Transforming operational technology

The business model for numerous industries is undergoing significant changes and will continue to be driven by market conditions and the emergence of disruptive technologies, such as robots and artificial intelligence (AI). Companies that adhere to outdated business models risk losing their competitive edge and may even face the possibility of going out of business. Initially, the transformation of business models occurred within the enterprise environment through digital transformation. Over time, this transformation has also reached production sites. These sites, known as the operational technology (OT) domain, tend to be conservative and generally resist significant changes, which is understandable due to safety and security concerns.

Renewable industries, including the green hydrogen sector, encounter similar challenges but with an additional hurdle: an uncertain business model. Unlike the established and predictable business model for grey hydrogen, the business model for green hydrogen is new and likely to be volatile. This uncertainty puts pressure on operational expenditure (OPEX) from the plant’s operational readiness. As a result, the need for digitalisation to reduce OPEX becomes increasingly important.

Despite the urgency to transform business models in the OT domain for operations, supply chain, asset management, and production, introducing disruptive technologies to support the transformation faces significant challenges. Disruptive technologies in the OT domain, such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), tablets, smart CCTV, robots, drones, digital twins, and AI, hold the potential to drive significant improvements. However, a sustainable plan is essential for successful deployment.

Existing company policies on safety and security often create barriers to implementing new technologies. These policies, combined with the lack of a data management and integration strategy, hamper the deployment and data exchange between domains, including the cloud. The consequence is siloed data, lacking structure and context, leading to limited integration and efficiency. This is particularly concerning because of the urgency to digitalise. As data volumes continue to grow, digitalisation will play a crucial role in the effective use of AI, which is one of the key pillars for transforming the OT domain.

Be part of a transformative journey, where strategies align, systems connect, and real stories drive progress at Yokogawa’s first Beyond Borders Tour. Taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 29 – 30 October 2025, connect with industry leaders and experts to discover Collaboration for Transformation: The New Competitive Edge: BEYOND BORDERS TOUR | Yokogawa Europe

Subscribe today for the full article and many more in our free issue of Global Hydrogen Review Summer 2025.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/12062025/transforming-operational-technology/