Elise Patterson, Author at Champion Technology Services

Solution Brief

Industrial Data Centers

Blog

Scalable Strategies for OT Asset Management in a Growing Digital Landscape

More Assets, More Complexity, Now What?

Industrial operations today are not just adding hardware, they’re layering in virtual machines, edge devices, software agents, and cloud connectors. With this growth comes the challenge: how do you manage all these assets reliably, securely, and cost-effectively at scale?

The answer lies in combining monitoring with structured asset management strategies.

Strategy 1: Establish a Baseline with Passive Discovery

Before you can manage, you need visibility.

Start with Passive Monitoring tools to automatically detect devices communicating across your network.
Build an initial asset inventory that includes IP, MAC, vendor, model, and firmware.
Capture not just what’s online, but what’s vulnerable, misconfigured, or behaving abnormally.

Tip

Passive monitoring can often be deployed with zero impact to operations and works across diverse platforms.

Strategy 2: Tag & Contextualize Assets

An inventory without context is just a list.

Tag assets with critical metadata—such as control zone, site, function (e.g., HMI,DCS, historian), and ownership.
Link this data with existing sources: CMMS, control system configuration, historian, or network diagrams.
Use human-friendly naming conventions and hierarchy to support operational handoffs and audits.

PRACTICAL STEP

Use spreadsheet imports, CMDB tools, or open API integrations to enrich your inventory without manual re-entry.

Strategy 3: Integrate Monitoring with Lifecycle Planning

Monitoring tells you what’s happening—asset management tells you what to do next.

Leverage performance data to flag aging or underperforming assets.
Track lifecycle stages: install date, firmware version, last patch, end-of-support.
Schedule reviews for high-risk systems or those approaching obsolescence.

bonus

If you’ve recently migrated to a modern system, start lifecycle tracking from day one to maximize ROI.

Strategy 4: Build Change Management into Daily Operations

Static inventories go stale fast.

Monitor for unauthorized changes in firmware, configuration, or IP address.
Tie changes to maintenance work orders or authorized updates.
Use alerts to notify engineering or cybersecurity teams when anomalies occur.

Scalable Tactic

Focus on key control zones first, then expand visibility zone by zone, prioritize based on risk and asset count.

Strategy 5: Make It Actionable for the Teams Who Need It

The most successful OT asset strategies are ones that are used daily.

Build dashboards that serve operators, not just auditors.
Align asset groups with how your team works, by process area, shift, or system owner.
Offer read-only access to contractors or support teams to eliminate bottlenecks.

TOOLTIP

Integrate with your existing FAT documentation, virtual environments, or support models like our 24UP® Solution, to make data available in context.

Conclusion: OT Asset Management is a Discipline, Not a Project

Scalability doesn’t come from a one-time cleanup, it comes from embedding asset practices into monitoring, maintenance, and modernization. Whether you’re managing 100 devices or 10,000, the right strategy allows your team to grow confidently alongside your infrastructure.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Solution Brief

Asset Management

Blog

Mastering OT Asset Monitoring

🛠️Optimizing Uptime Through OT Monitoring

As industrial OT systems modernize and become more interconnected, the potential for efficiency and insight grows, but so do complexity and cybersecurity risk. To navigate this landscape, organizations must move beyond reactive maintenance and adopt a layered, proactive monitoring strategy.

🔍Three Pillars of Modern OT Monitoring

Just as a skilled technician uses multiple tools to assess a system, a modern OT monitoring strategy relies on three complementary methods: passive, active, and predictive. When combined, they create a robust defense and operational advantage.

Passive Monitoring

The Silent Observer of OT Health

Passive monitoring silently collects data from systems without direct interaction. It captures the "background noise" of OT—CPU usage, network traffic, system logs—offering insights without introducing risk.

Use Cases:

Baseline Behavior: Define normal operating parameters to detect future anomalies.
Capacity Forecasting: Plan infrastructure scaling based on usage trends.
Performance Trends: Spot degradation or irregularities early.
Asset Visibility: Maintain a real-time inventory of connected OT assets.

Active Monitoring

Probing for Responsiveness and Resilience

Active monitoring takes a deliberate, hands-on approach. By sending test traffic or running diagnostics, it probes systems to detect weaknesses or performance bottlenecks.

Use Cases:

Early Issue Detection: Identify misconfigurations or failing components.
Network & Application Tuning: Support digital initiatives with optimized performance.
Cyber Vulnerability Scanning: Detect threats across newly connected assets.
Regulatory Readiness: Validate compliance with industry standards.

Predictive Monitoring

Anticipating What's Next

Predictive monitoring applies analytics and machine learning to historical and real-time data to forecast problems before they occur.

