Utility leaders recognize the potential of uniting data and processes from the once-distinct domains of information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT). Just think of the tens of thousands—or millions—of smart devices on electricity networks. Each digital device—whether a smart meter, a fault current indicator, to a voltage regulator—is essentially a small computer requiring hardware, firmware and software. And IT skills are needed to help manage these devices for utilities to achieve reliability and cost-reduction objectives.
The benefits of IT/OT integration can be seen in how smart meter data is being used for outage management, which allows “pinging” of meters to confirm failures and service restoration.
