Scott MacKenzie hosts the Industrial Talk Podcast, celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. He introduces Dan Joe Barry from Configit, discussing their advanced value-added solution for manufacturing. Configit's technology, developed over 25 years, addresses the complexity of configuring products with numerous options. They use virtual tabulation, a type of AI, to compile valid configurations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency. Dan Joe emphasizes the importance of aligning data from various systems like ERP and CRM. Configit's solution helps manufacturers manage product configurations, reducing errors and improving customer satisfaction. Scott also mentions his upcoming e-book and the Boston Med Device Conference.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Dan Joe Barry on LinkedIn to learn more about Configit's solution.
• [ ] Check Configit's website for more information on their technology and approach.

Outline

Introduction and Overview of Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
• Scott highlights the current industrial renaissance, describing it as a frothy and energetic period.
• Scott mentions the upcoming e-book, which will summarize conversations with industry leaders and address pain points and solutions.
• Scott promotes the Boston Med Device Conference, scheduled for September 30 to October 1, and encourages listeners to attend.

Introduction of Dan Joe Barry and Configit

• Scott introduces Dan Joe Barry, the guest for the episode, and emphasizes the importance of his company, Configit.
• Dan Joe Barry is introduced as Dan Joe, and Scott advises listeners to refer to him as such.
• Scott describes Configit's advanced value-added solution, which is particularly beneficial for the manufacturing industry.
• Dan Joe Barry joins the conversation, and Scott thanks him for his time and insights.

Dan Joe Barry's Background and Personal Life

• Dan Joe Barry shares his background, mentioning that he moved from Ireland to Denmark in 1991 and has been living there since.
• Dan Joe talks about his family, including his Danish wife and two daughters in their 20s.
• Scott and Dan Joe discuss the differences in Guinness and Carlsberg between Ireland and Denmark, highlighting the impact of local water on beer quality.
• Dan Joe shares an anecdote about a Guinness supply chain issue, illustrating the challenges of managing global demand.

Configit's History and Purpose

• Dan Joe explains the history of Configit, which has been focused on product configuration for 25 years.
• He describes the complexity of managing product configurations, especially for complex products like cars, pumps, and valves.
• Dan Joe explains the concept of configure-to-order (CTO) business models and their advantages.
• He highlights the challenges of managing product configurations using traditional methods like Excel sheets and the benefits of Configit's approach.

Configit's Technology and Implementation

• Dan Joe introduces the concept of configuration lifecycle management and the importance of aligning information from different systems.
• He explains how Configit's virtual tabulation technology compiles all valid configurations into a lookup file, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Dan Joe discusses the implementation process, including importing information from existing systems and building integrations for synchronization.
• He emphasizes the importance of having a comprehensive product model that includes all relevant options and rules.

AI and Configit's Future

• Scott and Dan Joe discuss the role of AI in Configit's technology, with Dan Joe explaining the differences between Gen AI and neuro-symbolic AI.
• Dan Joe highlights the predictability and accuracy of Configit's AI, which is designed to ensure valid configurations.
• He mentions the ASCO pilot project, which uses AI to build product models quickly and efficiently.
• Dan Joe shares his vision for the future of AI in manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of combining different AI technologies to achieve better results.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott wraps up the conversation, expressing his admiration for Configit's solution and its potential to add value to the manufacturing industry.
• Dan Joe provides his contact information, encouraging listeners to reach out to him on LinkedIn or through Configit's website.
• Scott reiterates the importance of Configit's solution and encourages listeners to explore the company's website for more information.
• The episode concludes with Scott thanking Dan Joe and listeners for their time and interest in the Industrial Talk Podcast.