Operational Technology

 Operational Technology (OT) refers to hardware and software systems that detect or cause changes through direct monitoring and control of physical devices, processes, and events in industrial settings.

Key Features of Operational Technology

• Real-time control of physical processes.

• Direct interaction with machines, valves, pumps, and sensors.

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  Typically used in industrial environments (e.g., factories, power plants).

• Includes systems like SCADA, PLC, and DCS.

Common Applications

Sector	Use of OT
Manufacturing	Automated assembly lines, robotics
Energy	Power grid monitoring, turbine control
Water Management	Pump station automation, water treatment
Oil & Gas	Pipeline monitoring, drilling operations
Transportation	Railway signals, traffic control systems

OT vs. IT (Information Technology)

Feature	OT	IT
Focus	Physical processes	Data and information
Environment	Industrial (plants, factories)	Corporate (offices, data centers)
Priority	Safety & uptime	Data security & accessibility
Lifespan	10–30 years	3–5 years

Challenges in OT

• Cybersecurity risks (OT systems were not originally built for internet connectivity).

• Integration with IT (IT/OT convergence).

• Legacy systems that are difficult to upgrade.

• Downtime in OT can result in physical damage or safety issues.

Trends in OT

• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

• Edge computing

• Predictive maintenance using sensors

• Digital twins for real-time simulation