How to create the intelligent enterprise

Organisations across various industries are currently facing the challenge of the need to create more connected operations with seamless integration between existing business systems and physical equipment. At the heart of this transformation is ongoing digitalisation, where the flow of data is both critical and a major security challenge.

What are the business opportunities?

The integration of IT and OT offers a range of advantages such as increased efficiency, improved data analysis, and enhanced customer satisfaction. For example, this might involve optimising operational processes through predictive maintenance and real-time monitoring of production facilities:

In the energy sector: By integrating monitoring systems (OT) with data analysis tools (IT), companies can better predict and manage power supply disruptions.
In manufacturing: Standardising data transfer and data management across different production sites (OT) allows global companies to create synergies in planning (IT) and other control processes, optimising production capacity and efficiency.
In agriculture and digital farms: Milking robots can invoice (IT) the dairy farmer for the measured milk (OT).
In healthcare: By integrating sensors and monitoring systems (OT) with maintenance systems and data analytics tools (IT), hospitals can predict and prevent failures in medical equipment. This reduces the risk of unexpected downtime and increases the availability of critical medical devices.

What are the challenges?

When examining the challenges organisations face in integrating IT and OT, four main areas clearly stand out. These are core issues requiring careful attention and strategic focus to ensure a smooth and successful transition:

Data management: Organisations must invest in data handling, analytical capabilities, and technology to ensure that their data is accurate, complete, and up to date. This includes implementing robust data quality controls and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Business-driven innovation: Traditionally, IT and systems have been at the centre of tech-related initiatives. In recent years, however, there has been a shift toward more business-driven innovation, where technology is used as a tool to achieve business goals and market differentiation. This requires an integrated view of technology and business strategy, and the ability to quickly test and adapt new ideas and concepts.
Navigating ongoing technological development: Organisations need to identify and develop the right skills and build a culture that encourages continuous learning, experimentation, and adoption of new technologies such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and applications of AI and generative AI.
Security and protection of facilities and data: Connecting legacy equipment, machines, and systems that were not originally designed to be connected requires a robust and secure infrastructure. This may involve encrypted data, firewalls, access controls, and regular security audits. In addition, continuous training of employees at all levels is essential to increase their skills.

What does a successful strategy look like?

PA Consulting’s experience suggests that the companies that have been most successful have prioritised change management, focusing primarily on building a strong corporate culture and investing in skill development, new ways of working, and methods that can fully leverage new technologies.

Our recommended approach for successful IT and OT integration is divided into four steps:

Establish a vision and strategy for IT and OT integration. The strategy should serve as a foundation for creating a detailed plan and a clear roadmap for achieving the desired outcomes.
Identify both organisational and technical capabilities that need to be strengthened to support the IT and OT integration. Make these capabilities concrete through prioritised use cases within the business.
Build a strong technical foundation and culture of innovation. Invest in a robust technical infrastructure that can handle increased data volumes and high levels of security requirements.
Drive change through effective governance and management anchored in leadership. Appoint responsible individuals to lead the implementation of IT and OT integration and ensure that there are clear, measurable goals and milestones.

Last but not least, the integration of IT and OT presents a fantastic opportunity to redefine and improve how organisations operate and deliver value to their customers.

Read the article in Swedish in Ny Teknik.