According to Markets and Markets (2023), the global market for operational technology is projected to reach more than USD 216 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 6.5%. While the main objective of IT is cybersecurity and digital infrastructure management, OT deals with controlling and managing physical devices and processes in industrial operations. When IT is integrated with OT, it can transform industry operations and deliver quality results. This blend boosts security and efficiency, making it a game-changer for modern operations.

Bizmetric’s Three-Step Strategy for Aligning IT and OT

When a business needs to integrate IT with OT, there are many challenges it needs to address. This will not only help build a great environment but also help increase the business’s overall revenue. Here are key strategies that the Bizmetric team works with for businesses to integrate operational technology into IT systems:

We are experts in implementing OT for enterprises and have finished many projects. Here is the step-by-step approach:

Making Business Aware of the OT IT Combination
It is important to know everything in detail when it comes to integrating OT into IT. With detailed research and multiple on-site visits to understand your business, our team ensures our clients get the best system for their business. We understand regulatory and compliance needs according to industry and region and ensure strict precautions.
Establishment of OT System Management
Once we understand the client’s business and needs, our experts create a robust Operational Technology System Management (OTSM) policy. We keep security standards at the top while managing OT implementation. Based on the client’s industry and business workflow, our team recognises areas where it is not possible to implement IT policies and develop customized unique policies. We also include alternative security measures for OT systems.
Implementing OTSM
Then, we implement OTSM while ensuring comprehensive compatibility with the required environment. With cutting-edge detection systems and firewalls in place, we ensure our clients’ system is equipped with predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring capabilities. Our team uses tools so businesses can get detailed data analysis and management with this integration.

In security, monitoring is very important. Real-time monitoring enhances asset management and process efficiency by identifying areas for improvement and supporting automation. Here are the best practices for managing operational technology integration with the IT system:

• Optimize the Security Patch Process: Regularly update and streamline your security patching process to more effectively address and mitigate emerging vulnerabilities across all environments.
• Implement Comprehensive Security Controls: Deploy robust security measures at every layer of your organization’s infrastructure, ensuring that both IT and OT environments are protected from potential threats.
• Conduct Regular Risk Assessments: Perform consistent and thorough risk assessments across all environments to proactively identify vulnerabilities, ensuring the implementation of tailored security controls that address specific risks.
• Understand Technology-Specific Threats: Gain a deep understanding of the unique technologies and associated threats within both OT and IT environments. Recognize that threats and effective technologies may differ between these environments, requiring tailored approaches.
• Incorporate Security into IoT Strategy: Embed safety, reliability, and security considerations into every aspect of your business strategy, vision, and execution for IoT devices. Ensure these elements are integrated across all levels of your organization.

Bizmetric’s Industry-Specific Expertise for IT/ OT

Oil and Gas Industry
The integration of IT and OT allows for real-time, remote access to critical operational data. This capability enables oil and gas companies to quickly assess and respond to damages, streamline inventory monitoring, improve distribution efficiency, and enhance the inspection and maintenance of pipelines and industrial equipment.
Manufacturing Industry
IT-OT convergence empowers manufacturers to optimize operations by using real-time data from inventory and sales to guide production. This leads to better resource management, more efficient power and equipment use, and reduced costs associated with excess inventory and maintenance.

Ensure the Best IT/OT Convergence with Bizmetric

It is clear that industries with physical infrastructure and machinery will rely on operational technology more than ever. With emerging IT/ OT convergence, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and data analysis based on this will be more impactful.

If you are looking to enhance operational efficiency and improve your existing asset management system, our team is here to help. We can help you make this transition easy while keeping security parameters a priority.

We ensure data exchange is secure and performance is optimal in every given scenario. We can implement this without affecting your production capabilities. Want to know more about this? Contact our team now!