The IT/OT Insider Podcast - Pioneers & Pathfinders

To kick off the second season of IT/OT Insider, we’re diving into the world of Digital Transformation, MES and change management with Bram Van Genabet. With a career that spans from refining oil at ExxonMobil over chocolate production at Barry Callebaut (Director of Digital Innovation) to his current role as independent consultant at La Lorraine Bakery Group (Director of Digital Strategy), Bram brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective on industrial digital transformation. You really want to listen to this one.. we have a very cool announcement which we are sharing 😀 Setting the Scene for Digital Transformation As we (David and Willem) settle back into our editorial chairs after summer, we couldn’t have asked for a more fitting guest to help us explore the themes of innovation and transformation that will define the next wave of content on The IT/OT Insider.  In our conversation, Bram emphasized that digital transformation is more than just a technological shift; it’s a fundamental change in how businesses operate. "Successful digital transformation is about aligning digital initiatives with the core business strategy, ensuring that technology serves as an enabler rather than just an addition." This alignment, according to Bram, is what separates successful digital transformations from those that fail to deliver real value. The Shift from Innovation to Execution One of the key takeaways from our interview is the critical importance of moving from innovation to execution. Bram notes that while many organizations excel at generating innovative ideas, the real challenge lies in execution:  “It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of new technology, but without a clear execution plan, those ideas rarely translate into tangible business outcomes.”  Bram’s approach underscores this philosophy. By focusing on scalable solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing operations, he’s driving meaningful change that not only improves efficiency but also enhances the overall customer experience. Bram talked about these concepts at AVEVA World, you can watch his keynote here: Special announcement As we wrap up our conversation, there's still one more piece of exciting news to share… Here it is: We are super excited that Bram is joining our IT/OT Insider team 🙂  Or, as Bram himself puts it: “Over the past year, I’ve been following IT/OT Insider closely, reading the insights shared here, and even discussing them with David and Willem at various conferences. What struck me most was how much the day-to-day experiences shared by them resonated with what I’ve encountered in my own journey. Despite not knowing each other for that long, I’ve found that we have so many common points to talk about. That’s truly fascinating and what motivates me to join this platform. Over the last 10 to 12 years, I’ve dealt with many challenges around effective IT/OT cooperation—bringing different teams together, and navigating the complexities of people, processes, technology, and data. When I talk with other practitioners, it’s clear we’re all struggling with very similar issues. I’ve often wondered if there’s a magical formula or methodology that can make us more successful in these transformations. While I’m realistic enough to know there’s probably no silver bullet, I do believe that by sharing our experiences and being open to learning from each other, we can get closer to finding better ways of doing things. That’s why I’m so excited to join IT/OT Insider as a co-author. I see it as a fantastic platform to share our experiences, learn from one another, and build a stronger community within digital manufacturing. Whether it’s talking about mistakes or celebrating successes, I’m eager to contribute and engage with this incredible community.” Welcome to the team, Bram !  Make sure to subscribe to receive or weekly in-depth articles, expert interviews, and insights. Next week, we will start a new series titled: “Unlocking Success in Digital Transformation”, especially focused on the implementation of Manufacturing Execution System (MES) projects. 🎉 Subscribe today! Don’t miss out on our new series “Unlocking Success in Digital Transformation“ by Bram, David and Willem This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itotinsider.substack.com [https://itotinsider.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

After nearly a year of delving into the intricacies of IT/OT convergence, it's time to shift gears and step into the real world where theory meets practice. Introducing our new series, "Idea to Shop Floor: How companies are figuring out IT/OT Convergence," where we'll be showcasing real-life case studies from companies that are at the forefront of digital transformation. These stories will highlight the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from businesses that are successfully (or not) integrating IT and OT, providing invaluable insights and inspiration for your own journey.  In this podcast David talks to Sophie Van Nevel. She is the Global IT Lead for Strategy and Governance and also Data and Analytics at Bekaert.  Thanks for reading The IT/OT Insider! Subscribe for free to receive new articles and podcasts. Established in 1880, Bekaert is a global leader in steel wire transformation and coating technologies. You can find their steel products in various applications: Champagne cork wire, fishhook wire, steel cord inside tires, concrete reinforcement, very specialized applications in renewable energy, fencing and many others.  