Beyond Tech

In many manufacturing environments, legacy motion systems are quietly approaching a tipping point. Aging servo platforms are becoming harder to support, spare parts are increasingly difficult to source, and OEM support is beginning to phase out—leaving manufacturers exposed to rising operational risk. Modernization, in this case, isn’t just a strategic initiative; it’s becoming a necessity. In thi...

Food manufacturers have always focused on protecting product quality, ensuring traceability, and meeting food safety requirements. But as production environments become more connected, a growing concern is emerging: cybersecurity. In this episode, we explore how cyber incidents can affect critical manufacturing systems, disrupt traceability, compromise data integrity, and create risks that extend...

Cybersecurity threats, rising downtime costs, and aging automation systems are forcing manufacturers to rethink their upgrade strategies. But how do you modernize without disrupting operations or overspending? In this episode of Beyond Tech , Jackie Slaght sits down with Jeff Ballard and Chris Virtue to discuss the practical side of plant modernization. They explore how to identify legacy systems...

Automation across laboratories and manufacturing has advanced rapidly, but many organizations still operate critical systems in isolation. Laboratory Automation and Industrial Robotics (LAIR) optimize scientific workflows and equipment, while Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) orchestrate production, people and data across the enterprise. In this episode, Sura Hadi and Chris Leong discuss why c...

AI initiatives are everywhere in manufacturing, but many fail before they get started. This episode continues the conversation from our recent “AI Ready or Not” live session, diving deeper into the hidden IT/OT risks, the barriers to success, and the practical steps to build an AI-ready foundation. If you missed the webinar, you can watch the full session on demand. https://etechgroup.com/ai-ready...

Modernization in manufacturing isn’t just a budgeting challenge—it’s an uptime challenge. Most facilities can’t afford to stop production, yet they’re under increasing pressure to improve performance, reduce risk, and prepare for what’s next. In this episode, we explore how leading manufacturers approach phased modernization to keep production running while making meaningful progress. From priorit...

Careers in automation do not follow a straight line, and that is exactly what makes them so powerful. In this episode of Beyond Tech, we bring together professionals at different stages of their careers, including early career talent, career switchers, and long tenured team members, to explore how they found their way into automation and controls engineering. From unexpected career pivots to on th...

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.