As OT networks continue to modernize, keeping teams up-to-date with the latest tools, approaches, and security threats is more important than ever. One great way to do this? Collaborative training sessions with facility OT teams and external system integrators (SIs) or vendors. For both facilities and external teams, staying up-to-date allows them to effectively manage and monitor their OT networks, ensuring the smooth operation of critical building systems.
For example, internal teams get the chance to sharpen their skills with updated diagnostic tools, helping them troubleshoot and resolve issues faster to keep downtime to a minimum. For external vendors and system integrators, joint training with customers means they can seamlessly integrate new devices, tackle complex problems, and deliver scalable solutions that boost a facility’s overall efficiency. Joint training brings internal teams, who know the ins and outs of a facility’s day-to-day operations, together with external vendors or systems integrators, who possess deep expertise in the latest technologies. This combination of perspectives is key to improving both parties’ ability to work together effectively.
Let’s explore the major advantages of joint training sessions for OT networks.
Expertise and Knowledge Transfer
One of the biggest benefits of joint training is the opportunity to share knowledge and break down silos. Internal OT teams gain insight into the tools and technologies being used by external vendors, while external partners get a clearer understanding of the facility’s unique requirements and challenges. This mutual exchange of knowledge ensures both sides are better equipped to manage and troubleshoot the network.
In a smart building, for example, an internal team would be more familiar with the daily operational needs of the building’s HVAC or elevator systems, while the external vendor would bring expertise in advanced diagnostic tools, and sourcing of replacement parts or upgraded components. In this scenario, training together helps both sides: the internal team maximizes device efficiency, while the vendor better understands how their technology interacts with the building’s existing network. This leads to more seamless upgrades and smoother maintenance, reducing operational hiccups.
In another scenario, where a large campus is serviced by systems integrators using OptigoVN, internal facilities teams could learn from their vendor to monitor network health using the platform. The systems integrator could in turn learn the specific nuances of the OT network from the facilities team—the existing topography, other vendors segments, what overlapping responsibilities lie with the IT teams, etc.—then customize their recurring network health checkups to better align with both the existing infrastructure and the needs of the client for regular support.
This shared understanding allows both teams to address network challenges more effectively, resulting in quicker troubleshooting and optimized system performance.
Improved Communication and Collaboration
Collaborative training also fosters improved communication. That collaboration between internal teams and external integrators helps establish a common language, ensuring that everyone is on the same page when discussing systems, security protocols, and technical processes.
When internal teams and external partners train together, it helps build a more unified approach to managing the OT network. Joint training encourages shared responsibility for operational continuity, making collaboration smoother and more proactive. It also helps everyone anticipate and tackle potential challenges, like unclear goals or different work styles. In the end, this unified strategy leads to better planning, quicker decision-making, and a more cohesive work environment.
Proactive Risk Management
Preventative maintenance, the major component of proactive risk management, is key to preventing small issues from escalating into emergencies. For example, by participating in joint training, internal teams learn how to effectively use diagnostic tools, like OptigoVN with Site Scopes, to monitor network performance in real-time. At the same time, external vendors or systems integrators bring their advanced expertise in root cause analysis and system optimization to the table. They can help internal teams understand how to interpret the data and recommend adjustments to the network to avoid potential issues.
Joint training also allows both sides to create tailored maintenance schedules and incident response plans, ensuring that all team members are aligned on when and how to perform routine check-ups or address anomalies.
Both teams, equipped with the same knowledge base, can more quickly pinpoint the source of a problem, whether it’s a configuration error, device malfunction, or network bottleneck. This reduces the time and cost associated with troubleshooting, ensuring that the OT network remains operational and secure.
Always room for one more
By adding a third party, the IT department, to collaborative training sessions, internal OT teams and system integrators can collaboratively identify potential security risks unique to the OT environment for IT security experts. They can then work together to develop and implement appropriate security controls and incident response plans, ensuring that they are prepared for any vulnerabilities that may arise.
Teams can practice responding to incidents and learning from each other’s approaches and perspectives. This collaboration leads to faster, more streamlined major incident response, as both parties are familiar with each other’s protocols and processes, reducing delays in problem-solving and minimizing potential damage.
How many issues will you solve today?
Staying Up-to-Date with Best Practices
OT networks are at an evolutionary point, and both internal teams and external vendors need to stay current with industry best practices and technological advancements. collaborative training sessions help both groups remain agile and informed, whether through hands-on experience with new tools or updates on the latest security protocols.
A third-party perspective from external vendors—who are often relied on to be up to speed on current events—can often provide insights that internal teams may not have considered. This external expertise is especially valuable for identifying blind spots in network management or offering innovative solutions that align with the facility’s specific needs.
Improved End-User Satisfaction
Ultimately, collaborative training leads to smoother operations, faster problem resolution, and a more secure network. These benefits don’t just improve efficiency for the teams involved—they also lead to an improved experience for end-users. When systems run reliably, and issues are resolved quickly, building occupants, facility managers, and other stakeholders experience fewer interruptions and better overall performance.
A Cumulative Cost Effectiveness
All of these advantage add up to some cost savings in several ways:
- Reduced downtime: network issues are resolved faster, minimizing costly downtime.
- Better allocation of resources: Internal teams become more self-sufficient after training, reducing their reliance on external partners for everyday troubleshooting, and allowing vendors to focus on more complex tasks.
- Preventative maintenance: By jointly identifying potential problems during training, both teams can implement preventative maintenance strategies, avoiding expensive emergency repairs.
- Easier upgrades: network upgrades are more streamlined, resulting in fewer disruptions and less wasted time.
- Minimized overlapping work: A joint understanding of the OT network reduces redundancy in efforts, saving both time and money.
Keeping OT networking skills up-to-date is crucial, and joint training sessions with internal OT teams and external systems integrators are a great way to make that happen. These sessions boost knowledge sharing, enhance collaboration, manage risks proactively, and even save on costs.
The result? A more resilient, efficient, and future-proof OT network. By investing in collaborative training, both your internal teams and external partners will be ready to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
OptigoVN can further enhance collaborative training by providing a shared platform that allows both internal teams and external partners to monitor network health and performance in real-time.
If you’re looking to improve collaborative training and network visibility, try out OptigoVN for free. Sign up today at www.app.optigovn.com and experience the difference it can make for your OT network!
FAQ: Collaborative Training in OT Networks
1. What is collaborative training in OT networking?
Collaborative training involves joint learning sessions between internal OT teams and external systems integrators. These sessions focus on sharing knowledge, improving network management skills, and addressing common challenges in maintaining and troubleshooting operational technology networks.
2. Why is collaborative training important?
Collaborative training enhances teamwork, promotes knowledge sharing, and prepares teams to manage risks effectively. It ensures that all stakeholders are aligned on best practices, reducing errors and improving overall network performance.
3. What are the key benefits of collaborative training?
- Knowledge Sharing: Encourages cross-team learning and builds a shared understanding of network systems.
- Risk Management: Helps identify and mitigate potential network issues proactively.
- Cost Efficiency: Reduces downtime and troubleshooting costs by ensuring teams are better prepared.
- Stronger Collaboration: Builds better relationships between internal teams and external vendors, fostering smoother operations.
4. Who should participate in collaborative training sessions?
Internal facilities management teams, IT professionals, and external systems integrators or vendors are the primary participants. This ensures diverse perspectives and expertise are shared during the training.
5. How can organizations implement collaborative training effectively?
Organizations can:
- Schedule regular training sessions.
- Use real-world scenarios and case studies for practical learning.
- Leverage tools like network monitoring software to illustrate concepts.
- Encourage open communication and feedback between participants.