At Bekaert, you will find various types of industrial processes, one of them is cold drawn steel wire. Cold-drawing changes the steel's shape and size by pulling the material through a carbide die or turks head. Often, steel will go through cold-rolling first and then cold-drawing to enhance its properties for better performance.  Obviously, minimizing energy consumption while increasing the reliability/uptime of the production lines is extremely important for Bekaert. This is where data and Sophie’s team comes into play!  “The basic process is drawing the wire into a smaller diameter, then adding coatings or bundling wires together to create new material properties. This intricate process requires precise measurements and adjustments, making sensor data critical. Sensor data quality [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/the-need-for-better-data-why-data] is essential to ensure we meet the desired parameters throughout the production process,” Sophie explains. Building Digital Products Sophie's team is responsible for creating digital products that leverage data analytics to optimize production processes. This includes using dashboards to monitor energy consumption and employing AI models to refine product quality. “We work closely with our business teams to drive intelligent processes, aiming to optimize our production with the help of technology and data,” Sophie explains. One of their innovative goals is to provide sensor data as a service to their customers, enhancing transparency and collaboration. The Role of Data Governance Data governance, often seen as a theoretical concept, is vital for managing both transactional and sensor data. Sophie emphasizes the importance of integrating data governance into everyday practices. “We’ve set up roles like data stewards and custodians, and provide training to ensure everyone understands their role in the data delivery value chain,” she says. This approach ensures high data quality and consistency, which are crucial for generating reliable insights and driving business value. Case Study: Energy Management A prime example of Bekaert’s data-driven approach is their energy management program. The company installed energy meters in their plants to monitor and reduce energy consumption, aligning with their sustainability goals. “We started by reporting the data from the meters, but soon realized the need for better accuracy,” Sophie recalls. By analyzing discrepancies between machines and understanding the underlying causes, such as temperature changes or data drift, Bekaert was able to develop predictive models to optimize energy use. Cross-Team Collaboration At Bekaert, the convergence of IT and OT is achieved through cross-team collaboration. “We bring together IT, business, and engineering teams to solve specific cases, focusing on driving end-to-end value,” Sophie explains. This collaborative approach leverages diverse expertise to tackle complex challenges, such as optimizing energy consumption, and ensures that solutions are practical and effective. Subscribe now for free: From Services to Manufacturing Transitioning from a service-oriented organization to a manufacturing environment presented unique challenges for Sophie. “In banking, it’s more about services, whereas at Bekaert, the impact of data actions is very concrete and immediate,” she notes. This tangible impact underscores the importance of effective change management, particularly when dealing with existing assets and technology that may not be digital-native. “We focus on data literacy and involve people in the journey to ensure they see the value of their contributions,” Sophie adds. Scaling and Sustainability Scaling digital initiatives from pilot projects to full-scale implementations is a critical aspect of Bekaert’s strategy. Sophie outlines their governance approach, which assesses the value and applicability of pilots across different plants. “Not every plant or product is the same, so we define criteria to determine whether we can scale a digital product,” she explains. This method ensures resources are allocated to initiatives with the highest potential impact while discontinuing those that do not deliver expected results. The Future of AI and Data at Bekaert Looking ahead, Sophie is optimistic about the role of AI and data in driving business value. “We hope to continue leveraging AI and data to create significant business value. Data quality and governance will remain crucial as we develop more advanced AI models,” she asserts. The foundation of robust data practices will enable Bekaert to harness the full potential of digital technologies, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation. Bekaert's journey exemplifies how IT/OT convergence can transform traditional manufacturing processes through the strategic use of data and collaboration.  As we continue this series, we’ll explore more real-world stories to inspire and guide your digital transformation efforts. Stay tuned for more insights from industry leaders who are turning theory into practice. Find Sophie on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-van-nevel-3375286/].  Thank you for reading The IT/OT Insider. This post is public so feel free to share it. Further reading: Can’t stop reading?We have organized our 30+ articles in three categories: Organization [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/organization], Change [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/change], and Technology [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/technology]. Make sure to check them out! Did you already subscribe to our podcast?  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider [https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider] Apple Podcasts: Spotify Podcasts: But also here on Substack: https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast [https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast]  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itotinsider.substack.com [https://itotinsider.