Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes are joined by Alex Sims, technical support lead at Kallipr, to discuss the practical world of Industrial IoT (IIoT) for trade professionals and engineering teams. Key points covered include the often-overlooked pathway from trades to IIoT careers, the importance of simplifying IIoT installation and integration for the field, and how real-world applications deliver meaningful results for both industry and the environment.

From Trades to Tech: Building an IIoT Career

Alex Sims’ journey highlights a growing trend—experienced tradespeople moving into technology-driven roles. Starting as an electrician, Alex found that hands-on skills and field insight provide a strong foundation for understanding and delivering IIoT solutions. As Sims describes, “Time and time again being a tradie in my past life has actually been so beneficial and useful and bizarrely has been a really good pathway to be doing the job I am now.”

This background gives professionals a practical edge when delivering results in environments where technical theory must meet real-world limitations. For trade-skilled workers, the message is clear: a move into IIoT is not only possible, but often beneficial for both workers and employers seeking practical, relatable expertise.

Simplifying IIoT Installation for Tradespeople

A major focus for manufacturers like Kallipr is streamlining the installation and setup process for their IIoT devices. Sims points out that the success of any IIoT rollout depends on how accessible the technology is for those installing it. “Everything needs to be digestible to the point at which any installer, any utility, has enough kind of scope and bandwidth in their typical workforce to go and deploy these things successfully.”

Rather than expecting field staff to understand every technical detail, effective support and design break down the process into manageable steps, matching the skill set found in most trade teams. As Phil Seboa notes, documentation and intuitive interfaces play a key role, helping end users avoid frustration and reduce mistakes during installation and troubleshooting.

Real-World IIoT Applications: Impact Beyond the Market

IIoT technology is powering solutions with real social and environmental benefits. Sims shares examples such as using remote sensors to help protect bat colonies during heatwave events and monitoring river systems to prevent sewerage spills in public waterways. “It's providing data where you previously either didn't have any data, you're guessing based on poor data, and providing really high fidelity information of things that are important to you when it’s important to you,” Sims explains. By delivering actionable environmental and operational data in an approachable form, IIoT goes beyond buzzwords to address genuine industry and community challenges, from efficient water management to wildlife protection.

Key Quote From The Episode

“Breaking it down for tradespeople, it's really about removing all of that noise and removing all of the stress and complexity that should be managed by kind of operational leads… They just need to know the three steps that help them nail the bit that they're accountable for.” — Alex Sims

Key Takeaways

• (00:02:07) Trades experience is a strong fit for IIoT roles, offering practical problem-solving and real-world understanding.
• (00:11:40) Making IIoT easy for installers—through clear support, segmented information, and reliable design—removes barriers to adoption.
• (00:21:34) IIoT solutions have a measurable impact, supporting industries and communities with data-driven decision-making and environmental protection.

Wrap Up

This conversation demonstrates that IIoT opens rewarding pathways for trade professionals, especially when solutions are practical for real-world organizations. For teams considering IIoT deployments, prioritizing ease of installation and integration helps ensure adoption succeeds from day one. Most importantly, IIoT offers the chance to make a genuine difference—delivering both operational improvements and wider societal benefits.

Actionable suggestions:

• Tradespeople should consider how their existing skills apply in the IIoT space.
• Businesses planning rollouts should invest in easy-to-use systems and support materials for field staff.
• Organizations can look for IIoT solutions that address clear, valuable problems, ensuring measurable returns and positive outcomes.

About the Guest

Alex Sims is the technical support lead at Kallipr, an Australian IIoT manufacturer. With a background in electrical trades and field support, Alex bridges the gap between hands-on experience and technical expertise. He is recognized for making advanced technology accessible to trade professionals and showcasing IIoT’s real-world value.