We are proud at SL Controls to support the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas gift appeal in Sligo again this year. A number of colleagues took part to ensure struggling families have presents this Christmas.

Norma Mulligan, People & Culture Executive at SL Controls said: “The work St. Vincent de Paul does is amazing at this time of year. It is heartbreaking to think of the families across Ireland struggling to put food on the table and keep their homes warm while also trying to ensure Christmas is magical for their children. It’s such a small gesture in the great scheme of things – buying and donating a toy to St. Vincent de Paul – but the impact of that gesture can be huge.

“We let the team know we would be participating in the gift appeal again this year and the response from employees was fantastic. We have now handed over the gifts to the St. Vincent de Paul branch in Sligo.

“Employees in our Limerick and Galway locations have supported the NOVAS Christmas Appeal this year and gave a digital gift so that toys could be bought for the children supported by NOVAS. Our thanks to everyone on the SL Controls team who got involved.”

SL Controls teams at our regional office locations came together on Friday for Christmas parties. As we have done in previous years, the venues chosen were close to our office locations to minimise travel, so there were three parties in total, in Sligo, Limerick, and Galway.

Norma Mulligan, People & Culture Executive at SL Controls said: “We have office locations around Ireland and in the US, but we are a remote team at SL Controls. While some employees do go into the office more than others, it is much more likely that staff will be working from home or from a client facility. This makes get-togethers like our annual Christmas parties so important.

“Christmas parties are a chance to relax with colleagues, many of whom you might not have talked to in person since our summer company outing. It is also always good to socialise with the people you work with in a non-work setting.

“We have an initiative at SL Controls of celebrating wins together, and there is no better way of doing that at this time of the year than at the Christmas party.”

2024 has been busy commercially and operationally for SL Controls, and it has also been busy for our ESG (environmental, social, and governance) leaders and facilitators. Throughout the year they organised a range of initiatives and activities focused on our five sustainable development goals:

• Good health and wellbeing
• Quality education
• Gender equality
• Decent work and economic growth
• Responsible consumption and production

Raising Funds for the Irish Cancer Society

At the start of the year, we asked employees to vote for the SL Controls’ charity of the year. The team selected the Irish Cancer Society. We have organised a range of fundraising initiatives throughout 2024, including staff participating in Movember recently.

Workplace Wellbeing

We marked Workplace Wellbeing Week in April with a series of initiatives, including providing a healthy lunch for staff who came into the office on our April anchor day.

Cultural Diversity

To celebrate World Day for Cultural Diversity in May, we asked the SL Controls team to share details about their country and culture. We created a video highlighting the responses which you can view here.

Pride Month

We celebrated Pride Month throughout the month of June, including during a staff anchor day when employees who typically work from home came into the office.

Fitness Month

June was Fitness Month at SL Controls, with participating employees splitting up into teams to compete in a summer activity challenge. The Le(g)s Misérables team walked, cycled, ran, and swam further than anyone else.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We marked National Diversity and Inclusion Day in July by launching unconscious bias training for all employees and reinforcing our commitment to making positive changes.

Women’s Group

Our Women’s Group continued to meet throughout the year with a number of virtual get-togethers. Our industry continues to be male-dominated, so the discussions enable our female employees to connect with each other, build relationships, and discuss a range of topics.

Book Club

We launched a book club in 2024 for employees. Get-togethers started virtually but we have also had in-person meetings to discuss the books we are reading. It has proven to be a popular initiative that we are looking forward to continuing in 2025.

Mental Wellbeing Champions

Our Mental Wellbeing Champions ran a number of initiatives throughout the year, including Lunch and Learn sessions about workplace mental health. They also promoted good mental health at work with a pizza lunch as part of World Mental Health Day in October.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers

We continued our relationship with STEAM during 2024, with two 10-week programmes where SL Controls engineers went into primary schools to teach the children about the core principles of engineering. The schools were in County Tipperary and County Sligo in Ireland.

Christmas is a unique time of the year in the workplace as much as in the shops and in our homes. While it is often a time of celebration and happiness, it can also be a time of stress and challenge. That’s why the Mental Wellbeing Champions at SL Controls are emphasizing the need to mind your mental health this Christmas.

Shauna Ryan, Director of People & Culture, said: “I think the first point is to acknowledge the importance of minding your mental health at Christmas. After a busy and successful year at SL Controls, we are coming up to a natural pause with the Christmas break, but that in itself can bring added pressures.

“Our personal lives can also become incredibly busy and, for many, stressful in the lead-up to Christmas. There’s so much to do and so much to remember while dealing with more traffic on the roads, longer queues at the checkouts, and weather that leaves a lot to be desired.

“And then there is the fact that some people struggle with the holiday period itself, despite the slower pace and less to do.

“In the life sciences sector where we operate, there are additional pressures too, as stopping production lines is not always possible for extended periods of time. This means work responsibilities can continue through the Christmas break.

“So, minding your mental health at Christmas is incredibly important.”

