How NexusCon 2025 Highlighted the New Role of Facility Managers in an OT-Driven World
At NexusCon 2025, industry leaders came together to explore the evolution of smart buildings, operational technology (OT), and cybersecurity. Amid all the insights and innovation, one theme stood out: in today’s hyper-connected buildings, the facility manager has become the circus ring leader of a digital performance where every system must operate in sync and on cue.
The Modern Building: A Digital Circus of Systems and Vendors
In the past, a facility manager’s focus might have been limited to maintenance and operations. Today, they oversee a complex ecosystem of HVAC controls, lighting networks, elevators, access control, IoT devices, and cloud-connected platforms. Each of these systems often comes from a different vendor, creating a patchwork of technologies that must perform flawlessly together.
Much like a circus ringleader, the facility manager stands at the center, orchestrating the timing, flow, and safety of every act. But unlike the circus, the stakes are far higher. A single system misstep can mean downtime, tenant disruption, or a cybersecurity breach with costly business consequences.
Cybersecurity Takes Center Stage
At NexusCon, the conversation turned serious when attendees shared real-world examples of cyber incidents in smart buildings. One story described a ransomware attack that locked tenants out of an office building. Another detailed how elevator and water systems were compromised, causing operational chaos.
These incidents highlight an emerging truth: building cybersecurity is now a core part of property management. Tenants are increasingly requiring cybersecurity compliance within lease agreements, and building owners are being held accountable for protecting operational networks.
Operational resilience and cyber protection are no longer optional, they’re fundamental to business continuity, reputation, and tenant retention.
The Challenge: Too Many Acts, Not Enough Visibility
Most facility managers know their systems are interconnected, but few have full visibility into how those systems communicate. As DYNICS Chief Revenue Officer, Chris Gibbs noted at NexusCon, “Everyone has a network map—they just know it’s wrong, but they’re not sure how.”
That uncertainty mirrors Schrödinger’s Cat: once you try to “open the box” and observe your network, you may inadvertently disrupt it. For OT environments, this is especially true where uptime, safety, and predictability are paramount.
The Solution: Giving the Ring Leader Control
DYNICS’ ICS360 suite empowers facility managers to regain command of their digital arenas.
- ICS360.Fusion enables seamless data movement, visualization, and device mapping across systems.
- The DYNICS OT SDN Controller provides secure network micro-segmentation and dynamic control of every connection.
- ICS360.Defender and ICS360.IAM (Identity Access Mgmt.) safeguard those connections with real-time monitoring and identity-based access.
Together, these tools allow the facility manager (the circus ring leader) to orchestrate performance, prevent disruption, and protect the audience (their tenants).
Importantly, DYNICS designs for usability. Facility managers shouldn’t need to be a certified network engineer to manage their OT networks. By simplifying complex OT operations, DYNICS empowers non-IT professionals to take control of security and performance with confidence.
Sustainability and Security: Two Sides of the Same Coin
NexusCon also spotlighted the growing emphasis on sustainability and decarbonization in smart building design. Yet, as we’ve emphasized, efficiency only works when it’s secure. The connected systems that drive energy efficiency — from lighting controls to occupancy sensors — also expand the network’s attack surface.
Securing those systems is essential not just for safety, but for achieving long-term sustainability goals.
The Final Act: Confidence in Control
At the end of the day, the modern facility manager must keep the show running — ensuring uptime, safety, and trust. With DYNICS’ proven OT cybersecurity expertise and integrated ICS360 solutions, they can perform that balancing act with precision and confidence.
In a world where every building is becoming a smart, connected system, DYNICS helps facility managers take center stage — orchestrating secure, resilient, and intelligent operations.
