How are Industrial Control Systems (ICS) differentiated from traditional IT systems?

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are primarily differentiated from traditional IT systems by their focus on operational control and process automation, which often involves real-time performance requirements. This emphasis means that ICS must ensure timely responses to inputs and processes to maintain efficiency and safety in industrial operations.

The nature of ICS applications—common in manufacturing, energy, water treatment, and other critical infrastructure sectors—requires them to operate continuously and reliably, often in dynamic environments where conditions can change rapidly. As a result, ICS are engineered to handle specific process control functions, which is quite different from traditional IT systems that generally focus on data processing, storage, and management, without the same level of real-time performance constraints.

Moreover, ICS often utilize specialized hardware and software tailored to address the unique demands of physical processes, including safety and regulatory compliance. This diverges from IT systems, which may prioritize scalability and flexibility to accommodate diverse business needs. Therefore, the correct choice emphasizes the primary operational purpose of ICS, setting them apart from traditional IT systems.