What can OT do?
- OT systems control and monitor machines, sensors, and industrial facilities. Examples include PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS solutions, and HMIs
- OT connects physical processes with data and applications and is used in sectors such as energy, water supply, manufacturing, transportation, and construction
- In OT environments, high reliability, continuous availability, and real-time control are essential
Modern OT challenges
- Traditionally, OT systems operated in isolation (so-called ‘air-gaps’), but with IT/OT convergence, they are now often part of networks – increasing complexity and vulnerability
- There is also increasing focus on security — shifting from traditional IT principles to a new ‘process-centered’ approach, where requirements such as Controllability, Observability, and Operability in physical systems are key
Tools and platforms in OT
In our OT projects, we work with a wide range of tools and technologies that enable control, monitoring, and automation of industrial systems.
We have hands-on experience with, among others:
- SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) – e.g., Siemens WinCC, Wonderware/AVEVA, Ignition, Schneider EcoStruxure
- PLC systems (Programmable Logic Controllers) – e.g., Siemens S7/TIA Portal, Rockwell/Allen-Bradley, Beckhoff, and Omron
- DCS (Distributed Control Systems) – e.g., ABB 800xA and Emerson DeltaV for process plants and complex control
- HMI (Human Machine Interface) – user-friendly interfaces for operators, typically via touch panels, SCADA clients, or web-based solutions
- OPC UA / MQTT / Modbus / Profibus – industry standards for communication and data integration between devices and systems
- Historian software – such as PI System, InfluxDB, and Siemens Opcenter for collection, storage, and analysis of process data
Programming languages
SIEC 61131-3 languages – the standard for PLC programming. We work daily with:
- Structured Text (ST) – modern, text-based programming similar to Pascal
- Ladder Logic (LD) – graphical programming, often used for sequential logic
- Function Block Diagram (FBD) – for analog regulation and complex functions
- Sequential Function Charts (SFC) – for process control and state machines
Scripting and integration
- Python and JavaScript – typically used in SCADA/HMI platforms like Ignition, AVEVA Edge, and data analysis dashboards
- SQL – for handling and analyzing historical data in connection with Historian or MES systems
- C/C++ – for embedded devices and low-level OT integration, especially with custom-developed hardware
