Information technology and operational technology are not new concepts to manufacturing. Both play a role, and both have a function to perform.
However, IT and OT convergence is a new way of thinking and operating.
Helping to drive manufacturing forward, achieve operational advantages in a competitive marketplace, and combat the challenges that we still see regarding shortages in skilled labour, unpredictable supply chains, and the need for business to become more sustainable, could IT/OT convergence be the solution?
IT and OT in Manufacturing
Information technology (IT) involves data and lots of it. It is the systems, hardware, data storage, networking infrastructures, software, and more that allow a business to have insight into their market and customers.
Operation technology (OT) in manufacturing is extensive as it focuses on manufacturing processes. Managing productivity, people, and machinery, operational technology is responsible for all the physical processes and physical devices used to ensure a quality output.
We can see both of these operations apparent in our workplaces, both in the back office and on the factory floor, but they are intrinsically separate.
But what if they weren’t?
What if IT and OT functionalities came together to support each other and the business as a whole? Creating opportunities to make processing more accessible and more efficient and reduce costs as you use real-time insights from machine performance, supply chain dynamics, and more.
Supporting continuous improvement initiatives, we explore the benefits of automation and IT/OT convergence below.
Advantages of IT/OT convergence
Increased productivity – with an abundance of relevant data now at your fingertips, you can streamline manufacturing processes, reduce production time, and improve efficiencies. The data provided by IT that is now linked to OT helps to highlight where you can achieve better coordination and improve preparation and planning through enhanced visibility.
Waste reduction – automation can help to bridge production and process, allowing you to optimise workflows and reduce waste, leading to savings on the production line.
Supports sustainability initiatives – helping to reduce your carbon footprint, bringing IT and OT together, and matching them with the right automation means you no longer need to rely on manual systems and input in specific areas. This benefit optimises energy consumption, reduces waste, and boosts resources.
Supports product maintenance and upgrades. Now, you can highlight and address issues within the manufacturing processes much sooner, such as equipment failure, stock shortages, inefficiencies in specific processes, and more.
Improved quality – IT and OT can help in clearer product identification as we see improvements in visibility and product traceability. Using the product and equipment data you collect; you can make more informed decisions on how and where you can improve production quality.
Flexibility and scalability – leverage real-time data to adapt to changing market demands and scale production where required.
Not all plain sailing
IT, OT, and automation must be implemented successfully to achieve the benefits mentioned above; however, implementation in this respect is no small task.
For example, we’re aware that many operation technology systems run on legacy systems, which can prove challenging; this can mean a greater security risk, opening you up to hackers and increasing security threats.
You will also need to carefully manage change. Change management is a significant part of aligning your IT and OT, and it’s vital for success that you implement best practices, keep the lines of communication open, set clear goals, define responsibilities, and encourage collaboration to avoid the risk of organisational silos.
Investment must also be considered at this stage, along with how you bring IT and OT skill sets together to create functional teams that continue to meet business needs.
Automation and Innomech
Introducing automation into manufacturing processes and production lines supports IT/OT convergence as, through integration, we can bring the digital and real world together, a benefit that is proving to be invaluable to manufacturers.
Connecting equipment and processes to improve resource efficiency, remain competitive, tackle skills shortages, reduce costs, increase productivity, reduce employee turnover, and improve sustainability – automating operations has changed the way manufacturers operate for the better.
Automation is paving the way for manufacturers to thrive; matched with IT and OT solutions, the future of manufacturing is exciting.
To find out more about Innomech and the automation solutions we can support you with, contact us today.
