IT vs. OT – Bridging the Divide in Modern Industry

Availability vs. confidentiality. Speed vs. security. Pragmatism vs. process.

Anyone working in industrial production knows this clash. IT and OT often speak completely different languages – and this is one of the biggest roadblocks in modern manufacturing.

But what if we finally started to see these differences as a strength? What if we stopped guarding responsibilities like fortresses – and began to define shared goals?

🏭 OT needs room to act – especially in critical moments

Simple example: An IO-Link master fails. The replacement module is ready. But: The new MAC address must first be approved by IT.

Result? The line stops. Production delays. All because processes aren’t aligned.

OT focuses on availability, quick response, and operational continuity. IT focuses on data confidentiality, integrity, and access control.

Both are essential – but without a common goal, they clash.

🔐 Cybersecurity starts with risk – not with firewalls

Cybersecurity isn't about just installing a firewall. True protection begins with one core question:

👉 "What are our risks – and what level of protection is economically justifiable?"

The IEC 62443 standard helps structure plants into logical zones and implement targeted protection – both technically and organizationally.

And that’s where it becomes clear: Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue. It’s a leadership task.

📜 NIS2, EU Machinery Regulation – there’s no turning back

With the new NIS2 Directive and the updated EU Machinery Regulation, one thing is clear: Responsibility lies with the operator.

And no single department can handle that alone. IT and OT must work together, with joint structures, shared accountability, and aligned strategies.

👥 Training is critical to success

A major – and often overlooked – success factor is training. True collaboration requires that IT and OT understand each other, speak a shared language, and follow a common strategic direction.

👉 At Grollmus GmbH / Grollmus München GmbH , we offer exactly that: targeted, hands-on training at the intersection of IT and OT – grounded in real industrial practice. Whether it's IEC 62443 basics, secure network design or risk assessments – we prepare your team for the future.

🎯 What matters now: Leadership

We won’t erase the differences between IT and OT. But we can lead them – together. That means:

• Clear responsibilities
• Honest communication
• Shared goals that align across both domains

Because in the end, it’s about uptime, compliance, and – very tangibly – the business success of our operations.

👉 My belief: The future of industry won’t be decided at the machine – but at the interface between IT and OT.

How does your company handle this? Are IT and OT partners – or adversaries?

👇 I’d love to hear your perspective. Let’s talk in the comments.