Use Cases:

Predictive Maintenance: Anticipate equipment failures and plan service proactively.
Resource Planning: Forecast compute and bandwidth needs as systems scale.
Anomaly Detection: Flag unusual activity that could signal cyber threats.
Downtime Reduction: Improve system uptime and reliability through foresight.

⚖️Why the Blend Matters

Each technique brings value, but together they form a resilient and intelligent monitoring ecosystem:

Passive reveals system norms and long-term trends.
Active exposes immediate issues and security gaps.
Predictive enables preemptive action to avoid disruptions.

Conclusion

In a digital-first OT landscape, monitoring must evolve. A layered strategy, passive for visibility, active for control, and predictive for foresight, empowers industrial organizations to maintain uptime, ensure security, and drive operational excellence. It’s not just about watching your systems; it’s about truly understanding them.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

24UP® Solutions

visit the page

Blog

Factory Acceptance Testing: A Critical Step to De-Risk Control System Deployments

Why Factory Acceptance Testing Matters in Control System Projects🎯

In the high-stakes world of industrial automation, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) is far more than a formality, it's a critical milestone that validates system functionality before it ever reaches the field.

For control systems and OT solutions, FAT provides a structured, repeatable environment to detect logic errors, integration issues, and design gaps, well before they can disrupt operations.

Champion’s Edge: Infrastructure and Expertise That De-Risk FAT 🔧

At Champion, we don’t just conduct FAT, we engineer it for success.

Our in-house simulation environments are equipped with:

Vendor-specific control hardware
Test racks and I/O simulators
Pre-configured operator workstations

This setup enables us to replicate real-world conditions and rigorously test each component—whether it’s Honeywell Experion®, Rockwell Automation, Emerson DeltaV, or hybrid environments.

With deep OT domain knowledge and integrated testing infrastructure, we ensure your system performs as expected—under load, under pressure, and under control.

Top 5 Reasons FAT Reduces Project Risk ✅

1. Catch Issues Before They Reach the Field

Our controlled test environments uncover misconfigurations, logic errors, and network issues long before on-site commissioning, saving time, cost, and operational downtime.

2. Validate Functional Design and Logic

From PLC code and HMI graphics to alarm management and SCADA point validation, Champion helps clients confirm that their system meets all functional specifications before deployment.

3. Boost Operator Confidence Through Simulation

Our FAT process includes realistic operator interaction using actual graphics, navigation workflows, and input/output simulations, helping users gain familiarity and confidence before go-live.

4. Strengthen Cybersecurity and Network Assurance

FAT also enables testing of industrial network solutions, Windows domain configurations, and role-based access controls to ensure secure, reliable system performance.

5. Support a Low-Risk, Structured Commissioning Phase

With Champion’s FAT preparation and documentation, commissioning becomes a controlled process, not a troubleshooting exercise.

Best Practices for Effective FAT Execution📋

Start Early
Plan for FAT in your initial project scope and timeline.
Test What Matters
Simulate realistic operations, not just scripted tests.
Involve the Right People
Engage operations, cybersecurity, and IT stakeholders throughout the process.
Document and Sign Off
Capture results, track issues, and create a clear FAT record.
Close the Loop
Use insights from FAT to fine-tune configuration and commissioning.

🏅The Champion Difference: More Than a Checklist

FAT is your system’s first big test, and Champion ensures it’s a real one.

Our investment in simulation hardware, OT software environments, and seasoned engineering teams means we don’t just verify your system, we optimize it, harden it, and prepare it for day-one success

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Solution Brief

Industrial Data Centers

Project Brief

PCN and DMZ IDC Upgrade

Petrochemicals, Manufacturing // Louisiana

The Challenge

Outdated Virtual Environments

Existing datacenter hardware had reached end-of-life, creating limitations in performance, maintainability, and vendor support.

Unscalable System Architecture

The legacy PCN and DMZ systems were built on unupgradable physical appliances, unable to support growing demands or modern applications.

Minimal Redundancy and Recovery

The prior environment lacked virtualization-level failover, reducing the ability to maintain continuity during failures or maintenance.

Unsupported OS and Applications

Critical virtual machines were operating on unsupported platforms, limiting cybersecurity alignment and software patching options.

Mixed Configuration and Oversight

Disparate domain structures and unmanaged system updates posed obstacles to centralized control and consistent operations.

Zero-Disruption Requirement

Upgrades had to be completed without interrupting plant operations, requiring parallel validation and a risk-informed deployment plan.

