IT/OT alignment refers to the strategic coordination between IT and OT teams to streamline operations, enhance cybersecurity, and drive digital transformation in manufacturing and industrial sectors. Traditionally, IT and OT operated in separate silos, but with Industry 4.0, their integration has become crucial for operational success.
Aligning IT and OT requires overcoming challenges such as differences in technology lifecycles, security priorities, and communication protocols. Organizations that successfully align IT and OT can enable real-time data access, predictive analytics, and improved automation.
A well-structured IT/OT alignment strategy reduces inefficiencies, strengthens cybersecurity, and ensures that industrial operations are optimized for both production performance and business intelligence. It is a critical step towards creating fully connected smart factories.