ECS President Brian Mock featured on the Paper360° Better Together podcast
Event Capture Systems (ECS) President Brian Mock was recently featured on the Paper360° Better Together Podcast, sharing insights on how artificial intelligence, edge-based camera technology, and collaboration within the paper industry are helping mills create safer and more reliable operations.
The episode, “Better Together: 2026 TAPPICon Live! – Episode 1,” was recorded live during TAPPICon 2026 in Columbus, Ohio, and featured conversations with industry leaders discussing innovation, reliability, education, and the future of the pulp and paper industry.
Listen to the full episode here:
Paper360° Better Together Podcast: 2026 TAPPICon Live! – Episode 1
Brian’s interview begins at approximately 1:02.
Advancing Workplace Safety Through Collaboration and Innovation
During the conversation, Brian discussed ECS’s work developing AI-enabled workplace safety solutions designed to provide paper mills with an additional layer of protection beyond traditional safety systems.
The discussion highlighted how ECS partnered with International Paper to help develop a camera-based safety solution that identifies unsafe human-machine interactions and provides real-time communication with machine control systems.
As Brian explained during the episode:
“International Paper came to us and said, ‘We need you to help us develop a camera-based safety system to add an additional layer of safety’… and it’s been transformative.”
By combining edge-based AI cameras with machine integration, ECS helps mills identify unsafe conditions, respond faster, and gather valuable information that can support a stronger safety culture.
Building Safer Mills Without Sacrificing Production
A key focus of Brian’s discussion was the importance of creating safety systems that support both people and production.
Modern paper mills face the challenge of protecting employees while maintaining operational efficiency. Safety technology must provide meaningful protection without creating unnecessary disruptions that impact productivity.
ECS’s approach focuses on using edge-based technology that allows cameras to process detection locally and communicate directly with machine controls, enabling rapid response while supporting reliable mill operations.
The goal is not simply to monitor safety events after they happen, but to help mills identify risks, prevent unsafe interactions, and continuously improve their safety programs.
Sharing Ideas Across the Paper Industry
The Better Together podcast reflects the collaborative spirit of TAPPICon, bringing together professionals across the pulp, paper, tissue, packaging, and converting industries to share knowledge and discuss the challenges shaping the future of manufacturing.
The episode also featured conversations with:
- Joe Braun, Division President, Process Industries, ABB
- Wilson Monteiro, Global Business Line Manager, Pulp, Paper & Fiber, ABB
- Abigail Hickman, NC State University student studying Chemical Engineering and Paper Science & Engineering
Together, these conversations highlighted the importance of innovation, reliability, and developing the next generation of industry leaders.
Continuing to Advance the Future of Paper Mill Safety
ECS continues to work alongside paper mills to develop practical technology solutions that improve workplace safety, product quality, and production reliability.
Through partnerships, industry conversations, and continued innovation, ECS remains focused on helping mills better protect their people while keeping operations running efficiently.
In short, ECS helps paper mills keep promises.
