What is OT (Operational Technology)?
OT (Operational Technology) refers to the hardware and software used to control, monitor and automate physical devices and industrial processes.
This includes systems that drive machines, monitor production processes and keep installations running safely and efficiently.
🧱 Examples of OT systems
| System / component | Function |
|---|---|
| PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) | Controls machines, motors and valves |
| SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) | Monitors and controls processes remotely |
| HMI (Human-Machine Interface) | Lets operators run and visualise processes |
| RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) | Collects data remotely and drives field devices |
| Sensors and actuators | Provide physical interaction with machines |
🧠 What does OT do?
OT ensures the reliable execution of physical processes in real time. Typical OT tasks include:
- Starting, stopping or adjusting machines
- Controlling temperature, pressure or speed
- Generating alarms when deviations occur
- Collecting data for monitoring and analysis
🏭 Where is OT used?
- Factories and production halls
- Power plants and high-voltage substations
- Water treatment installations
- Chemicals and pharmaceuticals
- Transport and infrastructure (tunnels, bridges, railways)
🔄 Difference between OT and IT
| Aspect | OT (Operational Technology) | IT (Information Technology) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Control of physical processes | Management of data and information |
| Example systems | PLC, SCADA, HMI, sensors, actuators | ERP, databases, email, Cloud |
| Key focus | Availability | Confidentiality |
| Networks | Fieldbuses, industrial Ethernet | TCP/IP, Wi-Fi, internet |
| Update management | Rare, due to risk of downtime | Regular, via patch management |
🔐 OT and cybersecurity
OT systems are increasingly connected to IT networks (Industry 4.0, IIoT), but:
- Are often older and more vulnerable
- Are designed for continuity, not for security
- Require special protection (e.g. via IEC 62443)
Important security measures:
- Network segmentation
- Access management and logging
- Restricting and monitoring Remote Access
📌 In summary
OT covers all the technologies that automate and control physical processes in industry. Combined with IT, it creates a modern, data-driven and intelligent production environment — but also brings new security challenges.