The realm of technology (IT) and operating technology (OT) was once two distinct areas, but with the growing digitalization and the initiatives of different industries, these two areas are increasingly interspersed. Although many IT professionals might be attracted by the growing field of OT and the exciting opportunities that it can offer, it’s important to realize that understanding OT requires a unique set of abilities and deep domain knowledge that is vastly different in comparison to traditional IT.
The spheres that comprise IT and OT ought to be handled by separate, specialist departments because of the inherent complexity and disparate knowledge bases required. This article explores the specific skills required to excel in OT and clarifies the fine distinction between the industrial and digital worlds.
Understanding the IT-OT Landscape
Before tackling the competencies needed for the transition from IT to OT It is essential to know the scope of these domains. IT is the term used to describe the use of technology for the processing of data, storage and exchange, usually focusing on the business aspects of a company. It is typically connected to hardware, software as well as data management and networking.
On the other side, OT represents the hardware and software used to modify the way in which we monitor or control physical devices, assets, processes, and events throughout the company. It is usually related to manufacturing, energy transport, healthcare, and various other industries that focus on the operational process as well as the machinery that is used to make goods or services.
The fusion between IT and OT is often referred to as integration of IT and OT blends the most effective of both to improve efficiency in operations and the acquisition of data, its analysis as well as cybersecurity.
Digital vs. IT
Digital technology and IT are frequently employed interchangeably; however, there are subtle distinctions. IT is focused on the management and application of technology of networks, for example, managing hardware, network software, databases, and other hardware. Digital is a more broad word that refers to the transformational technology that opens new opportunities for business, produces new solutions or products, and transforms the way that a company interacts with its clients and delivers projects in a timely manner. The digital world is all about using IT along with other tools to invent and change.
Key Skills for OT Leaders
Understanding of Industrial Processes
A crucial aspect of the transition from IT to OT is knowing the industrial processes. This is a requirement for understanding the production cycle, operations theory, system operation machines’ functionality, process safety, and much more. OT professionals should be aware of the exact and time-sensitive nature of numerous OT environments in which a delay of just a couple of seconds can have serious implications.
Deep Knowledge in asset lifecycle systems
knowing the principles and tools like Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modelling (BIM) 3D modeling, simulations of processes along with construction management programs as well as procedures. An understanding of the concept of project management is crucial, in light of the complexity in coordination, budgeting and time management, as well as safety concerns which are common to these industries.
These gaps often stem from the need to improve management of projects, the integration of technology, and skilled workforce development. The primary goals in these areas are to improve productivity, safety as well as the quality of work, including sustainability and improving resource management.
Experience with OTC systems
Such as SCADA, DCS, PLCs like SCADA, DCS and PLCs RTUs such as SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and RTUs that are widely employed in industrial settings, is vital. This means knowing the way these systems interact physically with each other, the way they’re constructed and maintained, as well as how to maintain them and troubleshoot their issues.
A familiarity with industry-specific technologies and digital applications
Different industries have their own unique technology and each has its distinct technology environment. It’s essential to become familiar with specific industry-specific technologies as well as the use cases and applications of these technologies within each sector, be it PLCs used in production, SCADA systems in utilities or CNC machines for metalworking.
OT Cybersecurity
When IT and OT combine with each other, the need for comprehensive cybersecurity measures becomes essential. OT professionals must understand the specific security issues that OT environments pose and develop strategies to secure IT as well as OT assets. It is a critical skills specially when remote monitoring/operations of assets is in place
Data Structure, Management and Analysis
The combination between IT and OT results in an increase in the amount of data generated. It is crucial to analyze, manage, and extract actionable data and insight from the data. Thus, expertise in managing data as well as data analysis and the use of machine-learning and AI are vital.
Interoperability and Integration Skills
In the context of IT/OT integration, it is crucial to know how to interconnect different systems to allow them to communicate and collaborate. This requires a solid understanding of areas such as system integration, it, OT networking data interoperability and protocols and standards that are employed for the fields of IT and OT
The Digital Divergence
As the pace of digital transformation increases and is mainly driven by advances that are being made in IoT, AI, and big data, the different areas of IT and OT are coming to the forefront. This isn’t an attempt to merge, but an evolution of roles in which IT systems support and assist OT systems, each with their own digital transformation efforts.
In the light of this changing environment, it’s evident that mastering the different areas that comprise IT and OT requires a distinct set of skills and deep knowledge of the domain . These areas should be ideally suited to separate departments that have specialized teams to ensure efficient management.
This means that having a workforce with strong abilities within each of the IT and OT areas within the respective departments is crucial to taking the next step in digital transformation. Recognizing and embracing the distinct skills that are shared by the two fields of IT as well as OT is an essential step towards a world where they live in harmony and yet retain their distinct identities.