Beyond Cybersecurity: How an OT Asset Inventory Can Boost Operational Efficiency

A detailed, up-to-date operational technology (OT) asset inventory is the foundation for an effective OT cybersecurity program. An organization’s asset inventory helps define the attack surface to be protected and is essential for identifying and prioritizing software vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and other cyber risk factors. But that’s not all an OT asset inventory can do.

While cybersecurity may be the primary driver for organizations to create OT asset inventories, a comprehensive view of operational hardware and software provides benefits that extend far beyond risk mitigation. By fully understanding their OT landscapes, asset owners can realize operational efficiencies, minimize downtime, and optimize their investments.

The Foundation: Understanding Your OT Assets

At its core, an OT asset inventory provides a detailed catalog of the devices, systems, and software operating within your industrial network. These assets, which include workstations, HMIs, sensors, controllers, switches, and other devices, form the backbone of critical infrastructure. Keeping track of these devices enables organizations to have a clear view of their operational ecosystem. While it's easy to see how this level of visibility strengthens cybersecurity by identifying vulnerabilities and rogue devices, the true value of an OT asset inventory extends far beyond this.

Here's a closer look at how organizations can take advantage of their asset inventories to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Improved Operational Efficiency

Asset utilization tracking: When you know exactly what assets you have and where they are located, you can track usage patterns and optimize operations. Many organizations struggle with underutilized or redundant equipment that drives up energy costs and maintenance requirements. A thorough OT asset inventory enables operators to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.

Streamlining maintenance efforts: A detailed OT asset inventory helps you track the maintenance schedules and lifecycles of equipment. This means that instead of reactive maintenance, operators can shift to predictive maintenance models, which reduces unplanned downtime. Proactive scheduling of maintenance can also optimize workforce allocation, as technicians can be deployed more strategically.

End-of-life (EOL) management: Many industrial environments contain legacy systems, which can introduce inefficiencies when they fail or become incompatible with newer technologies. An OT asset inventory helps track the EOL status of equipment, enabling better planning for upgrades, replacements, or consolidation of devices.

Enhanced Resource Management and Cost Savings

Reduction in over-purchasing: Without an accurate asset inventory, organizations risk purchasing redundant equipment or parts because they are unaware of what’s already available. An up-to-date inventory eliminates this uncertainty, leading to smarter procurement decisions and reduced capital expenditures.

Energy efficiency: OT environments often house energy-intensive equipment. Monitoring usage and identifying outdated or inefficient devices through an up-to-date inventory can lead to significant reductions in energy consumption. This not only cuts operational costs but also helps meet sustainability targets, a growing concern for many organizations.

Improved Compliance and Risk Management

Regulatory alignment: Organizations in critical infrastructure sectors such as energy, healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing face a variety of compliance obligations. Many regulations require detailed reporting on assets, maintenance schedules, and system performance. An OT asset inventory simplifies the compliance process by providing accurate and detailed records, reducing the administrative burden and ensuring alignment with industry standards.

Disaster recovery planning: Understanding your OT asset landscape is critical when developing business continuity or disaster recovery plans. Knowing which devices are mission-critical and their interdependencies enables more effective recovery strategies. This ensures quicker recovery from natural disasters or system failures, minimizing downtime and financial losses.

Strategic Decision-Making

Data-driven insights: A well-maintained OT asset inventory provides rich data that can inform strategic decisions. For instance, data on equipment performance, lifecycle trends, and operational bottlenecks can guide decisions on technology upgrades or process optimizations. This strategic insight not only helps streamline day-to-day operations but can also uncover opportunities for future investments in automation, IoT, or other cutting-edge technologies.

Vendor and contract management: Keeping an eye on the OT assets in your inventory allows for better vendor management. A detailed view of asset location, utilization, and status can help organizations identify which vendors are providing value and where contract negotiations may yield better terms.

A Holistic View

While enhancing OT cybersecurity is a key benefit of creating and maintaining an OT asset inventory, the broader operational advantages should not be overlooked. From reducing downtime and optimizing energy usage to smarter budgeting and compliance, OT asset inventories serve as the foundation for secure and efficient industrial environments. By investing in a comprehensive inventory system, organizations position themselves for long-term success, improving their bottom line and operational resilience.

To find out how Mission Secure can help your organization improve security and efficiency, contact us to schedule a consultation today.