The current state of Information Technology (IT) and Operation Technology (OT) convergence in manufacturing is a critical issue that remains inadequately addressed and largely unresolved. This keynote addresses the challenge at the heart of industrial innovation: The convergence of IT and OT. With IT’s forward-thinking approach to digital solutions and OT’s cautious stance on operational reliability, bridging the gap isn’t just necessary – it’s existential. A nuanced understanding of both IT and OT domains, supported by strategic metrics and KPIs, can align efforts and unlock unprecedented efficiency in Smart Factories. This approach also helps reduce downtime and increase profitability. We challenge leaders to explore whether their foundation is truly at the cutting edge of industrial evolution.

• Different paradigms between IT and OT slow down innovation
• Bridging the gap between IT and OT is existential
• Shared metrics and KPIs for IT and OT create synergie