By Jaco Benadie

Digital transformation is revolutionising industries by unravelling unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and innovation. One of the significant shifts leading this revolution is IT/OT convergence, which is the integration of Information Technology (IT) systems used for data-centric tasks with Operational Technology (OT) systems used for monitoring and controlling physical devices and processes. This integration significantly impacts the operational technology asset management lifecycle. However, the convergence of IT and OT spans far beyond a simple technical integration – it is a strategic, operational, and cultural change that holds the potential to shape the future of organisations.

IT/OT Convergence: More than just Technology

While the IT/OT convergence has a major technological component, it is not purely technical. The effective integration of IT systems with OT systems involves more than just rolling out new technology and hoping things work smoothly. It is a strategic business decision that requires a carefully planned and executed transformation programme. This programme typically encompasses changes in strategy, business processes, skills, and culture to successfully leverage the power of both IT and OT.

A Strategic Transformation

Rather than approaching it as a mere technology project, IT/OT convergence should be regarded as a strategic transformation that aligns with the organisation’s overall business objectives. Decisions around IT/OT convergence should align with the company’s strategy, and the potential benefits of convergence – such as increased throughput, improved safety, and greater visibility into operations – should be clearly identified and linked to strategic objectives.

Operational Alignment

Operationally, the convergence of IT and OT often necessitates changes to processes and workflows to effectively leverage the newly integrated environment and ensure seamless information flows. There must be standardisations or modifications in the processes for maintaining systems, managing changes, responding to incidents, and ensuring the continuity of operations. Both IT and OT teams need to understand each other’s workflows, procedures, and protocols, and adapt to each other’s operational needs.

Skill Sets and Cultural Synergy

Human factors also play significant roles in IT/OT convergence. Culturally, IT and OT have traditionally had different work cultures, attitudes to risk, and ways of working. Bridging this cultural divide requires clear communication, education, and change management.

In terms of skills, IT/OT convergence often requires a new blend of skills, or ‘purple people’, who understand both the IT and OT worlds. The organisation may also need to upskill and reskill existing staff or hire new personnel with the requisite skills.

For a successful strategic IT/OT convergence, certain key success factors should be considered:

  • Effective leadership with a clear vision aligns the IT/OT convergence with the organisation’s strategic objectives and guides the transformation journey;
  • Fostering a collaborative culture bridges the cultural divide and encourages mutual understanding between the IT and OT teams;
  • Skills development and training are crucial to equip the workforce with the necessary skills for a smooth transition;
  • Harnessing data integration and analytics transforms raw data into actionable insights to drive efficiency and decision-making;
  • Robust cybersecurity controls protect the integrated system from potential cyber threats;
  • Flexible and scalable infrastructure ensures adaptability to evolving technologies and growth;
  • Compliance with regulatory standards prevents potential violations and penalties; and
  • Effective change management, involving communication, training, and the addressing of resistance to change, drives a smoother transformation.

As we move further into the digital age, IT and OT convergence is becoming less of an option and more of a requirement for companies that wish to remain competitive. However, it is important to recognise this transformation as being more than just a technical project. By recognizing the strategic, operational, and human aspects of IT/OT convergence, businesses can more effectively navigate this transformation, enjoying the benefits of improved efficiency, visibility, and decision-making that comes along with a coherent IT/OT environment. By doing so, their future as robust, resilient, and innovative businesses, which are ready to face the exciting challenges of tomorrow, is ensured.

Jaco Benadie is the EY ASEAN Cybersecurity Energy Leader and OT Cybersecurity Competency Lead.