Webinar: Bridging IT–OT Gaps: OT-Led Data Transformation in Action

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The Hidden Cost of IT/OT Disconnection – Why Most Integration Strategies Fail

The Industrial Data Crisis That Leaders Are Overlooking

Industrial organizations generate vast amounts of data every second, yet most companies fail to extract meaningful value from it.

The reason? IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) were never designed to work together seamlessly.

Many leaders assume that merging IT and OT is a simple technology upgrade. In reality, IT/OT integration is a strategic shift—one that determines whether an organization will thrive in the digital future or fall behind.

The Hidden Reasons IT/OT Integration Fails

Despite massive investments in digital transformation, many IT/OT integration efforts fail or underdeliver. The root causes go beyond technology:

  • No Shared Vision Between IT & OT Teams – IT prioritizes network security and data governance, while OT focuses on real-time operational efficiency. Without alignment, integration efforts stall.
  • Failure to Address Operational Workflows First – Many companies focus on connecting IT and OT systems before mapping out how data should actually flow across operations.
  • Overlooking Cyber Security Until It’s Too Late – Legacy OT systems lack built-in security, and merging them with IT networks introduces vulnerabilities. Security must be an integration priority, not an afterthought.
  • Resistance to Change From Operators and Engineers – IT/OT convergence is as much a cultural shift as a technical one. Without buy-in from frontline teams, adoption will fail.
  • Lack of Clear ROI Metrics – Many companies fail to track key performance indicators (KPIs) that prove the value of IT/OT integration. Without clear results, executive support wanes.

Why a New Approach to IT/OT Integration is Needed

A traditional top-down IT-driven approach to integration often leads to misalignment. Companies need a phased, business-led approach that prioritizes operational impact.

Dexcent’s Strategic IT/OT Integration Framework

Step 1: Establish Executive Alignment & Define Business Goals

  • IT/OT integration must be led by business priorities, not just technology upgrades.
  • Define how integration will improve operational efficiency, asset performance, and revenue.

Step 2: Map Out IT/OT Workflows Before Implementing Technology

  • Identify which operational data is critical for real-time decision-making.
  • Determine which insights need to flow between IT and OT teams.

Step 3: Phased Implementation with Agile Testing

  • Begin with a small-scale proof of concept before expanding across operations.
  • Test real-time data flow in controlled environments to identify gaps early.

Step 4: Embed Cyber Security from Day One

  • Apply Zero Trust security models to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Use real-time monitoring tools to detect anomalies in IT/OT traffic.

Case Study: How Quebec Iron Ore Reduced Downtime by 40% with IT/OT Integration

The Challenge:

  • Disconnected data made real-time production tracking impossible.
  • Maintenance issues were addressed reactively rather than proactively.


The Solution:

  • Implemented a unified IT/OT operations platform that connected real-time SCADA data with IT analytics.


The Results:

  • 40% reduction in unplanned downtime.
  • Predictive maintenance capabilities eliminated unexpected failures.
  • Enterprise-wide data visibility improved operational planning.

The Bottom Line: IT/OT Integration Must Be an Operational Strategy, Not Just a Technology Project

Industrial leaders who recognize the full business impact of IT/OT integration are gaining a competitive edge. Those who continue treating it as a technology problem will fall behind.

But integrating these systems successfully requires more than just technology—it demands a strategic shift in operations, security, and data governance.

Join Dexcent for a live webinar where we’ll break down the real-world challenges and solutions of IT/OT integration and how leading companies are overcoming them.

Date: April 16, 2025
Moderator: Andrew Capper, VP of Industrial Digital Transformation, Dexcent
Panelists: Andrew Nelson, Rajesh Rao & Usama Al-Shiraida 

Key Takeaways:

  • How IT/OT integration reduces downtime, improves efficiency, and drives smarter decision-making.
  • Lessons from real case studies of industrial leaders who have successfully tackled IT/OT convergence.
  • A step-by-step roadmap to assess your company’s IT/OT maturity and build a scalable, high-impact data strategy.


If your organization is struggling with data silos, operational inefficiencies, or outdated legacy systems, this webinar will provide practical solutions to get ahead.

Register Now for the Webinar: Data Integration in Action

Andrew Capper

Vice President of Industrial Digital Transformation

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Andrew Capper is Vice President of Industrial Digital Transformation at Dexcent, helping industrial organizations improve data-driven decision-making by optimizing the data journey, reuniting siloed information, and delivering a trustworthy version of the truth.

With more than 25 years of experience, he is known as a results-driven leader who delivers on commitments and tackles complex information management challenges with a practical, human-centric approach. His work spans digital transformation strategy and roadmaps, governance, digital maturity assessments, and performance measurement through clear KPIs and metrics. Andrew is a NAIT graduate with training in Instrumentation Engineering Technology and Security Systems, and he brings a strong focus on safer, more effective operations from data producers through to data consumers

Nader Asgharinia

MP, P.Eng.

