As we all can agree, our everyday life has undergone significant transformations due to digital disruption. The emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) has changed our perception about technologies and their implementation. We can see technology and digitization influencing every aspect of our life. Even the manufacturing industry has adopted new technology that is helping it boost its overall efficiency. Manufacturing industry managed to digitize and establish dozens of processes, modify business models, implement and monitor efficient workflows with the help of Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT). This blog is dedicated to the discussion on IIoT.
What is Industrial IoT(IIoT) and How It Differs from IoT?
Industrial IoT or IIoT is a subset of a well-known IoT we use in our everyday life. Traditional IoT is normally used by ordinary consumers to enhance quality of life and for fun. Whereas Industrial IoT, as its name suggests, is used at industrial level. To put in a simple way, IIoT is a system of computers networks linked together and connected with industrial facilities that are equipped with sensors for gathering and exchanging data that also supports of remote control and automated functioning. IIoT allows the industrial equipment to function with less or without human intervention.
The description as well as technology used for IIoT is like that used for IOT. But there are difference. There are also additional design parameters that comes up in the case of IIoT. They are the following:
Security
We can all agree that security is an important aspect of IoT as it may involve very personal data about individuals. In case of Industrial IoT, it requires even more stronger of measures. A minor malfunction during manufacturing process may lead to tremendous money losses and influence and economic activity of many people, be it a small facility or a high-volume facility. Considering this fact, it is very much critical to have higher security measures to avoid undesirable consequences.
Functional Compatibility
Manufacturing facilities shall use several different types of solutions in addition to IoT such as ERP, CRM etc. It is important for all the elements of this environment to interact with each other seamlessly.
Scalability
In case of IIoT, we need to take into account the number and variety of robots, sensors and other devices involved in the manufacturing process. It is very critical that the IIoT solution supports the enormous amount of sensors and devices.
Reliability
As we all know, the conditions that the industrial machines operate is extreme and they run continuously over a longer period of time. Thus, it is important for IIoT solution to be more reliable and flawless in its operation.
Accuracy
Manufacturing process is established in a way that all the equipment operates precisely and coherently. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems detect even minor deviations and take prompt measures which allows to avoid downtimes and revenue losses.
Benefits of Industrial IoT
The number of companies adopting IIoT is constantly growing which in turn raises the requirement of more companies offering hardware and software services for sensor design, wireless design, gateway design, hardware integration, software development, integration with existing ERP systems and so on.
The graph below reflects the forecast of Industrial IoT market growth. According to it, the global IIoT market will reach 310 billion dollars by 2023.
Manufacturing companies are ready to invest in IIoT implementation due to the extensive list of benefits they will get in return. We would like to list down the beneficial points of IIoT that will help you make the decision on applying IIOT in your business.
Predictive Maintenance It is much more efficient and rational to prevent a failure that to repair the defect at an advanced stage. The sensors that come as a part of the IIoT solution, shall be installed on the equipment, provide the businesses/manufacturers to get valid data on its condition. This data shall enable us to evaluate the state of the equipment and detect any malfunctions that needs fixing. This approach helps to prolong the equipment lifetime, significantly decrease risks of downtimes, and lower risks of accidents that may threaten human life and exert a negative effect on the environment
Predictive Quality
Data collected by sensors helps evaluate the overall conditions in which the equipment is functioning. This approach becomes effective for predictive quality analytics which helps to optimize the quality of end products. Owing to Industrial Internet of Things implementation, manufacturers are able to create predictive quality models which entails product quality improvement. It decreases the possibility of defects and therefore products return.
Asset Tracking
Asset conditions monitoring allows manufacturers to monitor the condition of the machinery equipment in real-time mode. Such indicators as temperature, humidity, and vibrations show if the equipment operates in an optimal manner, and provide guarantee that the asset resources are fully utilized.
Remote Monitoring The possibility of remote monitoring provided by IIoT helps operators perform efficient control over the equipment during its functioning. In case of any malfunctions, they receive signals and are able to take necessary measures immediately. Therefore, the operators will always be aware of the machinery condition.
Overall Expenses Reduction This benefit includes all the points listed above. Implementation of industrial IoT solutions allows to perform control over the possible risks such as downtimes, inefficient resources distribution, untimely equipment maintenance etc. This gives the businesses the capability to reduces losses, reduce maintenance cost, improve quality which increases revenue. Thus, the investment on IIoT reaps much better financial benefits.
Conclusions
Manufacturing process is a set of complex workflows that require precision and accuracy. If you implement Industrial Internet of Things solutions into your manufacturing business you may be sure that the entire process works like clockwork, and the risk of various unexpected issues connected with machinery condition is minimized.
If you want to transform your business with contemporary solutions and currently looking for development services for manufacturing. please feel free to contact us.
Regards
Sarvesh Rajagopal
Regami Solutions
