Operational Technology Management Overview Getting Started
PRODUCT Operational Technology Management Keep production running and cut unplanned downtime without added complexity. Take control of your operational technology with a single AI platform. Schedule Demo Get Solution Brief
How does Operational Technology Management work? Data models map operation technology (OT) to production processes and surface industrial context.  Workflows automate service, vulnerability, and asset lifecycle management together. Teams coordinate IT and OT work across all sites.
Benefits of Operational Technology Management Gain real-time visibility into assets See all your production assets in one real-time view. Spot issues early and quickly identify root cause and take action when problems occur. Video CTA Stay secure without slowing down Protect operations from cyber threats. Prioritize vulnerabilities for your equipment, apply updates during planned maintenance, and manage compliance. Video CTA Maximize uptime Meet production demands by managing operational technology asset lifecycles and incidents before they become showstoppers. Video CTA Transform with a single platform The ServiceNow AI Platform unites AI agents, data, and workflows on one enterprise-grade platform built for scale, trust, and efficiency. Video CTA
Use cases for Operational Technology Management
Exposure Management
Manage OT cyber vulnerabilities Identify and prioritize cyber threats to OT systems. Apply security patches during planned maintenance windows while minimizing disruption to production operations. Get Data Sheet
Related links Security Posture Control Vulnerability Response
Asset Lifecycle
Streamline OT asset uptime Monitor the asset lifecycle from procurement to retirement. Plan OT device and hardware refresh cycles, balancing asset life with production modernization. Get Data Sheet
Related links Enterprise Asset Management Hardware Asset Management
Service Management
Improve response time Automate service workflows for OT teams, and coordinate with IT. Document resolutions and build your knowledge base with the help of AI agents. Get Data Sheet
Related links IT Service Management Change Management
OT Visibility
Create and maintain operational technology inventory Understand OT devices in the context of production. Act based on accurate asset traits and dependencies data. Report using consistent methods across sites. Get Data Sheet
Related links Security Operations
Our Customers Industry leaders rely on ServiceNow to make work better See All Stories 60% reduction in active risks Video CTA Read Story Watch Video (2:48) 100+ new process improvements Video CTA Find Out Now 70% expected acceleration in onboarding of new OT assets into CMDB Video CTA Get Details
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Resources for you See All Resources workflow article The future is now: Implementing AI in manufacturing Learn how AI in manufacturing can transform raw production data into actionable intelligence. Video CTA Read Article report Risk and security in the AI Era Video CTA Get Report WORKFLOW ARTICLE Healthcare gets an AI pulse check Video CTA Read Article
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Frequently asked questions Expand All Collapse All What is operational technology management and why does it matter?
Operational technology (OT) refers to devices, hardware and software designed to monitor and control industrial systems, SCADA, and operating equipment. It is used in industries like manufacturing, life sciences, energy, utilities, transportation, logistics, and critical infrastructure to maintain efficiency, reliability, and security.
How does OT management differ from traditional IT management?
OT management prioritizes operational continuity and safety over security patches, requires specialized protocols for industrial equipment, and focuses on physical processes rather than data systems. Effective OT management helps ensure that vital systems and production processes function as intended. Operational technology management has grown as industries increasingly connect OT with IT networks. More OT/IT integration allows for greater visibility and efficiency across operations. By implementing comprehensive OT management practices, organizations can monitor asset health, streamline incident response, and plan device lifecycles.
What are the biggest security risks in operational technology?
OT security protects not only an organization’s assets but also public safety and essential services. Disruptions to OT infrastructure can lead to halted production or compromised energy and utility services. Cyberattacks on OT can damage physical installations and may potentially result in environmental damage or risks to human health. Risks include legacy systems without security updates, IT/OT network convergence creating new attack surfaces, ransomware targeting production lines, and insider threats from contractors with equipment access.
How can companies improve their operational technology security?
Continuous monitoring, aggressive threat detection, and exposure management allow organizations to defend against and quickly respond to potential incidents before they can expand into major problems. Implement network segmentation, maintain asset inventories, apply patches during planned downtime, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and establish clear IT/OT governance frameworks.
What industries benefit most from OT management solutions today?
Manufacturing, energy and utilities, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, automotive, food and beverage, water treatment, mining, and transportation industries with critical production infrastructure.
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