#05: How Industrial Automation Powers American Beverage Depot

Mastering the Machine with Frank Lamb | Strategies for Automation, Technology and Entrepreneurship

What happens when a bottle plant puts its faith in relationships, grassroots innovation, and learning-by-doing instead of pricey, off-the-shelf solutions?

Join Frank Lamb on Mastering the Machine as he chronicles a remarkable 12-year evolution at American Beverage Depot, where language barriers, aging hardware, and resourceful engineers become catalysts for creative upgrades—from pioneering PLC migrations to building one of the industry’s largest single-server Ignition platforms. It’s a real-world lesson in how continuous improvement and trust can transform not only software, but also teams and business possibilities.

Are you ready to discover what’s possible when you make not just technology, but real collaboration, the heartbeat of your progress?

TAKEAWAYS

1. The Challenge of Legacy Systems in Manufacturing (03:26 – 13:41)
   Frank illustrates how American Beverage Depot struggled with outdated PLCs, mixed-language programs, and vendor lock-in—highlighting the importance of understanding both the technology and process before attempting large upgrades.
2. Strategic Migration Pays Off (13:41 – 16:29)
   Migrating from legacy Slick 500 hardware and RSView32 SCADA to modern ControlLogix and Ignition platforms enabled ABD to scale operations and take control of its own system modifications.
3. Building In-House Expertise Spurs Innovation (16:29 – 24:40)
   With Juan Pablo and emerging talent learning PLC and Ignition development, the plant reduced its reliance on outside integrators—demonstrating the power of investing in internal skill-building.
4. Continuous Improvement Over Perfection (33:18 – 35:14)
   ABD’s journey wasn’t about adopting the flashiest tech, but rather making incremental, practical improvements that fit their unique needs and budget—proof that success comes from adaptability, not just big spending.
5. Community and Collaboration Are Key (35:14 – 36:51)
   Sustained results came from trust, friendships, and knowledge-sharing: from plant managers to maintenance to a global network of integrators, ABD’s culture of collaboration fueled its transformation.

Links mentioned in this episode

Automation Consulting, LLC & The Automation Academy: www.automationllc.com

CONNECT WITH FRANK

Website: https://www.automationllc.com

Facebook: @AutomationConsultingLlc/

LinkedIn: @company/automation-consulting-llc

YouTube: @automationllc