From Machine Vision to Machine Intelligence: Ryan Treece on Scaling Industrial Innovation
In this episode of Automation Ladies, hosts Nikki Gonzales and Courtney Fernandez sit down with Ryan Treece to explore the realities behind predictive maintenance, machine vision, industrial IoT, and the evolving promise of Industry 4.0.
At the time of recording, Ryan served as Global Business Development Manager for AI and data platforms at FreeWave Technologies. Today, he operates as an independent leader in the industrial automation space, bringing a wide-angle perspective shaped by decades of experience across the industry.
🎧 Listen to Ryan’s full audio episode:
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🔗 Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn:
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The result is a practical, forward-looking conversation about how organizations can move from buzzwords to measurable results on the factory floor.
Why Industry Events Still Matter
The episode opens with reflections on OT SCADA CON and the unique value of industry gatherings.
For Ryan, events like OT SCADA CON compress months of research, experimentation, and networking into a few high-impact days. They create space for professionals to:
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Exchange real-world lessons
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Explore emerging technologies
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Build meaningful industry relationships
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Accelerate professional growth
In a field evolving as quickly as industrial automation, these shared experiences are more than networking opportunities — they’re catalysts for innovation.
Ryan recently shared his perspective after attending the event, emphasizing the power of community, knowledge exchange, and practical innovation across the industrial sector.
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Starting Small with Industrial IoT
One of the biggest barriers to digital transformation? Overwhelm.
With endless platforms, sensors, analytics tools, and cloud providers available, many organizations stall before they even begin. Ryan offers a refreshingly practical approach: start small.
Instead of attempting a full-scale transformation, focus on approachable, high-value projects like:
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Vibration monitoring
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Temperature tracking
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Basic predictive maintenance use cases
These initiatives require minimal coding, are relatively easy to deploy, and often produce quick, measurable ROI. Once success is demonstrated, organizations can scale strategically with stronger internal buy-in and clearer direction.
The key isn’t doing everything at once — it’s proving value early.
Connectivity in the Real World
The conversation then shifts to one of the less glamorous but critical realities of industrial innovation: connectivity challenges.
In remote environments like agriculture, oil and gas, and distributed infrastructure, reliable communication is not guaranteed. Ryan explains how companies must carefully balance:
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Cellular connectivity
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Satellite communications
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Hybrid approaches for redundancy
Often, success depends on consolidating multiple hardware components into streamlined systems that are easier to deploy, manage, and secure.
It’s not just about collecting data — it’s about ensuring that data can move reliably from remote assets to decision-makers. Without connectivity, even the smartest sensors are just expensive paperweights.
Cybersecurity: The Cost of Connectivity
As operational technology becomes increasingly connected, cybersecurity risks grow in parallel.
Ryan and the hosts dive into the importance of:
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Zero-trust architecture
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Incident response planning
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Proactive network monitoring
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Clear segmentation between IT and OT environments
Connectivity brings visibility and efficiency, but it also expands the attack surface. Organizations must treat cybersecurity as foundational — not optional.
In industrial environments, downtime isn’t just inconvenient. It can be costly, dangerous, and reputationally damaging.
The Maturation of Industry 4.0
Looking ahead, Ryan expresses optimism about the evolution of Industry 4.0 technologies.
The tools are maturing. Sensors are more accessible. Cloud platforms are more robust. Edge computing is more practical.
But technology alone isn’t enough.
Success still depends on aligning innovation with business objectives:
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Identify specific operational pain points
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Define measurable metrics
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Integrate new systems into existing workflows
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Avoid technology for technology’s sake
Digital transformation works best when it supports real business processes — not when it becomes a standalone experiment.
Learning from the Community
For professionals looking to deepen their knowledge, Ryan emphasizes the importance of getting involved with organizations like the International Society of Automation.
Communities like ISA provide access to:
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Technical publications
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Emerging standards
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Peer collaboration
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Practical use cases
In a rapidly evolving field, staying connected to the broader professional community is just as important as mastering the latest toolset.
Meet Ryan in Dallas — and Beyond
Ryan will be attending the ProveIt! Conference in Dallas. If you’re interested in discussing Industrial IoT, connectivity strategy, or digital transformation, it’s an excellent opportunity to meet him in person and exchange ideas with one of the industry’s most practical voices.
Practical Advice for Automation Professionals
Throughout the episode, Ryan’s guidance remains grounded in real-world execution:
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Don’t let complexity stop progress.
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Start with manageable, high-impact projects.
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Design systems with connectivity and security in mind from day one.
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Tie every initiative back to measurable business value.
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Stay engaged with the broader automation community.
From machine vision to AI-driven data platforms, Ryan’s journey reflects how industrial automation continues to evolve — and how professionals can evolve alongside it.
For anyone navigating digital transformation, predictive maintenance, or the expanding world of IIoT, this episode delivers both strategic clarity and actionable insight.
Looking Ahead: OT SCADA CON 2026
Tickets are already on sale for next year’s OT SCADA CON — and it’s shaping up to be another essential gathering for industrial leaders.
If you’re planning to attend, there’s a strong chance you’ll be able to connect with Ryan there as well.
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