Many organizations have their IT assets well under control. But what about operational technology? Production equipment, IoT devices, and industrial control systems are now integral parts of modern infrastructures. These so-called OT assets are often left out of traditional IT Asset Management (ITAM) – and that creates risks. A modern approach like ITAM for OT assets helps capture, manage, and integrate these critical systems into enterprise-wide processes.
What is OT asset management?
Operational Technology includes all physical systems and equipment used to directly control and monitor industrial processes. Examples include production lines, sensors, and connected machines. Unlike traditional IT, OT regularly has a longer lifecycle, is harder to patch, and tends to be more security-sensitive.
Why include OT assets in ITAM?
- Transparency: A unified view of all mission-critical assets
- Security: Improved risk management through inventory and monitoring
- Compliance: Fulfillment of regulatory requirements (e.g., NIS2, ISO 27001)
- Maintenance and support: Clearly defined responsibilities and lifecycle control – ITAM for OT assets ensures that not only IT systems but also connected machines and control units are incorporated into standardized processes.
How ServiceNow supports OT asset management
ServiceNow ITAM, through integration with discovery tools and the CMDB, provides a powerful platform for structured management of OT assets. External sources such as IoT platforms can also be connected via interfaces. These assets follow the same logic as IT devices – including lifecycle, contract, and cost information.
By expanding IT Asset Management to include OT, organizations can establish centralized control over all business-critical systems. This not only increases operational efficiency but also strengthens security and compliance across the enterprise.
