diff --git a/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/extend.py b/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/extend.py
index 55ea1206..6907dc03 100644
--- a/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/extend.py
+++ b/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/extend.py
@@ -1334,7 +1334,10 @@ def get_LumericalINTERCONNECT_analyzers_from_opt_in(self, components, verbose=No
 
     from SiEPIC.utils import load_DFT
     from .utils import get_technology_by_name
-    TECHNOLOGY = get_technology_by_name(self.layout().technology().name)
+    if 'TECHNOLOGY' in dir(self.layout()):
+        TECHNOLOGY = self.layout().TECHNOLOGY
+    else:
+        TECHNOLOGY = get_technology_by_name(self.layout().technology().name)
     DFT = load_DFT(TECHNOLOGY)
     if not DFT:
         if verbose:
@@ -1783,6 +1786,8 @@ def plot(self, width = 800, show_labels = True, show_ruler = True, retina = True
 
         # Load layer properties from the technology
         lyp_path=layout.technology().eff_layer_properties_file()
+        if not lyp_path:
+            raise Exception ('SiEPIC.extend.plot: technology not specified.')
         layout_view.load_layer_props(lyp_path)
         
         # Configure the layout view settings
diff --git a/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/scripts.py b/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/scripts.py
index b2f718d2..7049c93d 100644
--- a/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/scripts.py
+++ b/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/scripts.py
@@ -2527,15 +2527,15 @@ def open_folder(folder):
         print("running in windows explorer, %s" % folder)
         print(subprocess.Popen(r'explorer /select,"%s"' % folder))
 
-'''
-User to select opt_in labels, either:
- - Text object selection in the layout
- - GUI with drop-down menu from all labels in the layout
- - argument to the function, opt_in_selection_text, array of opt_in labels (strings)
-'''
 
 
 def user_select_opt_in(cell=None, verbose=None, option_all=True, opt_in_selection_text=[]):
+    '''
+    User to select opt_in labels, either:
+     - Text object selection in the layout
+     - GUI with drop-down menu from all labels in the layout
+     - argument to the function, opt_in_selection_text, array of opt_in labels (strings)
+    '''
     from .utils import find_automated_measurement_labels
     text_out, opt_in = find_automated_measurement_labels(topcell=cell)
     if not opt_in:
diff --git a/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/utils/__init__.py b/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/utils/__init__.py
index 22ba12c1..9f970643 100644
--- a/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/utils/__init__.py
+++ b/klayout_dot_config/python/SiEPIC/utils/__init__.py
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ def get_technology_by_name(tech_name, verbose=False):
 
     if not tech_name:
         raise Exception(
-            "Problem with Technology", "Problem with active Technology: please activate a technology (not Default)", pya.MessageBox.Ok)
+            "Problem with Technology", "Problem with active Technology: please activate a technology (not Default)")
 
     from .._globals import KLAYOUT_VERSION
     technology = {}
@@ -1209,8 +1209,11 @@ def find_automated_measurement_labels(topcell=None, LayerTextN=None, TECHNOLOGY=
     import string
     if TECHNOLOGY == None:
         if topcell:
-            from . import get_technology_by_name
-            TECHNOLOGY = get_technology_by_name(topcell.layout().technology().name)
+            if 'TECHNOLOGY' in dir(topcell.layout()):
+                TECHNOLOGY = topcell.layout().TECHNOLOGY
+            else:
+                from . import get_technology_by_name
+                TECHNOLOGY = get_technology_by_name(topcell.layout().technology().name)
         else:
             from . import get_technology
             TECHNOLOGY = get_technology()