Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship
In today’s age of rapid technological advancement, many find themselves navigating the complex world of automation and control systems, often feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from the ever-changing landscape. Here’s the truth: You’re not alone.
Join host Frank Lamb, an automation expert, and the author of “PLC Hardware and Programming - Multi-Platform”, “Maintenance and Troubleshooting in Industrial Automation”and ”Industrial Automation: Hands On” (just to mention just a few). Frank will break down the multifaceted world of industrial automation and empower you to master the technology of tomorrow.
Each episode of "Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb" offers engaging discussions filled with expertise, innovation, and inspiration. Together, we'll dive into the essential components of Industrial Control Systems, Machine Automation, and the development of cutting-edge Automation Skills. Explore the dynamic roles of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), Controls Engineers, and Technicians as they shape the future of Machine Design and Control Engineering.
Whether you're tackling the intricacies of modern Manufacturing processes or honing your skills in Instrumentation, we provide an informative platform tailored to Automation Enthusiasts eager to bridge the skills gap. Our conversations with industry leaders and specialists will provide clarity and direction on advancing your career and optimizing industrial systems.
Tune in for insightful answers to top industry questions, including:
- How can Industrial Control Systems transform my operations?
- What are the latest trends in Machine Automation I should be aware of?
- How do I leverage PLCs for enhanced process control?
- What skills should a Controls Engineer prioritize for future growth?
- How can I integrate Machine Design with Control Engineering effectively?
Join us weekly as we dissect the complexities of automation and share strategies for success. With each episode, you'll gain invaluable insights, feel more connected to the automation community, and be reminded that navigating technology's evolution is a shared journey. Let’s embark on this path of innovation and mastery—because the future of automation is here, and it's waiting for you to lead it.
Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship
#04: Mastering Industrial Automation with Practical Learning Methods
Do you find yourself lost in a sea of automation jargon, unsure how it all connects to real-world expertise?
This episode of Mastering the Machine is your roadmap: Frank Lamb outlines the foundational pyramid every industrial automation pro should know and shows exactly how to apply it to both new technologies and daily problem-solving. Through his immersive story of self-paced online courses, notebook hacks, and trial-by-fire learning, you’ll discover how to turn repetition into mastery—and why hands-on projects are the key to breaking free from the monotony of repetitive task work.
Are you prepared to elevate your skills and own your future in the world of automation?
TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding the Automation Pyramid Sets the Foundation for Expertise (03:42 – 11:14)
Frank introduces the "building blocks" pyramid for industrial automation, explaining how foundational knowledge like reading and math grows into specialized disciplines like PLCs, SCADA, databases, AI, and ultimately industry-specific expertise. - Layering Learning Methods Improves Retention and Mastery (12:13 – 17:59)
Frank contrasts online self-paced courses, in-person classes, self-study with books, and on-the-job training, showing how using a combination of these methods and active techniques (reading, writing, testing) can deepen memory and skill. - Practice and Real-World Application Matter Most (14:25 – 26:12)
Repetition alone isn’t enough—whether in classes, projects, or labs, practicing on real equipment (even just briefly and regularly) bridges the gap from learning to proficiency and keeps skills sharp long-term. - Project-Based Learning Builds Lasting Capability Beyond Tasks (31:38 – 39:25)
Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin, Frank makes the case that working on meaningful projects, not just discrete tasks, drives deeper motivation, career growth, and human creativity even in highly automated environments. - Keeping a Learning Log or Engineering Notebook Supercharges Recall (36:05 – 39:25(
Frank emphasizes the power of detailed note-taking—dating, numbering, and organizing everything in a bound notebook or digital folder—to create an “auxiliary memory” and quickly refresh skills as automation technology evolves.
Links mentioned in this episode
- Inductive Automation & Inductive University
https://inductiveautomation.com
(For Ignition SCADA software training) - Automation Consulting LLC & The Automation Academy
https://www.automationllc.com
(Comprehensive automation training and resources)
ChatGPT, MidJourney, Jasper AI, and DALL-E are mentioned as learning tools.
CONNECT WITH FRANK
Website: https://www.automationllc.com
Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/
LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc
YouTube: @automationllc
