The landscape of operational technology is undergoing a profound transformation. As industries embrace the digital age, the traditional boundaries between the physical world controlled by OT systems and the digital realm of information technology are blurring. This OT/IT convergence is reshaping the skills required to manage and optimize industrial, infrastructure, and building systems.
Gone are the days when an OT professional solely focused on programmable logic controllers (PLCs), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and closed-loop control. While deep knowledge of these core technologies remains fundamental, new competencies are becoming essential to thrive in this evolving environment.
One of the most critical skills is cybersecurity. With OT systems becoming increasingly connected to enterprise networks and the internet, they are exposed to sophisticated threats. Understanding network protocols, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, and security best practices specifically for industrial control systems is no longer optional – it’s a necessity. Protecting critical infrastructure and manufacturing processes depends on robust security knowledge.
Beyond security, proficiency in data analytics is becoming vital. Modern OT systems generate vast amounts of data from sensors, devices, and processes. The ability to collect, process, analyze, and interpret this data can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, predictive maintenance, quality control, and overall operational performance. Skills in areas like data visualization, statistical analysis, and even machine learning concepts are increasingly valuable.
Understanding network infrastructure is also paramount. As OT connects with IT, professionals need to grasp concepts like TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, wireless communication, and how data flows between different layers of the network architecture, from field devices to the cloud.
Furthermore, familiarity with cloud and edge computing concepts is growing in importance. While critical real-time control often remains at the edge, leveraging cloud platforms for data storage, analytics, and remote monitoring is becoming more common. Understanding the principles of these distributed computing models is crucial for designing and managing future OT systems.
Finally, strong collaboration and communication skills are key. The OT/IT convergence requires seamless interaction between traditionally separate departments. Professionals who can effectively communicate technical concepts across these domains and work together to achieve common goals are highly sought after.
To unlock potential in the digital age, OT professionals must embrace continuous learning. Upskilling in cybersecurity, data handling, networking, and cloud technologies, while maintaining their core OT expertise, is the path forward. Mastering this expanded skill set not only enhances individual career prospects but is also critical for organizations seeking to leverage digital transformation to drive innovation, improve resilience, and achieve operational excellence.
Source: https://feedpress.me/link/23532/17039916/bridging-the-gap-unlock-the-power-of-ot-skills-in-the-digital-age
