Companies have realized the benefits of information technology for many years. And with the arrival of the Industrial Internet of Things (II0T) technology, a new revolution of digitization of production is underway. But as both these technologies continue to mature, IT/OT convergence is becoming a reality and promises to deliver a more significant combined收养IIT的好处比一个人一个人。
它systems have been around for many decades. They consist of the软件，系统，网络，维护和数据存储的收集在处理和分发数据的组合系统中。经理和决策者在各个级别使用这些数据来在工业环境中做出企业级别或工厂级别的决策。
For software, this may include standalone MRP systems, ERP systems, specialized finance or quality platforms, and others. Initially, these software platforms were on-premises systems that needed regular updates and were costly for those who used them.
Information Technology also requires a network. Traditionally, this meant in-house servers, wiring in cable or fiber optics, and the maintenance skills to install and maintain the network hardware. Other valuable skillsets are required to connect the software and hardware of the system.
IT系统通常困扰着设备与其他软件程序进行通信的困扰，从而使数据孤立并受到输入的偏见以及从数据获取到可行分布的时间滞后。云-based platforms已经取代了对内部网络的大部分需求，但是许多旧版硬件系统可能仍然没有互操作性。
While original operational technology utilized MES, SCADA, and other platforms, like IT systems, these operational technology systems were not always networked. Advances in cloud-based computer platforms and advanced analytics allow OT systems to integrate and migrate to a centralized analytical, processing, and integrated platform in a shorter amount of time.
This improvement was made possible by advances in computer analysis, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), device proliferation, and other associated technologies. As part of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) movement, and more broadly as part of行业4.0技术，OT是一组监视事件的控制系统。
OT数据使公司能够监视传感器，温度计，振动输出和高频数据等过程和设备。因为它可以在实时或接近实时或接近实时的企业级别和工厂级的工业调整中完成此监视，从而产生更优化的流程。
OT's reliance upon real-time data also allows adjustments to be detected and performed by the machines faster than human operators. And advanced systems can receive either user-defined parameters or insights from AI and ML-enabled analytics engines to perform autonomous or semi-autonomous adjustments.
The most straightforward distinction between IT and OT is that IT deals specifically with data-centric information. In contrast, OT focuses on machine connectivity and centralized analysis of acquired data to make better decisions in operations such as manufacturing processes.
它may or may not consist of interoperable software platforms, meaning that quality software at a factory level may not be able to communicate with an MRP or with demand planning software, etc.
This siloed data means that communication between functional groups is not transparent or optimized. Decisions are made only within the context of the software used, which may be at odds or even contradictory to another department.
OT专注于机器，并致力于获取每个设备的正确数据以执行和控制商店的地板流程。它可能在网络覆盖范围内有孤立的软件或差距，并将数据输入到系统中；OT需要无限的数据作为绝对。
Because机器连接allows massive data inputs, advanced analytics allow OT systems to optimize manufacturing systems and shop floor processes, quality processes, and higher-level business processes such as finance, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), and demand planning. The OT data ecosystem is machine-driven by data rather than simply a lag-oriented data processing system.
OT is still distinct from IT for several reasons.
它has been around for much longer than OT and consists of a collection of more mature technologies. OT began as an attempt to bring the power of software to the shop floor but has been aided in advancing agile, flexible cloud-based systems that combine multiple functionalities within a single real-time system using data acquired at the machine level.
OT也与之不同，因为许多公司都将大量的资本支出沉入了内部，复杂的电缆，纤维，服务器和维护技能网络。大量投资的公司犹豫不决，尽管入境成本较低，并且今天OT系统提供的身体和维护负担降低了。
Manufacturing companies have diverse corporate cultures. And the adoption of new technologies may lag as a result. It is estimated that in 2020, only25% of companies used distributed cloud-based systemsacross their enterprise. Another 29% used such systems on a small scale, with everyone else behind or somewhere in between. Most manufacturing operations spend considerable CAPEX each year in the form of expensive production equipment. Some will immediately adopt, many will take an incremental approach, and others look to a "wait and see" approach.
Both IT and OT have had a tremendous impact onimproved efficiency和process optimizationat the factory level. Each can analyze operational data using the software. But IT/OT convergence means creating cyber-physical systems that link both to leverage the best parts of each and to deliver value that is greater than each piece could produce individually.
