Top Trends in Operational Technology for 2024 and Beyond

Operational Technology (OT), which manages critical systems in various industries, has evolved rapidly in recent years due to advancements in automation, connectivity, cybersecurity, and real-time data analytics. To stay competitive, businesses must understand these changes and their impact on operations.

This blog post explores the top trends shaping OT in 2024 and highlights how inMorphis, a ServiceNow-invested Partner, is helping organizations derive the maximum output from these OT trends.

Top 5 Trends in Operational Technology for 2024

OT-IT Convergence

The convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) is a transformative force revolutionizing the industrial sector. OT systems were traditionally isolated from IT networks for security and operational reliability. However, the rise of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing requires smooth OT-IT integration for real-time data sharing, analytics, and decision-making.

Businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve safety by bridging the gap between these domains. IT-OT integration allows for better asset performance management (APM), predictive maintenance, and automation, utilizing real-time data for strategic decision-making.

Increased Focus on OT Cybersecurity

As OT becomes more connected, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Cyberattacks targeting industrial control systems (ICS) and OT environments have become more sophisticated. Unfortunately, 73% of organizations faced OT attacks last year. Despite the threat, a survey by ServiceNow and Dynata reveals that only 34% of respondents planned to invest significantly in methods to protect from cyberattacks.

Businesses must prioritize OT cybersecurity, focusing on zero-trust architectures, threat detection, and incident response capabilities. Cybersecurity frameworks catered specifically to OT environments will become essential for safeguarding critical assets.

Edge Computing in OT

Edge computing is gaining prominence in OT environments as more industries focus on being data driven. It enables data processing closer to the source, reducing latency and enhancing the efficiency of real-time applications. The demand for edge computing in OT will continue to surge as companies desire to process massive amounts of data generated by sensors, machines, and devices, driving advancements in real-time monitoring, analytics, and automation.

Predictive Maintenance with IoT and AI

Predictive maintenance, leveraging the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and machine learning (ML), enables businesses to monitor equipment performance in real-time and predict potential failures. It reduces downtime, extends asset lifespans, and optimizes scheduled maintenance.

Sensors collect data; AI algorithms analyze it to identify patterns and predict maintenance requirements, preventing costly unplanned outages and minimizing the risk of catastrophic equipment failure.

Remote Monitoring and Control

A shift to remote operations has accelerated due to the global pandemic and ongoing advancements in digital transformation. Remote monitoring and control of OT systems will become increasingly important, allowing operators to manage critical infrastructure and industrial processes from anywhere.

Remote access to OT environments offers significant advantages, including improved operational resilience, reduced travel costs, and quick response to issues. Increased connectivity will enable more industries to oversee distributed assets safely and efficiently, particularly in sectors like energy and utilities.