How Artificial Intelligence Can Serve As a Bridge Between IT and OT

January 26, 2021

Much has been said about the potential of big data and artificial intelligence (AI), and there’s still a hope that some AI technologies will eventually become plug-and-play solutions. At the moment, however, false positives and false negatives remain prevalent, and it’s likely that these may never completely stop occurring.

That said, AI is still a useful technology with the right business case, and it’s likely to play a major role in the factory of the future. Already, the growing amount of data available from factory equipment has made it possible to successfully use AI for predictive maintenance purposes. It’s time for companies to start thinking about how to harness AI for their facilities.

Understanding the divide between IT and OT

Implementing an Industry 4.0 solution requires constant access to data. To use this data in a secure manner, companies must consider ways to overcome the traditional separation of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) systems, which is currently the norm. In the vast majority of companies, these two systems don’t work in harmony.

This conflict arises from the expectation on the part of OT to have complete control and priority over data at all times (since products might not be produced within quality specifications otherwise), whereas IT is typically open to new technologies that can help optimize and create new value from existing assets.

For these reasons, OT teams have an outsized interest in keeping any production-critical system as secure and infallible as possible. IT teams, on the other hand, think of security as a risk management calculation that can be accomplished relative to optimization. Both ways of thinking are important for achieving business and production goals.

If the IT and OT teams don’t fully understand each other’s needs, this will have repercussions for the overall viability of an Industry 4.0 manufacturing solution. Certain companies are taking it upon themselves to merge these two teams under a single organization. This will help both engineers and businesspeople have a common understanding of what’s possible and realistic.

How AI can help

Artificial intelligence works best when it’s based on universally agreed-upon business problems that can be solved with real-time processing of complex – yet processable – data. Although AI is often considered a sort of “black box” with mysterious and unknowable internal mechanisms, it’s most successful when applied to problems that are well understood by humans.

AI is an effective bridge between IT and OT because it combines the intelligence of manufacturing engineers, operators and other personnel with device intelligence. AI-based processes become more robust when humans are in charge of deciding what to do with collected data and determining what decisions can be made by machines.

Keeping all the data safe from bad actors is important as well. The Sysmac AI controller – an edge-based device with an embedded time series database and anomaly detection algorithm – enables manufacturers to collect, analyze, and utilize data insights directly in their production equipment with the utmost accuracy, reliability, and security.

Important_Links_Bar.jpg

https://automation.omron.com/en/us/blog/ai-as-a-bridge-IT-and-OT

 

Related Articles

Network Infrastructure Featured Product Spotlight

PBUS 14 Panduit logo 400

This webinar presented by Beth Lessard and Keith Cordero will be highlighting three Panduit solutions that will optimize network equipment and cabling to ensure that your spaces are efficiently and properly managed to support ever-evolving business needs of today and beyond. Products that will be featured include PanZone TrueEdge Wall Mount Enclsoure, Cable Managers, and Adjustable Depth 4-Post Rack.

REGISTER HERE


Editor’s Pick: Featured Product News

Siemens: SIMOVAC Non-Arc-Resistant and SIMOVAC-AR Arc-Resistant Motor Controllers

The Siemens SIMOVAC medium-voltage non-arc-resistant and SIMOVAC-AR arc-resistant controllers have a modular design incorporating up to two 12SVC400 (400 A) controllers, housed in a freestanding sheet steel enclosure. Each controller is UL 347 class E2, equipped with three current-limiting fuses, a non-load-break isolating switch, and a fixed-mounted vacuum contactor (plug-in type optional for 12SVC400). The enclosure is designed for front access, allowing the equipment to be located with the rear of the equipment close to a non-combustible wall.

Read More


Sponsored Content
Electrify Your Enterprise

Power is vital to production, and well-designed control cabinets are key. Allied Electronics & Automation offers a comprehensive collection of control cabinet solutions including PLCs, HMIs, contactors, miniature circuit breakers, terminal block connectors, DIN-rail power supplies, pushbutton switches, motor starters, overloads, power relays, industrial Ethernet switches and AC drives engineered to keep your operations running safely, reliably and efficiently.

Learn more HERE.


Products for Panel Builders

  • AutomationDirect: Endress+Hauser Intrinsically Safe Analog Input Isolators

    AutomationDirect: Endress+Hauser Intrinsically Safe Analog Input Isolators

    AutomationDirect has added Endress+Hauser intrinsically safe analog input isolators to provide cost-effective galvanic isolation for process instruments located in hazardous locations. This ensures that only a safe amount of energy resides in a potentially explosive atmosphere. Endress+Hauser RN22 0/4 to 20 mA input isolators are offered in 1-channel, 2-channel, or signal doubler options. They feature… Read More…

  • AutomationDirect: Wera Multi-Bit Driver & Hex Keys

    AutomationDirect: Wera Multi-Bit Driver & Hex Keys

    AutomationDirect has added more top-of-the-line Wera tool options to their continuously growing Tool and Test Equipment lineup. New tool sets include maintenance sets, a Joker self-setting/self-adjusting wrench set, a Tool-Check PLUS socket/driver bit set, and Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit screwdriver sets. Screwdriver additions include Kraftform Micro precision screwdriver sets, Kraftform Kompakt multi-bit screwdriver sets and multi-bit… Read More…