Articles
What is?
We explain IT OT lingo
What is the Purdue Model?
The Purdue Model is a hierarchical framework for industrial control systems that defines security zones and data flow between enterprise and operational networks.
What is AI in Manufacturing? The Three Faces You Need to Know
AI in manufacturing isn't one thing. Here are the three faces it actually takes — and the realistic answer to "can AI run your plant?"
The Purdue Model & IT/OT Security: What It Does
The Purdue Model was never built as a security framework — but its structure maps almost perfectly onto IEC 62443 zones and conduits. Here's why that isn't a coincidence.
What is an Industrial Data Management System?
An industrial data management system is designed to handle, process, and secure industrial data across various operational and enterprise applications. It provides a structured approach to managing the vast amounts of data generated by industrial IoT (IIoT), SCADA, and MES systems. In our own work, we refer to this as an Industrial Data Platform as it consists of a more broader set of features.
What is IT/OT Convergence?
IT/OT Convergence is the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to enable seamless data exchange, improved efficiency, and enhanced security in industrial environments.
Two Problems Standing Between You and Industrial AI at Scale
Every manufacturer wants AI to transform operations. But two fundamental challenges are keeping the industry stuck in pilot mode—and neither of them is a lack of algorithms.
OT Data Contextualization – What are the different contexts?
Suppose we have a massive amount of sensor data available. Good right? Yes... but there is still a caveat. A critical concept which is unknown to or misunderstood by many at both IT as well as OT side: that concept is context. Context is what anchors digital data to the physical world. It transforms raw […]
The impact of Digitalization on Manufacturing Productivity – An Analysis
The digital revolution has transformed many industries, yet manufacturing and critical infrastructure continue to lag behind. Compared to sectors like finance or retail, which have rapidly embraced digital technologies, manufacturing remains deeply rooted in legacy processes. The term “Manu-Factura” (Latin for “to produce by hand”) has become increasingly outdated, but the shift toward full digital […]
Different Speeds in Industrial Digital Transformation: First Movers vs Fast Followers
The First Movers are those companies and industries that embraced automation early on, often starting with widespread deployment of PLCs and other control systems long before digitalization became a buzzword. These organizations have had decades to build up centralized automation departments, accumulate expertise, and develop mature practices for managing and using data to improve operations. […]
Industrial Digital Transformation: Why vs What
Time for a short thought experiment. You are asked to make a presentation on the top 5 reasons to invest in a digital transformation program. What would you write down? Resist the urge to read on for just a couple of seconds and try to answer this question in your own words. Most people would […]
Which are the Four Industrial Revolutions?
Before we delve into what many consider the fourth industrial revolution, we will quickly review the ones that came before it.
What is Network Segmentation in OT?
Network segmentation in OT divides industrial networks into isolated zones, reducing cybersecurity risks and preventing unauthorized access to critical systems.
What is SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition)?
SCADA is a system used for monitoring and controlling industrial processes, allowing operators to manage infrastructure in real-time through centralized software.
What is the ISA/IEC 62443 Standard?
The ISA/IEC 62443 standard provides cybersecurity guidelines for industrial control systems (ICS), ensuring secure design, implementation, and operation of OT environments.
What is an IT/OT Convergence Strategy?
An IT/OT convergence strategy outlines the approach for integrating IT and OT systems to enhance data flow, cybersecurity, and industrial automation capabilities.
What is an IT/OT Roadmap?
An IT/OT roadmap is a strategic plan that outlines how organizations will integrate IT and OT systems, improve security, and enhance industrial automation over time.
What is Industrial Data Analytics?
Industrial data analytics involves collecting, processing, and analyzing manufacturing and operational data to improve efficiency, quality, and predictive maintenance.
What is an IT/OT Convergence Framework?
An IT/OT convergence framework is a structured model that guides organizations in integrating IT and OT systems, ensuring interoperability, security, and efficiency.
What is an Industrial Data Lake?
An industrial data lake is a centralized repository that stores large volumes of raw, unstructured industrial data for advanced analytics and AI-driven insights.
What is IT/OT Alignment?
IT/OT alignment ensures that information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) teams collaborate effectively to improve efficiency, security, and data integration in industrial settings.
What is an Advanced Process Control (APC)?
Advanced Process Control (APC) is a set of technologies that use real-time data and predictive analytics to optimize industrial processes and improve efficiency.
