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In the latest episode of the IT/OT Insider podcast, David welcomed Jan Meskens, a seasoned data consultant with extensive experience in data management and academia. Their discussion offered valuable insights into the evolving landscape of industrial data management, emphasizing the crucial need to bridge the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to fully leverage data in Industry 4.0.
User-Centric Data Management
Jan, who began his career in user experience design before moving into data consultancy, shared his unique perspective on creating user-friendly data systems. “In the world of data, usability is often an afterthought,” Meskens explained, highlighting a common industry challenge where critical data is often trapped within complex systems like massive Excel spreadsheets, comprehensible only to their creators.
The Two-Pronged Approach to Data Projects: Bottom-Up + Top-Down
The conversation shifted to how organizations initiate and drive data projects. Meskens described a dual approach observed in most successful enterprises: a bottom-up initiative driven by specific teams recognizing the value of data and a visionary top-down strategy led by leaders who understand the broader benefits of data integration. “Both directions are crucial for cultivating a data-driven culture within any organization,” Meskens noted.
Proof of Concept: Learning or a Pitfall?
A significant focus was on the role of proofs of concept (PoCs) in data management projects. Meskens emphasized that PoCs should be learning tools rather than final solutions. “The real success stories are those where PoCs serve as a stepping stone to full-scale implementation and integration,” he stated. This approach helps avoid what he humorously calls “PoC purgatory,” where projects perpetually cycle through the proof-of-concept phase without full deployment.
Integrating IT and OT Perspectives
David and Jan also explored the cultural and procedural nuances that differentiate IT and OT. Meskens pointed out that while IT projects can often pivot and adapt rapidly, operational technology requires a more methodical and safety-oriented approach due to the physical nature of machinery and processes involved. This difference often leads to a clash of expectations and methodologies when managing data projects across IT and OT boundaries.
Facilitating Change through Sketches
Highlighting an innovative communication method, Meskens shared how sketching complex ideas has helped bridge communication gaps between various stakeholders in data projects. “Sketches open a dialogue—they are simple yet powerful tools for visualization and feedback,” he remarked, noting how this method helps stakeholders engage more constructively in project discussions.
Book Recommendations
Meskens recommended two influential books for those interested in deepening their understanding of data management and project dynamics: “The Phoenix Project” and “Data Management at Scale.” He believes these readings provide foundational knowledge and advanced insights into effectively managing and scaling data projects.
Insights for the Future
The podcast wrapped up with a reflective discussion on the future of IT/OT convergence, with both David and Jan advocating for more integrated and cooperative approaches to managing industrial digital transformation.
This episode of the IT/OT Insider not only shed light on the technical and cultural facets of data management but also underscored the importance of strategic and human-centric approaches to digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. As industries worldwide continue to evolve, the principles discussed by David and Jan will undoubtedly influence future innovations and integrations across the IT-OT spectrum.
About our Guest
Find Jan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmeskens/ or via his website https://sievax.be
Make sure to subscribe to his blog on Medium: https://medium.com/@meskensjan