Huffman Engineering teams up with Smart Industry
Every OT and IT journey is different, so two SMEs from Lincoln, Nebraska-based Huffman Engineering join the podcast with some tips and to share some positive summer vibes from their clients on their routes to integration.
June 10, 2026
For this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Smart Industry’s Scott Achelpohl speaks with Huffman Engineering’s Sr. Systems Architect, Scott Woodward and Systems Associate in Engineering and IT Trentyn Beekman of Huffman Engineering about the challenges and opportunities of OT/IT convergence in industrial environments.
They discuss how manufacturers can modernize legacy systems, improve cybersecurity, and strengthen collaboration between IT and OT teams. The conversation also explores the role of executive engagement, system standardization, and plant assessments in successful digital transformation initiatives.
Why partner with Huffman Engineering for pharmaceutical IT/OT convergence?
- Navigate FDA and GxP compliance requirements with confidence.
- Securely connect manufacturing and business systems.
- Minimize downtime during integration and modernization projects.
- Realize trusted expertise across SCADA, MES, historians, ERP, and cloud platforms.
- Turn operational data into meaningful business intelligence.
- Streamline validation efforts and project documentation.
- Build a scalable foundation for future digital transformation initiatives.
With Huffman Engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturers gain a trusted partner that understands both operational technology and enterprise systems, helping them bridge the gap between the plant floor and the boardroom while maintaining compliance, security, and product quality.
Key Takeaways:
- OT/IT convergence succeeds when IT and OT teams align on security, reliability, and operational requirements.
- Plantwide assessments of hardware, software, and documentation are critical before modernization projects begin.
- Digital twins and AI-powered vision systems are helping manufacturers optimize performance and quality.
- Predictive maintenance tools use AI to forecast failures, improve uptime, and refine maintenance strategies.
Listen to this Smart Industry by SME Media podcast featuring Huffman Engineering’s Scott Woodward and Trentyn Beekman on IT/OT Convergence and the importance of communication and SME’s to successful projects.
Listen here: https://www.smartindustry.com/home/podcast/55382944/podcast-ensuring-success-for-your-ot-it-convergence
Discuss how manufacturers can modernize legacy systems, improve cybersecurity, and strengthen collaboration between IT and OT teams. The conversation also explores the role of executive engagement, system standardization, and plant assessments in successful digital transformation initiatives.
Want to learn more but how Huffman Engineering can specifically help with your next IT/OT project? Reach out today www.huffmaneng.com or [email protected] and let’s talk.
