Author: Konnected Technology

At Konnected, our mission is two-fold. Firstly, we strive to elevate industry standards and bring about a modernization of technology expectations and systems. Secondly, on a personal level, we are driven by the mission to work on projects that ignite our passion rather than simply pursuing projects for financial reasons. We firmly believe that implementing smart systems not only enhances the efficiency of manufacturing industry employees and professionals but also contributes to a healthier work-life balance for them.

Tell us about yourself?

With a long history in manufacturing engineering and management, we know the struggles of finding SAS solutions that work not only for an individual process but also provide useful information about your entire facility. Our motivation for entering this field was to address the prevalent issues that traditional solutions tend to overlook, leaving behind a significant 20 to 30 per cent gap. We recognized that these solutions often fall short, only resolving around 70 per cent of the problem, resulting in wasted time, money, and resources that frequently go unused.

If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

George Speirs – If I were to offer advice to my past self, it would be to keep going, as things have a way of working themselves out. Solutions often arise, even when we momentarily forget that fact.

What problem does your business solve?

Cameron Speirs – While many manufacturers possess smart machines, it’s crucial to differentiate between having smart components and operating a truly smart factory with efficient processes. Merely having intelligent machinery doesn’t guarantee seamless communication between them. Sadly, the industry’s prevailing norm is a lack of coordination among assembly products, which leads to substantial underutilization of smart technology by approximately 90 per of the workforce. Our goal is to simplify the manufacturing experience, enabling anyone to come to work, perform their tasks, and accurately predict the outcomes.

What is the inspiration behind your business?

Cameron Speirs and George Speirs – A significant source of inspiration for us stems from the manufacturing industry and the realization that there are numerous challenges related to tracking and monitoring. We observed that existing solutions only addressed around 70 per cent of these issues, and the addition of multiple systems further rendered the situation unsustainable. This drove us to leverage our knowledge and expertise to build better, more comprehensive systems that address the complete spectrum of challenges. Additionally, we were pleasantly surprised by the advanced level of technology observed in high-tech companies. We initially expected a considerable time lag or a 10-year gap between cutting-edge technologies in universities and their practical application. However, we discovered that many partnerships showcased technologies that were already 30 years old. This realization motivated us to push boundaries and introduce truly innovative solutions in the industry.

What is your magic sauce?

Cameron Speirs and George Speirs – In a broader sense, we didn’t feel constrained by the typical mould of a solution, as seen in larger corporations. Our unique approach blends elements of Software as a Service (SaaS) but with a distinct elevation. Unlike off-the-shelf solutions, our offerings are highly tailored to each client’s specific needs. While our core definition aligns with SaaS, our solutions go beyond by leveraging our extensive industry insights gained from years of hands-on experience. We want to emphasize to our future clients that while superficially similar, not all solutions are equally valuable. A solution that is only 70 or 80 per cent useful falls short of being truly effective. Our unwavering commitment to perfection, coupled with our practical manufacturing expertise, focuses on closing that crucial 20 or 30 percent gap, resulting in remarkable outcomes for our clients. Whether it’s enhancing safety protocols, maximizing workforce efficiency, or accurately predicting outcomes, we strive to deliver unparalleled value.

What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?

George Speirs – Our vision is for the modules we have developed, encompassing the most essential solutions in smart manufacturing, to gain widespread recognition and adoption among clients worldwide. Additionally, we aim to collaborate closely with our clients to tailor the remaining 20 per cent of their business requirements, ensuring a customized fit that aligns perfectly with their unique circumstances.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?

The biggest challenge in creating essential solutions for smart manufacturing is dealing with the complexity and diversity of manufacturing processes. Each industry and business has its own unique requirements, workflows, and technologies, making it tricky to pinpoint the most crucial pain points and come up with effective solutions. Plus, keeping up with the ever-evolving technologies and industry trends adds another layer of challenge. To tackle these hurdles, we collaborate closely with manufacturing experts, conduct thorough research, and gather feedback from end-users. It’s all about gaining a deep understanding of the manufacturing landscape and staying flexible in our solution designs. By leveraging data-driven insights, using agile development methodologies, and constantly iterating based on user feedback, we can overcome these challenges and create great solutions for smart manufacturing.

