Ep. 186 - Automation Leadership: Controls, IT/OT Convergence, and Manufacturing Insights w/ Alicia

Manufacturing Hub

This week, Dave and Vlad are thrilled to be joined by Alicia Lomas, a powerhouse in manufacturing, automation, and leadership. Alicia shares her inspiring journey from studying chemical engineering to becoming a key figure in the controls and automation world. Along the way, she has worked with major brands like Chobani, where she helped revamp and optimize operations, and fast-paced startups like Redwood Materials, where she built automation teams and delivered large-scale projects. With years of hands-on experience in both legacy manufacturing environments and cutting-edge greenfield facilities, Alicia brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation.

In this episode, Alicia opens up about her transition from process engineering to controls engineering and the lessons learned while navigating these fields. She explains how mentors shaped her career, how she tackled the steep learning curves of PLC programming, and why curiosity and emotional intelligence are essential for success in automation. Alicia also talks about her experience building high-performing technical teams, hiring engineers from diverse backgrounds, and fostering a culture of mentorship and growth.

We take a deep dive into the complexities of choosing the right control platforms, including Alicia’s candid comparison of Siemens and Rockwell, and her decision-making process when leading automation strategy for a startup. She also discusses the importance of data collection, MES systems, and predictive maintenance, emphasizing how organizations can start small and scale their digital transformation efforts over time.

Alicia shares her thoughts on the convergence of IT and OT, the future of automation, and how collaboration between controls engineers, software developers, and IT professionals will shape the industry. Her optimism for the future is inspiring, as she envisions a world where technology, processes, and people come together to solve complex manufacturing challenges.

Whether you’re an automation veteran, a newcomer to the industry, or simply curious about the future of manufacturing, this episode is packed with actionable insights, career advice, and thought-provoking discussions.

📖 Book Recommendation:
Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up by Jerry Colonna – A must-read for anyone looking to lead with empathy, integrity, and self-awareness in today’s fast-paced world.

💬 Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear from you! What trends are you seeing in the automation industry? How do you see IT/OT convergence playing a role in the factories of the future? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

👉 Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn: Alicia Lomas

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Thank you for tuning in to Manufacturing Hub. See you next week!

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• Alicia Lomas
• Vlad Romanov
• Dave Griffith
• Manufacturing Hub
• SolisPLC
• Joltek