When to Bypass IT: Installing Cellular I/O Controllers

Our IoT logic controllers really do sit at the convergence of IT and OT. This is great in all the interesting ways that IoT is great. But, for the boots on the ground, it can cause real issues. Cybersecurity is more important than ever, and IT departments are very defensive of their sensitive networks–as well they should be. 

So, how does one install a new controller on the network without triggering a full IT review? Can IT be bypassed altogether, saving time, headache, and frustration? 

Many of our customers investing in cellular I/O controllers are doing just that. Cellular networking is for more than just remote locations where wires are too expensive to run. Data plans are inexpensive while cellular connections are only getting stronger. They are a viable option for network failsafe communications, or for bypassing the IT department entirely. 

The Service Provider 

Several of our customers provide services to commercial and industrial facilities such as access control, generator monitoring, energy use monitoring, just to name a few. In this scenario, there really are only two network options: go through the hassle of setting up remote access via customer networks or create an independent network over cell. 

In these cases, cellular networking is an obvious choice. Interfacing with customer IT networks is certainly possible, but it comes with a litany of challenges that change with each and every customer. What is their network structure? How sensitive is each network? What is the customer’s risk tolerance? 

Instead, service providers who need on-location hardware like an I/O controller will go the much more efficient route and use cellular networks. These networks are very capable of M2M data, are well maintained by a very motivated service provider. They are secure, with many advancements in cybersecurity hardening in the last decade. Finally, they provide the ease of installation and maintenance their company needs to operate efficiently. 

The Red Tape Cutter

Other customers are faced with onerous red tape when installing new devices on a network, regardless of the device. This is very common amongst large municipalities and corporations where risk tolerance diminishes. When this slows adoption of necessary technology too much, independent cellular connections become a great option. 

One customer is a fire department in a large city. Their generators require monitoring and remote shut off, both automated and manual. When accessing local networks became too difficult, the team turned their attention to our cellular devices. 

This is a great way to satisfy all parties. The IT department gets to approve the new technology while keeping an air gap between networks. The facilities team gets the monitoring and control they so desperately need, saving money and improving energy efficiency at the same time. 

While our controllers are secure devices and work very well in conjunction with hardened networks, having passed muster many times in the past with large governmental agencies including military ones, this doesn’t always matter when red tape is involved. 

Skip the Headache

If you’re facing IT obstacles with your monitoring and control needs, let’s talk. Our cellular-enabled I/O controllers are perfect for bypassing IT department red tape, while satisfying requirements and making everyone involved happy. 

They also do a great job at monitoring and control, giving you the industrial-grade reliability and performance you need.