Hi, I'm Etienne van Bogaert — freelance automation consultant at vbnetwork. I help companies streamline their industrial processes and strengthen their IT/OT infrastructure.
From factory floor automation to cloud-ready infrastructure — I cover the full spectrum.
Design and implementation of PLC/SCADA systems, process control, and machine integration. I bring deep electromechanical understanding to every automation project — from specification to commissioning.
Bridging the gap between operational technology and corporate IT. I design secure, reliable architectures that let your shop-floor data flow safely to business systems — without compromising availability.
End-to-end network design and deployment using Ubiquiti (URSCA certified), Aruba, and Fortinet hardware. Wired, wireless, SD-WAN, VPN — built for performance and reliability.
Planning and migration of server workloads to modern hypervisors. Whether you need VMware vSphere/ESXi, Proxmox, or Xen Orchestra, I deliver stable, well-documented environments.
Extensive experience deploying, hardening, and maintaining Windows Server environments. Active Directory, Group Policy, WSUS, file services, and Microsoft 365 integration.
Firewall configuration, network access control, and security audits. With a background spanning OT and IT, I help you protect both your business data and your production systems.
A broad technology stack built up over more than 15 years of hands-on project work.
Ubiquiti UniFi / UISP
URSCA Certified
Aruba Networks
Switching, wireless, ClearPass
Fortinet
FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP
VMware vSphere / ESXi
vCenter, vMotion, HA clusters
Proxmox VE
KVM, LXC, Ceph storage
Xen Orchestra / XCP-ng
VM management, backup
Windows Server
AD, GPO, DHCP, DNS, WSUS
Linux
Debian, Ubuntu Server
Microsoft 365
Exchange, Teams, Entra ID
PLC / SCADA
Process control & HMI
Electromechanics
MSc Industrial Sciences
Process optimisation
Analysis, design, rollout
Most problems at the intersection of production and IT require someone who speaks both languages. With a Master's degree in Electromechanical Engineering and 15+ years of hands-on experience, I'm comfortable on the factory floor and in the server room alike.
As an independent consultant at vbnetwork, I work directly with my clients — no account managers, no junior engineers on site. You get my full attention and a direct line to decision-making.
I'm a fast learner who goes to the root of every problem. Whether you need a network redesigned, a virtualisation platform migrated, or a production line connected to your ERP — I approach it systematically and see it through to the end.
"I approach every project as a fast learner who goes to the root of the problem — systematically and thoroughly."
— Etienne van Bogaert, vbnetwork
Whether you have a specific project in mind or just want to explore how I can help your organisation, don't hesitate to reach out. I typically respond within one business day.