Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes sit down with Alby Eckel, Managing Director of NSmart Pty Ltd, to discuss the modern realities of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), automation, and smart solutions from airports to agriculture. Eckel brings real-world stories highlighting the slow pace of change in infrastructure projects, hurdles with legacy systems, and the rising role of affordable, accessible IIoT technologies. Readers invested in automation, facilities management, or seeking insight into practical IIoT adoption will find guidance on infrastructure challenges, cross-industry learnings, and the future of automation in everyday businesses.
Managing Aging Infrastructure: Airports as IIoT Case Studies
Eckel points out that large sites such as airports are prime examples of how legacy infrastructure can slow technological progress. “Has things changed over those years? Not really. It's a bit slow,” he says, explaining that the 24/7 operation of airports leaves little room for rapid upgrades, and entrenched systems often resist integration. Multiple proprietary systems—from baggage handling to fire safety—rarely communicate, blocking wider data access and slowing predictive maintenance or smart automation projects. This stubbornness is not due to lack of vision, but the real-world barriers posed by operational demands and long-term OEM contracts. Still, incremental progress is being made. “It just takes time,” Eckel shares, reinforcing the need for patient, well-planned change management in legacy environments.
Translating Industrial Experience into Smart Home and Agriculture Solutions
Drawing from his hands-on experience in aviation automation, Eckel now applies those lessons to homes, businesses, and especially agriculture. He recognizes that every client—from domestic users to farmers—needs practical, tailored solutions rather than shiny, one-size-fits-all tech. “For me, I looked ahead and went, okay, I've probably got a few years where I can actually learn… We can look for the solutions,” Eckel says. He discusses the challenges of helping non-technical users—like farmers—understand how IIoT can prevent waste, save time, and solve daily pain points, such as remote pump monitoring or livestock tracking. Early adoption by younger generations in agriculture hints at a wider embrace as the benefits become visible and measurable, demonstrating how skills honed in the most regulated settings can have powerful spillover.
The Future is Accessible IIoT: Interoperability, Open Technologies, and Low-Cost Devices
Eckel is enthusiastic about the influx of cost-effective, open-source technologies lowering the barrier for IIoT adoption across industries. He highlights solutions like Smith Tech’s Mako2 and community-driven projects such as Meshtastic, which offer decentralized data acquisition and mesh networking. “There is actually so many solutions, so many providers, I guess, in the domestic space,” he observes. However, this diversity can confuse end users, making trusted expert advice and practical experience crucial. Eckel also emphasizes the importance of interoperability and standards like Matter and Thread, especially for homeowners wanting systems that “just work.” He embodies the continual learning mindset needed to guide others, experimenting with new radio technologies and MQTT-driven platforms in real projects.
Key Quote From The Episode
“My dream was just to have one thing that I could pull all that in… And yet it was still a way off. Like, we talked about, you know, to implement something just takes time.” – Alby Eckel
Key Takeaways
(06:27–08:49): Aging infrastructure and operational demands make rapid IIoT upgrades at airports difficult; progress is slow and carefully planned.
(22:29–27:51): Experience in complex, regulated environments like airports helps design practical IIoT solutions for less-regulated sectors such as homes and farms.
(30:14–41:42): Affordable, open-source IIoT and mesh networking (e.g., Meshtastic, Mako2) are making advanced automation possible for small businesses and agriculture, promoting interoperability and practical benefits.
Wrap Up
This episode underscores three recurring themes: adapting IIoT to legacy settings requires patience and planning, cross-industry experience allows automation experts to create real-world solutions for new clients, and the arrival of interoperable, affordable IIoT is leveling the field for everyday use. Readers looking to improve operations should start by evaluating current pain points, learning from successful industry migrations, and relying on proven technologies with strong community and vendor support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to experts or share your wins to help speed IIoT understanding in your own sector.
About the Guest
Alby Eckel is the Managing Director of NSmart Pty Ltd. With a background spanning electronics, TV broadcasting, and over a decade in aviation automation and maintenance, he now specializes in delivering practical, user-focused automation solutions for homes, small businesses, and agriculture in Queensland, Australia. Eckel frequently experiments with IoT platforms and loves finding new ways to improve operations for his customers.