What is an Example of a Unified Namespace?
An example of a Unified Namespace is a real-time data hub that integrates SCADA, MES, ERP, and IoT data into a single structured namespace, improving visibility and automation.
What is an Operational Data Platform?
An Operational Data Platform is a specialized data management system designed for industrial environments.
What is IT/OT Governance?
IT/OT governance defines the policies, standards, and frameworks for aligning IT and OT systems to ensure security, compliance, and operational efficiency.
What is a Digital Twin in Manufacturing?
A digital twin in manufacturing is a virtual representation of a physical asset, process, or system that enables real-time monitoring, simulation, and optimization.
What is a Unified Namespace for Industry 4.0?
A Unified Namespace for Industry 4.0 is a structured data model that integrates real-time industrial data across smart manufacturing systems, enabling automation, AI, and analytics.
What Is Autonomous Manufacturing? (And Is It Really “Lights Out”?)
Autonomous manufacturing isn't one thing and true "lights out"production is rarer than the marketing suggests. Here's what's real,and what still needs people.
What is a Data Historian?
A data historian is a specialized database designed to store, retrieve, and analyze historical industrial process data for performance optimization and regulatory compliance.
What is DataOps for Industrial Data?
DataOps for industrial data is a methodology that applies DevOps principles to data management in manufacturing.
What is a Unified Namespace for Manufacturing?
A Unified Namespace for Manufacturing integrates real-time production data into a centralized structure, enabling automation, AI-driven analytics, and process optimization.
What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)?
A Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is software that monitors, tracks, and controls manufacturing operations to improve efficiency, quality, and compliance.
What is an OT Data Platform?
An OT data platform is a specialized system that collects, contextualizes, and processes operational technology (OT) data for industrial automation and analytics.
What is OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture)?
OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) is an industrial communication protocol that ensures secure, platform-independent data exchange between devices and systems.
What is an IT/OT Cybersecurity Strategy?
An IT/OT cybersecurity strategy outlines the security controls, frameworks, and best practices needed to protect industrial control systems from cyber threats.
What is a Distributed Control System (DCS)?
A Distributed Control System (DCS) is an industrial automation system that controls complex processes by distributing control functions across multiple controllers and workstations.
What is Predictive Maintenance?
Predictive maintenance uses data analytics, IoT sensors, and AI algorithms to predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance before breakdowns occur, reducing downtime and costs.
What is a Process Control System?
A Process Control System is an automation system that manages and regulates industrial processes to ensure efficiency, consistency, and safety.
What is the difference between ISA-95 and the Purdue Model?
The ISA-95 Purdue Model combines the ISA-95 standard with the Purdue Network Model to standardize data flow between enterprise IT and industrial control systems.
What is a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)?
A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial computer used to automate processes by executing pre-programmed instructions in real-time.
What is IT/OT Collaboration in Manufacturing?
IT/OT collaboration in manufacturing involves integrating IT and OT teams, systems, and processes to drive efficiency, security, and innovation in industrial environments.
What is an Industrial Data Fabric?
An industrial data fabric is an architecture that integrates, contextualizes, and delivers real-time industrial data across IT and OT environments for analytics and automation.
What is IT/OT Digital Transformation?
IT/OT digital transformation is the process of modernizing industrial operations by integrating digital technologies, automation, and cybersecurity into IT and OT environments.
What is an Industrial Data Platform?
An Industrial Data Platform is a centralized system that collects, processes, and contextualizes operational data from industrial assets to enable real-time analytics and AI-driven insights.
What is the Unified Namespace (UNS)?
The Unified Namespace (UNS) is a structured, event-driven architecture that enables real-time data exchange across industrial systems.
What is Industrial Cybersecurity?
Industrial cybersecurity protects operational technology (OT) systems, industrial control networks, and connected assets from cyber threats, ensuring safe and reliable operations.
What is Model Predictive Control (MPC)?
Model Predictive Control (MPC) is an advanced control strategy that optimizes industrial processes by using predictive models to adjust operational parameters in real-time.
What is a Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) System?
A Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) system is a software platform that integrates production, quality, and supply chain processes to optimize manufacturing efficiency.
What is the Purdue Model for Network Security?
The Purdue Model for Network Security defines layered security controls to protect industrial networks, ensuring segmentation between IT and OT environments.