The IT/OT Insider Podcast - Pioneers & Pathfinders By David Ariens and Willem van Lammeren

In this latest episode of the IT/OT Insider podcast, David welcomed Jan Meskens, a seasoned data consultant with a rich background in data management and academia. The discussion provided deep insights into the evolving landscape of industrial data management, emphasizing the critical need for bridging the gap between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) to leverage the full potential of data in Industry 4.0.
User-Centric Data Management
“In the world of data, usability is often an afterthought”
Jan, who started his career in user experience design before transitioning into data consultancy, shared his unique perspective on making data systems as user-friendly as possible. “In the world of data, usability is often an afterthought,” Meskens explained. He highlighted the common industry challenge where crucial data is frequently trapped within complex systems like massive Excel spreadsheets, understandable only by their creators.
The Two-Pronged Approach to Data Projects: Bottom-up + Top-down
The conversation shifted towards how organizations initiate and drive data projects. Meskens outlined a dual approach seen in most successful enterprises: a bottom-up initiative driven by specific teams who see value in data and a visionary top-down strategy led by leaders who understand the broader benefits of data integration. “Both directions are crucial for cultivating a data-driven culture within any organization,” Meskens noted.
Proof of Concept: Learning or a Pitfall?
“The real success stories are those where PoCs serve as a stepping stone to full-scale implementation and integration.”
A significant focus was on the role of proofs of concept (PoCs) in data management projects. Meskens emphasized that PoCs should be learning instruments rather than final solutions. “The real success stories are those where PoCs serve as a stepping stone to full-scale implementation and integration,” he stated. This approach mitigates the risk of what he humorously refers to as "PoC purgatory," where projects perpetually cycle through the proof-of-concept phase without reaching full deployment.
Integrating IT and OT Perspectives
David and Jan also delved into the cultural and procedural nuances that differentiate IT and OT. Meskens pointed out that while IT projects can often pivot and adapt rapidly, operational technology demands a more methodical and safety-oriented approach due to the physical nature of the machinery and processes involved. This difference often leads to a clash of expectations and methodologies when managing data projects across IT and OT boundaries.
Facilitating Change through Sketches
Highlighting an innovative communication method, Meskens shared how sketching complex ideas has helped bridge the communication gap between various stakeholders in data projects. “Sketches open a dialogue—they are simple yet powerful tools for visualization and feedback,” he remarked, noting how this method helps stakeholders engage more constructively in project discussions.
Book Recommendations
Meskens recommended two influential books for those interested in deepening their understanding of data management and project dynamics: "The Phoenix Project" and "Data Management at Scale." These readings, he believes, provide foundational knowledge and advanced insights into effectively managing and scaling data projects.
Insights for the Future
The podcast wrapped up with a reflective discussion on the future of IT/OT convergence, with both David and Jan advocating for more integrated and cooperative approaches to managing industrial digital transformation. 
This episode of the IT/OT Insider not only shed light on the technical and cultural facets of data management but also underscored the importance of strategic and human-centric approaches to digital transformation in the manufacturing sector. As industries worldwide continue to evolve, the principles discussed by David and Jan will undoubtedly infl

