Industrial IoT – Bridging Machines and Magic!
In this article, we will go over industrial IoT in detail. We shall look into various topics like what IIoT is, the difference between IoT and IIoT, How IIoT works, the benefits of IIoT, and the risks of IIoT. Finally, we will conclude by reviewing a few IIoT examples and vendors. So buckle up, take notes, and read till the end of the article for the best benefits!
What is IIoT?
IIoT is short for “Industrial Internet of Things”. In a nutshell, IIoT uses IoT sensors and devices to enhance manufacturing and industrial processes. Hence, it is sometimes referred to as “Industry 4.0”.
IIoT uses smart actuators and other IoT devices to obtain real-time analytics that regular “dumb machines” have not produced in the industrial sector for years.
Another reason for using IIoT is to reduce human intervention and supervision over machines. These devices are better at communicating important information that we can use to make business decisions faster and more accurately.
One significant advantage of IIoT is that it enables companies to find their inefficiencies and problems quickly and save time and money while supporting business intelligence efforts. IIoT also helps in Predictive maintenance (PdM), energy management, and asset tracking.
How does IIoT work?
Just like normal IoT, numerous sensors collect information, and this data is sent to the cloud for processing and analysis. However, for the sensors to communicate or send data to the cloud, they need a protocol, AKA connectivity. It is also this connection that lets the other devices communicate with each other and work coherently.
Once the connection is established, the sensors send the analyzing data to the cloud for processing this data into digital form. Why digital form? Because the data needs to be converted to digital form so that machines can understand it and then perform tasks based on it.
The last component of the working of IoT is the user interface, where the user gets to control set automation or schedules, where a pre-programmed task is triggered when all the parameters are met. This UI is mostly an app. Ui can also be used to show the user hard number in form of charts.
If you wish to know more on how IoT works, you can read my article on the working of IoT where I have explained all the four components that make up an IoT ecosystem in detail.
Benefits of IIoT
There are thousands of benefits to using IoT in the industrial sector. Let us look at some of them. One of the main reasons for using IIoT is because they enable predictive maintenance, from which organizations can get real-time data generated from IIoT systems. Then, they can use this data to predict when a machine will need service next.
Hence. IIoT can help us perform the necessary maintenance before a failure occurs. It is beneficial on a production line, where the breakdown of a machine results in a work stoppage and huge costs.
Asset tracking is another fascinating example of IIoT. It enables manufacturers, suppliers, and customers to track product location, status, and condition throughout the supply chain using an asset management system. Then, if the goods are damaged or about to be damaged, the system sends instant alerts to stakeholders.
Consumer satisfaction is also improved with the help of IIoT as the manufacturer can capture and analyse data about how customers use their products, thus allowing manufacturers and product designers to build more customer-centric products.
IIoT plays a vital role in improving facility management as sensors can monitor vibrations, temperature, and other factors leading to suboptimal operating conditions. Otherwise, the manufacturing equipment can be susceptible to wear and tear, which can be aggravated by certain conditions in a factory.
The challenges and risks of IIoT
One of the significant threats of IoT has always been security. It is common for IIoT devices to use default passwords, even though they have been placed into production.
The devices also transmit data as clear text, which makes it easy for attackers to intercept the data coming from an IIoT device. There are even possibilities of an attacker taking over an unsecured IIoT device and using it as a platform to launch attacks against other network resources.
Another challenge with IIoT is patch management. This concern is increasing for the device manufacturers to provide periodic firmware updates. To avoid patch management, companies must have efficient means to inspect devices to check whether they have the latest firmware installed and deploy new firmware.
What is the difference between IoT and IIoT?
The reason the difference was not addressed in the beginning, is that IoT and IIoT are extremely similar to each other. IoT and IIoT have many technologies in common like cloud platforms, sensors, connectivity, machine-to-machine communications, data analytics, and so more. In fact, IIoT is an application of IoT!
The only difference they both have is the purpose they are used for. For example, IoT is used in various other applications like CIoT (consumer Internet of Things), IoMT (Internet of Medical Things), agriculture, transportation, and countless others.
