The paper’s primary focus will be on the requirements both for IT and OT

in allowing inbound communications to manufacturing equipment. There

are many important reasons for allowing inbound communications such as
break-fix responses, version upgrades, and start-up assistance, to name a
few. Unlike outbound data extraction that is preconfigured, the ability to
preconfigure all assets for remote support will be impractical.

Activities that require escorted access

There will be other factors in which the plant will need to invite the
appropriate individuals and give them access to a group of assets at a
predetermined time. It is the consensus of the workgroup that there needs
to be someone on-site to work in unison with the remote expert while and
when the Remote Access is granted if the activity has the potential to cause
a physical response or alter a program. This provides a final level of safety
and also helps ensure there are no adverse effects on quality.

It is worth noting that the same requirements apply when outside personnel
visits a site in person.

2021 I Practical Guide for Remote Access to Plant Equipment 29