EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
KARINA CÁSERES , CIO , DANONE FOR
THE SOUTHERN CONE REGION
At Danone , we work on the convergence between IT and OT in three areas : Awareness , technical aspects and focus on security . Regarding awareness , we focus on education , conveying the importance of teamwork . IT works with the OT areas , understanding this convergence and its advantages .
In the past , operational areas used to develop projects without basic IT fundamentals , for example , by hiring external suppliers . Currently , there is a bridge built with OT and thanks to the process of understanding , we can capitalize on the best of both areas ( IT / OT ) by adding key aspects such as security , cost and error reduction , workflow improvement and standardization .
The second axis is related to the technical part , such as network segregation or the installation of specific devices . Then , we highlight the importance of working independently but in a coordinated manner . IT leads and focuses on data and connectivity , while OT focuses on controlling existing physical devices .
Last but not least , our third axis is security . Cybersecurity is fundamental in IT and helps to maintain secure confidential data , ensuring that users connect to the Internet safely and preventing possible cyberattacks .
Currently , the IT team is a reference . Through IT , we support and try to provide tools to the OT teams to have better conversations with suppliers when resolving different situations to advance their projects more efficiently and safely .
As mentioned , the OT teams have a more physical and concrete vision , while the IT teams have one that involves processes and seeks to leverage all data .
Through IT , we support and try to provide tools to the OT teams to have better conversations with suppliers when resolving different situations .
Cybersecurity is also vital for OT systems to protect critical infrastructure . In this aspect , IT is an indispensable consultant , part of the evaluations , validating architecture and protocols . This convergence benefits project quality and the sustainability of implemented solutions .
When IT begins to work with OT teams , providing a broader view , we are more open to detecting more opportunities for integration . For example , if we place a device at the end of the line , we can anticipate that it will allow us to track the production statement .
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