What is Operational Technology – An Overview

The term “operational technology” (OT) refers to a grouping of hardware and software systems that interact with the physical world. They are used to monitor or control the physical devices, processes, and infrastructure that are used in various industrial settings such as transportation, energy, manufacturing, and utilities. The best Operational Technology explanation is that OT systems are made up of interconnected control components that work collectively to accomplish a specific objective. These components of operational technology are divided into two main parts – the process and the controller. The process is part of the system that is responsible for generating output, while the controller is dedicated to ensuring that the system complies with established specifications.

Operational Technology has gradually advanced over a period of time with a desire to combine IT capabilities into physical systems which replace or supplement the existing physical control components. Improvements in cost and performance have resulted in the evolution of OT with technologies such as smart transportation, smart buildings, and the Internet of Things (IoT). This evolution reflects a growing desire to integrate digital and physical systems for greater efficiency and effectiveness.