Bridging the Gap

However, in this interconnected world, a fragmented approach to technology can be a significant hindrance. Organizations that do not have a cohesive technology strategy often find themselves grappling with inefficiencies, redundancies and missed opportunities. For FMs, this is especially pertinent. Given the intertwined nature of OT and IT in their daily operations, the absence of a unified strategy can lead to misaligned objectives and resource wastage. Moreover, as the pace of technological advancement accelerates, facilities that are not strategically aligned risk falling behind, unable to adapt quickly to changing demands or harness new innovations. It is no longer just about having the right tools; it is about ensuring that every technological component, whether IT or OT, fits seamlessly into the larger operational puzzle. By recognizing the imperative for a comprehensive technology strategy, organizations set the stage for proactive, future-proofed FM.

As leaders of an organization's physical infrastructure, FMs occupy a unique vantage point, making them instrumental in crafting a technology strategy that combines both IT and OT. While IT primarily focuses on the digital realm, ensuring data flow, system integrations, and cybersecurity, OT zeroes in on the tangible, physical systems, from HVAC controls to production line operations. The distinction between these two realms underscores the importance of a holistic approach. An FM’s expertise can bridge this gap. They can identify where OT can be enhanced by IT solutions, and vice versa, ensuring both digital and physical infrastructures are symbiotic. Their strategic involvement ensures that technology deployments not only bolster operational efficiencies but also align with the organization's broader objectives. In crafting this strategy, an FM’s engagement is critical to merging the digital and physical worlds in a way that's cohesive, efficient and forward-looking.

Defining IT and OT in the context of FM

Historically, IT and OT were treated as independent domains with little overlap as technology was developing decades ago With roots in the industrial sector, businesses in sectors such as manufacturing, energy and transportation allowed OT to evolve to meet the needs of controlling and monitoring physical processes. These businesses often had specific departments to handle OT needs such as instrumentation and controls (I&C) teams or automation/robotics teams with the primary goal to ensure that machinery and infrastructure operated efficiently, safely and reliably. Conversely, the IT domain was developing to meet the emerging needs for data management, processing and communication in an increasingly digitized world

As the two domains were developing throughout the 1980s and 1990s, commonalities developed due to both technology advancements and responses to business demands to incorporate them. Throughout these developments, IT departments often drove standards and networking/communications requirements to ensure businesses would operate securely, reliably and efficiently

While both domains utilized technology, their primary concerns, design philosophies and operational methodologies were distinct. Over time, as businesses realized the potential for technology-driven efficiency, silos formed around these two domains. This was in part due to the belief that the real-time, mission-critical nature of OT systems demanded isolation from the broader, data-centric network of IT to prevent potential disruptions. Thus, this historical divergence in purpose and design led to the contemporary dichotomy, treating OT and IT as two separate entities, often with limited interaction.

1. Information Technology

IT refers to the use of computers, networks, software, and data management to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. In facility management, IT systems often include office networks, data centers, and various software applications used for administrative tasks, such as asset tracking, space management and financial reporting.

Examples of IT in FM:

• Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems for asset tracking and financial management
• Building information modeling (BIM) software for design and construction planning
• Computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for work order and maintenance management

2. Operational Technology

OT encompasses hardware and software designed to manage and control industrial operations and processes. In FM, OT systems are responsible for the monitoring, control and automation of equipment and infrastructure, ensuring they function efficiently.

Examples of OT in FM:

• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for real-time monitoring and control of physical processes
• Building Automation Systems (BAS) for HVAC, lighting, and security management
• Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) for process automation in manufacturing facilities

The Role of IT and OT in the Industrial Internet of Things

The IIoT is a transformative concept that unifies IT and OT within the framework of connected devices and data-driven decision-making. FM leverage IIoT to enhance operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and make data-informed decisions.

IT in IIoT:

• IT systems enable data transmission and storage in the cloud
• IT platforms provide the infrastructure for data analytics and visualization
• IT security measures protect sensitive data
• OT in IIoT:
• OT systems connect to sensors, actuators, and machinery for data collection
• OT devices ensure real-time monitoring and control of physical processes
• OT automation and controls improve operational efficiency

Differences between IT and OT

While IT and OT both play crucial roles in FM and IIoT, they differ significantly in terms of their operational and security considerations.

1. Operational Considerations

IT:

• Emphasizes data integrity, confidentiality and accessibility
• Focuses on office-based applications, networks and data centers
• Typically follows a regular update and patch cycle
• Can be highly virtualized, allowing for flexibility and scalability

OT:

• Prioritizes real-time performance, reliability and stability
• Manages physical systems, including machinery and infrastructure
• Often requires long-term support for legacy systems
• Relies on deterministic processes to ensure operational safety

2. Security Considerations

IT:

• Primarily concerns cybersecurity against data breaches and unauthorized access
• Utilizes firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems
• Faces a constant threat from external cyberattacks

OT:

• Focuses on safety and availability to prevent physical harm or equipment damage
• Implements redundancy and fault-tolerant systems to ensure continuity
• Typically encounters internal and external threats that can disrupt operations

Considerations in formulating a holistic technology strategy for FM

To maximize the benefits that can be garnered from technology, businesses must develop a holistic technology strategy that enables each technology to succeed at its intended goals. Nuances have developed between the IT and OT domains in recent years. A holistic strategy must consider these nuances between both domains

 

	Information Technology	Operational Technology
Primary Focus for Data	Data processing, storage, retrieval and communication	Control, monitoring, management of physical processes
Operational Environment	Offices, data centers, cloud	Utilities, production/manufacturing areas
Operational Imperatives	Data integrity, confidentiality, accessibility	Real time performance, reliability, stability
Systems Lifecycle	Frequent updates, patches, migrations, hardware changes	Long term reliability of hardware is critical, software system updates must be backwards compatible to field installed sensors/control eq.
Cybersecurity	Cybersecurity considerations are highly varied by industry, application and geography
Failure Impact	Data loss, breaches, business downtime.	Physical harm to people, environment and equipment Production loss or significant operational disruptions
Design Philosophy	Scalable, modular, virtualization	Consistency and reliability
Data Types	Data stored and analyzed for strategic business decision making Incorporates a combination of intermittent, event-based time series data (i.e. transactional) and business information	Large data sets of time series data from many unit operations. Used for real-time control and process improvements over longer terms
Interconnectivity	High interconnection for broad communication and data exchange (in and out of company)	Systems closest to critical control at least partially isolated. Ancillary systems may be remotely connected for supplier support “air gap” utilized in extremely critical situations (i.e. critical data centers).
Emerging Technology Integration	AI/ML for business automations and deeper insights from business analytics	Industry specific solutions to enhance operational efficiency and asset management Cautiously applying any technology integrating directly with other systems
User Expertise / Staffing	IT professionals familiar with software, networks, and cybersecurity	Engineers, technicians and subject matter experts knowledgeable within the industry of application
Supplier Landscape	Dominated by a mix of large tech corporations and a plethora of startups offering specialized solutions	Often involves industry-specific, niche players with specialized equipment and systems.

Conclusion

The convergence of IT and OT in IIoT is redefining the FM role. IT systems facilitate data processing and analytics, while OT systems manage the physical processes that keep facilities operational. The unique operational and security considerations of IT and OT make it imperative for companies to formulate a holistic technology strategy that addresses data collection, connectivity, data processing, analytics, security, integration, visualization, automation, scalability and corporate governance.

FMs are at the forefront of implementing these strategies, using technology to optimize operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and make data-informed decisions. As IT and OT continue to evolve, facility managers must adapt, leveraging the potential of the IIoT to ensure the seamless operation of facilities in the digital age.