Norma Mulligan, People & Culture Executive, said: “There are three main messages we have for colleagues, particularly at this time of year. The first is to talk to someone if you are struggling – or for any reason, really. The second is to be mindful of your colleagues and check in with anyone you think might need a bit of support.

“The final message is to be aware of the support that is available through the mental wellbeing resources we provide at SL Controls and through services and resources like Healthy Ireland @ Work. After all, it’s important for us all to mind our mental health at Christmas.”

November is a time for getting out the hats and gloves, taking down the Halloween decorations, and getting ready for the run-in to Christmas. For some of the men on the SL Controls team, it is also a time for growing a Mo – a moustache – as part of Movember.

Movember is a campaign that takes place every November around the world to raise awareness about men’s health. People get involved in lots of different ways but one of the most popular is growing a Mo.

SL Controls Senior Systems Engineer Conor Davey said: “For some, the moustache is a fantastic fashion statement but in November, it is also a way to highlight your support for men’s health and the importance of raising awareness around men’s health issues.

“It’s almost cliche now, but it’s probably still true that men are generally not as proactive about talking about their health, identifying symptoms, or getting potential symptoms checked out. The annual Movember campaign is helping change this.”

As it is International Men’s Day today, we are highlighting, celebrating, and supporting the SL Controls employees taking part in Movember this year. They include Conor as well as Liam McManus, Sam Costelloe, Frank Quinn, and Shane McLaughlin.

Conor said: “The SL Controls charity for 2024 is the Irish Cancer Society which ties in well with the Movember campaign. We have set up a Just Giving page if you want to support the guys growing a Mo and donate to the Irish Cancer Society.”

Link to the SL Controls Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/slcontrolsirishcancersociety

1. Describe your job as if you were explaining it to a five-year-old.

Imagine you have a really big, complicated system that helps people make important things, like medicine or toys. My job is to check and test the system and make sure it works and is safe, so it doesn’t break or make mistakes. I also help other people on my team understand how to take care of the system and make sure everything runs smoothly.

2. What types of projects are you working on at the moment?

I am currently working as a Senior Validation Engineer, while SL Controls is helping me transition into a project management role by gradually introducing management responsibilities within the projects I handle. One of my main projects involves the implementation of the PEMAC Assets platform, developed by PMI, for one of our major clients. This system is designed to optimise asset management, focusing on maintenance, calibration, and performance tracking.

While this project is technically an upgrade, we approach it as a new installation due to the significant changes involved. As part of my role, I lead the validation process, ensuring the system meets all regulatory and client standards.

In addition, I work closely with the project manager to assist in guiding the team through key phases, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

3. What is your proudest moment (work life or personal life)?

One of my proudest professional accomplishments in recent years was leading a significant process transformation for a global life sciences client of SL Controls. The client was facing challenges with project documentation and operational workflows. I spearheaded the implementation of a new business assessment framework to serve as the foundation for their operations.

4. What’s the best advice you could give to someone thinking of coming into this industry?

My advice to anyone considering a career in this industry is to look beyond the technical aspects and understand the larger impact of your work. While we may not be working directly in emergency rooms or on the front lines, we are supporting industries that save lives every day, whether through medical devices, pharmaceuticals, or advanced technologies that improve healthcare outcomes.

Also, invest in honing both your technical expertise and your communication skills. Stay curious, stay passionate, and always be willing to learn and adapt. This is an industry where innovation and continuous improvement define success.

5. Outside of work, what are you most passionate about?

Outside of work, I am deeply passionate about giving back to my community and helping others overcome challenges. Whether it’s through volunteering or offering mentorship, I find great fulfilment in supporting individuals who are facing difficulties, particularly in education. I also have a strong interest in initiatives that focus on humanitarian causes.

6. What’s the best thing about working for life sciences customers (pharma, MedTech, etc)?

In this field, precision, quality, and compliance are critical. The standards are high because the stakes are high, and that drives continuous improvement and innovation. I find great fulfillment in knowing that the systems we design, validate, and implement help healthcare professionals deliver critical care efficiently and safely.

7. What is the best thing about being on the SL Controls team?

One of the best things about being part of the SL Controls team is the strong sense of community and support. From the moment I joined, it felt less like a traditional company and more like being part of a close-knit family.

What truly stands out at SL Controls is the company’s commitment to its people. They’ve provided me with tools, guidance, and opportunities to advance my career while aligning with my passion for making a difference.

The company’s mission-driven ethos, combined with a forward-thinking approach to innovation, creates a space where I feel valued and motivated. I’m proud to be part of a team that not only focuses on delivering high-quality results but also genuinely cares about the impact we make on the world.

1. What do you do at SL Controls?

I am a Validation Engineer working on projects for large multinational pharmaceutical companies. My role involves creating and reviewing documentation for the validation of utilities and equipment, procuring and setting up Linux servers, and completing various tasks on different servers to ensure they are set up correctly as part of IO (input/output) and PV (product verification) testing.

