UTSI, a leading independent consulting and engineering firm specializing in automation systems design, implementation and project engineering services in the areas of industrial control systems and operational technology, has announced the acquisition of Pandata Tech.
“Pandata Tech's extensive experience in AI and machine learning technologies combined with UTSI's global understanding and extensive experience in operating real-time control systems and large-scale industrial applications provides a unique blend of complementary expertise to solve operator problems for complex systems that previously could not be solved by a single organization,” said Daniel Nagala, founder of UTSI.
Founded in Houston in January 2016, Pandata Tech specializes in data quality solutions with a focus on AI and machine learning. “It was a natural fit for all of us,” says Jessica Reitmeier, co-founder of Pandata Tech. “Pandata Tech and UTSI have been partners for the last few years. Pandata Tech's AI/ML data quality products complement and support UTSI's products and services. Together, we can provide more comprehensive solutions to our clients.”
“UTSI works with most of the major energy utilities and knows firsthand the challenges of managing large-scale data collection systems. Pandata Tech's risk mitigation technology is a perfect match for UTSI's services,” said Gustavo Sanchez, co-founder of Pandata Tech.
UTSI has been providing technical consulting and systems integration of operational technology (primarily SCADA and ICS) solutions in Texas, across the U.S. and international markets since 1985, serving asset owners and operators of critical infrastructure across a range of industries. With this acquisition, UTSI will continue to target traditional energy, clean energy and renewable sectors, water treatment plants and transportation, while also leveraging Pandata Tech's expertise in the federal sector through Department of Defense contracting vehicles.
“We are excited about this merger and the great possibilities it brings to UTSI,” said UTSI President Shawn Six. “This merger not only paves the way for us to better serve our current clients, but also provides exciting opportunities in new markets.”
InnovationMap spoke with Shaun Six, President and CEO of UTSI, to learn more about how this strategic acquisition will benefit UTSI’s current and future customers.
InnovationMap: Tell us about your decision to acquire Pandata Tech. Do you believe Pandata Tech has specific strengths and capabilities that align with UTSI’s mission and goals?
Sean Six: Our decision to acquire Pandata Tech was made with a clear strategic vision to expand and strengthen our core capabilities in cyber security, particularly in operational technology, AI and data science. This move is particularly important for sectors such as energy, where the security and integrity of data and operational systems are paramount.
Pandata Tech has a unique combination of expertise in data science, AI, and machine learning (ML) with extensive experience in both the defense and energy sectors. This collaboration paves the way for exciting avenues to enhance our service offerings, ensuring our clients receive the most cutting-edge and secure solutions on the market.
InnovationMap: How do you plan to integrate Pandata Tech’s AI/ML capabilities into UTSI’s existing services and solutions?
Shaun Six: Integrating Pandata Tech's AI/ML expertise into our current services has great potential in strengthening cybersecurity posture, especially for critical infrastructure. By leveraging their advanced skills in data labeling and analysis, we will be able to provide our customers with deeper and more detailed insights into their operational environments, which means the ability to more effectively predict and combat potential risks and threats.
Additionally, Pandata Tech's capabilities in data quality assessment complement our commitment to reliability and accuracy of critical systems such as leak detection and control room management. This integration enhances our ability to protect and improve the efficiency of critical infrastructure, ensuring operational excellence.
InnovationMap: Are there any specific synergies or complementary aspects between UTSI’s focus on OT, ICS, and SCADA cybersecurity and Pandata Tech’s specialization in data science and AI/ML?
Shaun Six: There are notable complementary aspects between UTSI’s OT, ICS and SCADA cybersecurity expertise and Pandata Tech’s data science and AI/ML expertise that make this partnership particularly advantageous.
Our commitment to securing critical infrastructure is a perfect match with Pandata Tech's deep capabilities in data analytics and risk assessment. Combining our knowledge of OT, ICS and SCADA systems with Pandata Tech's advanced analytics allows us to provide a holistic cybersecurity strategy that addresses not only traditional threats but also nuanced challenges related to data integrity and quality.
Additionally, Pandata Tech’s proven track record working with the DoD and DoE, and UTSI’s longstanding collaboration with the DoD, strengthens our ability to help secure and protect the nation’s most critical infrastructure.
InnovationMap: How do you think this acquisition will benefit UTSI’s customers, particularly those in the hazardous materials regulatory space such as PHMSA (Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Security Administration/TSA/DOT)?
Sean Six: The acquisition of Pandata Tech will provide significant benefits to our customers, especially those navigating the complex waters of hazardous materials regulations like those of PHMSA. Leveraging Pandata Tech's AI/ML technology will enhance our ability to detect and address potential vulnerabilities related to data integrity and cybersecurity. This means we will be able to provide more advanced monitoring and analysis tools for critical systems, helping operators proactively address issues before they develop into major safety or compliance issues.
This allows us to observe external and internal bad actors and diagnose improper configurations of physical sensors or errors in certain algorithms running at the edge, while also monitoring the health of the physical infrastructure and the hardware/software combination that allows us to run and monitor the infrastructure from a remote operations center.Our combined expertise allows us to develop customized solutions that meet the specific needs of clients in highly regulated industries, including leak detection, simulation, and compliance reporting under PHMSA regulations.
InnovationMap: How will the acquisition of Pandata Tech strengthen UTSI’s market position and differentiate it from competitors?
Sean Six: The acquisition of Pandata Tech strengthens UTSI's position as a leader in cybersecurity and technology consulting for the critical infrastructure sector. Combining our expertise with Pandata Tech's advanced analytics capabilities will provide our clients with a unique value proposition that goes beyond traditional cybersecurity solutions.
Our ability to deliver actionable insights derived from advanced data analytics sets us apart from our competitors, enabling us to provide more effective and comprehensive solutions for protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats and operational risks.
InnovationMap: Are there any specific projects or initiatives you are particularly hoping to tackle with this acquisition?
Shaun Six: With this acquisition, we are excited to embark on an endeavor to leverage the combined strengths of UTSI’s cybersecurity know-how in OT, ICS and SCADA systems and Pandata Tech’s proficiency in AI/ML.
Some of the major projects we are passionate about include building cutting edge monitoring and detection systems for critical infrastructure, aiming to significantly enhance leak detection and control room operational capabilities by incorporating Pandata Tech's advanced data labelling and analytics technology.
The merger will pave the way for Pandata Tech to leverage its extensive experience in the defense and energy industries to address the evolving landscape of cybersecurity challenges across sectors and expand into new markets and verticals.
