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In the 10th episode of The IT/OT Insider Podcast, David welcomes Gregory Grauwels, the Group OT Manager at Cloetta, a leading European confectionery company. Gregory’s expertise spans industrial automation and digital transformation, making him a thought leader in operational technology (OT). In this episode, he shares practical advice for aspiring OT managers, emphasizing incremental approaches, the “land and expand” strategy, and the benefits of open architectures.
Gregory’s Path to Becoming an OT Manager
Gregory’s career in OT management began with a robust technical foundation in industrial automation. Starting in the petrochemical industry, he gained hands-on experience programming and integrating automation systems like PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. He later transitioned to digital manufacturing roles at Bayer, where his responsibilities included cybersecurity, digital maturity assessments, and managing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM) solutions.
At Cloetta, Gregory shifted from petrochemicals to confectionery—a transition he described as “completely different but exciting.” He was tasked with modernizing the OT infrastructure, balancing the integration of traditional machinery with advanced digital systems.
Key Challenges in OT Management
Balancing Legacy and Innovation
Cloetta’s long history means managing a blend of decades-old machines alongside state-of-the-art equipment. Gregory explains, “Some of these older machines are still vital to our production processes.” His role requires ensuring seamless operations while integrating these systems into digital transformation initiatives.
Navigating Product Variations
Producing diverse confectionery products—such as jelly beans, wine gums, and chocolates—demands unique machinery and specialized knowledge. Gregory highlights the importance of ensuring that all systems, whether legacy or modern, work cohesively to maintain efficiency and quality.
Unified Namespace: The Key to IT/OT Convergence
During the discussion, Gregory emphasized the transformative role of Unified Namespace (UNS) in industrial data integration. UNS acts as a real-time central hub for data across legacy systems, IoT devices, and enterprise applications like ERP. “The UNS creates a single source of truth for operational data,” Gregory notes, eliminating data silos and enabling better decision-making.
This structured, standardized approach not only streamlines communication between diverse systems but also enhances collaboration between OT and IT teams, particularly in environments with varied and complex technologies.
Advice for Aspiring OT Managers
1. Build a Solid Technical Foundation
Gregory advises professionals to focus on mastering industrial automation systems like PLCs, SCADA, and MES, alongside emerging digital tools. “A strong technical foundation is key because OT is all about managing the technology that keeps production running.”
2. Learn to Harmonize Old and New Systems
Legacy systems often coexist with modern technologies. Gregory stresses that digitalization shouldn’t disrupt production. “Integrate new technologies in a way that complements existing systems.”
3. Prioritize Practical Problem-Solving
Efficient production requires practical, tailored solutions. “It’s not about adopting every new tool—it’s about making sure everything works seamlessly together,” Gregory explains.
4. Foster Cross-Department Collaboration
Effective OT managers serve as the bridge between technology and its users. Gregory underscores the value of understanding the challenges faced by operators, engineers, and management to facilitate better collaboration.
5. Adopt a Strategic View of Digital Transformation
For long-term success, Gregory advocates for a clear, forward-thinking strategy. “Digital transformation is an ongoing process aimed at streamlining production, improving quality, and reducing costs.”