Historically, information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) teams served two distinct purposes on the manufacturing floor. OT dealt with the physical processes and equipment manufacturers use on a daily basis, while IT’s focused on data-driven elements, encompassing the organization’s computers, servers, and other data receptacles.
By and large, these definitions still apply. However, in the era of digital transformation and the industrial internet of things (IIoT), the gap between the two functions is rapidly shrinking. Poor IT/OT integration now comes at a cost — and it’s a high one. While many manufacturing leaders understand this reality, too few have intervened and eliminated the limitations IT/OT gaps pose to emerging technologies and operations.
In the third chapter of our series exploring AWS Manufacturing solutions, we’re taking a deeper look at the convergence of IT and OT, and how better integration between the two groups can lead to improved shop floor connectivity.
Check out blog one and two of our AWS series.
IT/OT convergence is at the forefront of modern manufacturing
IT/OT convergence has been building for years, but evolving artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing capabilities have accelerated the process, prompting manufacturers to reconsider their approach more quickly. Today’s manufacturing leaders are feeling the limitations of legacy solutions that weren’t built with advanced connectivity in mind. For example, many SCADA networks were built as closed networks, yet must now accommodate a wider range of hardware solutions. These hardware solutions may not be advanced enough to properly ingest and circulate data throughout the shop floor, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased security vulnerabilities — and friction between IT and OT teams. What’s more, much of this legacy hardware is reaching the end of its shelf life, which means manufacturers are forced to pair any investments in new equipment with more compatible software. While this is an exciting opportunity to digitally transform, it also raises questions about how to best navigate the transition, especially when it may feel like you need to rush to overhaul your entire tech stack to accommodate new solutions. Syntax is experienced in connecting the shop floor from top to bottom, even if your existing IT and OT teams feel miles apart.Achieving True Connectivity with Syntax’s IoT Solutions
At Syntax, we specialize in facilitating IT/OT convergence through our comprehensive suite of IoT solutions. Our offerings are designed to address the unique digital transformation challenges manufacturers face, focusing on seamless integration, real-time data access, and actionable insights. Let’s take a closer look at one of our most relevant product solution offerings: Syntax Synsights.Syntax Synsights
Whether you’re looking to improve asset management, monitor industrial conditions, enhance product quality, or reduce downtime, Syntax Synsights offers out-of-the-box AI solutions tailored to solve industry-specific challenges — and increase partnership between IT and OT teams. By leveraging machine learning and AI, Synsights provides manufacturers with the tools required to drive smarter decisions, optimize operations, and tackle the toughest problems in the industrial sector. This includes:- Industrial asset management. Leverage AI and real-time data to ensure assets on the shop floor are always running at optimal performance. By monitoring machine health and predicting failures, this solution minimizes downtime and maximizes operational efficiency.
- Industrial condition monitoring. Proactively monitor equipment to detect potential issues before they escalate into costly problems. This feature uses AI-driven anomaly detection and predictive analytics to safeguard production uptime.
- Predictive quality. Ensures consistent product quality by continuously monitoring production and predicting quality deviations before they result in defects. By leveraging AI, this feature helps reduce waste and optimize production efficiency.
- Predictive maintenance. Deploy machine learning and AI to predict when machines will fail, allowing manufacturers to schedule maintenance before issues disrupt production. This feature helps maximize equipment uptime and extend asset life.
- Industrial energy management. Allow AI to help optimize energy consumption across the entire facility. By providing real-time insights and analytics, this solution helps companies reduce energy costs and improve sustainability efforts.
- Connected product. Offer new business models by connecting products to the cloud. This solution provides deep insights into product performance and usage, paving the way for after-market services and customized support.
