Chapter 3.

Improve IT/OT Collaboration

The thought of creating a means for external individuals or companies
to gain a connection into the manufacturing plant genuinely concerns
IT managers as well as OT managers. Historically, systems had been
purposely isolated to protect them from outside interference. Isolation was
developed not only from access from outside the plant, but also from other
networks inside the business networks that could have an adverse effect on
manufacturing operations.

This environment is changing as companies digitally transform their

operations. And as more companies adopt IIoT, there is a requirement to
open access to plant floor information.

Important but not

completely necesary
Extremely important and
critical for Remote Access

Figure 3
When polled, the workgroup members overwhelmingly
indicated the importance of a cooperative working relationship
between IT and OT departments.

This section leverages members’ experience to spotlight the key areas that
can either help or hurt the IT/OT relationship. It is not only essential to
understand what should be done but also what to avoid.

2021 I Practical Guide for Remote Access to Plant Equipment 19