Unleashing OT Efficiency: Brendan McCarthy on Time, Trust & Tech

Securely Connected Everything

Have you ever wondered how time management can revolutionise Operational Technology (OT) in critical infrastructure? Join us for a compelling conversation with Brendan McCarthy, the Managing Director for Availability Systems Engineering, who brings a wealth of experience from his 25-year career, including 22 years at BHP. Brendan shares invaluable insights into managing operational systems across numerous mining assets, emphasising the importance of duration, frequency, opportunity, and sequencing in OT environments. Learn how leveraging opportunistic time can enhance system availability and minimise outages, setting a new standard for efficiency in critical infrastructure.
Transitioning from a cybersecurity-centric approach to a comprehensive risk management strategy is no small feat. Brendan delves into the significance of maintenance and transparency in building organisational trust, and the transformative impact of the Technology Remote Operation Center (TROC) in streamlining incident management. Discover how preventative maintenance plans, rebranded as "planned maintenance," can improve communication and effectiveness within operational teams. Brendan also sheds light on the crucial role of managing failure domains and understanding human factors to ensure smooth operations in industrial settings, making this chapter a must-listen for anyone passionate about operational technology.
What's the future of OT with advancements like Edge computing and AI? Brendan discusses the integration of IT and OT, the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by critical infrastructure, and the skill shortages in the cyber and OT sectors. He emphasises the importance of system thinkers who understand both hardware and software in production-critical environments. Reflect on Brendan’s advice for specialising early and expanding across multiple functions for faster problem-solving, and hear his thoughts on Australia's leading role in mining technology. Don't miss his insights on the transformative impact of LTE on autonomous fleet availability and the exciting future potential of 5G connectivity. This episode is packed with knowledge and foresight for advancing technology in critical infrastructure.

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1. Unleashing OT Efficiency: Brendan McCarthy on Time, Trust & Tech (00:00:00)

2. Critical Infrastructure and Operational Technology (00:00:02)

3. Lessons in Operational Technology Management (00:09:46)

4. IT and OT Integration in Infrastructure (00:20:15)

5. Advancing Technology in Critical Infrastructure (00:28:42)

6. Exploring Future Technological Innovations (00:33:30)