Vice President of Enterprise SCADA & Advanced Applications.

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Nader Asgharinia, PMP, P.Eng., is Vice President of Enterprise SCADA & Advanced Applications at Dexcent, leading the delivery of complex, mission-critical solutions with a clear focus on client experience and operational excellence. With more than 30 years in business execution and over 25 years managing multi-million-dollar programs for mission-critical and SCADA systems, he brings a pragmatic, delivery-at-scale approach to every engagement. Nader is recognized for building high-performing teams, driving disciplined portfolio execution, and delivering measurable business outcomes, including significant growth in program portfolios and team capacity over time. He holds a B.Sc.(Hons.) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Newcastle-Upon-Type in the UK, a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Calgary, completed Georgetown University’s Director’s Program, is a Professional Engineer in Alberta, and a Project Management Professional.

Gerrit Nel

CISSP, CISM – Vice President of OT Infrastructure and Cyber Security Services

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Tobias (Gerrit) Nel, CISSP, CISM, is Vice President of OT Infrastructure and Cyber Security Services at Dexcent, leading the development and delivery of practical services and solutions that integrate, complement, or replace OT infrastructure and protect OT assets from cyber threats. He is known for building resilient security frameworks, governance processes, and integrated solutions that reduce risk and support compliance across diverse industries. Gerrit has over 40 years of relevant IT/OT experience and has built and delivered highly skilled and high-performance delivery teams. His strengths include Cyber Security roadmaps, security architecture, incident response, and alignment to standards such as IEC 62443, NIST, and NERC CIP. Furthermore, he has deep foundational technical experience in Networking and OT infrastructure systems architectures that he leverages in building and leading successful delivery teams. Gerrit holds a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the University of Johannesburg and brings deep cross-sector experience supporting clients in oil and gas, mining, chemical, healthcare, financial, and government environments.

Jaydeep Deshpande

P.Eng. – President

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Jaydeep Deshpande, P.Eng., is a seasoned and decisive executive with over 25 years of experience driving operational excellence, profitability, and market growth in national and multinational organizations. As President, he is recognized for his strategic leadership, disciplined execution, and ability to lead organizations through change. Jaydeep is passionate about developing people, building strong leadership teams, and fostering a positive, performance-driven culture. His expertise spans strategic planning, business diversification, financial management, and organizational transformation, with a consistent focus on delivering growth-oriented, profitable results. He holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta, is a Prosci Certified Change Practitioner and Project Management Professional (PMP), and has completed the CMA Accelerated Accounting Program, bringing deep financial and strategic insight to executive decision-making.

Karim Amarshi

Chairman of the Board

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Karim Amarshi is Chair of Dexcent’s Board of Directors, providing governance leadership and strategic oversight to support the company’s long-term strategy and executive team. With nearly 40 years as an entrepreneur and owner-operator, he is recognized for building high-performance organizations and forging strategic alliances across Information Technology, government, health care, education, and energy. He is the former co-owner and Chief Executive Officer of one of Canada’s leading enterprise Information Technology solution providers, where he led the organization through three successful mergers and helped scale long-term client and vendor partnerships. Karim remains active across a diverse business portfolio, serving as a founding principal, officer, and advisor to organizations spanning Information Technology, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, and real estate in Canada and internationally.

Yasmin Jivraj

FCIPS, I.S.P. | Board Member

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Yasmin Jivraj, FCIPS, I.S.P., is a Board Member at Dexcent, providing executive guidance and strategic oversight to support corporate management and long-term business direction. Over a 35-year career, she has held senior leadership roles across private, public, and non-profit organizations, with a track record of building operating foundations and driving profitable growth. Following a 15-year tenure as a co-owner and President of one of Canada’s leading strategic Information Technology solution providers, she expanded her governance leadership through active board service in post-secondary education and community-focused organizations. She is recognized for decisive, purpose-led leadership, clear communication, and deep expertise in technology, business models, and methodologies that help enterprise organizations advance digital transformation.

Nadir Jivraj

CEO, Board Member

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As Chief Executive Officer, Nadir is accountable for providing overall leadership and Dexcent’s Industrial operational performance. Nadir has been involved as an executive sponsor with Oil & Gas and Mining companies for over 35 years, and through the years has developed a strong working relationship with the Executive leadership team of many Fortune 500 companies.

Nadir is known for recognizing value and superior investment opportunities in the technology services sector. His pursuit of highly prospective technology companies around the world has resulted in numerous company start-ups. Prior to starting Dexcent, Nadir had led companies through highly profitable business transactions, including the merger of Atlas Systems Group with CompCanada (later renamed Acrodex) in 2000 and later as Chairman of the Board of Axcend Pvt – an engineering solutions provider – based in Bangalore, India from 2004 – 2014. Acrodex and Axcend were sold in 2015