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In a recent fireside chat hosted by Copia Automation, Gerry Abbey, Director of Product Marketing at Copia, engaged in an insightful conversation with Dr. Suzette Johnson, co-author of "Industrial DevOps: Build Better Systems Faster" and a Fellow at Northrop Grumman. Their discussion shed light on the transformative power of Industrial DevOps and its potential to reshape the manufacturing and distribution landscape.
1. Industrial DevOps: A Paradigm Shift, Not Just a Trend
Dr. Johnson emphasized that Industrial DevOps is not merely a passing trend but a fundamental shift in industrial operations. It's about breaking down silos, fostering collaboration, and applying DevOps principles to the unique challenges of industrial environments. As she stated, "The question isn't whether companies will embrace DevOps, it's whether they'll still be relevant if they don't."
2. The Power of Collaboration
Collaboration lies at the heart of Industrial DevOps. Dr. Johnson shared her own experience of partnering with her co-author and “competi-mate,” Robin Yeman, highlighting how their shared experiences and common goals led to the co-creation of the first Industrial DevOps paper. She stressed the importance of community and collaboration in driving innovation and overcoming challenges in this rapidly evolving field.
3. Addressing the Cost of Change
Dr. Johnson drew a parallel between the adoption of Agile in software development and the rise of Industrial DevOps. She noted that both were driven by a reduction in the "cost of change." With the advent of digital tools and technologies, it's now easier and more cost-effective to make changes in hardware and cyber-physical systems, enabling greater flexibility and experimentation.
4. People, Process, and Technology
Successful implementation of Industrial DevOps requires a holistic approach that encompasses people, process, and technology. Dr. Johnson emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement, shared understanding, and a clear roadmap for implementation. She cautioned against a "blanket approach" and advocated for identifying pain points and prioritizing initiatives that deliver the best return on investment.
5. Overcoming Misconceptions and Embracing Change
Dr. Johnson addressed common misconceptions about Industrial DevOps, such as the belief that it's only applicable to small software teams or that it eliminates the need for planning. She encouraged the audience to challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities, and embrace a growth mindset in the face of rapid technological change.
Conclusion
The fireside chat with Dr. Suzette Johnson provided valuable insights into the transformative power of Industrial DevOps. By fostering collaboration, reducing the cost of change, and empowering the workforce, Industrial DevOps enables organizations to overcome the challenges of the status quo and build a more agile, innovative, and secure future.
As Dr. Johnson eloquently put it, "We are better together when we can align around common goals and objectives." Industrial DevOps is the bridge that connects people, processes, and technology, paving the way for a new era of industrial innovation and success.