Idea to Shop Floor: From OT Manager to Water Supply Chief with Alana Murray
Alana is the Manager of Water Supply Plants and Dams at a large municipal water utility in Canada. We talk IT/OT Convergence, challenges in her role as operational manager and more!
When we get the chance to speak with someone who bridges the gap between OT and business, we jump at the opportunity. Alana Murray is one of those individuals. She is the Manager of Water Supply Plants and Dams at a large municipal water utility in Canada. Before her current role, Alana was the OT Manager at the same organization.
In this interview, Alana discusses how being on the business and OT side have reshaped her perspective on water management and tested her leadership skills. We talked about the differences between having the responsibility to keep the automation systems running versus the need to keep different balls in the air while having a facility which needs to deliver water all day, every day. Alana also shares insights on IT/OT convergence, crisis management, and the future of water resource management.
“My first year in this new role was nothing short of a trial by fire. A forest fire forced us to operate our largest plant remotely, and a 1-in-1000-year flood threatened the integrity of our dam”
IT/OT Insider: What was the biggest surprise when you transitioned from OT Manager to Manager of Water Supply Plants and Dams?
Alana Murray: Oh, I thought it would be just a step up the ladder, but it turned out to be more like riding a wild roller coaster! My first year in this new role was nothing short of a trial by fire. We encountered a series of crises that pushed us to our limits. A forest fire forced us to operate our largest plant remotely, and a 1-in-1000-year flood threatened the integrity of our dam. Extreme water quality issues from flood runoff added to the chaos. The stress and burnout from these events led to a significant staff exodus, while critical equipment failures at our oldest plant and a chemical miscalculation threatened water production. Each of these challenges demanded rapid decision-making, clear communication, and innovative solutions. I learned that leadership in water management isn't just about technical knowledge—it's about staying calm under extreme pressure, making tough calls with limited information, and keeping a team motivated and focused in the face of relentless challenges.
IT/OT Insider: How did these experiences change your perspective?
Alana: This role has expanded my horizons far beyond what I could have imagined. I've developed a holistic understanding of water resource management, honed my leadership skills in high-pressure situations, and gained a deep appreciation for the intricate balance between human needs and environmental stewardship. Looking back, I realize that my transition wasn't just a career move—it was a transformative experience that forged a new version of myself. Every day, I'm reminded of the critical importance of what we do to ensure public health and safety and the resilience required to do it effectively. It drives me to keep learning, innovating, and preparing for whatever challenges the future might bring.
“We've faced resistance among staff due to the top-down implementation, and applying IT methodologies like Agile sprints to OT processes has been particularly challenging”
IT/OT Insider: You started merging your IT and OT departments at your organization. Any first insights into this journey?
Alana: Our organization recently embarked on this initiative with the goal of creating a more integrated and efficient operation. While there has been enthusiasm from several team members and active efforts by management to foster understanding, the reality has proven more complex than anticipated. We've faced resistance among staff due to the top-down implementation, and applying IT methodologies like Agile sprints to OT processes has been particularly challenging. Despite ongoing efforts, we’ve seen limited success in building mutual understanding between teams.
IT/OT Insider: Would you be able to map your organization onto our cooperation patterns?
Alana: Our situation seems to fall between a "Central Industry 4.0 Team" structure and true "IT/OT Cooperation." However, we're also exhibiting some anti-patterns, such as the top-down decision-making approach and attempts to make OT conform to IT practices.
IT/OT Insider: Could you elaborate on that last statement?
Alana: In practice, our convergence efforts involve merging teams under a unified structure, aligning processes and methodologies, and striving for a cohesive approach to technology and operations. However, this has raised concerns about disrupting established OT processes, decreased morale among OT staff, and potential operational disruptions. To improve convergence, I recommend focusing on expanding common ground rather than forcing full convergence, adapting IT methodologies to fit OT needs, implementing cross-functional teams for specific projects, developing hybrid approaches, investing in education and knowledge-sharing programs, identifying champions from both sides, and establishing regular feedback mechanisms. Operations should have a stronger voice in the merger process to ensure new processes align with the realities of our production environment and preserve essential OT practices.
“I recommend focusing on expanding common ground rather than forcing full convergence”
IT/OT Insider: What advice would you give to someone considering a significant career shift, especially into critical infrastructure roles?
Alana: Be prepared for the unexpected. The challenges that push you way out of your comfort zone are often the ones that lead to the most significant personal and professional growth. You might find, as I did, that your new role demands more of you than you ever imagined, but it also offers the opportunity to rise to occasions you never thought possible. Our experiences in managing water resources and infrastructure are crucial as we face increasing environmental challenges. I'm committed to sharing insights and fostering discussions that can help us all become better prepared and more resilient.
IT/OT Insider: Thank you, Alana!
Further Reading:
Alana is very active on LinkedIn, make sure to follow her!