In the heart of the digital revolution, companies across the globe are recognizing the need to adapt and transform. The industrial sector is no exception. David had the privilege of speaking with Mike Hughes, Zone President at Schneider Electric for the Nordics and Baltic region, who has been at the forefront of this transformation. With years of experience and a career that spans various regions, including the UK and Ireland, Mike shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of digitalization in manufacturing.
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“Digitalization isn't a new concept; it's been on the corporate agenda for years. However, the urgency to adopt digital strategies has significantly increased.”
The Why and How of Digitalization
David: “Why should companies talk about digital transformation today?”
Mike Hughes: “Digitalization is not a new concept; it's been part of the dialogue for many years. However, what's changed is the urgency and the necessity for it. The advancements in sensor technology over the past decade, coupled with exponential growth in computing power, particularly through AI and companies like NVIDIA, have propelled us into a new era. It's not just about being able to gather data anymore; it's about analyzing and extracting valuable insights from that data to drive significant productivity gains.”
A compelling aspect of our conversation centered around the realization that digitalization transcends IT. This transition is not just about enhancing IT infrastructure but transforming industrial processes to unlock new value.
Key Drivers of Change
From the introduction of SCADA systems to the integration of industrial software, the landscape has changed. This evolution is fueled by the need for data-driven insights to optimize processes and reduce inefficiencies.
Mike: “Over the past five years, the shift has been remarkable. Historically, IT and OT have operated in silos, but we're seeing those barriers come down. The realization that the largest potential for value lies not within office productivity tools but within industrial processes has been pivotal. When you combine digital sensor technology with AI capabilities, you create a powerful tool for unlocking efficiency on the shop floor. This convergence of IT and OT is vital for leveraging data across the entire manufacturing ecosystem.”
Sustainability + Digitalization
Another key theme that emerged was the role of digitalization in promoting sustainability.
Mike: “Sustainability and digitalization go hand in hand. As regulations around sustainability tighten, companies are compelled to not only track but actively manage their environmental impact. Digital tools allow for better energy management, supply chain transparency, and overall resource efficiency. It's a win-win scenario where companies can achieve sustainability targets while enhancing operational efficiency. [..] One of the most important lessons is that digital transformation goes beyond technology. It's fundamentally about rethinking processes and systems to unlock new value. Another critical aspect is the blurring lines between IT and OT, enabling seamless data flow and analytics. Lastly, sustainability can serve as a powerful catalyst for digital adoption, driving companies towards practices that are not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.”
Looking forward: what does the future hold?
Mike: “The future is incredibly promising. As we refine our approaches to integrating IT and OT and as technologies continue to advance, I believe we'll see even more innovative applications of digital tools in manufacturing. Sustainability will remain a key focus, driving further innovation in how we manage resources and reduce environmental impact. The journey of digitalization is ongoing, and it will continue to shape the manufacturing sector in profound ways

Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive deep into the world of IT/OT convergence with Shiv Trisal, the global manufacturing, transportation, and energy market leader at Databricks. Join us as we explore the transformative power of data across industries and discuss the future of industrial digital transformation.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Meet Shiv Trisal
[00:33] Databricks Explained
[01:36] IT vs. OT Data
[02:31] Shiv's Journey
[05:26] Industry Comparisons
[05:34] Greenfield vs. Brownfield
[10:16] Jargon Challenges
[10:20] Bridging Gaps
[17:41] Data Convergence
[22:56] Cloud Transformation
[29:32] Episode Wrap-Up
Key Takeaways:
Databricks is at the forefront of empowering organizations with data intelligence, providing tools for companies to harness specific insights from their data, leveraging both IT and operational technology (OT) information.
The convergence of IT and OT data is crucial for the future of industrial digital transformation, requiring a unified approach to data analysis and utilization.
Shiv Trisal highlights the significant shift in data utilization and perception during his transition from the aviation industry to Databricks, emphasizing the value of AI and machine learning in discovering patterns and insights.
The conversation underscores the challenges and opportunities in IT/OT convergence, emphasizing the need for domain expertise, mutual understanding, and the alignment of perspectives between IT and OT domains.
The future of IT/OT integration is collaborative, focusing on creating a shared data foundation and maintaining data quality to drive actionable insights and outcomes.
Resources and Links:
Databricks Official Website: https://www.databricks.com/
AVEVA Partnership Announcement: https://www.aveva.com/en/about/news/press-releases/2024/aveva-and-databricks-forge-strategic-collaboration-to-accelerate-industrial-ai-outcomes-and-enable-a-connected-industrial-ecosystem/
Shiv Trisal’s LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shiv-trisal/
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