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
Collaboration with CLEVR
A collaboration usually starts with these three steps:
1
Qualification of the cooperation and the task
Together we qualify whether CLEVR Engineering is the right partner for the client and the content of the assignment is described.
2
Choice of consultant
CLEVR Engineering offers one or more qualified consultants.
3
Contracting
The start-up and duration of the assignment and the hourly rate are agreed and relevant agreements are signed; NDA, contracts, etc.
We ensure the right match between client and consultant. We take the time for the thoroughness needed for all parties to feel comfortable throughout the process, and of course we don’t charge for our time until we have a signed agreement and the consultant has started working with the client.