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Welcome back to the IT/OT Insider Podcast, Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Amir Cahn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-cahn/], CEO of the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN). Dr. Cahn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in leveraging data-driven technologies to transform water, wastewater and stormwater networks worldwide.  The SWAN [https://swan-forum.com/] (Smart Water Networks) Forum is a global hub for industry experts, innovators, and thought leaders dedicated to the digital transformation of the water sector. SWAN's mission is to accelerate the adoption of data-driven solutions to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of water networks worldwide. They unites a diverse range of stakeholders, including water utilities, engineering firms, technology companies, startups, investors, and academics, fostering collaboration and innovation across the water sector. Understanding Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) I was particularly interested in learning more about Data-as-a-Service (DaaS), a transformative model for water utilities. Unlike traditional methods where utilities manage their hardware and their data, DaaS shifts the responsibility to a service provider, who handles data generation, transmission, and analytics. This model allows utilities to focus on outcomes rather than infrastructure management. "Data-as-a-Service is about shifting the risk and responsibility from the utility to the service provider. This way, utilities can decide whether they want just the data, a summary report, or predictive analytics," explains Dr. Cahn . Thanks for reading The IT/OT Insider! Subscribe for free to receive new posts & podcasts and support our work. The Services Staircase We also talked about the Services Staircase, a framework that outlines the progressive stages utilities can follow to enhance their data management capabilities. There are three different types of service levels: base (product), intermediate (service), and advanced (capability). This structured approach helps utilities gradually improve their data capabilities, ensuring a sustainable and scalable transformation. By following the Services Staircase, utilities can systematically build their expertise and infrastructure, leading to smarter, more efficient water management practices. Real-World Examples of DaaS Implementations Gonzales, Louisiana: Enhancing Service Quality with Smart Metering In Gonzales, Louisiana, a small utility faced significant budget constraints that limited its ability to upgrade its infrastructure. By adopting a smart metering DaaS model, the utility was able to implement advanced metering infrastructure without the need for substantial upfront capital. The DaaS provider handled the data generation, transmission, and analytics, delivering actionable insights directly to the utility. This approach allowed the utility to improve billing accuracy and efficiency, while simultaneously enhancing service quality. As a result, Gonzales saw a reduction in water losses, improved customer satisfaction, and better resource management, demonstrating the tangible benefits of DaaS in a cost-effective manner. Jerusalem: Reducing Industrial Pollution through Data-Driven Monitoring In Jerusalem, the city's water utility faced challenges in monitoring and managing industrial pollution, which posed significant environmental and public health risks. By partnering with a DaaS provider, the utility was able to implement a comprehensive monitoring system that continuously collected and analyzed data from various industrial sites. This system provided real-time alerts and predictive analytics, enabling the utility to identify pollution sources and respond promptly to potential issues. The DaaS model not only improved the utility's ability to manage industrial pollution but also facilitated compliance with environmental regulations. This proactive approach led to a significant reduction in pollution incidents, showcasing how DaaS can drive environmental improvements and operational efficiency in urban water management. The Future of Water Management As we look to the future, Dr. Cahn envisions increased collaboration between utilities, technology providers, and other sectors. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing pressing challenges like climate change and resource management. Dr. Cahn encourages utilities to embrace DaaS and other innovative models to enhance their operations and sustainability. "We're at a pivot point where water management needs innovative solutions more than ever. By working together, we can advance the sector and address global challenges." Join the 350+ members of the SWAN Network To learn more about DaaS and other innovative water management solutions, visit the SWAN Forum's website [https://swan-forum.com/join/]. Now is a great time to get involved, as SWAN is offering a 10% discount on membership until July 30th. Join SWAN's global community to share insights, collaborate on projects, and drive the future of water management. Resources Find Dr. Amir Cahn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-cahn/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amir-cahn/] Download the free DaaS Playbook:  https://swan-forum.com/publications/swan-daas-playbook/ [https://swan-forum.com/publications/swan-daas-playbook/]Become a SWAN member: https://swan-forum.com/join/ [https://swan-forum.com/join/]  Can’t stop reading?We have organized our 30+ articles in three categories: Organization [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/organization], Change [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/change], and Technology [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/technology]. Make sure to check them out! Did you already subscribe to our podcast?  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider [https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider] Apple Podcasts: Spotify Podcasts: But also here on Substack: https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast [https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast]  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itotinsider.substack.com [https://itotinsider.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

In this episode of the IT/OT Insider podcast, David sat down with Toni Manzano, a veteran in the pharmaceutical industry and co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Aizon. We delve into how IT/OT convergence concepts can be applied to the pharmaceutical industry, an area where precision, regulation, and innovation intersect in complex ways.  Thank you all for all the positive feedback we received. Please subscribe to our blog if you haven't done this so far. We really like to make an impact, so sharing is always highly appreciated. Finally, we are always on the lookout [https://itotinsider.substack.com/about] for interesting stories.   The life sciences industry, encompassing sectors like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical devices, has an impact on all of us. They are pivotal in advancing global health by innovating and producing therapies, diagnostics, and treatments that improve and save lives. This industry represents a significant portion of the global economy, with the pharmaceutical sector alone generating approximately $1.6 trillion in global revenue in 2023.  Let’s delve into this super interesting sector and discover how digital solutions are transforming the way medicines are developed and produced! From Astrophysics to Pharma Toni began by sharing his intriguing transition from teaching astrophysics to spearheading software innovation in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry. He reflected on his contributions to the development of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). "Twenty years ago, LIMS and MES were something ‘wow’, and today it's still ‘wow’," Toni noted, emphasizing the continuous relevance of these systems, but also the slow adaptation. AI in Pharma: Beyond the Buzz We discussed the current hype surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in pharma. Toni describes AI as a "cocktail" with power computing, algorithms, maths, and crucially for pharma, quality data as ingredients. "The secret sauce of this cocktail in pharma is the quality data. Without quality data, you cannot bring AI to fruition," Toni explained. Toni shared a story about handling human plasma. Unlike other raw materials where quality non-compliance could simply lead to a batch rejection, human plasma represents a unique and invaluable resource that cannot be discarded. Here, Toni illustrated how AI can play a critical role. He described a scenario where, despite the high quality of operations, fluctuations in the quality of plasma can affect the final product. This complexity is where AI excels—by integrating vast amounts of operational and quality data to optimize processes that traditional methods cannot. This example not only underscores the complexity inherent in pharma manufacturing but also highlights the transformative potential of AI in managing such complexities, ensuring that every batch of product meets quality standards without wasting precious resources. Challenges and Conservatism Addressing the conservatism in the pharmaceutical industry, Toni pointed out the paradox of massive profitability discouraging rapid innovation. "If the industry is earning a lot of money with the status quo, there's less perceived need to evolve," he said. This highlights a significant barrier to adopting new technologies in an environment where traditional methods continue to yield high returns. Regulatory Insights and the Path Forward We also talked about the critical role of regulations in pharma, which ensure the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products. Toni illuminated the evolving nature of regulatory frameworks which are increasingly accommodating modern computational methods, including AI. "Regulatory bodies are promoting innovation and the modernization of the pharmaceutical industry," Toni stated, suggesting a gradual but inevitable shift towards more advanced, data-driven manufacturing processes. Outlook As we wrapped up our conversation, Toni expressed optimism about the future of IT/OT convergence in pharma, driven by societal demands for rapid innovation and a generational shift in executive leadership towards tech-savviness. "Young executives understand and live with digital technology daily. It's not something strange; it's necessary," he remarked. Find Toni on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonimanzano/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonimanzano/]Interested in finding out more about Aizon? Visit https://www.aizon.ai/ [https://www.aizon.ai/] Can’t stop reading?We have organized our 30+ articles in three categories: Organization [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/organization], Change [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/change], and Technology [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/technology]. Make sure to check them out! Did you already subscribe to our podcast?  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider [https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider] Apple Podcasts: Spotify Podcasts: But also here on Substack: https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast [https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast]  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itotinsider.substack.com [https://itotinsider.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Welcome to a special episode of the IT/OT Insider Podcast! Today is the first time we, David and Willem, are interviewing each other instead of hosting a guest. As co-authors of this blog and both working in the field of industrial digitalization, we thought it would be fun to share our own stories. In this episode, we'll delve into our backgrounds, our journeys in IT and OT, and our joint presentation at the Enterprise Technology Leadership Summit Europe [https://videos.itrevolution.com/watch/941725904] last week.  This conference was organized by IT Revolution, who published many of our favorite books [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/the-itot-book-library-what-should] including The Phoenix Project, Team Topologies, Sooner Safer Happier, DevOps Handbook and others. We were introduced by Gene Kim who shared that he too had witnessed the IT-OT divide in critical infrastructure. Our presentation is available on their website, [https://videos.itrevolution.com/watch/941725904] you need to create a free trial account to get access or you can listen to this podcast ;)  The Paradox of Digital Solutions We discussed the paradox that despite the promising potential of digital solutions, their implementation often fails when subjected to the realities of diverse and incompatible systems across manufacturing sites. "Billions have been poured into digitization, yet the average shop floor whispers tales of the 1980s," we noted during our talk. This mismatch between investment and outcome highlights the difficulty in scaling digital projects beyond pilot 'lighthouse' plants. A personal note: Thank you all for all the positive feedback we received from this amazing community. Subscribe to our blog if you haven't done this so far. We really like to make an impact on this industry, so sharing with your peers is always highly appreciated. Finally, we are always on the lookout for inspiring IT/OT stories. Feel free to reach out [https://itotinsider.substack.com/about] to us if you have something to share.   The Socio-Technical Ecosystem Our conversation emphasized that IT/OT integration is not merely a technical challenge but a socio-technical endeavor that involves people, processes, and entrenched cultural norms. We pointed out that the disparity between IT and OT spans not only systems but also cultures, with IT's rapid innovation cycle clashing with OT's priority for reliability and gradual evolution. New!! Because we already have 30+ articles, we have now created 3 summary pages containing our most influential articles on Organization [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/organization], Change [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/change], and Technology [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/technology]. Make sure to check them out!    Challenges of Top-Down Directives We critiqued the common practice of dictating IT/OT convergence from the upper echelons of management, a top-down approach that often underestimates the intricate dynamics of integration. "Converging two organizations is not a management decision, [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/itot-cooperation-models-a-field-guide]" we explained, emphasizing that these initiatives should consider the socio-technical aspects where both IT and OT bring unique strengths and cultural perspectives. Anti-Patterns in Convergence Highlighting the pitfalls in current convergence practices, we talked about how mismanaged efforts can lead to increased divergence instead of integration. "When done wrong, efforts to converge will quickly lead to quite the opposite: divergence [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/itot-cooperation-models-a-field-guide]," we observed. We discussed how organizational comfort zones and resistance to change can exacerbate friction and mistrust between IT and OT departments. Our Vision for Collaboration Looking forward, we advocate for fostering a culture of collaboration where IT and OT not only coexist but actively cooperate, leveraging each other's strengths. We propose building a bridge [https://itotinsider.substack.com/p/itot-cooperation-models-a-field-guide-8bd] over the existing differences to create systems and processes that are IT-enhanced yet respect the operational imperatives of OT. Moving Toward Effective Integration Our discussion concludes with a call to action for organizations to rethink their approach to IT/OT integration. We emphasize the need for adaptive strategies that recognize the complexities of modern industrial environments and promote a balanced integration of technology and operational practice. By focusing on collaborative approaches and understanding each domain's unique contributions, companies can more effectively navigate the challenges of digital transformation in manufacturing. Subscribe to our podcast! YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider [https://www.youtube.com/@TheITOTInsider]Apple Podcasts: Spotify Podcasts: But also here on Substack: https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast [https://itotinsider.substack.com/podcast] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit itotinsider.substack.com [https://itotinsider.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]