Our Solution

Virtual Infrastructure Modernization

High-availability PCN clusters and standalone DMZ servers were implemented using ESXi hosts and Dell storage arrays, managed via vCenter.

Network Architecture Redesign

Cisco Catalyst switches provided redundant paths, VLAN segmentation, and firewall integration to enhance reliability and zone isolation.

Factory Acceptance & Site Testing

In-house FAT and site SAT validated configuration and failover. Cutover was completed with zero operational impact.

VM and Software Configuration

Over 20 virtual machines were configured to support:

Real-time industrial data collection and historian interfaces
Antivirus and centralized patching services
Rotating equipment condition monitoring and diagnostics software
Control system trace and event logging tools
Active Directory domain control and backup systems

Project Timeline: 8 Months

The Results

Improved Uptime

Cluster failover and HA ensure operational continuity and quick recovery.

Stronger Cybersecurity Posture

Supported OS versions, AV/patching agents, and segmented VLANs align with OT best practices.

Streamlined Management

Domain integration, backup validation, and centralized vCenter simplify operations and updates.

Scalable Architecture

The system is designed for future expansion, remote diagnostics, and lifecycle planning.

The Champion Advantage

Seamless Integration

Champion delivered a unified virtual infrastructure, covering computer, networking, and virtualization, with end-to-end accountability from design through commissioning.

Client-Centered Execution and Support

From risk-informed cutover strategies to on-site support, Champion aligned closely with operational constraints to execute without disruption to any critical processes.

Future-Ready Foundation

The virtual architecture supports future growth, secure access, centralized patching, and improved OT visibility, positioning the client for ongoing digital transformation.

OT Application Expertise

With deep experience in OT Applications such as historian integration, rotating asset diagnostics, trace/event logging, and OT endpoint security, Champion ensured each application was migrated, validated, and optimized in the new environment.

Smarter Commissioning, Faster Execution

Champion’s structured FAT, SAT, and operator validation approach delivered efficient deployment with confidence in operational readiness.

Curious what Champion can achieve for you?

article

Virtualizing the Future

Learn more

solution brief

Industrial Data Centers

Blog

Virtualizing the Future

Powering OT Digital Transformation: Virtualization in IDCs

The push for Digital Transformation is reshaping Industrial Operational Technology (OT). It demands greater connectivity, data utilization, and agility. At the center of this evolution is virtualization, and when deployed within a robust Industrial Data Center (IDC), it becomes the foundation for a smarter, more resilient OT environment.

From Siloed Hardware to Agile Infrastructure

Traditionally, OT systems relied on purpose-built physical hardware. This siloed approach, while once effective, now limits integration and scalability. Virtualization, creating software-based versions of computing resources, solves this challenge.

When hosted in an IDC, virtualization consolidates OT applications and even control system components onto shared physical hardware, delivering a more dynamic and manageable environment.

The IDC Advantage: A Foundation for Virtualized OT

Industrial Data Centers are more than server racks. They are mission-critical environments purpose-built to support the demands of virtualized OT systems:

Reliable Power & Cooling – Keeps systems running smoothly under consolidated loads.
High-Speed Networking – Enables low-latency communication across virtual and physical assets.
Security by Design – Protects both virtual and physical layers of OT infrastructure.
Scalability & Redundancy – Supports growth while ensuring uptime.

Virtualization: The Engine of OT Modernization

Virtualization within an IDC unlocks new capabilities:

Agility and Rapid Deployment
Provision new OT environments quickly—no waiting on hardware delivery or installation.
Resource Optimization
Run multiple OT applications on fewer physical servers, saving energy, floor space, and costs.
Centralized Management
Streamline backups, patching, disaster recovery, and monitoring—all from a single pane of glass.
High Availability and Resilience
Virtual workloads can move between servers with zero downtime using live migration and fault tolerance.
Secure Integration
Enable safe, structured data sharing between OT and IT systems for analytics and enterprise insight.

Strategic Considerations for Virtualizing OT in an IDC

Successfully deploying virtualization in an IDC requires thoughtful planning:

Workload Suitability – Not all OT workloads are ideal for virtualization. Prioritize based on performance and latency sensitivity.
IDC Readiness – Ensure the data center has the power, cooling, and connectivity to support virtualized workloads.
Virtualization Platform – Choose a platform with industrial certifications and robust support for OT systems.
Network Segmentation – Properly isolate OT systems to maintain security and regulatory compliance.
Expertise and Integration – Work with partners like Champion Technology, who understand both OT requirements and data center architecture.

