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Talking Industrial AutomationAuthor: Lisa Richter
The Talking Industrial Automation Podcast is a show to help you get to know the people who make modern manufacturing and processing possible. Along the way you'll hear about integration technology, trends and challenges. If you are a manufacturer, end user/client, supplier or system integrator interested in industrial automation, you will enjoy the insights in this podcast. Language: en Genres: Business, Technology Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Engineering the Brain of the Process: Guru Thakkar on Scalable Automation, Front-End Discipline & Intelligent Systems
Monday, 16 February, 2026
In this episode of Talking Industrial Automation, host Lisa Richter sits down with Guru Thakkar, Director of Engineering at Inflexion Point in Neptune, New Jersey. With more than 20 years of experience across pharmaceutical, life sciences, food & beverage, utilities, and building automation, Guru shares how disciplined front-end engineering, standardization, and strong technical fundamentals set the stage for long-term success. From scaling Inflection Point organically from 40 to over 100 employees, to supporting Operation Warp Speed during COVID, Guru explains why early design decisions, rigorous testing, and lifecycle thinking matter more than ever. The conversation explores: What it really means to "put the brain" into industrial systems Why turnkey integration across all layers (from sensors to enterprise systems) is becoming essential How system integrators are navigating AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation The growing complexity of pharma manufacturing and single-use equipment Why trust, repeat business, and sound non-technical business practices drive sustainable growth Whether you're an end user, engineer, or integrator, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how intelligent systems are shaping the future of process automation—and why fundamentals still matter in a rapidly evolving landscape.
