OT and Its Convergence

By Elías Cedillo Hernández
CEO and Founder of GrupoBeIT, BuroMC, and Elite Infrastructure Services

In a business environment where agility, efficiency, and resilience are more than competitive advantages, the convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) has become a strategic link for cybersecurity across sectors that rely on it.

As leaders, we can no longer afford to view IT and OT as separate domains. The integration of these two environments not only redefines how we operate but also transforms how we create value, manage risk, and prepare for the future.

IT/OT convergence is not merely a technical matter—it is a business decision that directly impacts operational efficiency, the security of critical infrastructures, and the ability to innovate at scale.

Historically, OT systems were designed to operate in closed environments focused on stability and continuity. IT, on the other hand, evolved to manage data, enable collaboration, and protect information. Today, the line separating the two is blurred—and that is an opportunity.

The value of a unified IT and OT infrastructure lies in providing a holistic view of operations. Organizations can anticipate failures before they occur, optimize processes in real time, and make data-driven decisions that were once locked in silos.

This translates into:

• Lower operating costs through predictive maintenance and intelligent automation.
• Greater security by applying enterprise-grade cybersecurity controls to industrial environments.
• Faster response times, thanks to real-time visibility across the value chain.

Like any deep transformation, challenges exist. Interoperability between legacy systems and modern platforms; cultural resistance among technical teams, and the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. All require strong leadership and long-term vision.

But these challenges should not paralyze us—on the contrary, they should push us to act decisively. IT/OT convergence is not a passing trend; it is the foundation upon which the industry of the future will be built. At the executive level, we must embrace our role as architects of change.

This means:

• Encouraging collaboration between IT and OT teams.
• Investing in platforms that enable secure and scalable integration.
• Promoting a culture of continuous innovation where technology empowers human talent.

References: Palo Alto