Convergence of IT and OT<\/a> is catalyzed by advances in technologies such as the internet of things (IoT), Big Data analytics and machine-to-machine communication.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n IoT includes an assortment of sensors that can gather real-world conditions (temperature, pressure, chemical compositions) and an array of actuators capable of translating digital commands and instructions into physical actions (controlling valves, moving mechanisms). For an enterprise to take advantage of all the information from manufacturing or process operations<\/a> requires the connection between a domain where data is generated (OT) and a domain where data is consumed (IT).\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n IT OT convergence<\/strong> can merge business processes, insights, and controls into a single uniform environment if implemented correctly.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n Enabling convergence between OT and IT domains is realized by an edge framework and an integration platform, usually located in the cloud or on premises in a data center.<\/p>\r\n Such convergence improves efficiency, reduces errors, enhances workflows, and allows businesses to gain competitive advantages.<\/p>\r\n In many industries, IT and OT convergence has been in place for quite some time (such as oil and gas), but it remains a challenge in IIoT (industrial internet of things) developments in practice. Convergence tends to be a challenge as two different worlds that have worked separately in the past with completely different systems, technologies, and vendors, have now to collide in the context of IIoT and the industrial internet. The challenge is more about new ways of thinking than technology, but modern technology is required, particularly for cybersecurity reasons.<\/p>\r\n With all the challenges and functional questions, it implies, IT OT integration<\/a> necessary in IIoT.<\/p>\r\n The graphic below from the Industrial Ethernet Book shows various components of these two domains<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\n IT OT Convergence<\/em><\/p>\r\n As IT\/OT convergence is adopted across industries, IT teams must work alongside their OT engineers to contribute to the overall business bottom line.<\/p>\r\n The Purdue Model is a concept-based model used in industrial control system (ICS) network segmentation to show the interconnections and interdependencies of typical ICS components. The model provides foundational language for control systems security regulatory controls.<\/p>\r\n Purdue Model<\/em><\/p>\r\n The Purdue Model delineates security boundaries between users, ICS networks, and business networks and shows how these boundaries have blurred in recent years as IT\/OT convergence gained importance.<\/p>\r\n Current Purdue architecture breaks down O.T. and I.T. into six functional levels that run from level 0 to level 5 across three principal zones: industrial, DMZ, and enterprise.<\/p>\r\n where business systems such as ERP and SAP typically live. Here, tasks such as scheduling, and supply chain management are performed. It can be subdivided into two levels:<\/p>\r\n The DMZ provides a buffer zone where services and data can be shared between the operational and enterprise zones.<\/p>\r\n This is where the action is; it is the zone where the process lives. It is the core.<\/p>\r\n IT\/OT convergence (also called IT OT integration<\/a>) usually merges separate networking, management, servers, and tools into one managed product; it does not represent a single effort or initiative. Such initiatives cover several types and categories depending on the utility\u2019s goals and needs.<\/p>\r\n According to TechTarget, these categories include:<\/p>\r\n IT OT integration<\/a> enables more direct control and complete data monitoring from anywhere globally and facilitates digital transformation. The integration allows access to data from devices across applications and establishes relationships between data sources.<\/p>\r\n Since direct access to real-time and converged data is guaranteed, employees can perform their jobs more efficiently and make better decisions, creating organizational value. This increases competitiveness, improves visibility and responsiveness to avoid unplanned downtime, and allows complete control over parameters and policies, revealing how equipment is always running and when\/if an incident might occur based on historical data and conditions.<\/p>\r\n But we all know that the higher the stakes, the higher the risks. As such benefits do not come without consequences, specific risks and threats should be considered when opting for such integration.