这种收敛意味着制造系统的物理事件和流程可以通过遗留IT安装和软件，高级分析和其他新兴技术来控制的框架和基础架构来控制，以数字化制造。
随着机器数据的大量数据流向分析引擎，机器控制，仿真，过程见解和其他信息可以加强过程优化，并显着影响公司内部内部的效率，质量，库存控制和其他关键基础设施。
在过去的几年中，随着公司意识到新技术的价值不容忽视，IT/OT的融合也一直在加速。据估计，到2022年，其中40％和OT供应商将联合起来提供合并的解决方案，将部署和集成成本降低20％。
IT和OT系统在不同的轨道上开发，因为它们做了不同的事情。它基于可以在工厂地板级别使用并经常使用的数据，OT旨在利用软件的功能来改善商店地板级别的流程。
引入IIOT技术为IT/OT收敛带来的最重要作用是IIOT充当两者之间的桥梁。它通过减少时间延迟来做到这一点，从而使其和OT组件都可以访问其生成的数据。
它还桥接设备ROI，因为IIOT技术具有很高的灵活性，并且可以通过安装设备以及带有连接性的OEM设备来部署在模拟旧设备中。它还可以利用蜂窝技术来实现难以到达的设备或使用有限或折衷空间的操作。
这座桥使公司能够在设备上实现更高的投资回报率，因为使用IIOT的新分析平台不需要购买新设备就将所有实物设备带到同一系统伞下。
最后，它作为桥梁的作用在于其编程和处理灵活性。这意味着公司可以购买整个平台，其中软件互操作性是本地的，或者可以将其与API结合到无透明信息，并将所有功能领域与同一分析平台相关联。
Industrial IoT solutions are being deployed at an increasing rate as manufacturers look to merge the physical and digital components of their shop floor.
传统的IT和OT平台基于“数据岛”。对于诸如周期时间之类的关键工厂地板操作，这些数据岛可以将无效性隐藏为工作标准和周期时间，必须手动测量和记录，任何调整都必须手动进行。
通过利用实时数据并将决策从商店的地板通过C套件推动，在整个操作过程中都有更大的价值，公司可以找到创新的途径。实时数据采集着重于机器的实际性能，而不是预期的性能。
Advantages of IT/OT convergence include:
Operator bias and assumption are replaced by实际机器条件.
决策者将揭示其操作的实际状态并开发基于数据的解决方案。他们可以意识到increased capacity from the same equipment, which reduces CAPEX outlay.
Because the data can immediately drive process improvements, it can help managers develop solutions such as improved automation, plant layout changes, training needs, and劳动利用率.
Digital data brings real-time functionality to design and development. This functionality shortens expensive iterative projects and reduces time-to-market for new products and services. And it allows the use of CAD/CAM and project lifecycle management (PLM) software.
True IT/OT integration using IIoT technology unlocks the ability to utilize advanced 3D modeling and performance simulations. The creation of "digital twins" can help designers create products that can be optimized for production.
Cost savings through a convergence of IT and OT range from the holistic level to the spindle level at the machine. IIoT sensors andreal-time data collection and analysismean that processes can be optimized at the factory level. But IIoT can allow for the预测维护的发展plans that base repairs and replacements on actual data. Heat management, machine tool wear, and other factors replaced at the optimum point are examples of these cost savings.
While IT/OT convergence is accelerating, a few challenges impact an even faster move toward complete factory digitization. These challenges include:
Because IT and OT convergence utilize IIoT technology,data security is a concernfor many.
希望将其合并的公司还必须考虑如何扩展。由于数据的大量，许多设备和传感器可能会推动大量信息，以创建带宽瓶颈。技术正在推进边缘计算，在此过程中，通过进行大部分处理来减少延迟和带宽问题，以便仅基于云的分析平台需要最相关和部分处理的数据。
在沟通方面，许多设备都是单向的。IT和OT系统通常需要双向通信能力。IT和OT系统的类型也由于通信协议而重要，因为许多OT设备都具有非标准协议。
新的技术进步正在上网，可以帮助缓解IT/OT收敛中面临的许多挑战。这些技术提供了：
Many new devices and sensors allow the use of natural language programming. This programming means that coding expertise is not required to bring them online.
By building digital replicas of objects, digital twins offer many advantages. They can be entire machines or machine systems. They can also be single parts or assemblies that can be simulated under stress to failure testing. Or they can be new product developments.
A digital twin of a CNC Machine.
Augmented reality can be used for inspection. However, it is also a way to improve training or allow a skilled technician in a remote location to assist repairs conducted by an unskilled operator.
Vast data streams create bottlenecks to the cloud.使用边缘计算, data is partially processed before entering the cloud. This processing means that the analytics platform can be better tasked for analytics, and it means that latency is reduced at the machine end.
MachineMetrics了解机器数据的功能以及您在为制造商构建的一流的物联网平台中合并遗产/OT功能的需求。Machinemetrics平台连接到设备的任何品牌和型号，安装很快。
生产监控，状况监测和其他健壮的解决方案使您可以识别生产中的瓶颈并迅速采取行动。借助实时数据分析，您可以通过可行的见解来优化流程，并在其他系统（例如质量，维护和报价）中利用数据。
Contact us today了解机械测量方法如何帮助您进行IT/OT集成和收敛项目，以使它们完全互操作。
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