# Lights Out Lenses: Inside an Automation Journey from the Operations & Production Frontlines, Ep #40

- Show: [Lights Out](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out)
- Published: 2026-05-08
- Length: 46m
- Episode: 40
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr
- Listen: https://8819970d-2c51-481c-b08a-4d2a806885b2.libsyn.com/lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-frontlines-ep-40

## Summary

Randel Hamilton, Director of Operations, and PK, Director of Production, from Advanced Machining & Fabricating (Advanced PMC) in Oklahoma, discuss their automation journey using FASTEMS cells and Okuma machines. They explain that automation expands rather than simplifies operations, requiring significant upstream and downstream adjustments in material flow, purchasing, and quality control. PK highlights the challenge of capturing 52 unused hours per week in their FASTEMS cell by focusing on part selection, stability, and repeatability in a high-mix, low-volume environment. The episode emphasizes that successful automation is a stability and process project, not just a technology one, requiring careful part selection and robust workholding to handle tight tolerances and exotic materials.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr#t=0) Introduction: Lights Out Lenses format and Advanced PMC overview
- [4:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr#t=264) Randel Hamilton on automation implementation and operational shifts
- [12:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr#t=727) SMW Autoblok workholding and quality inspection integration
- [17:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr#t=1070) Business impact: Sales, purchasing, and process standardization
- [25:32](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr#t=1532) PK on FASTEMS cell utilization and the 52-hour gap
- [33:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr#t=2025) Part selection challenges in high-mix, low-volume manufacturing

## Topics

- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Quality & yield](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/quality-and-yield)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Advanced Machining & Fabricating (company)
- FASTEMS (company)
- Okuma (company)
- SMW Autoblok (company)
- Kuka (company)
- CMM (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [The New ROI of Automation w/ Scot Lindemann](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2022-02-08-the-new-roi-of-automation-w-scot-lindemann) (The Manufacturing Executive)
- [EMS@C Panel: Exploring Digital Transformation, The Digital Dividend, and Strategic Collaboration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-11-24-ems-c-panel-exploring-digital-transformation-the-digital-dividend-and-strategic) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Exploring Facility Scale, Automation, and Supplier Partnerships with IMI's Oscar Valdivia](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-exploring-facility-scale-automation-and-supplier-partnerships-with-imis-oscar-va) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [From China to Mexico, Adapting to Manufacturing Trends and Harnessing Data for Decision-Making, with IMI's Philip Reyes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2023-10-17-from-china-to-mexico-adapting-to-manufacturing-trends-and-harnessing-data-for-de) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Bonus - That SCOOP Show Productronica Preview - Rob Raine and Alexander Hagenfeldt from ASM Assembly Solutions](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2021-10-28-bonus-that-scoop-show-productronica-preview-rob-raine-and-alexander-hagenfeldt-f) (EMS@C-LEVEL)

## Citing this page

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