INDUSTRY VIEW
CLEITON SANTOS , APPLICATION ENGINEER , FURUKAWA SOLUTIONS
It is important to note that the convergence of IT / OT is a natural process of technological development and system integration . We have increasingly observed a great synergy between the two areas in such a way that they evolve in a common manner : control , monitoring and management of processes .
From the OT perspective , operators will continue to control automation processes , focusing mainly on the operation of the industrial plant but taking on assumptions of projects dedicated to the industry ( for example , availability and integrity ). In turn , IT will continue to support companies ’ communication solutions , however , it will be necessary to expand their performance to industrial networks .
Therefore , it is clear that training and development of personnel and solutions from both areas will be necessary , that is , decisions and operations do not only move towards the micro objective of each area , but now towards the macro objectives of the company .
This convergence process tends to be a ‘ win-win ’ between areas where the beneficiaries are not only from the company itself but also the end customer , since by improving / optimizing processes related to production , better deliveries in terms of quality , customization and cost reduction can eventually be achieved .
IT will continue to support companies ’ communication solutions , however , it will be necessary to expand their performance to industrial networks .
For general information , in some large companies , there is no longer a distinction between IT and OT , but rather the ‘ technology department ’ exists , a unique area where professionals with different experiences work concurrently to achieve a common objective aligned with the company ’ s long-term vision .
Furukawa Solutions is known for its constant technological innovations , and it has taken notice of the convergence between IT and OT in industries . As a result , it has added the Laserway Industrial network solution to its portfolio as a solution that bridges the gap between the two areas . This is possible because of Furukawa ’ s passive optical solution , which can locate connection points that are rare , far away , and impervious to electromagnetic interference . Additionally , the Laserway solution is optical from end to end .
Therefore , the conversion of the optical-electrical signal is performed as close as possible to the user , which can be a common computer ( PC ), an access point , but also industrial computers , industrial switches , etc ., that is , any equipment that can be connected with an Ethernet port . •
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