Bridging the IT/OT Divide: Leveraging an Advanced Control Platform for Unified Control

The demand for more confident production decisions has fueled the $ 3 billion USD equity investment in machine learning during 2023. The machine learning need for data is forecasted to increase networking infrastructure device demand by 72% compared to the demand for traditional PLCs and Industrial PCs over the next three years. With data being able to pass from the traditional Operational Technology (OT) domain to the traditional Information Technology (IT) domain, organizations must address the divide between their IT and OT departments. This article delves into the complexities and solutions associated with crossing the IT and OT divide. Offering a roadmap for organizations seeking to harness the full potential of their technological assets.

Understanding the Divide

The IT/OT divide is characterized by the distinct differences in metrics, priorities, and maintenance practices between IT teams and OT teams. IT departments traditionally concentrate on network security and data processes within business enterprise resource planning systems. IT department historically prefer frequent updates to manage new cyber risks. OT departments traditionally focus on managing production assets to ensure operator safety while efficiently producing sellable goods. OT departments historically prefer stability and minimal changes to avoid disruptions in production. These differences can produce conflict of interest for new projects or deployment of new technologies in existing factories.

The Importance of Crossing the Divide

As the use of network devices grows and the demand for data-driven operational decisions increases, technology traditionally found in IT or OT products is expanding beyond its typical role. By deliberately bridging the IT/OT divide and involving both teams, factories can enhance current performance and set the stage for future success. This integration allows companies to attract and retain top talent who seek innovative environments and cross-departmental collaboration, deploy OEE projects more swiftly by integrating new technology into existing networks, and reduce production liabilities by defining and documenting risks to lower overall vulnerabilities.

Strategic Approaches

The most common way to start bridging the IT/OT divide is to build a strong pilot project that can serve as a guide for the entire facility. This pilot project can accomplish several early milestones, including establishing a clear scope to prevent duplicate effort later in the implementation stage. It also empowers those closest to production to solve relevant problems and meet key metrics, thereby uniting the factory culture. Additionally, the pilot project challenges the current architecture, helping teams avoid the sunk cost fallacy.

Implementing a Pilot Solution

Timely pilot deployment can quickly overwhelm dedicated IT and OT teams. To prevent this, factories can build sustainable IT and OT teams that bridge the IT/OT divide together. One effective way to do this is by partnering with automation manufacturers. These partners bring technological expertise and industry insights. They complement the facility's deep knowledge. This allows IT and OT teams to take on an advisory role, rather than shouldering the entire burden alone.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, automation manufacturers are forecasted to continue the deployment of advanced control systems that feature secure connectivity, direct database integration, and efficient communication protocols. Reducing the barriers to crossing the IT/OT divide. Those who position their organization to cross this divide sooner can deploy this technology sooner, resulting in a stronger competitive advantage.