Understanding IT and OT convergence

IT/OT companies are developing to keep up with the growing usage of data analytics. Executives are more aware that data may help them make better decisions. IoT advancements have enabled physical machinery and the virtual world to merge, generating massive amounts of data that can be used to visualize OT operations and identify areas for improvement. Companies can better integrate OT with business systems and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) with detailed data on industrial functions. OT is increasingly being called upon to interact with complex systems and networks that have traditionally been the domain of IT. Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) in the manufacturing industry, for example, is being disrupted by the usage of digital twins.

IT/OT convergence, aided by IoT and big data, can result in cost savings and improved performance, productivity, and agility, as shown in Figure 6.3. Convergence of IT and OT also means greater visibility across...