Navigating the Hurdles of Version Control in Operational Technology

Join us for an insightful conversation on the challenges faced by engineers in adopting version control practices within the realm of Operational Technology (OT). Our guest, an experienced practitioner in the field, sheds light on the complexities of implementing version control systems in manufacturing environments.

We explore how the scale of operations can impact the perceived value of version control, with smaller factories often overlooking its benefits until faced with scalability issues. Delve into the unique challenges faced by OT engineers, who not only need to grasp concepts like Git but also contend with proprietary development environments and file formats.

Discover the hurdles faced by OT professionals when dealing with non-text-based languages like ladder logic and structured text, where version control requires navigating through XML markup and proprietary configurations. Our guest shares insights on the importance of simplifying tooling and file formats to encourage broader adoption of version control practices.

Learn about innovative approaches in the industry, such as Siemens' Semantic AX platform, which embraces plain text storage for source code, simplifying version control processes. Gain valuable perspectives on the essential role of version control as a prerequisite for implementing advanced software development practices like Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines.

Whether you're an engineer grappling with version control in OT environments or a technology enthusiast curious about the challenges faced by industrial sectors, this discussion offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of software practices in manufacturing. Join us as we navigate the hurdles and opportunities of version control in Operational Technology.