This Master's thesis analyses the challenges and requirements of fenaco in network visibility, -observability, and security, particularly in the context of the increasing convergence of Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT), as well as the spread of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices. The analysis is based on twelve interviews with fenaco experts as well as a proof-of-concept (PoC) of the Narrowin Network Explorer, which was tested for its effectiveness and suitability to fulfill fenaco's specific requirements.

The results show that the Narrowin solution fulfills most of the requirements but that there is potential for development and improvement in graphical representations at different levels and linking with other tools for prioritizing failure messages and alerts. In addition, the assessment part of the Narrowin tool could also be further developed according to the suggestions of the fenaco experts. Based on the findings, specific recommendations are made for both companies: Narrowin is advised to expand the functionalities of their solution and strengthen the integration with other network and security tools, while fenaco is encouraged to increase transparency in the OT and IoT area and to simplify collaboration with suppliers and decentralized IT managers through an interactive tool. In addition to the practical recommendations for action for the two companies, this work provides a tried-and-tested and helpful Artifact in the form of a template that can be used as a guideline and evaluation template for tool evaluations in the network and security sector. The Artifact creates a standard, and the template can be extended or adapted according to the respective company's needs. This Master's thesis thus provides concrete added value for the two companies, Narrowin and fenaco. At the same time, the Artifact can also close a research gap at an academic level, as according to literature research; there has been no good and standardized template for evaluating software tools in the network and security sectors to date.