Spotlight on Ted Stanley Manufacturing Intelligence (MI) Lead Engineer
In the specialized field of Manufacturing Intelligence (MI), Ted Stanley plays a pivotal role, leading complex projects that seamlessly integrate software and manufacturing systems to enhance production for Cybertrol Engineering's diverse clientele. As the MI Lead Engineer, Ted brings extensive technical expertise while also mentoring his team, ensuring that MI solutions consistently improve operational efficiency and support innovation.
The Role of a MI Lead Engineer
Ted’s role at Cybertrol is multifaceted, with responsibilities that cover both the technical and the strategic aspects of MI. His day-to-day tasks involve a blend of technical deep dives and high-level oversight, including:
- Software Expertise: Ted is the subject matter expert (SME) and go-to technical resource for questions about Rockwell Automation software, .NET Core, SQL, C#, and reporting tools. He ensures that the software tools used are best-in-class and that any custom development is robust and scalable.
- Development and Deployment: As the primary leader behind MI software management, Ted oversees the development "dev" environment, manages product demonstrations, and handles DevOps responsibilities. His work ensures that MI software is efficiently managed, tested, deployed, and maintained for Cybertrol’s clients.
- Quality Assurance: Ted also performs code reviews to ensure that projects adhere to Cybertrol’s internal quality standards, and that the software delivered meets client expectations.
- Solutions Architect and Estimator: As a standards and solutions architect, Ted is responsible for designing the system architecture that supports Cybertrol’s MI solutions. He’s also heavily involved in quoting architecture, ensuring projects are accurately scoped and cost estimates reflect the complexity of the work involved.
- Project Execution Lead: Ted is also the lead for executing MI-focused projects in Cybertrol’s project management tools. His leadership is key to ensuring that MI projects meet their “Definition of Done,” delivering on-time and on-budget results that solve real-world manufacturing challenges.
12+ Years of Experience and Growth
Over the last 12½ years at Cybertrol, Ted has held numerous roles that have guided his progression from engineer to a principal leadership position in Manufacturing Intelligence. He began his career when Cybertrol was a flatter organization without departments or dedicated project managers. “It was mostly Automation Engineers (AEs) and 'those software guys'—the would-be MI team,” Stanley remarks. Since then, he has held roles such as Project Engineer, Senior MI Engineer, Lead MI Engineer, Principal MI Engineer, and MI Lead Engineer.
His rise through the ranks reflects not only his technical expertise but also his ability to adapt to Cybertrol’s evolving structure. He has witnessed the company’s growth from a smaller, more siloed organization into a cohesive group of specialists, including the formation of core teams, project management units, and, of course, a dedicated Manufacturing Intelligence division.
Major Projects and Initiatives
Ted’s contributions to Cybertrol’s success are extensive, touching nearly every client that involves an MI element. His project portfolio demonstrates his versatility in managing large-scale, critical projects for high-profile clients across multiple industries:
- Batch Reporting Modifications for a large supplier in the Quick Service Restaurant and retail industries, to improve reporting accuracy and operational insights.
- Metrics OEE for a leading agricultural cooperative, implemented overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) solutions to enhance production monitoring.
- Historian Configuration streamlining data collection and reporting for a multinational conglomerate operating in the fields of industry, worker safety, healthcare, and consumer goods.
- Industrial Control System (ICS) Cybersecurity Segregation for a multinational pipeline and energy company, to enhance cybersecurity measures.
- Cybertrol BatchWorks development and implementation for a multinational consumer goods company.
These projects illustrate Ted’s ability to apply MI principles across different industries, leveraging custom solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs. Whether it’s upgrading a BMS server system for a multinational food processor or implementing CIP controls upgrades for a public food company, Ted consistently delivers impactful results.
A Passion for Problem-Solving and Innovation
When asked what he enjoys most about working at Cybertrol, Ted highlights the variety of projects and the people. Cybertrol’s diverse clientele and the complex challenges they present have helped shape the company's reputation for innovative problem-solving. With each new project, Cybertrol is tasked with integrating unique systems and optimizing processes, ensuring continual growth and expertise across the team.
Ted also values the collaborative culture at Cybertrol, where knowledge-sharing and teamwork are essential. As the internal resource for technical assistance, Ted is often sought out by colleagues across the organization for his expertise. He’s dedicated to ensuring that his technical knowledge is shared within the team, helping to build a stronger, more capable MI department.
From Louisiana to Minnesota
Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ted spent his early years moving between Louisiana and Minnesota before settling in the Twin Cities for college. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in Computer Science, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.
Today, Ted calls Brooklyn Park, Minnesota home, where he lives with his family. Outside of work, Ted enjoys video games, nature walks, and spending time with his 3½-year-old daughter. Fun fact: Ted was once an avid bowler until his bowling ball split in half right before a Cybertrol bowling event in 2022! As a direct result of this untimely catastrophe, Ted received the "worst individual series with a handicap" award that year, presented by Cybertrol CEO Ben Durbin.
The Importance of Manufacturing Intelligence at Cybertrol
At its core, manufacturing intelligence (MI) at Cybertrol is about creating custom software solutions that bridge automation systems and information systems. MI engineers like Ted build, configure, and deploy software that collects, manages, and reports on production data. This data is critical for manufacturers who need to make real-time decisions, optimize processes, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
MI engineers at Cybertrol are uniquely equipped with both software engineering and manufacturing knowledge. Ted’s role requires proficiency in multiple programming languages, such as C#, Razor, Python, JavaScript, and T-SQL, while also staying current with rapidly evolving technologies like .NET Core, which Microsoft updates every 18 months. This combination of skills enables Ted and his team to deliver powerful, customized MI solutions that meet the unique demands of the manufacturing industry.
Through Ted Stanley’s leadership, Cybertrol continues to innovate and provide cutting-edge MI solutions to clients across industries. His work ensures that Cybertrol remains a trusted partner in helping manufacturers achieve their operational goals.
