Beyond Tech

Cybersecurity strategies are evolving fast, but many OT environments are still operating on outdated assumptions. In this episode, we explore why exposure, not just exploits, remains one of the biggest cybersecurity risks in industrial environments. We break down how outdated assessments, limited network visibility, and false confidence leave organizations vulnerable, even when they think they’re...

Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) remain one of the most misunderstood technologies on the plant floor. Many manufacturers know they need better data, more consistent processes, and improved visibility, but fears and misconceptions often hold them back from exploring MES as a solution. In this episode, hosts Jennifer Palumbo and Jackie Slaght sit down with Dominique Telfort, Director of MES at...

In this episode of Beyond Tech , Jackie Slaght and Dave O’Brien sit down with Sura Hadi and Niket Karode from E Tech Group’s Lab Automation and Industrial Robotics team to explore why so many automation initiatives in pharma and biotech fail to scale. From “islands of automation” to fully connected lab ecosystems, they break down the difference between automating tasks and achieving true digital t...

Company expansion and growth through acquisition bring enormous opportunity, but also enormous complexity. New sites may run on different control platforms, network designs, cybersecurity standards, and operating procedures. This episode explores why site expansion or acquisition creates islands of automation, why standardization becomes so difficult, and how IT/OT assessments help companies unify...

Data centers are under pressure to deliver speed, scalability, and sustainability as AI and cloud workloads surge. As we head into 2026, operators must modernize infrastructure, improve energy efficiency, and ensure uptime — all while navigating rising demand and evolving technologies.

Automation in pharmaceuticals is no longer confined to the packaging line—and that shift is accelerating faster than many organizations realize. In this episode of Beyond Tech , hosts Jackie Slaght and Dave O’Brien sit down with E Tech Group experts Sura Hadi , Director of Laboratory Automation and Industrial Robotics, and Pradeep Paul , Director of Engineering for Intelligence and Data Solutions,...

In this episode of Beyond Tech , host Jackie Slaght continues the conversation sparked during our recent live partner session, “Simplifying the Modernization of Food & Beverage Operations.” While the event covered several audience questions, many more deserved deeper exploration, so we’re taking them on here. Jackie is joined by Kyle VanDruten , Group Engineering Manager at E Tech Group, and T...

This episode features passionate engineers sharing their home automation projects, from elaborate Christmas light displays to smart home security and control systems. Discover how their hobbies reflect their professional skills and inspire innovation. Key Topics Home automation projects and DIY innovations Integration of control systems and IoT devices Passion for engineering reflected in personal...

Digital Twin technology is transforming how manufacturers design, operate, and maintain their systems. This episode explores how Digital Twins move from concept to measurable ROI, with real examples of reducing downtime, improving predictive maintenance, and boosting efficiency. Whether you’re exploring implementation or evaluating investment, you’ll gain actionable insights to make Digital Twins...

Heavy industry is stepping into a new era of innovation, and the metals sector is no exception. In this episode of Beyond Tech , hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennifer Palumbo sit down with three industry leaders from E Tech Group: Carmelo Bottari, Dave Jancosek, and Nish Patel, for an in‑depth conversation about how automation and modernization are reshaping steel, aluminum, and other metals operations...

In this episode of Beyond Tech , Jackie Slaght sits down with two industry leaders at E Tech Group: Randy Ruano, who leads the West Coast team with decades of expertise in automation and process control, and Casey Noonan, Vice President of Business Development. Together, they explore the technologies and trends shaping the Food and Beverage landscape as producers prepare for 2026. The conversation...

Life sciences manufacturers are under increasing pressure to move faster, stay compliant, and scale efficiently, all without compromising quality. In this episode, we explore how modern manufacturing technologies are reshaping the life sciences industry, from digital transformation strategies to smarter, more connected production environments. Our conversation dives into the challenges life scienc...

The Consumer-Packaged Goods and Food & Beverage industries are transforming at an unprecedented pace. As manufacturers face mounting pressure to modernize legacy systems, achieve sustainability goals, and adapt to shifting consumer expectations, all while navigating labor shortages and rising costs, how can they stay competitive? In this episode of Beyond Tech , hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennife...

Join hosts Jennifer Palumbo and Jackie Slaght for a special year-end episode of Beyond Tech , featuring returning guest Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group, and Fred Fontaine, President of E Tech Group. Together, we’ll look back at the biggest shifts, surprises, and innovations that shaped automation and system integration in 2025, and explore what’s ahead for 2026 and beyond. From AI and machine learn...

Industrial networks are no longer flying under the radar. In this episode of Beyond Tech , hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennifer Palumbo sit down with cybersecurity experts Eric Medecke and Brian Gifford to explore why OT (Operational Technology) networks have become prime targets for cyberattacks, and why many manufacturers don’t realize how exposed they really are. From legacy systems and unpatched v...

When the lights flicker and the HMI starts acting haunted, who you gonna call? In this spooky-season special, Jackie and Jen sit fireside with E Tech Group’s Bill Backinger and Tony McAuliff to share real-life 24/7 support horror stories. From Frankenstein systems stitched together with sticky notes to cursed software updates and ghost meters, these tales from the field are as chilling as they are...

In this episode, we explore how integrated lab automation and industrial robotics are transforming workflows in biotech, pharma, and diagnostics. We are joined by Sura Hadi head of E Tech Group’s Lab Automation and Industrial Robotics (LAIR) to share how LAIR bridges the gap between R&D labs and manufacturing environments—unlocking efficiency, scalability, and smarter data strategies.

Manufacturing intelligence can boost productivity, reduce costs, and prevent downtime, but only if you avoid “analysis paralysis.” In this episode, hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennifer Palumbo talk with E Tech Group experts Pradeep Paul and Jodi Roberts about how to focus on the right data, align technology with business goals, and turn insights into action on the plant floor.

In this episode of  Beyond Tech , hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennifer Palumbo are joined by E Tech Group’s Hans Frei and Jeff Ballard to explore the critical, but often overlooked, role of Clean-in-Place (CIP) systems in manufacturing. With deep expertise in automation, controls, and system integration, Hans and Jeff reveal how optimizing CIP can reduce cleaning cycle times by up to 40% and cut water...

In this episode of Beyond Tech , hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennifer Palumbo are joined by E Tech Group’s Cassy Gardner and Chris Schleich to explore the critical role of FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) studies in automation, control, and intelligence projects. With decades of combined experience, Cassy and Chris share how a well-executed FEED study can reduce total installed costs by up to 30% a...

Welcome to Beyond Tech! In our premiere episode, hosts Jackie Slaght and Jennifer Palumbo introduce the Beyond Tech podcast—where curiosity meets clarity and complex technology becomes a little more relatable. To kick things off, we're joined by E Tech Group’s CEO, Matt Wise , for a candid conversation about E Tech Group’s evolution, growth strategy, and the current state of the system integration...