This blog post explores how Proconex provides consultative services and solutions to support organizations throughout the complete lifecycle of their process automation and industrial control systems (ICS).
Proconex offers guidance and expertise during the planning, implementation, or maintenance phase. This ensures your systems align with your operational and cybersecurity needs.
After reading, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the extensive support Proconex provides. This includes advisory services in planning and architecture, as well as managed services. These managed services ensure optimized operations.
What Are Some Unique Characteristics of ICS/OT?
- ICS/OT systems have distinct characteristics that differentiate them from traditional IT systems. Understanding these disparities is essential for developing an effective cybersecurity strategy.
- IT systems focus on managing information and throughput. In contrast, ICS/OT systems have strict real-time performance requirements. Unlike IT systems, ICS/OT systems focus on real-time performance. They have strict requirements. They must collect and respond to sensor data with minimal latency. They must also issue control commands and track processes. Even slight delays or fluctuations can result in disruptions and safety concerns.
- Many ICS/OT systems rely on proprietary protocols and hardware. These were not designed with security. These legacy systems need more modern authentication, encryption, and access controls. Retrofitting security measures can be challenging.
- The designers of ICS/OT systems design the components for long-term use. Their lifecycles span decades, not years. So, once deployed, these systems are rarely replaced or updated. As a result, they often rely on outdated operating systems. These operating systems have unpatched vulnerabilities that are no longer supported.
Threat Landscape
The evolving cyber threats ICS/OT systems face due to increased connectivity can lead to significant damage.
It’s vital to address threats, like ICS-targeted malware, insider threats, and supply chain attacks.
In addition, ICS and OT systems rely on third-party hardware and software suppliers. This makes them vulnerable to supply chain attacks. Threat actors can infiltrate your supply chain by compromising vendor networks. They can plant malicious code, counterfeit hardware, or software. They can also exploit unsecured third-party access.
As a result, it is crucial to vet suppliers. Also, confirm equipment integrity and control third-party access.
Monitoring and Detection
Monitoring and detection play a critical role in ensuring the security of ICS.
It’s crucial to have an inventory of assets. It should include hardware, software, data flows, and network connectivity. This helps in understanding the system .
Why?
Well, these types of inventory records enable the monitoring of abnormal activities.
Continuous monitoring of network traffic between the ICS network and other zones is necessary. Additionally, it is necessary.
Any unexpected communication attempts or sudden traffic increases could state a potential attack. Intrusion detection systems are valuable security tools. They automatically analyze network packets for signs of compromise.
But, ICS communication has a unique nature. Thus, companies must tailor these systems specifically to industrial protocols.
Monitoring for anomalies in process control activities is also crucial. Any deviation from normal operations could be a sign of an ongoing attack. We recommend using analytics tools to establish performance baselines for ICS. The tools can also send alerts for unusual activity.
Machine learning algorithms can further enhance this process. They automatically detect subtle anomalies that humans may miss.
As a result, you can swiftly identify and mitigate ICS threats. This is by implementing effective monitoring and detection measures.
If you think what we've shared so far is good, just wait…
Planning and Design: Assessing Your Current Operations and Identifying Pain Points
During the planning and design phase, develop solutions tailored to your specific operational needs. It's essential. Our approach assesses your current infrastructure, processes, and pain points.
We take the time to understand your operations. We ask the right questions and delve into problem areas. Our engineering experts will visit your facilities. They will observe workflows, review existing systems, and interview key stakeholders.
This comprehensive approach allows us to identify inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities for improvement. Moreover, we check how new technologies can address specific challenges. We also assess how they can enhance safety, increase productivity, and reduce costs.
Our primary focus is to understand your operations. This way, we can provide informed recommendations on optimizing your control systems, valves, and automation infrastructure. We aim to maximize your return on investment. We focus on spending on areas with the highest potential gains.
Our team can quickly identify issues. We can provide guidance based on proven solutions and best practices. We assist you in developing a strategic roadmap that aligns with your key objectives. These include improving quality control, increasing asset use, meeting compliance requirements, or achieving other goals.
But before we dive into that, there's something else you need to know...
Upgrading Control Systems While Preserving What Works
Control systems and instruments often need upgrades as technology advances.