<\/p>\r\n The first thing to be concerned about is both teams\u2019 – IT and OT \u2013 have different perspectives. IT is used to dealing with business data and executives and using the latest technology and practices. In contrast, OT is used in manufacturing and physical devices that last for decades. Therefore, it can be quite challenging to create a collaborative environment where both can work and trust the added value of the other.<\/p>\r\n Communication is also a challenge in that achieving a meaningful level of IT-OT convergence<\/a> is only possible when IT and OT devices can establish two-way communications with one another. Unfortunately, edge devices are usually only capable of one-way communication; they can produce outbound data but do not accept inbound management traffic.<\/p>\r\n Another case of discordance is when an OT device does not use standard communication protocols and is therefore incompatible with existing IT networks. So, extra work on both ends is needed to facilitate communication for convergence to be successful.<\/p>\r\n Scalability is also considered a barrier to IT-OT convergence<\/a>. As edge devices produce enormous amounts of data, it is possible that they collectively overwhelm an IT infrastructure. Unless the IT systems are prepared for the actual number, the IT infrastructure may be flooded by a lot of data and thus not be able to handle the number of edge devices.<\/p>\r\n Security is the greatest and most common challenge for IT\/OT convergence<\/strong>, especially true when using an older OT hardware. Such devices are often engineered with minimal consideration for security, providing a vulnerability point for cyber criminals to launch an attack against the entire network and IT resources.<\/p>\r\n Luckily, OT devices tend to produce packets with specific structures. The IT structure can use smart filtering to detect and eliminate abnormal packets that may indicate an attack.<\/p>\r\n Despite this, valid cybersecurity concerns are delaying IT\/OT convergence. Utility companies, for instance, are progressing slowly, even as they invest in such technology.<\/p>\r\n In fact, and according to a Deloitte report, 59% of companies have experienced a data breach caused by one of their vendors or third parties.<\/p>\r\n It is vital to understand that IT and OT teams must collaborate to enable operational continuity and maintain a digitally secure environment.<\/p>\r\n So, what is the right way to approach an IT\/OT convergence initiative?<\/p>\r\n A clear picture of the organization\u2019s overall objective is a good starting point. The \u2018convergence\u2019 team is well advised to develop a roadmap that outlines how and when IT and OT overlap<\/a>. Such a plan will enable IT and OT teams to enjoy a mutual understanding of the project\u2019s long-term goals and work toward them together. Remember that the roadmap should help facilitate dialogue between the two groups and define specific roles and responsibilities.<\/p>\r\n Once roles are clearly defined and both groups have clarity on what the other one does, the tools and technologies that enable the unifying structure to follow naturally, enabling the integration of multiple IT and OT data sources into a single and common format in a secure way.<\/p>\r\n Such a platform allows teams to perform threat analysis and cyber-risk management, identify process inefficiencies, and perform predictive maintenance on IoT hardware assets.<\/p>\r\n Integration Objects has developed the Smart IoT Highway (SIOTH\u00ae<\/strong>)<\/a> as an IT OT integration platform. SIOTH\u00ae<\/strong> is a highly customizable, scalable IT\/OT solution<\/a> applicable in all industries. SIOTH\u00ae<\/strong> ensures the delivery of data and information to stakeholders for decision empowerment efficiently and cost- effectively.<\/p>\r\n SIOTH\u00ae – Smart IoT Highway<\/em><\/p>\r\n Main SIOTH\u00ae<\/strong> features include:<\/p>\r\nMore about IT\/OT convergence<\/h2>\r\n
and learn more about IT OT convergence<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"IT](\"https:\/\/integrationobjects.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/IT-OT-Convergence.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n![\"IT](\"https:\/\/integrationobjects.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/IT-OT-Integration-Purdue-Model.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nEnterprise zone:<\/h3>\r\n
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Industrial Demilitarized Zone (DMZ):<\/h3>\r\n
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Manufacturing zone (also called the Industrial zone):\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
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IT\/OT convergence: Types, benefits, and challenges<\/h2>\r\n
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How can executives ensure execution excellence?<\/h2>\r\n
![\"SIOTH](\"https:\/\/integrationobjects.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/SIOTH-Smart-IoT-Highway.jpg\")
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