26 - Simplifying MES: How Rafael Amaral is Making Manufacturing Digital, Operator-Friendly, and Scalable

Join hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes as they sit down with Rafael Amaral, CTO and cofounder of TilliT. With decades of hands-on manufacturing and IT experience, Rafael shares his perspective on bridging the gap between the shop floor and digital tools. They examine the challenges manufacturers face in moving away from paperwork and spreadsheets, misconceptions around MES, and what it really takes to achieve user-friendly digital transformation.

Rafael discusses lessons learned from early MES projects, why operator-first design matters, and how making manufacturing systems simpler without losing capability is possible. The conversation covers effective strategies for moving from manual data capture to real-time IoT integration, building ROI for digital projects, and fostering a management-driven approach to factory operations.

Whether you’re curious about the future of MES, interested in AI’s practical applications on the factory floor, or want advice on starting your own automation journey, this episode offers practical wisdom straight from the frontlines of industrial digitalization.

Connect with Rafael on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafael-tillit/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about TilliT: https://gotillit.com/

------

About Industry Sage Media:

Industry Sage Media is your backstage pass to industry experts and the conversations that are shaping the future of the manufacturing industry.

Learn more at: http://www.industrysagemedia.com