One of the most widespread developments in the industrial world has been the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) over the past decade, which has become the central point of the fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0. The core of industrial IoT (IIOT) relies on the power of sensors and connected devices to collect and transmit data to ensure users can be informed about the everyday and long-term decisions. Taking into account the different possible definitions of IoT (the synonym “industrial Internet” and use of the term tend to vary in nature and scope in industrial markets and use cases), the technology used, and other timelines of major developments that have led us to where we are today with smart manufacturing and industrial IoT, Kepware staff are reading this guest blog by Sam Elsner about how we use industrial protocols to connect IoT with the Industry Edge Protocol mentioned in the infographic above.
Industry leaders are combining Internet technology with business technology by implementing low-power sensors and Internet-connected devices that collect and transmit data to users who immediately inform about everyday and long-term decisions. In addition to sensors such as AI, machine-to-machine communication and cloud technology, Industrial IoT (IoT) encompasses a wide range of technological advancements. While the industrial IoT and mining industries are still in their infancy, industry leaders are using IoT to create safer and more effective operational ecosystems.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) is made possible by technologies such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, edge computing, mobile technology, 3D machine printing, advanced robotics, big data, the Internet of Things, RFID technology and cognitive computing. IoT is an integral part of the transformation of cyber and physical systems and production processes using big data analytics in the context of the fourth industrial revolution known as Industry 4.0. Real-time data from sensors and other information sources can help industrial devices and infrastructures make decisions and provide insights for specific actions.
The machines in your production hall are equipped with small IoT (Internet of Things) devices that monitor a wide range of data including utilization, availability, quality, energy consumption, inventory, parts log and system malfunctions. Sensors send and receive data to make informed and autonomous decisions without human intervention, improve safety, reduce environmental impacts, and much more. Connected machines provide manufacturers with real-time insight into machine condition and important KPIs.
The main players in IIOT are manufacturers who want to invest in technologies that increase efficiency. In many cases, IIOT improves the safety of factory workers through preventive maintenance, detection and resolution of potential problems before they occur. IIOT will also take over off-grid industries such as agriculture.
Increasing machine utilization: Industrial IoT allows manufacturers to connect their machines to the internet. Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) Industrial IoT connects smart assets, data communication infrastructure, software, analytics and people to generate actionable data on production processes. Intelligent assets include connected things such as sensors, controllers, edge devices, applications, software and security components.
There will be different types of platforms, solutions and implementations that include sensor connectivity, data acquisition, data analysis and visualization. Some companies will integrate sensors into their plant connectivity solutions to capture machine data and turn to cloud analytics providers, while others may want an end-to-end service plan to translate their own data scientists into a solution. They may have the capability of internal industrial IoT solutions that require sensor connectivity for data acquisition and analysis and visualization, sensors embedded in millions of dollars worth of machines, and cloud data storage or on-site data storage for advanced analysis.
The Industrial Internet of Things offers many opportunities for optimizing, automation, smart industries, smart manufacturing, industrial control, asset performance management, new ways to serve customers moving toward a more responsive service model and the creation of new revenue models to meet the goals of industrial transformation. The focus should not be on providers offering cloud-based platforms for monitoring industrial machinery, but on the companies themselves that use industrial IoT applications and technologies to drive their business. It is vital to have a holistic strategy that considers the transition to better customer-centric service offerings as the goal of innovation, value creation and an ecosystem-wide digital transformation goal of using different data sources to increase revenue.
These new challenges bear little resemblance to those of the last 20 years and require a holistic view of events and a willingness to break new ground. The main purpose of IIOT projects is to achieve silent cost savings through automation and optimization. Many challenges in the implementation of IOT and the number of failed IOT projects are a major concern for the greater acceptance of IOT in the industry.
To a certain extent, every industry and company implementing IIOT plans to act as a technology company to manage both physical and digital components. Users face the challenge of integrating industrial companies with IIOT connections and information that must be secure. While the adoption of IIOT will revolutionize the way industries operate, the challenge is to develop a strategy to support digital transformation efforts while maintaining security and increasing connectivity.
Given the level of security required by IoT technology, organizations must present a plan to streamline data monitoring, management and storage to enable faster response to incoming threats. For companies with the most connected systems, ERP data, customer data and IoT insights must be combined in a networked view. The key IoT challenge is that companies need to be able to implement the right sensors, software, and devices before they realize they have the right tools and expertise.
