Most of us are familiar with the Internet of Things (IoT) and how it works- basically, a network where devices can communicate with one another. Once we take a step further and scale up in a business or manufacturing setting, then it’s called an industrial IoT.
In this article, we discuss what Industrial IoT means, the difference between it and regular IoT, and the many benefits of introducing an industrial IoT platform in your business.
Contents
What is the Industrial Internet of Things?
An Industrial IoT, or IIoT refers to a network of machines, instruments, and sensors within a company. These devices are usually handled or managed by an application. The connectedness of the devices means companies can enhance vital processes such as data analysis and collection to improve efficiency and productivity, among others.
There are some instances when an IIoT allows for the automation of some processes, and it’s not unusual to have it paired with cloud computing for control optimization. IIoT can have the greatest impact on certain industries like utilities, oil and gas, agriculture, manufacturing, and automotive, to name a few.
Manufacturers and OEM businesses will stand to benefit from having a robust IIoT platform as they can maintain product visibility post-warehouse shipment, update with the latest hardware for security, experience preventive maintenance, and more importantly, gain access to feedback and invaluable data.
How is IIoT Different From the Internet of Things?
The IIoT and IoT mostly operate at the same level- a slew of devices, products, and sensors that work with each other within a controlled environment. The main difference is that a home IoT serves the inhabitants while the IIoT is focused on production, process improvements, and quality control.
How Industrial IoT Can Help Your Business
Inventory Management and Location Tracking
Warehouse managers and similar roles often struggle with inventory management and tracking without a good software by their side. However, a quick IIoT integration means you can accomplish real-time tracking of equipment in multiple sites to reduce the time and energy needed to see where they are. Manufacturers and suppliers can enjoy the same benefit via instant alerts whenever the products have arrived or are at risk of being lost.
Remote Monitoring and Firmware Updates
We all know the importance of regular software and firmware updates, and it’s no different in the industry sector. Remote monitoring unlocks the capacity to operate at a larger scale, and it’s possible to manage multiple sites across far-flung regions. Within a connected network, however, businesses can carry out OTA firmware updates as they’re needed to comply with regulations within their respective sectors. Rather than spend time manually updating each piece of equipment, operators can simply have their devices go through the process simultaneously.
Preventive Maintenance
All businesses would rather choose preventive maintenance over reactive maintenance for several good reasons. Any downtime equals lost productivity and possible revenue, which happens a lot when equipment and vehicles are subject to daily wear and tear. Continuous monitoring via IIoT means you’ll have the data and get alerted to possible issues and therefore prevent major breakdowns from happening. The IIoT may also carry out remote fixes to reduce on-site visits and manual repairs.
Empowered Customer Success Teams
The data that gets collected from operating interconnected equipment and sensors can be accessed by customer success teams and empower them in a way that a non-connected network can. The fact that helpful data can be accessed at any time means the information is always relevant and not outdated. In the same vein, product manufacturers and designers can analyze how the machines are being used.
Data Collection of Operations and Clients
Data collected from IIoT can be used in many different aspects, including for operation, manufacturing, being more competitive, and more. Overall, processes can be improved with the right analytics. The good news is that data can be stored in the cloud so it can be accessed easily by those who need it.
