News & Knowledge

We’re your source for automation news. Keep up with the latest industry updates and E Tech employee spotlights, as well as tips and guidance from our manufacturing experts.  

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The Importance of an IT/OT Assessment

This article was written by Matt Smith, E Tech Group Network Engineer, and originally appeared on Automation World. Click here to view it. An IT/OT assessment is an inventory of all operations technology assets that are necessary for production. This assessment provides the foundation for ensuring your equipment is connected, secured, monitored, working efficiently, and running up-to-date firmware. Key Benefits of an IT/OT Assessment Because so much equipment on a production floor runs different types and versions of software and firmware, it is common for engineering managers to lack a full understanding of the state of the equipment currently in operation. They may have limited knowledge of all devices’ ages and stages in their lifecycle, the version of the firmware being run, and how to connect the device to their larger network.  Sometimes, even the physical whereabouts of certain operations technology (OT) assets are unclear. With this uncertainty, it is difficult to measure and suggest meaningful improvements for overall production line efficiency. It is also challenging to determine areas of high cybersecurity exposure and risk. As a result, capital planning becomes a murky task, lacking the required data to make fully informed decisions on the best areas of investment. IT/OT Assessment Process To get a handle on this kind of disjointed environment, the first step to take is to complete a full accounting of all equipment in operation using automated and on-site data collection methods. This is referred to as an IT/OT assessment.   Documenting assets in an IT/OT assessment, each piece of equipment is evaluated to obtain information such as: Once collected, this data can be used to make fully informed, rather than speculative, planning decisions. Recommendations can then be given for how best to move forward with problem area remediation and, possibly, the need for new design work. Steps to Conduct an Effective IT/OT … Continued

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E Tech Group Builds a PlantPAx Automation Solution for a Cultivated Meat Pilot Plant

Food and beverage automation is undergoing a series of transformations, from more ethical livestock treatment to eliminating artificial ingredients and processes to improving the hygiene of irrigation systems in agriculture. But perhaps the most impactful and paradigm-shifting development in this industry is the emergence of lab-grown meat, which is changing not only how we view meat production and consumption, but also how we view the nature of food automation. Why PlantPAx is Ideal for Pilot Plants Pilot plants require flexible yet robust automation systems that can scale to full production. Rockwell Automation’s PlantPAxsystem offers: The Benefits of Automation in Pilot-Scale Operations Process automation helps reduce variability, ensure reproducibility, and accelerate development. Automation also: Understanding the Cultivated Meat Movement Cultivated meat, also called lab-grown or cultured meat, grows mammalian and fish cells for human consumption in a process similar to biotech drug substance manufacturing. Cultured meat is real meat that is grown from a cell bank of a small number of real animal cells. It doesn’t require animals to be raised, fed, and slaughtered as traditional meat does.    In theory, cultured meat should be more sustainable than traditional meat. Bio-cultured meat requires significantly less land and water, has a better yield per pound of feedstock, and produces pure meat protein and/or fat that creates minimal waste and byproducts. A single batch can grow 350 pounds of pure meat protein in less than two weeks with no feathers, beaks, claws, blood, bones, or excrement to dispose of.  Traditional meat raises the animals where few people live and must be transported to a slaughter facility, processed and further transported to market. Cultured meat plants can be built much closer to population centers, reducing travel time and expense. Additionally, because it is grown in a sterile environment, it is cleaner and has a shelf life … Continued

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Automation PSA: Upgrade your AVEVA PI System!  

Just because a product still functions doesn’t mean it couldn’t benefit from an update, especially when we’re talking automation technology and control system integration – fields that are anything but static. The old “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it” philosophy with the AVEVA PI System has proven not only a security risk but also results in the user’s inability to leverage the full functionality of the latest PI Software capabilities, especially where the older versions of the software are installed and presently in use.   6 Reasons to Upgrade to the Latest Version of the AVEVA PI System The AVEVA PI System has evolved considerably over time with a focus on security, customer feedback, and market requirements. With the integration of OSIsoft’s IP, the new capabilities of the AVEVA PI have a lot to offer: 1. Heightened Security Upgrading to the latest versions of the PI Software Suite can help ensure the application of the latest necessary security fixes to the core software, enabling active threat deterrence. In addition, the latest version of the PI software suite enables industries to leverage the most current Windows and network security features while providing access to their users based on current standards, best practices, and industry guidelines. When upgraded, your automation system has reduced potential cyber and internal threats while preserving the integrity of your data in the PI System. 2. AVEVA PI Technical Support  AVEVA has transformed its skill set to align with the latest versions of the PI Software. With older versions, one can anticipate delayed response time on “time and data-sensitive” issues due to a lack of on-hand technical expertise and solutions to resolve those technical issues. Furthermore, with changes in user requirements and technological development, many of the current PI tools are either no longer available, supported or are in … Continued

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Automation Group, an E Tech Group Company, Deepens our Expertise in Multiple Industries and Capabilities

The Automation Group acquisition expands E Tech Group’s market-leading positions in the automation of Life Sciences, Food and Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Data Center industries while adding resources and expertise in cybersecurity and big data. Get to Know Automation Group Automation Group, an E Tech Group Company, is a leading provider of automation services. AG’s specific product and application experience has led them to the implementation of complex automation solutions across North America. They create a best-in-class technology path for America’s manufacturers by integrating proven automation, networking, and virtualization solutions. Headquartered in Modesto, California with additional resources located across the United States. Automation Group, an E Tech Group Company, has collaborated with over 1,000 clients, including numerous high-profile businesses spanning multiple industries, such as prominent companies in automotive, CPG, food and beverage, among others. With core values of- innovation, dedication, expertise, people-focused, and trustworthiness, like E Tech Group, they are proud to stand behind their work and have 90% repeat clients! With a wide range of capabilities from Cybersecurity, Virtualization, Automation Design, Networking, and Big Data, the AG team can partner with a client from any point in the journey. This collaborative partnership approach is what makes AG a natural fit for the E Tech Group team. E Tech Group strives to be the Main Automation Partner for our clients. We thrive in investing in the client’s business objectives and helping them reach both their short-term goals and plan for future success. We are excited to have Automation Group join the E Tech Group team and to see how both teams will complement one another and become BEYOND great together. Automation Group’s Industry Highlights Automation Group’s expertise spans a wide range of industries, providing targeted solutions that improve efficiency, compliance, and operational performance. These highlights underscore how Automation Group, … Continued

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Inductive Automation Integrators & the Democratization of Automation Platforms

As a software agnostic automation company, we partner with the leaders in cutting-edge control system technology. Inductive Automation’s Ignition platform is changing the game with regards to the logistics of control system projects and ease of implementation. Ignition is a SCADA system that provides one centralized hub for everything on the plant floor. Able to be customized for any application in any industry, it can also be viewed and deployed on any internet-connective device, including mobile devices. Ignition is adaptive and flexible, making it simple to add devices to the system, even with other platforms, and an installation time as quick as 3 minutes. Many of our clients across diverse industries have reaped the benefit of this maverick platform by Inductive Automation. E Tech Group is proud to be amongst the 2% of automation services firms with a Premier System Integrator certification with Ignition.