Still, completely replacing a legacy system can be expensive and disruptive. Proconex takes a consultative approach to understanding each client's environment and constraints.
Our team of experts can assess your current infrastructure and processes. They can determine which components need upgrading. They can also determine which components can stay in place. We check your control platforms, field instruments, networks, and integration requirements.
Our capabilities include:
- Modernizing aging PLCs, HMIs, and controllers with the latest Emerson technologies. This improves performance and ensures compatibility with your existing control schemes.
- We are introducing wireless instrumentation and networks to add flexibility. This won't need extensive re-engineering of wired systems.
- Implementing cybersecurity measures on legacy systems. We strengthen access controls, patch vulnerabilities, and segment networks to enhance security.
- Expanding data collection capabilities. By leveraging newer technologies, we facilitate better analytics and optimization. We also integrate new systems with your data silos and reporting tools.
- Future-proofing systems. We focus our designs on expansion and upgrades. With newer control equipment and networks, plug-and-play integration becomes simpler for future enhancements.
At Proconex, we aim to enhance your legacy environment. We don't want to replace it entirely. Our systematic approach ensures that new solutions seamlessly integrate into your infrastructure. It also improves automation capabilities over time.
We strive to make the transition to upgraded systems as smooth as possible. We also provide long-term support for your peace of mind.
That was just the tip of the iceberg. There’s so much more valuable information in this post for you to discover.
Technical Support
At Proconex, we take a consultative approach to ensure that we are there for you every step of the way. We become an extension of your team from the initial planning and design phase to ongoing maintenance and operation.
You can rely on our dedicated service team at Proconex. They will operate and maintain your essential control systems. We provide 24/7 technical support to troubleshoot issues. We also cut downtime and keep your operations running smoothly.
We understand the importance of preventive maintenance. It helps detect potential problems before they cause disruptions. Our technicians can develop and install a customized preventative maintenance plan. We tailor the plan to your equipment and facility needs.
As technology evolves, it is crucial to upgrade obsolete hardware and software. This is important to avoid compatibility issues. At Proconex, we can seamlessly integrate new control system components. We also maximize your existing infrastructure investments.
We also offer comprehensive training to your personnel. We teach them to use and maintain control systems properly. This knowledge transfer empowers your team to manage your control systems better.
Further, Proconex offers service contracts to optimize uptime and performance. This provides budget stability and priority access to our technicians. It ensures that your control systems always operate at their best.
Trust Proconex as your advisor in control systems. We support you from the initial design phase through daily operation and maintenance.
Trusted Partnerships
At Proconex, we take a consultative approach to ensure that we are there for you every step of the way. We become an extension of your team from the initial planning and design phase to ongoing maintenance and operation.
We believe in the importance of preventive maintenance. It helps detect potential problems before they cause disruptions. Our technicians can develop a customized preventative maintenance plan. They will tailor it to meet your equipment and facility needs. They can also install the plan.
If a system fails , our team is available 24/7 to diagnose and fix problems. Our average emergency response time is less than 2 hours. This ensures minimal disruption to your operations.
As technology evolves, it is crucial to upgrade obsolete hardware and software. This avoids compatibility issues. At Proconex, we can seamlessly integrate new control system components. We do this while maximizing your existing infrastructure investments.
We also offer comprehensive training to your personnel. This knowledge transfer empowers your team to manage your control systems better.
Start Today: Take the First Step
When you collaborate with Proconex at different project stages, you can partner with a leading provider of industrial process control solutions. By taking advantage of Proconex's 70+ years of expertise, you can ensure that your operations align with your production and efficiency goals at every phase. This includes initial planning and design, implementation, and maintenance.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Proconex offers consultative guidance tailored to your needs. This is for process automation and control systems. Our experienced engineers become an integral part of your team.
- With Proconex, you can access a comprehensive portfolio of valves, instruments, and other control devices. The portfolio includes trusted brands like Emerson.
- Count on Proconex's expertise in optimization and technical support.
- Proconex values partnerships over transactions. You can rely on us as a trusted advisor throughout the entire process.
Discover how teaming up with Proconex can augment your operations.