Welcome to the first article in Insights from an Expert, a series where we hand the microphone to some of our top-tier IT specialists and let their real-world expertise take center stage.
You will gain the type of knowledge that comes from years on the ground: what works, what does not, and which emerging areas deserve your attention as you prepare for the future.
Replacing legacy gas meters
A national energy gas infrastructure operator embarked on a large‑scale transformation to replace millions of legacy gas meters with next‑generation smart devices from Honeywell.
The initiative required managing multiple OT security topics in parallel, from architecture (based on the Purdue model) to asset classification, network segmentation, continuous monitoring, and secure remote access. Together, these areas played a critical role in strengthening cyber resilience, accurate and manageable billing, and streamlining operations, while also enabling secure customer onboarding for more than 3 million end-users.
The organization aimed to achieve:
More efficient business operations, including near real‑time consumption capture and improved billing processes.
Predictive maintenance capabilities, enabled by accurate and continuous resilience device telemetry.
A strengthened cybersecurity posture, ensuring operational resilience across their IT/OT landscape.
SOLUTION
Structure across workstreams
Oluf Oyewumi joined the program as OT Security Product Owner and Architect, guiding the development of the technical foundations for the smart meter rollout and securing alignment across all delivery tracks.
Throughout the engagement, the consultant acted as a trusted advisor, supporting decisions, strategic discussions, and long‑term architectural planning. Experience from similar high‑pace, high‑impact projects helped maintain focus and structure across all workstreams.
"Securing advanced smart metering requires more than protecting devices. It requires a strategic approach that connects cybersecurity, operational technology, and measurement integrity. As a trusted advisor, I help the client build long-term OT security strategies that safeguard both operational data and critical infrastructure," Oluf says.
The consultant's key responsibilities included:
Selecting and designing the OT security platform, ensuring visibility, monitoring, and proper governance.
Architecting the new Smart Meter Bootstrapping Platform, enabling secure device onboarding at scale.
Implementing Zero‑Touch Configuration Management, bridging IT and OT environments seamlessly.
Applying deep vendor expertise (OTbase, Fortinet) to shape platform decisions and roadmap direction.
Managing diverse stakeholder groups, maintaining progress on time, in scope, and within budget.
IMPACT
A sustainable position
The project resulted in a secure, scalable, and future‑proof smart‑metering ecosystem that strengthens both operational efficiency and cybersecurity.
These outcomes significantly improve the client’s billing accuracy, reduce operational risk, and provide a robust foundation for future digital initiatives.
"My goal was not just to deliver the project, but to leave the client with a sustainable OT security strategy, improved visibility into their operational environment, and the capabilities needed to manage cyber risks long after the engagement is completed," Oluf says.
More specifically, the client achieved:
More accurate and near real‑time consumption data, directly integrated into the client’s cloud‑based ERP system.
A smart meter bootstrapping platform, enabling efficient onboarding of millions of devices.
A stronger cybersecurity posture, spanning both IT and OT domains.
Elimination of shadow OT, ensuring transparency and control over all operational assets.
A clear and unified model for planning and managing future projects.
Rollout of a new OT security product, offering a fully inventoried and monitored OT environment.
The insights from expert Oluf Oyewumi, in the role of the Architect and Product Owner, highlighted how advanced meter infrastructure can strengthen operational resilience.
As part of our Insights from an Expert series, it reflects the kind of real-world knowledge that shapes smarter decisions and stronger digital futures.
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