Industrial connectivity isn’t getting any simpler, and few people understand this challenge like Matthew D. Smith, CEO of fieldcloud SAS. In conversation with host Phil Seboa, Matthew shares real-world stories on legacy system integration, cross-cultural collaboration, and keeping manufacturing operations running with retro computing. These topics are critical for any industrial operations leader or OT professional seeking to keep their systems reliable, future-ready, and cost-effective.
Solving Connectivity Challenges in Harsh Industrial Environments
Matthew D. Smith points out that industrial sites often run on legacy systems, outdated hardware, and infrastructure that may not meet modern requirements. He recounts how fieldcloud SAS’s early projects, such as retrofitting platforms in Angola and Malaysia, meant working with “early 80s vintage PLCs” and crating heavy industrial PCs onto offshore rigs. These systems were not just old, but also constrained by power budgets and outdated protocols.
By collaborating with colleagues, Matthew explains, they created the NS box—one of the first edge compute devices for oil and gas. “We managed to catch… the very early days of OPC UA,” he shares, moving from old PC-based SCADA systems toward smaller, energy-efficient devices running Linux. The lesson is clear: modernizing industrial connectivity is about creative engineering, not just buying the newest gadget.
For industrial operators and engineers, this means that bridging the gap between old and new technology is achievable, but it requires systems analysis, understanding operational limits, and sometimes, inventing new hardware and software bridges.
The Value of Tacit Knowledge and Cross-Cultural Skills
Tacit know-how drives much of industrial maintenance and integration. Matthew describes shadowing senior technicians who knew “just the right way” to fix memory errors on ancient mainframes—not something found in any official manual. “This is a perfect example of tacit knowledge… you end up from gaining practical experience,” he explains.
But maintaining continuity is difficult as experienced workers retire. Matthew urges companies to think about “how do you transmit that? How do you share it?” He stresses that no matter how advanced AI becomes, humans retain the edge when applying creative problem-solving—particularly in high-pressure or unfamiliar situations.
On top of technical skill, Matthew highlights cross-cultural communication as essential to industrial project success. He notes, “language is somewhat secondary to the cultural barriers,” and advocates for openness and curiosity when working in new environments. He advises, “Go and travel… Go take that 4x4, you know, and drive out into the jungle, into the tundra or into the desert and you will learn a hell of a lot.” For global teams, building trust and understanding relies on active engagement with local ways of working, not just technical alignment.
Managing Obsolescence: Making Old Systems Work with the New
One of the biggest obstacles for industrial operators today is obsolescence. From retro computing to edge devices, Matthew is adamant that “just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s obsolete.” He describes fieldcloud SAS’s ongoing work restoring DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) systems—and keeping Windows 2000-based machines going in industrial settings, using protocol converters and segregation strategies.
He stresses a balanced, pragmatic approach: “There’s no need to develop everything in house… but at the same time don’t buy everything in from vendors.” He recommends that organizations define what will remain relevant for decades—the “evergreen” core—and map out which parts of their IT and OT stack are on shorter refresh cycles. Companies that align lifecycle expectations can “completely eliminate the trauma of obsolescence.”
For manufacturers, utilities, and system integrators, this means a mix of forward planning and practical support, ensuring continuity without getting trapped by either outdated or oversold technology.
Key Quote From The Episode
“Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s obsolete.” — Matthew D. Smith
Key Takeaways
- 00:11:31: Matthew explains how fieldcloud SAS developed one of the first edge computers for the oil field, solving remote connectivity problems and saving energy.
- 00:08:39: The importance of tacit knowledge—practical experience and know-how that often isn’t documented but is essential for maintaining and repairing legacy systems.
- 00:59:07: How companies can avoid the pain of obsolescence by strategically defining “evergreen” technology versus short-cycle components, and not relying completely on vendors.
Wrap Up
Matthew D. Smith’s experiences show that solving connectivity in demanding environments relies on understanding system limitations, preserving and sharing operational know-how, and finding balance between innovation and legacy systems. Readers in the industrial sector should prioritize cross-functional learning, document essential maintenance knowledge, and implement a technology lifecycle plan that identifies what infrastructure will carry their business forward for decades.
For actionable results:
- Capture and train tacit knowledge from experienced technicians.
- Audit legacy assets and plan clear refresh cycles.
- Build cross-cultural competencies for global teamwork.
- Invest in modular and open systems that can evolve over time.
About the Guest
Matthew D. Smith is the CEO of fieldcloud SAS, a specialist system integrator based in Grenoble, France. With a background in electrical engineering, SCADA, and telecoms—starting his career at Eskom and later Schlumberger—he is known for practical problem-solving in harsh industrial environments and is an advocate for documenting and sharing operational knowledge. He remains an active retro computing enthusiast and works to bridge the gap between legacy and modern technologies for clients worldwide. Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn for more on sustainable digital operations.
