Global level digital transformation in the residential and commercial sectors has led to an increase in the adoption of technologies such as the internet of things. The manufacturing sector is also interested in taking technical assistance to monitor and optimize their mass production. The industrial internet of things is one of such extensively utilized technologies in recent times.
Industrial Internet Of Things combines the Internet of Things technology with a variety of industrial operations, including automation, maintenance, and networking. It uses real-time data from sensors and other connected devices, which enables industries and companies to improve their efficiency and dependability in their operations. It focuses on machine-to-machine (M2M) connectivity, big data, and machine learning.
What Is the Industrial Internet of Things?
The industrial internet of things also referred to as IIoT is the use of smart sensors and actuators to enhance manufacturing and industrial processes. It utilizes the power of smart machines which are better than humans at capturing and analyzing data in real time. It also provides better communication of important information that can be used to drive business decisions faster and more accurately.
Connected sensors and actuators help to pick up on inefficiencies and problems sooner and save time and money. In the manufacturing sector, IIoT is used for quality control, sustainable and green practices, supply chain traceability, and overall supply chain efficiency. Whereas, in an industrial setting, IIoT offers assistance in processes such as Predictive maintenance (PdM), enhanced field service, energy management, and asset tracking.
A typical IIoT system comprises smart equipment that measures, stores, and communicates information. It uses a public or private internet network that serves as a data communication structure. It also has several tools that help to process raw data in data insights and utilize that data for better business outcomes.
The industrial internet of things is used across a range of industries from manufacturing, logistics, oil and gas, healthcare, transportation, mining, aviation, energy, and more. Its focus is to optimize operations such as automation of processes and maintenance. This technology is applicable in different substreams of any industry including production, supply chain, building management, and retail.
What are the benefits of IIoT?
There are several benefits of the industrial internet of things and its peripheral devices used in the manufacturing industry to enable predictive maintenance and optimize production. Some of these benefits are discussed below.
- IIoT systems can predict when a machine will need to be serviced. That way, the necessary maintenance can be performed before a failure occurs.
- Another benefit is more efficient field service. IIoT technologies help field service technicians identify potential issues in customer equipment before they become major issues, enabling them to fix those problems before they cause inconvenience to customers.
- Such technology can also provide field service technicians with information about which parts they need to make a repair. This will help the technician to bring the necessary parts with them when making a service call.
- IIoT consists of an asset management system that helps suppliers, manufacturers, and customers to track the location, status, and condition of products throughout the supply chain.
- It offers enhanced customer satisfaction, by providing analyzed data about how customers use their products, enabling manufacturers and product designers to build more customer-centric product roadmaps.
- IIoT also improves facility management. Manufacturing equipment is more prone to wear and tear, which can be exacerbated by certain conditions in a factory. IIoT sensors can monitor vibrations, temperature and other factors that might lead to suboptimal operating conditions.
Future Scope of IIoT
The future of the Industrial Internet Of Things is tightly coupled with a trend known as Industry 4.0, which is essentially, the fourth Industrial Revolution. It is based on the use of connected electronic devices particularly IIoT devices to obtain improved results in the manufacturing industry.
With commercial digitalization, IIoT devices will be key elements for organizations attempting to digitize their production lines and supply chains. To accomplish the demand for more such devices, tech companies are focusing on developing more enhanced Industrial Internet Of Things. In addition to this, advancements in 5G technology will be beneficial for expansion of the IIoT sector.
