IT Operations Management (ITOM)

Introduction

IT Operations Management (ITOM) refers to the processes and technologies that ensure the availability, stability, and security of an organization’s IT environment. In manufacturing, it underpins the reliable operation of systems like MES, BDE, and OEE analytics, connecting production with enterprise IT.

As factories become more connected, ITOM has evolved into a strategic pillar of Industry 4.0 — enabling seamless data exchange, real-time control, and predictive performance across IT and OT layers.

What Is IT Operations Management?

ITOM covers all tasks required to manage infrastructure and applications efficiently:

• Monitoring of servers, networks, databases, and industrial gateways.

• Incident management for rapid fault detection and resolution.

• Change and configuration management to control updates and system changes.

• Performance management ensuring optimal load and resource use.

• Security and compliance protecting production and operational data.

In industrial settings, ITOM extends into Operational Technology (OT) — connecting PLCs, sensors, and machines to enterprise systems securely.

Role in Smart Manufacturing

By managing the digital backbone of production, ITOM enables:

• Reliable data exchange between MES, cloud, and ERP systems.

• End-to-end visibility across networks and applications.

• Resilience through backup and disaster recovery.

• Scalability for variable production volumes and global rollouts.

Integration with MES, BDE, and OEE

• MES depends on stable infrastructure to deliver real-time production control.

• BDE data feeds require secure network connections.

• OEE metrics rely on consistent, error-free data flows.

Effective ITOM ensures that all these systems operate seamlessly and that the digital production ecosystem remains synchronized.

Benefits

• Higher uptime through proactive monitoring

• Enhanced cybersecurity via continuous patching and alerts

• Lower operational costs through automation

• Improved data integrity across MES and shop floor systems

• Greater efficiency as IT resources focus on innovation, not firefighting

Example

A tier-one automotive supplier deployed centralized ITOM tools alongside its cloud-based MES. The result: 40 % fewer network disruptions, 99.8 % system availability, and streamlined OEE reporting based on consistent data.

Conclusion

IT Operations Management forms the backbone of smart manufacturing. By ensuring stable, secure, and scalable IT environments, it keeps MES, BDE, and OEE systems running flawlessly — enabling digital production that is both efficient and resilient.