EP2 I Deloitte I Futureproofing Factories: Why Modernizing OT Infrastructure Matters

In a recent survey from Deloitte and the Manufacturer’s Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI), 86% of surveyed manufacturing executives believe that smart factory solutions will be the primary drivers of competitiveness in the next five years. Manufacturing CIOs are strategically harnessing cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and Data Analytics to foster growth. The modernization of OT (Operational Technology) infrastructure, which holds the potential to enhance the overall competitiveness of manufacturing, is required to move the industry into the digital era. But unlocking maximum value requires a methodical approach, transitioning from siloed initiatives to systematic transformation. Software-defined manufacturing (SDM) emerges as a systematic strategy, meticulously optimizing and modernizing all facets of manufacturing, spanning hardware, connectivity, storage, security, and underlying software, incorporating embedded intelligence across both IT and OT environments.

Key questions addressed:

· What is software defined manufacturing (SDM)?

· What is the business value of SDM and modernization of OT infrastructure?

· Does SDM address increasing cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities?

· How does enterprise industrial connectivity support SDM initiatives?