E Tech Group reports 400% growth in IT/OT assessments
E Tech Group reported a 400% increase in demand for IT/OT assessments and remediation services over the past year as manufacturers work to modernize operations, strengthen cybersecurity, and prepare infrastructure for artificial intelligence initiatives.
According to E Tech Group, manufacturers are increasingly evaluating whether existing operational technology and network environments can support digital transformation projects and emerging artificial intelligence applications.
The company's IT/OT assessments provide vendor-neutral evaluations of plant environments, examining network architecture, cybersecurity exposure, system health, asset visibility, and integration readiness. The assessments are designed to help manufacturers identify vulnerabilities, reduce downtime risk, and prioritize upgrades through structured remediation plans.
Matt Wise, CEO of E Tech Group, said many manufacturing environments were not originally designed to support the connectivity, visibility, and resilience required for modern artificial intelligence and digital transformation initiatives. He noted that addressing foundational operational technology and network issues early can accelerate modernization efforts.
The company attributes rising demand to manufacturers seeking greater visibility into their operational technology environments. Assessments frequently uncover outdated infrastructure, unsupported hardware, flat network architectures, and direct connections between information technology and operational technology systems that may increase cybersecurity and operational risks.
E Tech Group also reported that manufacturers are increasingly requesting assessments following acquisitions, facility expansions, workforce transitions, and cybersecurity insurance reviews, particularly when system documentation is incomplete.
In one recent project, the company identified legacy network limitations and system vulnerabilities at a life sciences facility preparing for major modernization upgrades. According to E Tech Group, resolving those issues before deployment helped the manufacturer avoid implementation delays and establish a stronger foundation for future expansion.
In another engagement, assessment and remediation recommendations helped a food and beverage manufacturer strengthen its operational technology environment before a cybersecurity incident affected the company's enterprise network. E Tech Group said production operations continued without downtime because segmentation and security controls had already been implemented.
The company plans to continue the discussion around operational technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence readiness during its webinar, "AI-Ready or Not: The Hidden IT/OT Risks Blocking AI in Manufacturing," scheduled for June 17, 2026.