OT (Operational Technology) is the hardware and software that monitors and controls physical industrial processes , PLCs, SCADA, DCS , prioritising real-time performance and safety above connectivity.
Definition
OT (Operational Technology) refers to the hardware and software that monitors and controls physical industrial processes , PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, safety systems, and industrial networks. OT exists in contrast to IT (Information Technology), which handles business data and enterprise systems. The distinction matters because OT systems have different priorities: real-time performance and safety first, security and connectivity second , which is the opposite of most IT thinking.
What this means when you're hiring
OT as a category in recruitment has grown significantly as organisations hire dedicated OT managers, cybersecurity specialists, and digital transformation leaders who understand the operational layer. The candidates who command the strongest packages are those who understand both OT systems depth and how to connect OT to IT layers , the IT/OT convergence story. Pure OT engineers who can't explain the data architecture above SCADA are increasingly limited in their career ceiling.
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