What to Expect at Automate 2024

Summary

As we prepare to head to Automate 2024, it's clear that the manufacturing industry is on the verge of a transformative era. The conference’s agenda offers a glimpse into some of the cutting-edge technologies and evolving practices that will shape the future of the automation industry. 
 
From the ever-increasing influence of IT devices and practices on the plant floor to finding ways to deal with problems that arise from that convergence, we can expect this show to be about big ideas and innovative solutions. 
 
Below are a few of the topics I expect to be discussed on the floor and at the various social events around Chicago.
 

The convergence of IT and OT

The rapid convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) marks a significant evolution in how manufacturing ecosystems operate. Historically, corporate IT concentrated on the data management, network infrastructure and software applications that underpin the business's administrative backbone. Yet, the digital transformation wave has broadened this scope, compelling CIOs to integrate their strategies with the operational technologies that dictate manufacturing processes. 
 
This integration blurs the lines between the plant floor and enterprise IT, presenting a blend of challenges and opportunities. Among the most critical challenges is dismantling the longstanding silos between IT and OT. These silos, once a fixture of traditional manufacturing setups, often led to inefficiencies. 
 
The drive toward IT and OT convergence is not just about technological integration but also about fostering a culture of collaboration where IT and OT teams work in unison, understanding each other's domains and driving toward a shared goal of efficiency and innovation. How to bring these worlds together will be a topic of much discussion. 
 

The rise of Industrial DevOps

While many have still not heard of the term, Industrial DevOps is providing a compelling solution to the unique challenges of automation, version control and continuous integration within manufacturing. 

Compared to traditional automation tools and practices, Industrial DevOps is designed from the ground up for collaboration, providing proactive processes for preventing production issues. Industrial DevOps tools and practices maintain all vendor files and source code in a shared repository, giving engineers end-to-end visibility and control over code changes. The approach mitigates common bottlenecks of conventional practices such as the need to wait on others for work, limited code review processes and the need for collaborators to be in the same room, looking at the same screen to co-develop code.

That broad visibility puts the power of intellectual property at managers’ fingertips, allowing them to strategically optimize OT on a much greater scale. Furthermore, it reduces the need for tedious, repetitive manual backup tasks, thereby freeing up resources to focus on new innovations. 
 

Mitigating the scourge of shadow OT

Shadow OT is the collective systems, software and devices operating within the industrial domain without formal oversight or acknowledgment by the organization's IT security policies. It is the silent creeper in the digital OT ecosystem, often overlooked because it doesn't fit the conventional image of a cybersecurity threat. But it poses a serious threat that needs to be identified and dealt with.
 
Shadow OT lives in the places where IT and OT converge. Understanding it, identifying its manifestations and appreciating the stakes involved in mitigating its risks are essential for manufacturers and businesses operating within industrial environments. I expect to hear a lot about what tools and strategies for shining a light on these vulnerabilities and staying ahead of that threat.
 

To a great show and beyond

As I think about the show this year it's evident to me that the manufacturing industry is poised for a new era of innovation and transformation. From the convergence of IT and OT to the rise of Industrial DevOps and the increasing importance of automation in bridging the workforce gap, discussions at Automate 2024 promise to be engaging.