Modernizing Industrial Networks: The Enterprise Case for IT/OT Collaboration 

New report from Harbor Analysis examines how leaders are accelerating IT/OT partnerships for vital operational and monetary advantages 

“From 2018-2023, cybersecurity assaults involving crucial infrastructure in manufacturing, utilities, transportation programs and related mission crucial domains virtually doubled yr over yr driving a median compound annual progress fee of over 90% per yr.”
– Harbor Analysis, The Enterprise Case for IT/OT Collaboration in Modernizing Industrial Networks  

Cybersecurity urgency and AI readiness are proving to industrial corporations that modernizing their OT (Operational Expertise) networks are extra crucial than ever. A brand new report from Harbor Analysis, “The Enterprise Case for IT/OT Collaboration in Modernizing Industrial Networks,” examines the influence that these tendencies have on operational networks and total enterprise success. The report goes on to explain how OT leaders are assembly the problem by collaborating with their IT counterparts to use IT capabilities like safety and automation to the economic community.  

Extending IT to the OT world: a framework for collaboration 

TCO discount is only one of many aggressive benefits gained by early movers in IT/OT collaboration. Harbor states, “Throughout a variety of commercial domains, it’s not unusual to see 15% to 35% enhancements in operational productiveness, 10% to 30% reductions in cybersecurity dangers, and 15% to 30% reductions in time to marketplace for new merchandise and improvements.” By extending IT administration instruments, similar to Catalyst Middle and SD-WAN Supervisor, into OT environments, corporations can scale back handbook intervention and simplify operations. And with a wide range of completely different units throughout the OT community, standardization simplifies community administration and design, permitting for enhanced visibility and scalability. A tier-1 automotive elements producer within the examine reported that modernizing its networks helped to cut back tools downtime by 25% to 30%. 

Strengthening cybersecurity as industrial networks face escalating assaults 

Assaults in opposition to industrial infrastructure proceed to rise. Harbor writes, “Whether or not it’s supporting distant staff or connecting machines, controllers, cameras, and bar code readers, assault surfaces are quickly rising.” With cybersecurity being a robust motivation for IT/OT collaboration, OT groups should reinforce capabilities that align and drive end-to-end accountability with IT processes to have the ability to unlock efficiencies for future challenges. Functions similar to zero belief architectures, community segmentation, monitoring and risk detection, and incident response and compliance have confirmed important for a number of companions immediately. Transportation companies like Georgia’s Gwinnet County Division of Transportation are detecting and remediating issues extra rapidly since they gave operators safe distant entry to roadside infrastructure.

Preparing for AI  

In addition to cybersecurity, the opposite main motivation for modernizing industrial networks is AI readiness. Leaders in industries from manufacturing to transportation are gaining a aggressive edge by utilizing AI for predictive upkeep for machines and autos, manufacturing anomaly detection, robotics and autonomous autos, provide chain optimization, and extra. The Harbor report warns, “Organizations that fail to modernize their digital infrastructure and networks danger being unable to capitalize on these transformative applied sciences to reinforce their aggressive place.” Utilities like Ontario Clear Water Company can accumulate sensor information from far-flung areas because of industrial community units constructed to face up to excessive environmental situations. 

Right here, too, IT/OT teamwork accelerates success. OT brings its understanding of which units and programs want to speak and beneath what circumstances they are often taken offline, whereas IT brings the talents to ship the community efficiency and reliability that AI purposes demand. 

Bringing all of it collectively 

We see steady evolution between the connection of IT and OT groups and networks. Cisco is constructing a robust basis for industrial organizations to drive profitable transformation and ship tailor-made options in the direction of a modernized future throughout all sectors. If you want to affix us in exploring the potential of IT/OT collaboration and the way it can pave the best way, take a look at the complete Harbor Analysis Enterprise Case.  

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