Improved cybersecurity is enabling the integration of OT and IT systems to unlock real-time data flow, enhanced operational visibility, accelerated decision-making, and the adoption of AI.
In food processing, operational technology (OT) systems that control and automate industrial operations have traditionally been isolated from information technology (IT) systems. This separation, driven by cybersecurity concerns, limited OT networks’ ability to connect with broader IT infrastructure—hindering automation advancements.
Integrating OT and IT enables continuous data flow, unlocking full operational visibility, accelerating decisions, and allowing proactive problem-solving. It also supports AI-driven process automation, which depends on secure, real-time data access for monitoring, predictive maintenance, and adaptive control.
Leading DCS providers like Valmet are designing solutions with cybersecurity and connectivity as foundational elements.
“Modern distributed control systems must now enable open yet secure communication across all levels of the automation architecture,” says Taavi Veltheim, Manager, Global Solution Management, DCS at Valmet.
Valmet is a provider of process technologies, automation systems, and services for the food, pulp, paper, and energy sectors. With headquarters in Espoo, Finland, the company has over 220 years in the industrial sector.
OT systems monitor and automate equipment in the food industry. Traditionally isolated for security, they prevented external data exchange—blocking analytics tools, ERP systems, and AI integration.
AI tools require external data access. Generative AI, in particular, introduces data privacy concerns, requiring safeguards and responsible deployment.
To address these demands, Valmet launched DNAe in 2024, built from the ground up with “security by design.” DNAe supports secure IT/OT convergence through seamless connectivity, cybersecurity, and modern interfaces.
Validated by SDLA certification and meeting ISO 27001 and IEC 62443 standards, DNAe became the first fully web-based system to receive the ISASecure SSA Level 1 certificate.
Its Trusted Information Framework enables secure communication, role-based access control, encryption, endpoint protection, and audit trails. DNAe integrates with SIEM systems and supports intrusion detection, remote monitoring, centralized management, and comprehensive cybersecurity services.
For more information, visit www.valmet.com/dnae.