Thanks for the response.
Unfortunately while I do follow the 'Yes even you can use CPAN' instructions, there are rules here against putting "production" code in place with non-company-approved modules, and the only SSH modules we are allowed are Net::SSH and Net::SSH::Expect. Also, even though it's not shown here I do utilize the Expect part of it as well.
Our security team is strongly opposed to using anything with 'Open' in the title, regardless of it's security or functionality. Ah the corporate machine!