The documents I create and review include user requirements, design specifications, performance qualifications, etc.

2. Describe your job without using the words engineer or engineering.

I take on various tasks, known in my team as enablers, during an iteration period. With the completion of these enablers, my team can complete a feature that has been created by the project manager to meet the requirements of our client. In the completion of these enablers, I always work to ensure they meet quality requirements.

3. What made you want to build your career in engineering?

I didn’t set out to go into quality and validation. Being a validation engineer is not something I chose, but it is something I have become.

I started in quality control for pharmaceutical and biopharma companies before moving to equipment qualification. As part of this role, I became heavily involved with validation. I completed various testing validations in the lab to qualify methods on new instruments and products. This move increased my knowledge and experience in the validation world. I then got an opportunity as a validation engineer when I joined SL Controls.

4. What is it about engineering that gives you the most satisfaction or that you are proudest of?

Definitely the most satisfying part of my job is seeing and hearing about all the products the companies make and the lives those products have changed for the better. Working as part of a team is rewarding, too, and working with different departments with everyone aiming towards the same goal.

5. What was your first day working at SL Controls like?

That was one-and-a-half years ago, post-pandemic, so my induction was all online. I split my time working from the SL Controls Limerick offices and at home. Within a week of onboarding, I was working on my first team and contributing to my team’s goals, which was great.

With SL Controls, getting settled into the new job was very easy. I had everything laid out in front of me, and everything was well explained. I also got a feeling for the team culture straight away, and I quickly got to meet people from different areas and different sites.

6. Is there anything about SL Controls that makes it stand out from working at other companies?

Compared to other companies, there is more of a family feel to working here at SL Controls. Everyone knows each other and is treated with respect. SL Controls isn’t afraid to change with the times and is supportive of everyone.

7. What advice would you give to people interested in joining SL Controls?

My advice would be to grab it with both hands and never be afraid to ask any questions. There is always an answer and what you will find is that most things are achievable. Help is always just a call away.

Last week was Mental Wellbeing Week at SL Controls with a series of events and initiatives around the important issue of mental health in the workplace. This included an employee anchor day on Thursday 10 October, World Mental Health Day. Employees who were able to work from one of our offices enjoyed a pizza lunch and an informative Lunch & Learn session with Mark Donnelly, the founder of mental health awareness clothing brand HUH.

We also promoted new mental health posters throughout the week, including our “Are You Concerned About Your Mental Health?” and “Starting the Conversation” posters.

Our Mental Wellbeing Champions were also introduced to the wider SL Controls team as part of Mental Wellbeing Week, plus we provided information on our Employee Assistance Programme, the mental health supports that are available, and tips to boost mental wellbeing.

SL Controls Mental Wellbeing Champion Deirdre Loughlin said: “Mental Wellbeing Week was a great opportunity to focus on the important issue of mental health in the workplace, and it was great to get together with the team for the pizza lunch on World Mental Health Day. But it is also important to remember that mental health isn’t something to highlight for one day or one week a year. It is something we need to continuously revisit to care for our own mental health and look out for each other.”

Norma Mulligan is also a Mental Wellbeing Champion at SL Controls. Norma said: “We are a remote working company, so it is more likely that employees will be working from home or from a client facility than in the office. As a result, initiatives like Mental Wellbeing Week help to ensure everyone in the company is aware of the support that is available as well as the things we can all do to boost our mental wellbeing.”

The SL Controls team has returned from the Ignition Community Conference 2024 where they got a better understanding of how the new release of Ignition scheduled for January will benefit our customers in the life sciences sector.

Systems Architect Brian McLaughlin also participated in an integrator panel discussion covering the technologies and trends that are breaking through in the industry. Brian was representing SL Controls as an Ignition Premier Integrator.

Brian said: “There are a lot of new features and functionality in the new version of Ignition that will be released in Q1 next year – version 8.3. Some of those features will make a real impact in regulated sectors, including for companies in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries.

“For example, Ignition 8.3 will have a new and improved form component that not only streamlines the technical creation of forms but also the process to validate changes in forms as part of the development process. The agile development of Ignition-based solutions in the life sciences sector will also benefit from Ignition 8.3’s new deployment modes that make the gateway aware of the environment – development, staging, or production. This means we won’t have to manually track changes between the different environments to keep the solution in a validated state.

“These are just some of the changes coming with version 8.3 that not only enhance the capabilities of Ignition but also make it even more adaptable to the life sciences sector than it already is.”

SL Controls Digital Transformation Executive Frank Quinn also attended the Ignition Community Conference 2024. Frank said: “The event had a real buzz about it, and it was great to meet other members of the Ignition community. Brian’s contribution to the integrator panel also went down very well.

“One of the main highlights was the announcement of Ignition 8.3. We’ll publish more on the new features and capabilities over the coming months, plus we can provide expert support for existing Ignition users as they upgrade to the new version. We are also looking forward to working on new Ignition implementations over the coming months and throughout 2025.”