Your plant security roadmap
Digitalization is not a temporary phenomenon that will soon fade away or simply run out of steam. A McKinsey study (February 2018) predicts that productivity in business enterprises will grow by 2% a year. Assuming they increase their use of digital technologies and infrastructure, that is. Strategies need to be developed and implemented for digital transformation processes in order to establish a long-term foothold in highly competitive markets. This is something which many companies and big players have already recognized! Plant security is the decisive move here.
Long-term process
The digital transformation is a long-term process that will take several years, if not decades, to complete. Not only a future scenario for the target state is essential, therefore, but also a clearly structured roadmap for implementing the necessary moves step by step. The right measures at the wrong time could turn out to be a hindrance later.
A plant security strategy paves the way for smooth digitalization. It prepares you ideally to utilize the most advanced digital technologies and applications. You also benefit from opportunities to network with other partners all along the supply chain. That all adds up to significant cost savings. Profitable, innovative, digital business processes can be driven forward agilely, flexibly and above all safely and securely in this way!
Drivers and architects of plant security
Your plant security strategy affects the entire organization and could well be accompanied by far-reaching changes. However, there is no alternative if the digital transformation processes are, first and foremost, to be realized safely, securely and efficiently. That’s why it’s all the more important to have a trusted partner at your side who is thoroughly familiar with the dos and don’ts of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT).
Avoiding the pitfalls of digitalization
Only too often, digitalization is reduced to the bare tools and technologies. Yet that falls short of the mark. The first step must be to take a closer look at the system architecture and landscape as a whole. A holistic analysis is needed of the security situation at your plant. Equal attention should be paid to all aspects of functional safety and IT security. Any vulnerabilities which are identified must be removed.
Functional safety (IEC 61511) is an integral part of Yokogawa’s plant security portfolio. Building on this, the portfolio conforms to international standards and recommendations such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62443, national recommendations, e.g. NAMUR (NE) 153 and 163 or the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) – especially with regard to critical infrastructures (KRITIS). All of this is reconciled with your individual requirements as the framework for a holistic plant safety concept.
You’re probably now asking where is the best place to start. Please don’t hesitate to contact us: we’d be delighted to develop a made-to-measure 360° security concept for you featuring state-of-the-art technologies in line with international standards. And help you profit from the wealth of opportunities arising from the digital transformation.
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