I Can Hack Your Building. Stop Me.
We estimate that there are currently 900,000 buildings and facilities in the US (conservatively) employing some kind of OT network managed by a BMS. But there’s a good chance many of them have exposed building controllers, security cameras and access control systems that any entry level hacker can get into. Today, there are lots of […]
Do You Know Your BACnet Network?
BACnet networks are pretty predictable. Apart from new device additions, the network activity is normally very regular and regimented: lighting and HVAC go on and off according to tenants’ needs, while surveillance and security systems remain on. Problems like devices dropping offline, breakers restarting, and a slow network don’t just suddenly erupt out of nowhere… […]
Industry Focus: The Importance of OT Networks in Healthcare
There isn’t much we can add to any conversation about the importance of healthcare centers like hospitals, emergency clinics, and specialized care environments. But what isn’t included in those conversations is just how important the buildings themselves are to ensuring the people inside can do their jobs. Or that those in need of help, typically […]
Your OT Network Service Checklist: Is It Time to Modernize?
Gone are the days of waiting for something to break. A well-maintained service checklist is an indispensable tool for ensuring optimal performance, robust security, and peak operational efficiency. Whether you’re managing your own OT network infrastructure, collaborating with an IT team, or providing top-tier services to clients, a proactive checklist can prevent costly oversights and […]
Overcoming Painful Labor Shortages in The OT Networking World
Automation Designer. Operations Engineer. Building Automation Controls Technician. At the time of writing, there’s over 1000 open automation and OT network roles currently advertised on LinkedIn. And that’s just North America. In India, for example, there’s an anticipated 8-9% growth in HVAC automation roles coming into 2025. OT Networking experts occupy a fairly niche role, […]
You Can’t Protect What You Can’t See
There was a time when no one really had to worry about securing their operational technology (OT) devices. You could enjoy all the benefits of connectivity and remote access without the “hassle” of secure passwords or firewalls. Those days are gone. As Fred Gordy writes for FacilitiesNet, “Devices are now in the hacker’s crosshairs.” If […]
OT Networks & Energy Management: 5 Strategies That Deliver Real ROI
Operational technology (OT) networks and energy management systems can be powerful tools for driving energy efficiency. With ESG a chief mandate for many facilities teams, leveraging the data and capabilities of your energy management systems and OT networks has become a critical way to identify key opportunities to cut energy use and reduce costs. Let’s […]
Seeing the Invisible: 6 Reasons for Better OT Network Visibility
Technicians must have comprehensive, real-time visibility into the performance and health of each device and the network itself. This visibility helps quickly spot issues and ensure systems are running without problems, and it enables minor issues to be addressed before they cause downtime. Network visibility isn’t a new idea, but it’s becoming more important for […]
Managing VLANs and BBMDs in BACnet Networks: A Practical Guide
On paper, virtual local area networks (VLANs) and BACnet Broadcast Management Devices (BBMDs) seem completely at odds. VLANs are meant to separate and segregate traffic into multiple subnets. At the same time, BBMDs are designed to bypass all that work to broadcast messages across different parts of the network without limiting which devices should get […]
Collaborative OT Crisis Response: Getting the Right People the Right Data
Operational Technology (OT) networks are the backbone of essential systems—lighting, HVAC, elevators, and entry systems—making any unplanned downtime a critical event. Unlike IT networks, it’s unlikely a campus, hospital, or corporate data center has access to redundant building systems. The risks are manifold, not only to productivity but also to the health and safety of […]
