Episode 323

The Evolution of Connected Solutions: From IoT to Generative AI is reshaping how businesses deliver value through intelligent, connected equipment and services.

In this episode of UNSCRIPTED, host Sarah Nicastro sits down with Amir Pasdar, Senior Manager for Intelligent Connected Solutions at Henny Penny and Intelligent Equipment Connected Solutions Leader at the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM), to explore the evolution from IoT to GenAI and beyond. Join them as they discuss how to unlock the true potential of connected solutions, navigate organizational readiness for AI implementation, and combine connected data with service history for maximum impact. Tune in to discover why efficiency gains are just the beginning of what's possible with today's emerging technologies.

What You'll Learn:

• How the progression from basic connectivity to AI-enabled solutions creates new business model opportunities
• Why organizations must rethink products as experiences, shifting from CapEx to service-based offerings
• The three-phase "Crawl, Walk, Run" framework for implementing AI solutions effectively
• How to combine connected device data, service history, and documentation to create truly intelligent solutions
• Why regulations and compliance should be viewed as competitive advantages rather than barriers
• The future vision of self-healing appliances and multi-agent AI systems working in harmony
• How to balance innovation with responsible AI implementation to protect company reputation and customer trust
• Why democratizing service knowledge through AI is crucial for addressing the aging workforce challenge
• How to transform efficiency gains into protected margins without passing costs to customers

About the Guest(s)

Amir Pasdar is the Senior Manager for Intelligent Connected Solutions at Henny Penny and the Intelligent Equipment Connected Solutions Leader with the North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM). With extensive experience in IoT and AI strategy, Pasdar began his career as an engineer working on smart meters before advancing to leadership roles in predictive technologies and product management. He currently leads initiatives in intelligent connected solutions for commercial kitchen equipment, specializing in the integration of AI, robotics, and lifecycle management solutions. As an AIoT strategist and product leader, Pasdar brings valuable insights on the evolution from IoT to GenAI, sharing practical strategies for businesses to unlock the potential of intelligent connected solutions. His expertise in bridging traditional equipment manufacturing with cutting-edge AI technologies, combined with his work mentoring startups and hosting a podcast on intelligent connected solutions, makes him a respected voice in the digital transformation of industrial services.

Follow Along:

• [00:00] Intro: Evolution from IoT to GenAI with Amir Pasdar
• [03:29] The Journey from Basic Connectivity to AI-Driven Solutions
• [09:20] Transforming Products into Services: The Future Business Model
• [16:51] Assessing Business Readiness for AI Implementation
• [22:03] The Crawl-Walk-Run Framework for AI Adoption
• [27:17] Creating True Intelligence: Combining Data, History & Documentation
• [31:30] Vision for the Future: Self-Healing Equipment & Multi-Agent Systems
• [38:34] Building Trust Through Transparency & Responsible Innovation

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