Pilot to Production: A Practical Framework for IT/OT Convergence at Scale

Executive Summary

Launching a successful pilot is an important milestone—but true value comes from scaling. Many digital transformation efforts stall between proof of concept and full deployment due to integration complexity, cultural resistance, or lack of alignment between IT and OT. This white paper outlines a structured methodology for moving from pilot to production with Artisan Edge, enabling scalable IT/OT convergence that delivers measurable business impact across the enterprise.

Why Pilots Fail to Scale

Despite promising pilot outcomes, manufacturers often struggle to roll out solutions across sites due to:

Lack of standardization in machine types, networks, or software platforms
Unclear ownership between IT, OT, and business units
Insufficient change management and workforce training
Data fragmentation from disparate protocols and interfaces

Without a repeatable deployment model, organizations revert to localized solutions that limit long-term value.

Artisan Edge: Designed for Enterprise Rollout

Artisan Edge supports scale from day one. Its platform architecture includes:

Modular edge nodes that can be cloned, updated, and monitored centrally
Protocol-agnostic drivers (i.e. Modbus, OPC-UA, Ethernet/IP) that unify machine data regardless of brand
Cloud-managed orchestration for configuration, security, and analytics pipelines
Multi-site dashboards with site-specific filters and global performance rollups

This enables IT/OT teams to deploy once and replicate across lines, facilities, or geographies with minimal disruption.

A Step-by-Step Framework

Align on KPIs: Define success metrics with plant operations, maintenance, and executive teams (i.e. uptime, scrap reduction, OEE lift).
Select Pilot Line: Choose a machine or process with high data visibility, clear ROI potential, and cross-functional ownership.
Deploy Edge Node: Install Artisan Edge with minimal changes to existing infrastructure. Begin data capture and visualization.
Run Pilot for 6–8 Weeks: Validate real-time data fidelity, dashboard usability, and impact on target KPIs.
Document Results: Capture baseline vs. improvement data and qualitative operator feedback.
Standardize Rollout Template: Use the pilot as a blueprint—duplicate configurations, tag sets, and alert logic.
Scale with Governance: Use centralized identity, update, and security controls to scale across sites.

Case Study Snapshot

A packaging manufacturer began with one pilot line monitoring seal integrity and downtime events. After 60 days:

Scrap rate dropped by 18%
Mean time to repair (MTTR) improved by 34%
Operator response time to alarms decreased by 2.5 minutes on average

With results documented, they deployed Artisan Edge across five additional lines in under three weeks.

Lessons Learned from Early Adopters

Start with high-visibility pain points to drive executive buy-in
Involve both IT and OT early to resolve network, access, and security concerns
Train champions at each site who can manage localized deployment and support
Use edge-based architecture to reduce dependency on network conditions

Conclusion

Digital transformation cannot remain a pilot. Artisan Edge enables manufacturers to operationalize change by providing a secure, scalable, and repeatable platform for IT/OT convergence. With the right framework, teams can move from experimentation to enterprise-level impact in months—not years.

To initiate a pilot or explore site rollout planning, contact sales@artisantec.io or visit www.artisantec.io