with his BBQ skills.

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