How can people get involved?

Cameron Speirs and George Speirs – We are actively seeking clients with distinctive smart manufacturing projects. If you have such a project, we encourage you to reach out to us directly. Moreover, we are also interested in engaging with clients from different industries who are keen to explore a demo and witness firsthand how our solution can address challenges across various sectors. You can email us at George@konnectedtechnology.com.

In this inspiring interview, we sit down with Sneha Jatakiya, talented software developer and engineering enthusiast. With a Master’s degree in Computer Application from R K University and over 7 years of experience in the Software Industry, Sneha has proven herself as a dynamic leader and a problem solver

1. Tell us about yourself
   My name is Sneha Jatakiya. I  graduated with a degree in Master Of Computer Application from R K University I have 7 years of experience working in the Software Industry. I successfully lead a team of 12 people and played a key role in implementing software applications for the automobile industry. This experience allowed me to develop a strong skill set and a deep understanding of the automobile industry.
2. What motivated or inspired you to become a software developer?
   I became a software developer because I love solving problems with technology. Ever since I was young, I enjoyed puzzles and figuring out how things work. When I discovered software development, I realized that coding is like solving puzzles on a whole new level. It fascinated me how I could use my creativity and logical thinking to write code and build applications that can make a real difference in people’s lives. What also motivated me was seeing the impact of technology in our world. Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and I wanted to be part of the innovation and progress. From mobile apps to web development, the possibilities seemed endless. The idea that I could create something useful, intuitive, or even fun with lines of code excited me.
3. If you had the opportunity to travel back in time, what advice would you give to your past self?
   If I had the chance to travel back in time and offer advice to my past self, there are a few key pieces of wisdom I would share. Firstly, I would encourage myself to embrace failure and view it as a valuable learning experience. In the past, I often placed too much emphasis on achieving perfection and was hesitant to take risks. I would advise myself to step out of my comfort zone, be open to making mistakes, and see them as stepping stones toward growth and improvement.
   
   Secondly, I would emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In my earlier years, I often found myself overly consumed by work, hobbies, and self-care. I would remind myself to prioritize self-care, allocate time for activities I enjoy, and nurture meaningful connections with family and friends. Finding that balance is vital for overall well-being and long-term success.
   Another crucial piece of advice I would offer is to embrace continuous learning and development. In the past, there were times when I felt complacent or settled into a comfort zone. I would remind myself to seek out new knowledge, expand my skill set, and stay curious about emerging trends and technologies. Lifelong learning is essential for staying relevant and adaptable in an ever-changing world.
   
   Lastly, I would encourage my past self to trust the journey and be patient. There were instances when I became discouraged by setbacks or impatient for immediate results. I would remind myself that success is not always linear, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Embracing perseverance, resilience, and having faith in the process can lead to valuable experiences and eventual achievements.
4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far in your career?
   One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career was after the Covid when there is a boom in the software industry. At that time people are continually changing Jobs and also we saw that people are demanding new software development to smoothly work around the situations. During this period of time, my company put faith in me and my capabilities and assign me one totally new assignment within a small period of timeline. The team which is allocated to me is working remotely and there is a couple of new members working on it. The challenge stemmed from several factors that tested my problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and leadership skills. Along with that, for me to understand each team member’s nature and each team member’s expertise, and priorities, and aligning everyone towards a common goal required effective communication, conflict resolution, and consensus-building. Ensuring that everyone was on the same page and working collaboratively was crucial to the success of the project.
5. If you were to share a single valuable tip for women aspiring to pursue engineering, what would it be?
   If I were to share a single valuable tip for women aspiring to pursue engineering, it would be to believe in yourself and your abilities. Throughout your journey in engineering, you may encounter moments of self-doubt or face societal stereotypes and biases. But remember that you are just as capable, talented, and deserving of success as anyone else.