Welcome to the 10th episode ( 🎉) of The IT/OT Insider Podcast! David talks with Gregory Grauwels, who is the current Group OT Manager at Cloetta, a confectionery company in Europe. With years of experience in both industrial automation and digital transformation, Gregory has an impressive track record in OT management. In this podcast, he shares his insights and advice for those aspiring to start a career as an OT manager. Amongst other things, we talked about Doing things step by step, about Land and Expand and about Open architectures.
Gregory's Journey to OT Management
Gregory’s path to becoming an OT manager started with a deep technical background in industrial automation. After gaining experience in the petrochemical industry, where he worked on programming and integrating automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA systems, Gregory transitioned into more senior roles focused on digital transformation. Before joining Cloetta, Gregory held a role at Bayer, focusing on digital manufacturing initiatives like cybersecurity, digital maturity assessments, and overseeing Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Manufacturing Operations Management (MOM).
His move to Cloetta marked a shift from the petrochemical sector to the confectionery industry, which brought unique challenges. As he describes it, "I went from petrochemical to confectionery, which was completely different but exciting." At Cloetta, he was tasked with modernizing their operational technology infrastructure while maintaining a balance between long-standing, traditional machinery and cutting-edge digital systems.
Key Challenges
One of the key challenges Gregory faces at Cloetta is managing a complex mix of old and new technologies. Cloetta, with its long history, still operates some older production machines alongside the latest modern equipment. “We have lines that have been in operation for decades, and some of these machines are still vital to our production processes,” Gregory explains. As an OT manager, one must ensure that these systems run smoothly and integrate with new digital initiatives.
Variation is also a unique challenge. Producing different types of confectionery—whether it’s chocolate, wine gums, or jelly beans—requires different technologies and processes. "Each product comes with its own set of machines and technology. The way we produce jelly beans is entirely different from how we make wine gums, and each of these technologies requires specialized knowledge and equipment,” he says.
Managing these varied technologies means an OT manager must be adept at navigating both older machinery and modern automation tools. Gregory emphasizes the importance of ensuring that every machine, whether old or new, works harmoniously to maintain production efficiency and quality.
Unified Namespace as the Data-Glue between all lines
A key concept in modern industrial digital transformation is the Unified Namespace (UNS), which also came up during our conversation. The UNS serves as a central repository or hub for real-time data exchange across all systems in an organization. In the context of IT/OT convergence, this approach allows for seamless communication between different systems—whether it's legacy equipment, modern IoT devices, or enterprise-level applications like ERP systems. Gregory explained that the Unified Namespace provides a structured, standardized framework that ensures data from various sources is consistently accessible and usable by both OT and IT teams. "The idea behind the UNS is to create a single source of truth for all operational data," Gregory noted. By doing so, organizations can eliminate data silos, improve interoperability, and enable more effective decision-making based on real-time insights. This is particularly useful for industries with diverse systems, where aligning data formats and communication protocols has traditionally been a significant challenge.
Advice for Aspiring OT Managers
Develop a Strong Foundation in Industrial Technology: Gregory’s background in automation and digital manufacturing laid the groundwork for his success as an OT manager. Aspiring OT managers should focus on building a deep technical understanding of automation systems like PLCs, SCADA, and MES, as well as new digital technologies that are reshaping the industry. “A strong technical foundation is key because OT is all about managing the technology that keeps production running,” he advises.
Learn to Manage Both Legacy and Modern Systems: In many industries, production lines often include a combination of legacy systems and the latest technologies. Gregory stresses the importance of balancing these two worlds. “You don’t replace a functioning machine just for the sake of digitalization. The challenge is to integrate new technologies in a way that complements the existing systems without disrupting production,” he explains.
Focus on Practical Problem-Solving: Problem-solving is at the heart of OT management. Gregory emphasizes that a good OT manager needs to focus on practical, efficient solutions to keep production moving smoothly. “It’s not just about implementing the latest tools or systems; it’s about ensuring that everything works together seamlessly,” he says. This often involves finding creative solutions to integrate digital tools into established processes.
Collaborate Across Teams and Departments: One of the most critical skills for an OT manager is the ability to collaborate effectively with different teams, from operators on the shop floor to upper management. Gregory highlights the importance of understanding the needs and challenges of each stakeholder involved in production. “As an OT manager, you’re the link between the technology and the people who use it. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential,” he advises.
Keep a Long-Term Vision for Digital Transformation: Gregory views digital transformation as an ongoing process that requires careful planning and a forward-looking mindset. “Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new technologies; it’s about making continuous improvements to streamline production, reduce costs, and improve product quality,” he explains. For aspiring OT managers, having a strategic vision for how to integrate digital solutions into manufacturing is crucial for long-term success.
Thank you, Gregory, for joining us!
If you have an interesting story to share, feel free to reach out to David !
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