Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes invite Kevin Wood, Chief Global Architect at Cisco, to share practical ideas about industrial IoT networking. Together, they talk about why collaboration between IT and OT matters more than ever, how network visibility and segmentation help keep factories secure, and what teams need to know to prepare for the fast-growing demands of AI and remote connections. These topics hit home for anyone committed to building safer and more effective operations.

Bridging IT and OT: It's All About Teamwork

Getting IT and OT groups to work together can totally change how a plant operates. Historically, there’s been a bit of friction. IT staff tend to worry about security and compliance, while OT folks focus mostly on running the machines and keeping production going. Sometimes it feels like both sides are speaking a different language. As Kevin says, “The number one issue is the lack of collaboration.” Instead of working apart, teams should sit down and talk openly about what each side needs and wants. When everyone feels understood, it’s easier to solve problems, introduce new technology, and support each other’s goals.

Why Security and Visibility Go Hand-in-Hand

Security isn’t only about having strong passwords or patches anymore. You need to actually know what’s happening on your network at all times. Kevin puts it simply: “You can’t protect what you can’t see.” That’s especially true in factories filled with older devices and software, where quiet vulnerabilities can be lurking. Tools that show you every live device and connection help you spot risks before they cause trouble. Embedding these monitoring systems in your network hardware lets you see everything in real time, record what happens, and act quickly when there’s an issue. Even better, setting up security controls down to individual network ports means you can isolate and fix problems right away, instead of waiting for something bigger to happen.

Updating Infrastructure for AI and More Data

Factories aren’t just busy—they’re getting smarter and much more connected. With robots, 4K cameras, and sensors everywhere, networks can get overloaded fast. Many facilities still rely on equipment that hasn’t been updated in years, which can spell disaster when new tech arrives. As Kevin points out, “AI computer vision is bringing thousands of cameras on board,” but that means much higher bandwidth and more reliable connections are needed. If you’re heading into more automation and remote work, think about upgrading to rugged switches, more robust wireless, and smarter bandwidth management. With so much of your plant now networked, keeping everything secure and running smoothly is a team effort.

Key Quote From The Episode

"You can't protect what you can't see...If you don't have a visibility tool in place, don't be lulled into the false sense of security that you know what you have, because you don't." – Kevin

Key Takeaways

• Bringing IT and OT teams together creates safer, more efficient production.
• Real-time visibility and network segmentation are now essential tools for security and smooth operations.
• Planning for increased data and smarter hardware makes it possible to support AI, automation, and future growth.

Wrap Up

Helping IT and OT teams work together lays the groundwork for tackling today’s challenges in manufacturing. The best step you can take is to make sure you know what’s happening across your entire network, so risks don’t catch you off guard. Upgrading equipment and designing networks that can handle the demands of AI and big data will help keep your business running strong. Try gathering your teams to talk about what’s working, where you need more visibility, and what technology upgrades could strengthen your operation going forward.

About the Guest

Kevin Wood is Chief Global Architect at Cisco, where he focuses on practical, easy-to-understand solutions to help factories become safer and more advanced. He's experienced in both IT and OT, and is passionate about guiding industries toward secure and modern automation. If you want more advice, you’ll often find him sharing tips online and helping businesses prepare for the future.

Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-wood-7194624/