The Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture builds upon the traditional Purdue Model by integrating enterprise IT systems with industrial control systems (ICS). This framework ensures seamless data flow between business applications, such as ERP and cloud analytics, and operational technology (OT) systems, including SCADA and PLCs.
This architecture enables better coordination between IT and OT by standardizing data exchange and implementing network segmentation. It improves security by ensuring that enterprise-level applications can access operational data without directly exposing critical ICS systems to cyber threats.
By adopting the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture, organizations can enhance cybersecurity, streamline industrial automation, and achieve greater efficiency in managing large-scale manufacturing operations. This framework is a critical component of IT/OT convergence strategies in Industry 4.0.