By Ben Davis, EVP, IT – Industry 4.0, Cambria
The modern manufacturing landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operations Technology (OT). This integration is delivering unprecedented levels of efficiency, productivity, and innovation. The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to this integration comes with its own set of complexities, risks, and opportunities.
IT and OT Orchestration in Manufacturing
Imagine a home remodeling project. The IT team represents the architects and designers. They are responsible for the harmonious flow of data, process optimization and automation, and secure enterprise systems. IT ensures that the blueprints (data) are accurate, the tools (systems) are tuned, and the construction plan (processes) is optimized. The OT team, on the other hand, is the construction crew. They are on site, directly interacting with the materials, equipment, and control systems that produce the actual output. They ensure the measurements are accurate, the building is consistent, and the construction site hums with productive activity.
Historically, these two sections often worked separately, with limited interaction. However, deeper integration between IT and OT means they are now working from a single set of blueprints. Data from the construction site (OT) is no longer isolated; it's flowing into enterprise systems (IT) for analysis, optimization, visualization, and strategic decision-making. This enables predictive maintenance, real-time quality control, and agile production scheduling. All of these functions and more are prime candidates to introduce AI as the single set of blueprints to move IT and OT more closely together.
AI: The Single Set of Blueprints
Thoughtful AI delivery with the right controls serves as the single set of blueprints to bring IT and OT together on strategic initiatives. AI launched without formal system and process controls applied by IT can be thought of as an unplanned design choice by an individual craftsman working on the home remodeling project. This approach might involve individual engineers or operations teams creating their own AI models to solve specific, immediate problems on the factory floor. While these initiatives can be agile and provide quick solutions, they also carry significant risks.
Risks Exposed by the Unplanned Design Choice:
Opportunities Exposed by the Single Set of Blueprints:
Despite the risks, AI also presents unique opportunities for standardization, innovation, and agility across teams.
The key is to bring AI into the spotlight, transforming it from an unscripted design into a well-integrated, yet innovative, single set of blueprints that guides the IT and OT manufacturing home remodeling project.
Delivering Harmonized Results
IT and OT can use AI as the single set of blueprints, serving as their common thread to perform a magnificent and secure remodeling project. This combination allows for the pushing of boundaries, introducing new designs and materials that blur the lines between traditional roles. This common thread will challenge existing paradigms and leverage AI to fundamentally change how both teams operate.
Consider the application of AI to optimize an entire production line. This isn't just about individual machine optimization; it's about using AI to orchestrate the flow of materials, machine scheduling, and human intervention across the entire manufacturing process and involve:
Manufacturing organizations can successfully navigate an AI-driven integration of IT and OT to unlock full transformative potential by ensuring that every section of the team works from the same set of blueprints. The integration creates a powerful and innovative home remodeling project that drives the future of manufacturing.
EVP, IT - Industry 4.0, Cambria
Ben is a technical leader who is passionate about introducing new technology, improved processes and unexplored data sets to businesses in a manner that allows them to achieve scalable revenue growth. He helps business-minded technologists use automation, prioritization and critical thinking to deliver technology, process improvement and data in a high-value, cost-effective way.