Building the Foundation for Digital Transformation: OT Infrastructure & Security

Welcome to the second article in Interstates’ Guide to Digital Transformation series. In this series, we will delve into the comprehensive approach Interstates takes to guide companies through the complex yet rewarding journey of digital transformation. Over the course of these articles, we will define what digital transformation entails, explore the four phases we recommend for a successful digital transformation, discuss our available solutions for digital transformation, and highlight what sets Interstates apart from competitors. If you missed it, read the previous post in the series, Unlock Your Digital Transformation Journey with Interstates. Read the next installment, where we dive deeper into driving digital transformation with automation.

Two of the most vital elements of a well-planned digital transformation journey are a robust Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure and a solid security framework. As manufacturing companies navigate the complexities of modernizing their operations, ensuring that their OT systems are secure, resilient, and efficient is paramount. In this second article of our Guide to Digital Transformation, we delve into the critical roles of OT infrastructure and security in laying the groundwork for your successful digital transformation journey with automation and leveraging data for improved productions.

OT encompasses the hardware and software that keep the physical devices and processes in your facility running smoothly. According to Bret Van Wyk, Vice President of Technology at Interstates, “The term ‘OT’ is really wide and incorporates OT Infrastructure and Security (OTIS), automation, analytics, instrumentation, and more. OTIS is a subset of OT, and it is essentially the foundation of digital transformation.”

Digital transformation projects rely heavily on secure access to structured data to function effectively. During each phase of the journey, OT infrastructure and security must be a primary consideration. Neglecting OT infrastructure and security can lead to significant setbacks. Organizations that overlook these elements will often encounter costly rework or delays when their digital transformation plans are thwarted. Van Wyk says that “clients who do not prioritize OT infrastructure and security often experience rework and setbacks trying to execute on or scale their digital transformation initiatives.”

Supporting Automation and Analytics

OT systems are key to supporting automation and analytics. Travis Noteboom, OT Manager at Interstates, explains, “OTIS, automation, and analytics have complementary skill sets that are used together to implement successful digital transformation projects. Our automation teams ensure that customers have the right equipment to monitor their systems and collect the data required for analysis. Our OTIS team ensures that the network and server infrastructure have the capacity to transfer and store the data or securely transfer it to cloud-based systems for analysis.”

This integrated approach is what enables advanced analytics and automation. By ensuring seamless data flow and secure communication channels, OT infrastructure supports the transition moving from basic data reports to deeper insights and forward-looking analysis, helping you make smarter decisions and run your operations more efficiently.

Key Services: Network Assessment & Design and Cybersecurity

Interstates has skilled teams ready to provide a range of services crucial for building a solid OT foundation at your facility, including:

Network Assessment & Design: An OT network assessment evaluates the hardware, software, and communication pathways of an industrial network against areas such as inefficiencies, reliability, performance, and industry standards. This helps clients understand their network capabilities, risks, and opportunities for enhancement. “Once assessed, our network design services help design an industrial network that is the right fit for their current and future needs,” says Van Wyk.

Cybersecurity Assessment & Consulting: OT cyber assessment and consulting services involve evaluating and improving the security of industrial control systems (ICS) and other critical infrastructure. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, assessing risks, and implementing strategies to protect against current and potential cyber threats. “Our goal is to enhance the resilience of these systems, ensuring the integrity, availability, and safety of essential operations,” Van Wyk adds.

Collaboration and Communication

Successful digital transformation requires seamless collaboration among various teams. Noteboom highlights the importance of communication in this process: "It’s important to understand the end goal so that equipment is selected correctly from the beginning. Our OTIS team designs systems for the connectivity and capacity required to collect and store data. If the automation team selects the right devices but the client doesn’t have the network capacity to connect to them, then we’re generating data that goes to waste.”

Interstates’ integrated approach, with automation, OTIS, and analytics teams under one roof, ensures that all phases of a project, from initial specification to implementation, are aligned to meet your needs.

Addressing Challenges

Implementing a digital transformation plan on top of a poor or unsecured OT network can lead to inefficiencies, downtime, and reduced productivity. Van Wyk says, “A weak OT network can limit scalability and the ability to expand digital initiatives. If cybersecurity is not considered, digital transformation can increase a client’s vulnerability to cyber attacks, which can disrupt operations, compromise sensitive data, or even cause financial loss.”

Interstates tackles these challenges by ensuring that our OT infrastructure and security services enhance operational efficiency, safety, and reliability at our clients’ plants. This leads to reduced downtime and increased confidence in the organization’s ability to manage and protect its assets.

The Path Forward

As you embark on your digital transformation journey, starting with a solid OT infrastructure and security framework is essential. This foundation enables seamless data flow, supports advanced analytics and automation, and ensures that your digital transformation initiatives can scale effectively and securely.

Interstates’ comprehensive approach, combining network assessment and design with robust cybersecurity measures, can give you the tools and expertise needed to navigate the complexities of this journey. By focusing on practical solutions and continuous improvement, Interstates can help you unlock the full potential of digital technology to achieve operational excellence and gain a competitive advantage.

Stay Tuned: In the next article of this series, we will explore the role of automation in digital transformation and how Interstates’ solutions can drive further efficiencies and innovation. Join us as we continue to uncover the strategies and technologies that power successful digital transformation. Don’t forget to read Unlock Your Digital Transformation Journey with Interstates for more context on starting your digital transformation journey. You can also discover how starting analytics makes a big difference at your plant