Looking Ahead: OT’s Virtual Future

The combination of virtualization and Industrial Data Centers is rapidly becoming the backbone of future-ready OT operations. It enables organizations to:

Modernize aging infrastructure
Enhance security and availability
Reduce physical and energy footprints
Accelerate time-to-insight through data integration

As industrial environments grow more connected and data-driven, embracing this strategic shift isn’t optional—it’s imperative.

Our team helps OT leaders modernize with confidence. Our expertise in virtualized infrastructure and control system environments makes us a trusted partner for your Digital Transformation journey.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

Solution Brief

Industrial Data Centers

Blog

24UP®: Smarter Maintenance for Industrial Control Systems

In the world of industrial automation, maintaining uptime isn’t just about fixing issues, it’s about anticipating them. That’s where 24UP®, Champion’s Run and Maintain service, stands apart. Designed to sustain operational continuity and safeguard critical control infrastructure, 24UP delivers more than support, it delivers trust.

Champion brings over two decades of hands-on experience across a broad range of control system platforms, network architectures, and OT environments. From Honeywell Experion and Emerson DeltaV to Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, and legacy platforms like Honeywell TDC, Allen-Bradley PLC-5 or Siemens S5/S7, our teams understand the nuances of industrial automation—and how to keep it running.

Why 24UP?

Engineered for Industrial DX Maintenance 🚀

As digital transformation (DX) accelerates across the industrial sector, the volume and complexity of digital OT assets are growing rapidly. From connected field devices and virtualized control systems to cloud-integrated historians and cybersecurity platforms, maintaining these assets requires more than just break/fix support, it demands continuous oversight.

24UP was purpose-built to support this shift. Our service is real-time enabled, delivering actionable insights across both modern and legacy DCS and PLC platforms. Whether you're managing cutting-edge architectures or aging infrastructure, 24UP helps maintain system health, configuration integrity, and operational resilience.

Cybersecurity & Compliance Visibility 🔐

Our enterprise dashboards highlight vulnerabilities, backup status, patching gaps, and hygiene scores—empowering facilities to stay compliant and reduce cyber risk across legacy and modern systems.

Support Backed by Real OT Knowledge 🛠️

Every ticket, escalation, and support event is handled by engineers who’ve stood in front of live DCS panels and PLC racks. From after-hours emergency calls to scheduled turnarounds, you get expert support from people who know the control systems inside out.

Championing Performance. Sustaining Reliability.

We know industrial systems don’t run on theory, they run on execution. With 24UP®, we combine digital tools and decades of operational experience to help clients maintain OT asset health, meet compliance goals, and keep production on track.

Whether you’re managing an aging DCS, navigating cybersecurity modernization, or just need peace of mind, 24UP is your partner in performance.

Let’s talk about how 24UP can work for you. Contact us today to schedule a demo and see why clients in refining, petrochemicals, and energy choose Champion for OT support that actually understands OT.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

24UP® Solutions

visit the page

Project Brief

Industrial Data Center Upgrade

Oil & Gas, Midstream // Southeast Texas

The Challenge

Legacy data center hardware had reached end-of-life, limiting system reliability, scalability, and vendor support options.

Obsolete Windows environments prevented the application of critical patches and updates, impacting compliance and system stability.

Outdated versions of FactoryTalk and historian software introduced performance bottlenecks and integration challenges with modern platforms.

A fragmented domain and workgroup configuration made it difficult to enforce consistent user policies or manage authentication centrally.

Limited VLAN segmentation reduced network visibility, increased broadcast domain congestion, and created barriers to secure zone management.

The absence of high-availability mechanisms and VM mobility increased risk during maintenance windows and system transitions.

The migration needed to occur without interrupting operations, requiring a carefully sequenced cutover plan and parallel runtime verification.

Our Solution

Both data center environments were rebuilt with fully virtualized, high-availability platforms. Core control system applications, historian nodes, and Windows services were migrated to domain-managed virtual machines for greater scalability and centralized control.

Switching infrastructure was upgraded to support segmented VLANs for management, storage, and control traffic. Routed failover between sites provided redundancy and improved network performance.

OT applications including FactoryTalk View SE, Linx, Alarm & Event, and Historian services were upgraded to current versions. Engineering and operator workstations were refreshed with pre-configured toolsets for faster deployment and user readiness.

A structured deployment approach included Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), parallel HMI validation, and a staged cutover. Snapshot backups and rollback procedures ensured system continuity throughout.

Project Timeline: 6 Months

The Results

The modernized OT systems delivered key advantages. Redundant systems ensured uptime and operational continuity, while network segmentation and supported platforms strengthened cybersecurity. Centralized control simplified management, and modern infrastructure provided fast recovery and failover.

The Champion Advantage

Seamless Integration

A unified solution across virtualization, networking, and software eliminated the need for multiple vendors.