But IIoT, on the other hand, is used solely in the industrial sector, connecting machines and devices in industries like oil and gas, utilities, and manufacturing. Moreover, IIoT is mostly focused on improving efficiency and health or safety, in contrast to the user-centric nature of IoT applications.
Applications of IIoT
IoT constantly changes how industries manufacture, transport, and maintain their assets and materials. IoT devices can keep track of resources, usage, and product quality while providing opportunities to automate specific tasks and generate actionable insights about the supply chain. Let us look at some applications of IoT in the industrial sector.
1. Security systems
Obviously, this goes without saying,tons of goods worth millions need proper security. Industrial organisations use IoT devices like cameras, motion sensors, and many more to maintain the security of their locations and job sites.
2. Safety applications
To maintain a safe and proper workplace, safety is very important. Safety devices like smoke detectors, pollution monitors, temperature regulators, chemical detectors, and more are used by industries, in factories.
3. Machine sensors
Industries use various sensors in factories to supervise the functioning of a machine. These sensors monitor machine functioning and can track and manage activities like output, beginning and ending a cycle, dangerous operating condition alerts, maintenance monitoring, and so much more. These sensors can also send notifications that a machine is not working.
4. Project management
Industrial IoT devices can also be used to manage projects like activities that industrial, manufacturing, and construction organisations rely on to complete crucial tasks.
5. ERP-integrated IoT devices
IIoT devices can also be integrated with ERP (enterprise resource planning) so that they can carry out maintenance tickets, supply chain monitoring, procurement, predictive analytics, and many other tasks.
These are only a few examples of IIoT; if you want to look at more applications, your can read my other article, where I covered ten other applications of IIoT, which include product enhancement, product safety, quality control, reducing waste, and more.
IIoT vendors
Many videos in the market supply various things related to IIoT, like hardware, software, and other private developments. Let us look at some top vendors:
1. ABB Ability
ABB Ability is an IoT vendor specialising in connectivity, software, and machine intelligence.
2. Aveva Wonderware
This IIoT vendor develops Human-Machine Interfaces and IoT edge platforms for Original Equipment Manufacturers.
3. Axzon
This IIoT company focuses on predictive maintenance, smart automotive manufacturing, and cold chain.
4. Cisco IoT
It is a networking company that offers platforms for network connectivity, connectivity management, and data control and exchange.
5. Fanuc Field System
This IIoT vendor has developed a platform for connecting various generations and models of IIoT equipment.
6. Linx Global Manufacturing
This IIoT company offers custom IIoT applications and data management platforms.
7. MindSphere
MindSphere by Siemens is an IIoT solution based on artificial intelligence and advanced analytics.
8. Plataine
This IIoT vendor specialises in generating actionable insights in manufacturing using AI.
9. Predix
Predix by GE is an IIoT platform for connecting, optimising, and scaling digital industrial applications.
The future of IIoT
As already discussed, IIOT is industry 4.0. Industry 1.0 was the Industrial Revolution in the late 1700s when companies used water-powered or steam-powered machines in manufacturing.
Industry 2.0 began with the introduction of electricity and assembly lines at the beginning of the twentieth century.
Industry 3.0 was tied to the use of computers in manufacturing in the later part of the twentieth century.
Industry 4.0, where we are today, is based on using connected electronic devices — mostly IIoT devices.
In the future, IIoT devices will play a significant role in digital transformations as organisations attempt to digitise their production lines and supply chains. In addition, IIoT data will soon incorporate data analytics, which makes it possible for organisations to detect changing conditions in real-time and respond accordingly.
Despite IIoT being around for many years, adopting it is still in the infancy stage. But this is bound to change with the era of 5G as more and more organizations begin to realise what IIoT can do for them.
Summary
As you have seen, IIoT is an application of IoT that is used to enhance manufacturing and industrial processes. You have now learned what IIoT is, its works, the difference between IoT and IIoT, its benefits, its risks, the various vendors of IIoT, and a lot more.