The Real Barriers to Modernization — Unpacked

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 *Tom Steffen*, Senior Solution Consultant at Rockwell Automation, to unpack what modernization really looks like for food, beverage, and CPG manufacturers. Together, they discuss the most commonly misunderstood barriers to modernization, how mixed‑vintage systems impact visibility and growth, and why many plants still operate with infrastructure that’s 15–25 years old. The conversation dives into the cultural and operational shifts that occur when moving from siloed systems to a unified controls strategy, the evolving role of engineers and operators, and how platforms like PlantPAx are shaping the future of manufacturing intelligence, data standardization, and cybersecurity resilience. From real‑world “aha moments” on the plant floor to practical advice for leaders hesitant to modernize, this Q&A‑driven episode delivers clear, candid insights for anyone looking to bring their operations into the next generation. Watch the full partner session here: https://etechgroup.com/simplify-moder... Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/etec...