Client-Centered Execution and Support

Staged cutover, clear documentation, and on-site training ensured a smooth transition with minimal disruption.

Scalable and Future-Ready

The upgraded infrastructure supports digital growth, remote access, and enhanced OT visibility.

Smarter Commissioning, Faster Execution

Champion’s risk-informed approach, with FAT, SAT, and operator validation, enabled efficient deployment and handoff.

Ready to elevate your operations?

article

Securing Legacy OT Systems

Learn more

solution brief

Disaster Recovery

Blog

Enhance OT Security with Network Segmentation

In today's increasingly connected operational environments, network segmentation is a foundational pillar for cybersecurity, performance, and system reliability. For industrial facilities managing legacy assets, segmentation isn't just an IT best practice, it's a business-critical strategy.

What is Network Segmentation?

Network segmentation involves dividing a network into smaller, isolated segments (or subnets), each with its own access controls and security measures. This approach:

Minimizes the attack surface
Restricts lateral movement by threat actors
Prevents malware from spreading across the network

6 Key Strategies for Effective Segmentation

1. IT/OT Alignment 🤝

Ensure collaboration between IT and OT teams from the outset. Joint planning, training, and awareness initiatives build shared ownership and improve execution.

2. Identify Critical Assets 🔍

Prioritize protection by identifying which systems are most critical to operations. This enables a phased segmentation approach that minimizes disruption.

3. Network Mapping 🗺️

Visualizing all connected entities reveals data flows, hidden vulnerabilities, and monitoring blind spots—essential for informed segmentation planning.

4. Define Network Zones 🧱

Group systems with similar security requirements into zones, and enforce strict rules for how data moves between them. This zoning model forms the backbone of OT segmentation.

5. Implementation ⚙️

Roll out segmentation in phases to minimize operational risk. Closely monitor performance throughout the rollout to identify and resolve unforeseen issues early.

6. Monitor and Maintain 📈

Ongoing monitoring and regular audits ensure the segmentation strategy adapts to evolving threats. Update protocols and configurations as your network grows or changes.

The Takeaway

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, network segmentation is no longer optional—it’s foundational. By creating controlled, isolated zones within your OT network, you enhance system protection, simplify compliance, and future-proof your operations for digital transformation.

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

solution brief

System Hardening

Microsoft KB5004442 Support Page

Blog

Microsoft DCOM Changes and Windows 10 End-of-Life: What It Means for OT

🔍At a Glance:

DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model) enables communication between Windows-based applications.
Microsoft updates have hardened DCOM to address security vulnerabilities.
Result: Compatibility issues may arise with Industrial Control System (ICS) software relying on DCOM.
Windows 10 reaches end-of-life on October 14, 2025, compounding upgrade urgency.

🛠Background

In June 2021, Microsoft released KB5004442, a security update aimed at hardening DCOM. While these changes improve cybersecurity, they also introduce risks to OT environments, especially:

SCADA/HMI systems
Engineering workstations
Data historians

If your systems depend on DCOM-based communication, you may face issues like failed application launches or broken device connectivity.

⚠️What’s the Risk?

Once the DCOM hardening updates are installed:

Certain ICS applications may fail to launch or exchange data.
Remote access to devices and data historians could be blocked.
After March 14, 2023, the DCOM hardening features can no longer be disabled, even with registry edits.
After October 2025, Windows 10 will stop receiving security updates—including those affecting DCOM. Windows 10 will reach end-of-life on October 14, 2025

Bottom line: Running ICS on Windows 10 with hardened DCOM settings presents a dual risk—unsupported OS and incompatible security changes.

✅What You Should Do

1. Audit your systems

→ Identify where DCOM is used across your OT/ICS environment.

2. Engage with your software vendors

→ Most have released guidance or patches to address compatibility with hardened DCOM.

3. Plan a migration strategy

→With Windows 10 approaching end-of-life, now is the time to evaluate your OS upgrade path alongside DCOM readiness.

4. Consult with an expert

Champion can assist with:

System audits and risk assessments
Safe application of Microsoft updates
Compatibility mitigation strategies
OS upgrade planning and execution

🤝We’re Here to Help

Whether you're sorting through vendor guidance or preparing for an OS transition, Champion Technology Services is ready to guide your journey. Our experts deliver tailored support for ICS environments, ensuring:

Minimal disruption
Long-term reliability
Cyber resilience

Ready to learn more? Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation.

Resources:

Microsoft Lifecycle Policy – Windows 10 EOL

Let's collaborate.

Schedule a no-cost consultation today.

solution brief

DCOM Hardening