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IT/OT Convergence and Distributed Control

Fostering an Interconnected and Intelligent Manufacturing Landscape

mins

9 Jan, 2026

The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) enables seamless connectivity and enhanced data utilization in industrial settings. As environments become more digitalized, the ability to move data freely is crucial—whether on the plant floor or in the cloud, both horizontally and vertically, to systems like MES, ERP, and QMS. Read on to explore how weighing equipment shifts from isolated devices to intelligent, collaborative assets.

Edge Devices that Enable IT/OT Convergence

With a wide range of automation system compatibility, including PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, Modbus TCP/RTU, CC-Link IE Field Basic, and the recent addition of OPC UA, a smart automation weight indicator acts as a universal communication engine. It enables any-to-any communication between instruments, across OT/IT layers, and into the cloud. This supports flexible architectures that extend beyond traditional SCADA hierarchies, allowing manufacturers to modernize at their own pace. For example, a checkweigher and filler can exchange real-time data directly, allowing immediate fill adjustments based on actual weight results. This not only enhances process responsiveness and quality but also supports the shift toward distributed control and autonomous operation.

From OT Control to IT Insight: Enabling Real-Time, Scalable Value

In many factories and with various machines, OT is currently the main method of control. However, the growing integration of IT allows you to collect, analyze, control, and correct your processes based on evolving business needs. IT connectivity enables real-time insights, faster troubleshooting, and predictive maintenance.

With protocols such as MQTT, RESTful APIs, and OPC UA, weight data can be streamed directly to your critical systems. Additionally, the METTLER TOLEDO Standard Automation Interface (SAI™) enables precise control to improve your productivity.

Through IT/OT convergence, advanced condition monitoring becomes possible, confirming that your system is delivering accurate measurements and performance. When anomalies occur, Smart Alarms notify your systems with the type and severity of the error so you can prioritize maintenance.

Weighing Devices for Smart Manufacturing

To support digital transformation on the plant floor, METTLER TOLEDO partners with leading MES providers like Körber and Tulip Interfaces. This collaboration enables seamless integration of intelligent weighing devices into both traditional and low-code MES environments through standardized interfaces such as MQTT, RESTful API, and OPC UA. Whether assuring GMP-compliant batch records in Körber or powering intuitive operator apps in Tulip Interfaces, these MES-ready solutions help manufacturers increase efficiency and reduce errors to derive real benefits from this IT/OT convergence.

Unlocking the Benefits of IT/OT Convergence for Your Business

Bridging OT and IT transforms industrial operations by enabling seamless connectivity, real-time data utilization, and intelligent automation. Devices like the IND360 weight transmitter exemplify how smart edge technologies make this possible, offering multi-protocol support (Industrial Ethernet, OPC UA, RESTful API) and easy integration with major automation systems such as Siemens, Rockwell, and Beckhoff. This eliminates the need for middleware while increasing the amount of data for your control and analytics.

Implementing IT/OT convergence empowers manufacturers to:

Data Collecting

Break down data silos to improve collaboration and speed up decision-making across all systems.

Service

Upgrade systems gradually without disrupting operations, protecting your investment while preparing for future growth.

Monitoring

Gain faster insights and improve operational efficiency through real-time data visibility and monitoring

Downtime

Reduce downtime and maintenance costs by detecting and addressing issues early.

Compliance

Streamline regulatory reporting and reduce errors, ensuring quality and audit readiness with ease.

By embracing IT/OT convergence with smart edge devices like the IND360, your manufacturing operation becomes smarter, more agile, and better positioned to boost efficiency, quality, and long-term growth.

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