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.

| July 22, 2022

IIoT Grows Up, Users Ramp Up

At its root, IIoT is about getting data from sensors, instruments and other production devices to the Internet for analysis and consumption by wider circles of users—and getting analytics results back to the line. This data can be used to monitor, control and optimize automated processes, and has gained rapid traction in a variety of sectors, including: There are countless applications and benefits associated with the adoption of IIoT, but the novelty has proved an obstacle in implementing these networks. Understanding IIoT Maturity While many organizations have experimented with IIoT technologies, not all have fully realized their potential. IIoT maturity involves moving from pilot projects and isolated deployments to integrated, scalable systems that deliver measurable business outcomes. Key markers of maturity include: What the Automation Experts are Saying About IIoT Luckily, these tasks are getting easier as users get more familiar with implementing IIoT in their processes and plant, according to Alan Maxwell, VP of the Process Industries Division at E Tech Group, an automation system integrator based in West Chester Township, Ohio and certified member of the Control System Integrators Association. “It’s getting easier for us to connect sensors and acquire signals using software like Kepware that’s part of PTC and Wonderware System Platform that’s part of Aveva, and network via OPC UA and MQTT Sparkplug protocols via Skkynet’s DataHub,” says Maxwell. “This lets them integrate third-party IoT solutions like Oden Technologies’ software for specific industries to help run analytics in cloud-based applications and improve production lines.” Stephen Veldhuis, CTO at E Tech Group, adds: “Five years ago, IIoT was a lot newer, and everyone was doing it differently. So, we evaluated the viability of IIoT and found wireless sensors and edge computing could reduce constructability time and labor, but little standardization of protocols and limited device life due to power consumption … Continued

| July 20, 2022

What is the IT/OT Assessment Process?

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, it is more important than ever to ensure that your IT and OT systems are secure and reliable. The results of an IT/OT assessment can help you identify and prioritize any security risks that need to be addressed. The assessment can also help you develop a plan to improve the security of your IT and OT systems and identify areas for operational improvement, such as bottlenecks and inefficiencies. What is an IT/OT Risk Assessment? An IT/OT assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of an organization’s information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) environments. It identifies risks, vulnerabilities, and inefficiencies in the control systems and networks that manage industrial processes. This process bridges the gap between traditional IT cybersecurity and the specialized needs of OT systems, ensuring that both digital security and physical operations are safeguarded. Common Objectives and Outcomes of IT/OT Assessments Organizations conduct IT/OT assessments to: The outcome is a prioritized action plan that helps organizations strengthen both cybersecurity and operational resilience. Step by Step: The IT/OT Assessment Process How does an IT/OT assessment work? What is the process? How does E Tech Group manage the process? And how do we break it down into an easy 1, 2, 3 process? Step 1: One-to-two-day site visit, photographing and documenting all panels and line OT assets – regardless of manufacturer – and running a facility IT network scan. Step 2: Collect, analyze, and grade all IT and OT Assets for security vulnerability & obsolescence. Information is presented back in an interactive asset workbook and a comprehensive written report. Step 3: Client meetings with management and operations to review the data and discuss remediation plans. Real-World Challenges Unique to IT/OT Assessments IT/OT assessments face some unique challenges: Shadow OT Addressing these challenges requires specialized expertise and a flexible approach … Continued

| July 6, 2022

Senior Project Manager Panelist for ISPE- Food Science Technology Event

E Tech Group Senior Project Manager, Cassy Gardner, was a panelist for ISPE San Francisco’s first-ever Food Science Technology event. The diverse set of panelists dove into all things Food Science and Technology, covering topics from the perspectives of Design and Construction professionals to the views of frontiers within Food Technology companies. About ISPE: The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering The ISPE is a non-profit that aims to advance all sectors and stages of pharmaceutical engineering by providing research and automation professionals with educational, technological and networking resources. ISPE was founded in 1980 by professionals addressing the need for an organization that focused on practical applications of pharmaceutical science for technical professionals. The San Francisco Bay chapter has been a particularly active and prolific ISPE member since its founding in 1991. About E Tech Group: A Leading Nationwide Control System Integrator E Tech Group has deep domain expertise in the food and beverage industry, including automation for alternative proteins, recipe, batching, continuous production, and more. Coupled with our extensive experience in pharmaceutical automation, we are poised for the future of automation in food science technology and industrial food production. Glossary: Key ISPE Food Science Terms Supporting Food Industry Clients with ISPE-Aligned Solutions E Tech Group specializes in delivering automation and control system solutions that align with ISPE guidelines for the food and beverage industry. Our experienced engineers help clients navigate the unique challenges of food science environments, including process validation, stringent regulatory compliance, and product quality assurance. By integrating tailored industrial automation systems, we enable food processors to optimize production efficiency while maintaining the highest standards for safety and consistency. From control system design to validation support, E Tech Group is committed to helping food industry clients meet and exceed ISPE requirements. Thank you Cassy and all those involved with … Continued

| June 28, 2022

Lift Table Motor Burnout Remedied by Signal Delay Timer

Our partner, Wynright, kept experiencing motor failures on hydraulic lift tables in their distribution centers. They asked that we get involved to help pinpoint the exact issue causing $160K a month in failed motors and hours of downtime. E Tech Group harness our expertise in material handling automation to diagnose and remedy this expensive issue. Industry Challenge: High-Speed, High-Volume Logistics In the parcel industry, throughput is everything — especially during peak seasons when daily package volume can double or triple. The client’s existing system faced mounting challenges, including: Any unplanned downtime during a peak shipping window could lead to major customer service disruptions and financial penalties. Dysfunction: Overloaded Lift Table Motors During the process review with the customer and distribution center associates, it was determined that the failures were likely due to excessive cycling of the on/off state of the motor. The cycling was a direct result of the hard contact of a foot switch provided to the line associates to raise the lift table. Diagnosis: A Miscommunication Between Human & Machine In a normal working position, the associate would stand with one foot on the switch and the normal shift of weight as packages are moved across the worker’s position would cause incidental switching of the motor. Some instances indicated that in an effort to perfectly position the lift table, the worker would feather start/stop operation, exacerbating the situation. Treatment: Implement a Better Translational Tool To remedy this initially, a VFD-based solution was recommended. But we felt a solution with a delay timer that negates the signal from the foot pedal for a short time, stopping the on/off signals would provide a better, more long-term resolution to their issue. Stewart Brinkoeter, our fabrication manager, partnered with our Ohio team to finalize and implement this solution in one facility for … Continued

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