We are pleased to welcome Thomas Scheller as Senior Business Development Manager. In this role, Thomas will lead efforts to establish and strengthen long-term partnerships, particularly within the process and batch control industries, with a focus on the brewing and distilling, and food and beverage sectors.
Before joining LSI, Thomas worked for ProLeiT for 17 years, initially in Germany and later in the U.S., where he progressed through roles of increasing responsibility, including Software Engineer, Technical Trainer, and Technical Director – North America, ultimately becoming the Sales Manager.
Thomas is an outcome-driven and client-focused sales engineer with significant experience in technical leadership and consultative sales. He has a proven track record of driving revenue growth through strategic relationship-building and technical expertise. With three decades of industry experience, Thomas excels at understanding client needs and providing effective solutions. As an accomplished engineer and trainer for ProLeiT’s Plant iT and brewmaxx, he has extensive experience in software development, managing technical projects, and delivering comprehensive training.
“It’s a privilege to join LSI, a company with a stellar reputation,” said Thomas. I’m excited to work alongside such a talented team and to help deliver outstanding results for our clients.”
“We’re excited to have Thomas on board,” said Nick Riggio, LSI’s President. “Having known Thomas for many years in his previous role, we trust his expertise and know his industry experience and technical know-how are just what we need to drive our strategic growth, especially in the brewing and distilling sectors.”
Q&A with Thomas
To get to know Thomas better, we asked him four questions about his career journey and what he looks forward to as he begins his new role with LSI.
How did your professional journey bring you to LSI?
I’ve known LSI since my very first days in the USA and have always been in contact with the LSI team for training and technical consultations. As I decided to move on in my career, speaking with Nick Riggio about the opportunity to join LSI was my first thought.
What are you looking forward to the most in your new role at LSI?
To work together with a highly skilled professional team and opening up new opportunities to grow the business.
What trends in your field are you most excited about?
The field of process control is undergoing rapid innovation, and several trends are particularly exciting due to their potential to revolutionize industrial automation, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making. Here are some highlights:
- Adoption of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- AI and ML are enabling predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and optimization in real-time. These technologies are being used to:
- Predict equipment failures (predictive maintenance).O
- Optimize control strategies in complex processes.
- Automate pattern recognition and outlier detection in large datasets.
- Edge Computing
- Edge devices now have significant processing power, allowing data to be analyzed and acted upon at the source. This reduces latency, enhances security, and decreases the reliance on centralized systems. It’s especially transformative in scenarios with stringent real-time requirements or limited connectivity.
- Digital Twins
- The integration of digital twins—virtual replicas of physical processes—is helping engineers simulate, monitor, and optimize operations. These tools offer predictive insights and enable “what-if” scenario analysis without disrupting live processes.
- Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
- IIoT is connecting devices, sensors, and systems to enable seamless data exchange and remote control. IIoT platforms are driving improvements in visibility, efficiency, and operational flexibility.
- Advanced Process Control (APC)
- APC techniques, including model predictive control (MPC), are evolving with more robust algorithms and better integration with AI. These tools are essential in managing multivariable systems and achieving optimal performance.
- Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
- As industries aim to reduce their carbon footprints, process control systems are being tailored to improve energy efficiency, minimize waste, and support renewable energy integration. Tools like energy management dashboards are becoming standard.
- Cybersecurity in Control Systems
- With increasing connectivity comes the need for stronger cybersecurity measures. New standards and technologies are focusing on protecting industrial control systems from cyber threats without compromising performance.
Outside of engineering, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any favorite hobbies or interests?
My favorite hobbies include baking sourdough bread and cooking, which I find both relaxing and rewarding. I also deeply enjoy practicing martial arts, specifically Kyokushin Karate, Kickboxing, and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, as they challenge me physically and mentally while fostering discipline and focus.