Eckhardt has over 25 years experience with manufacturing applications. His roles include marketing and product management for suppliers, as well as engineering-in-manufacturing functions for end-users.

Eckhardt studied physics and computer science at the University of Hamburg where he was granted several awards for a new computer conception. After graduating, Eckhardt worked on the development of robots at the Siemens Research Center. In his role of product manager for the evaluation and market introduction of innovative software technologies, he demonstrated excellent consulting skills in a number of publications and speeches on the adoption of Computer Aided Software Engineering (CASE) in Europe.

His feel for technological market trends soon made him realize the importance of enterprise-wide approaches in the discrete and process industries. As IT/MES Division Manager, Eckhardt designed and implemented large ERP/plant integration projects with major end users such as 3M, Johnson & Johnson, Nestlé, and others.