Operational technologies (OT) refer to hardware and software that interact directly with the physical world to monitor and control industrial devices, equipment, processes and events.
At its core, it is about digitally controlling physical processes. OT systems collect data from the real world via sensors and actuators and use this information to automatically control machines and processes.
In contrast to information technology (IT), which is primarily concerned with the processing, storage and transmission of data to support business processes, OT focuses on the security, reliability and availability of physical processes. Failures or malfunctions in OT systems can have a direct impact on the real world, including production stoppages, environmental damage or even danger to life and limb. At its core, it is about digitally controlling physical processes. OT systems collect data from the real world via sensors and actuators and use this information to automatically control machines and processes.
Examples of operational technologies are
- Industrial control systems (ICS): A generic term for control systems in industrial plants.
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA): Systems for monitoring and controlling large, extensive industrial plants (e.g. power grids, water supply).
- Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Systems for controlling complex, process-oriented systems (e.g. in the chemical industry, power plants).
- Programmable logic controllers (PLCs): Compact control units for automating individual machines or processes.
- Remote Terminal Units (RTUs): Devices for remote data transmission and control in geographically distributed systems.
- Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs): Interfaces for the interaction between man and machine.
- Sensors and actuators: Devices for recording physical variables and executing control commands.
- Industrial robots: Automated machines for production processes.
- Building automation systems: Systems for controlling heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, etc. in buildings.
- Transport control systems: Systems for controlling trains, airplanes, ships or road traffic.