Smart Manufacturing Magazine Sponsors Talent Contest to Inspire Culture Convergence between OT and IT

DEARBORN, Mich., May. 9, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SME's Smart Manufacturing magazine is challenging readers to overcome the cultural divide that still has operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) professionals using different terminology, ranking priorities differently and focusing on different goals — and to sing about it.

OT is traditionally associated with manufacturing and industrial environments and includes control systems. IT includes any use of computers, storage, networking devices and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. Integrating the two technological systems improves safety, security, inventory control, quality and the ability to customize production. When IT and OT systems are not converged, consequences include duplicated costs, bloated inventory, compromised plant security, injuries and even deaths.

"The benefits of convergence are enough to make you want to pick up a guitar," said Editor in Chief Brett Brune. "And that's exactly what Contributing Editor Karen Queen did in our cover story for May. Now, we want readers to belt out the Beatles-inspired lyrics Karen wrote — and win some valuable prizes from SME."

As the latest issue of Smart Manufacturing came together, staff devised a fun and creative way to point out just how big the opportunities are in manufacturing when these two camps — OT and IT — get on the same page, said Dave O'Neil, vice president, Advanced Manufacturing Media at SME.

"In this issue, we quote more than a dozen people who understand how beneficial it is for OT and IT to work together," he added. "They illustrate how OT and IT can and should work together to eventually save billions of dollars around the world."

The details and lyrics for the talent contest can be found at SME.org/talent. The contest begins today. Participants will be asked to record themselves singing the lyrics developed and enter through the online submission. View the full cover story here.

The Advanced Manufacturing Media team will select one winning "band" in July. Up to four winners from the one winning band will each receive: $100 Amazon gift card, 10 online Tooling U-SME classes and a one-year SME membership.

About Advanced Manufacturing Media 
SME's Advanced Manufacturing Media is a leading source for news and in-depth technical information about advanced manufacturing in North America. It serves an audience of more than 100,000 manufacturing professionals who subscribe to the monthly magazine, iTunes app, e-newsletters and other publications. Coverage is focused on some of the world's most critical industries: aerospace and defense, motorized vehicles, medical and energy, whether that's oil and gas, nuclear, electric, solar or wind. Learn more at advancedmanufacturing.org, follow @MfgEngNews on Twitter or facebook.com/AdvancedManufacturingMedia. Subscribe to Smart Manufacturing magazine at www.SME.org/smart.

About SME
SME connects all those who are passionate about making things that improve our world. As a nonprofit organization, SME has served practitioners, companies, educators, governments and communities across the manufacturing spectrum for more than 80 years. Through its strategic areas of events, media, membership, training and development, and the SME Education Foundation, SME is uniquely dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing by addressing both knowledge and skill needs for the industry. Follow @SME_MFG on Twitter or facebook.com/SMEmfg. 

SOURCE SME

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