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 learning to IT/OT convergence, cybersecurity, sustainability, and workforce transformation, this conversation dives into the trends redefining automation and control. Hear leadership insights on how manufacturers are balancing flexibility with speed, leveraging data for smarter decisions, and preparing for the next wave of digital transformation.

If you’re curious about the future of automation, this episode is packed with perspectives you won’t want to miss.

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 vulnerabilities to the growing risk of cyber-espionage, we unpack the hidden dangers lurking in industrial environments. Learn how IT/OT assessments, cross-functional collaboration, and a phased approach to modernization can help manufacturers protect their operations, intellectual property, and bottom line.

Whether you're in operations, IT, or leadership, this episode will open your eyes to the critical role OT security plays in digital transformation.

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 enlightening.

Discover the four “usual suspects” that haunt industrial operations—and how expert support can bring systems back from the brink. Whether it’s a midnight shutdown or a wrath-of-nature disaster, this episode proves that with the right team, even the scariest support calls can have a happy ending.

Grab your flashlight and settle in. You won’t want to listen to this one alone.

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 and chemical usage by as much as 50%. They break down why CIP is frequently under-prioritized, how smarter strategies can unlock major efficiency gains, and what red flags to watch for in your own operations.

If you're looking to boost uptime, reduce waste, and turn your CIP system into a competitive advantage, this episode is for you.

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% and slash schedule delays by nearly 70%. They unpack the FEED process, share success stories (and a few cautionary tales), and offer expert advice on what to consider before launching your next major project.

If you want to improve outcomes, reduce risk, and drive ROI—this episode is for you.

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 industry. Matt shares how he unified four legacy brands, led three strategic acquisitions, and scaled the company to 700+ professionals across 30+ locations.

We also dive into how global tariffs are shaping business decisions, what untapped potential exists in the automation space, and even explore a few fun, unexpected topics along the way.

Whether you're an industry veteran or new to the world of industrial automation, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss.