As businesses across industries race toward digital transformation, two critical aspects of their operational landscape are Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) infrastructure. These two domains, traditionally siloed, are converging at an accelerated pace, creating opportunities for efficiency, security, and innovation.
This article explores how IT/OT infrastructure integration, powered by MFT (Managed File Transfer) solutions, is driving digital transformation across industries.
Understanding IT/OT Convergence
IT refers to systems and networks that manage data, computing, and communication in an enterprise, focusing on business applications, databases, and infrastructure. OT, on the other hand, involves hardware and software that detects or causes changes in physical devices, processes, and industrial equipment. It is common in industries such as manufacturing, utilities, and energy, where control systems, sensors, and machines monitor and automate production and infrastructure.
Historically, IT and OT operated in separate silos due to their distinct functions and requirements. IT systems prioritise data confidentiality and integrity, while OT systems focus on availability and safety, often in real-time, critical scenarios. However, as enterprises embrace Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), this traditional divide is narrowing. Organisations need to bridge IT and OT to enable greater automation, real-time analytics, and cross-functional collaboration.
For example, an integrated IT/OT system in manufacturing can synchronise machine-level data with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, enabling real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated supply chain adjustments. However, this convergence also introduces complexities, particularly around data movement, security, and compliance, which is where MFT solutions like GoAnywhere come in.
IT/OT Benefits and differences
There are several ways to distinguish between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT).
First, as OT is primarily focused on controlling and managing the physical world, while IT deals with digital data and the cyber realm. OT is typically found in industrial environments, where it supports highly autonomous systems and devices. In contrast, IT relies more on human interaction and is used across a variety of business settings by a wide range of users.
OT systems tend to be specialised, purpose-built devices that are operated by a small group of highly trained professionals. These systems often run on proprietary software and require infrequent updates. IT systems, on the other hand, run on conventional operating systems and require regular updates to maintain security and functionality.
In recent years, advances in technology—such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing—have blurred the traditional lines between IT and OT. This merging of the two is known as IT/OT convergence.
Today, OT systems are increasingly incorporating IT applications. Many OT platforms now support IoT frameworks and use IP- or cloud-based communication protocols such as OPC UA and SNMP. This allows data from both IT and OT systems to be shared, offering valuable insights and enhancing decision-making. This growing connectivity and interoperability are particularly beneficial for asset management in industries that rely on process automation.
IT/OT Enablers
IT/OT enablers are critical tools that support the integration of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) into industrial processes and infrastructure. These enablers accelerate the adoption of digital technologies, fostering productivity improvements, reducing operational costs, and enhancing agility in process manufacturing.
Technologies that empower IT/OT infrastructure and drive sustainable change include:
Smart Devices and IoT Sensors
Smart devices and IoT sensors are essential components of modern IT/OT platforms. These electronic instruments, which can be wired or wireless, are designed to operate autonomously or semi-autonomously, interacting with other connected devices and networks. Smart devices continuously monitor their surroundings, while IoT sensors detect and measure environmental variables, converting this data into actionable insights, such as electrical signals.
These technologies form the foundation of IT/OT systems by measuring, analysing, and controlling field operations. The data they generate is transmitted to the enterprise level, where it can be analysed to provide a deeper understanding of operations. This data-driven intelligence enables informed decision-making that unlocks new value and supports continuous operational improvements.
Edge Computing
Edge technology decentralises data processing by bringing it closer to the source of data—typically on the “edge” of a company’s infrastructure, near-field devices, and sensors. The Edge represents the intersection of traditional OT and modern IT systems. It captures data from OT devices, such as sensors, and processes it locally before sending it to cloud-based systems or IoT platforms.
This approach reduces latency and improves data security by ensuring that data is managed securely at the outermost points of the network, where dedicated security mechanisms are installed. Edge computing enhances responsiveness and real-time decision-making in industrial environments by processing critical data on-site, reducing the reliance on centralised systems.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing provides remotely hosted services that are accessed through the internet, offering flexibility and scalability for IT/OT infrastructure. In process manufacturing, cloud-based IoT applications are increasingly integrated into OT environments for tasks such as predictive maintenance, data storage, and supply chain management. Many businesses are opting for private or hybrid cloud solutions over traditional, in-house data centres, while the demand for colocation services—renting third-party facilities for hosting hardware—continues to grow.
By adopting cloud computing, manufacturers can enable smart factory capabilities and adapt quickly to shifting operational demands. Cloud infrastructure enhances connectivity, scalability, and interoperability, leading to improved asset uptime, higher production quality, and greater revenue potential. Cloud-powered manufacturing is rapidly becoming the industry standard, offering a more flexible, data-driven approach to plant operations.
The Role of Managed File Transfer (MFT) in IT/OT Integration
MFT (Managed File Transfer) is a secure method of automating and transferring data between systems, both within and outside an organisation. As IT/OT integration grows, the need to securely share sensitive data between different systems, locations, and stakeholders has become crucial. MFT addresses these challenges by providing a seamless, secure, and automated way to manage file transfers, ensuring compliance with data security standards, and reducing the risk of breaches or unauthorised access.
In an IT/OT converged environment, cyber threats increase due to the exposure of previously isolated OT systems to external networks. GoAnywhere MFT strengthens security by encrypting files in transit and at rest, offering secure protocols like SFTP, FTPS, and HTTPS, and incorporating multifactor authentication (MFA). These features significantly reduce the risk of data breaches, which are critical for industries like manufacturing, utilities, and healthcare, where OT systems are mission-critical.
Many industries that rely on OT systems are subject to stringent regulations related to data security, privacy, and integrity. GoAnywhere MFT helps organisations comply with these regulations by ensuring that all data transfers are securely encrypted and logged and providing detailed reports for auditing purposes. The platform’s compliance features align with industry standards such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR, making it easier for organisations to meet regulatory requirements.
The automation of file transfers across IT and OT environments improves operational efficiency by eliminating manual processes. This not only reduces errors but also speeds up data exchange, enabling faster decision-making and real-time operational adjustments. For instance, in the manufacturing sector, GoAnywhere can automatically transfer data from production machines to IT systems for analysis, providing real-time insights that help optimise performance and reduce downtime.
Applications of IT/OT Infrastructure with GoAnywhere MFT
Manufacturing
In a smart factory setting, machines and sensors on the OT side continuously generate data about production metrics, equipment health, and energy consumption. Integrating this data with IT systems allows for predictive analytics and optimisation of production schedules. GoAnywhere MFT enables the secure transfer of data between these systems, ensuring real-time data flow and the ability to make on-the-fly adjustments without risking security breaches or data loss.
Utility and Energy
For utility companies, the integration of IT/OT systems can improve the management of power grids, water systems, and energy consumption. By securely transferring data between operational control systems and IT analytics platforms, companies can gain real-time insights into grid performance, predict outages, and optimise energy distribution. GoAnywhere MFT ensures that sensitive data such as power consumption statistics and system vulnerabilities remain protected from cyber threats.
Healthcare
In healthcare, IT/OT convergence helps bridge the gap between medical devices (OT) and patient management systems (IT). For example, data from MRI machines and other diagnostic tools can be securely transferred to electronic health records for analysis and reporting. GoAnywhere MFT plays a critical role in maintaining data privacy and compliance with regulations like HIPAA while enabling seamless, automated file exchanges.
Conclusion
The integration of IT and OT infrastructure is a cornerstone of digital transformation, enabling businesses to harness the full power of their operational and informational assets. By utilising a robust MFT solution like GoAnywhere, organisations can securely and efficiently manage the flow of data between IT and OT systems, ensuring data security, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
As the industrial world embraces digitalisation, the ability to securely transfer and manage data across an integrated IT/OT environment will be key to unlocking the next wave of innovation and growth. GoAnywhere MFT, with its comprehensive features, is a critical enabler of this transformation, helping businesses achieve their digital goals while safeguarding their most valuable asset: data.
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