Why IIoT or Industrial Internet of Things has emerged as a boon for Businesses?

The saying is now getting common – Data is the new oil. Nowadays, businesses need to keep close track of their data, just like valuable assets. Earlier, when technology was a fictitious thing – data was gathered from devices/machines manually and analyzed for areas of optimization.

Nowadays, the Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed how we think about technology and put it into practice. Due to digital disruption, every sphere, including our daily lives, has seen substantial changes.

As the technology evolved, the process of collecting information became easier. A gadget that is the size of our fingertip can now be connected with the machines or equipment that allows them to monitor, track, and communicate with other devices. Thanks to the invention of small affordable sensors and high-bandwidth wireless networks. All of this information can now be gathered and analyzed to improve business processes.

How is IIoT different from IoT?

To improve manufacturing and industrial processes by linking smart interconnected sensors and actuators to the industrial application is referred to as the Industrial Internet of things or IIoT.

IIoT, also known as the industrial internet or Industry 4.0, takes advantage of the data that machines have produced in industrial settings for years using the power of smart devices/sensors and real-time analytics.

Accenture’s report says that IIoT could add $14.2 trillion to the global economy by 2030. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) allows new business models and digital services based on intelligent linked devices and equipment to support advanced economies.

The major difference between IIoT and IoT is the IT and OT communication applications. Physical processes (machines, drives) and industrial control systems such as DCS (distributed control systems), PLCs, SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition systems), and HMI (human-machine interface) are all examples of OT (operational technology).

While IT (information technology) comprises an enterprise system that processes, stores, and delivers data to business management.

How do IIoT works?

In a traditional IIoT system, data needs to be transferred between various devices and across multiple networks – from the edge (remote devices, sensors, and computers) to the cloud (centralized computer systems). This is a complex task because the sheer volume of data –without compromising on safety and security requirements – may instantly overwhelm a network, especially one that spans multiple localities.

These networked systems necessitate new approaches to managing rising data volumes, security risks, performance demands, and safety certifications.

Managing IIoT data flow is essential for ensuring that IIoT applications function properly. The databus is basically a tried-and-tested architecture suggested by the Industrial Internet Consortium. The databus, in contrast to a database, manages historical data in motion.

In the IIoT, a databus is a data-centric software framework that distributes and handles real-time data, enabling devices and applications to operate as a single system. The databus makes application and integration logic easier to understand. Software components interconnect via shared and filtered data objects instead of swapping messages.

Examples of IIoT in the real-world application

IoT applications can be utilized in a variety of ways to assist businesses in simplifying, improving, automating, and controlling processes while also delivering important data, activity performance, and even environmental conditions that need to be monitored and controlled remotely.

The advantages of applying IIoT techniques to industrial business problems are enormous, as even a slight increase in efficiency, time, capital expenditure, or asset allocation translates into large cost reductions and/or revenue enhancement.

The IIoT improves process automation by transferring sensor and control data to a secure cloud storage location where it can be analyzed using machine learning and statistical analysis methods. The ability to monitor remotely is an instant benefit.

Additionally, because the data is consolidated, it is possible to analyze information from numerous machines, work cells, and locations. Predictive maintenance, process improvement, and performance benchmarking between workcells and plants are all possible with the findings of this aggregated data analysis.

What’s the Future of IIoT?

The first Industrial Revolution began in the late 1700s, when corporations began to use water- or steam-powered equipment to manufacture goods. The arrival of electricity and assembly lines ushered in Industry 2.0 at the beginning of the twentieth century. Industry 3.0 arose in the second half of the twentieth century, and it was linked to the use of computers in manufacturing. Currently, we’re in Industry 4.0 – where industries are using the potential of connected devices.

The concept of utilizing sensors to track items or monitor machines isn’t very novel. Because of the low cost of sensors, pervasive wireless networking options, and the introduction of big-data analytics, IOT in Manufacturing mass adoption of the IIoT is now a possibility.

Enterprise-level manufacturing companies are willing to invest in IIoT implementation because of the practical benefits and returns. Businesses are even leveraging the IoT development services to deploy a full-fledged working model that reduces manual processes.

The future of IIoT is beyond any prediction. Smart devices, along with digital intelligence, will play an essential part in transforming businesses digitally. IIoT can immensely help manufacturing companies digitize their supply chains and production lines.

Business Benefits of IIoT

Businesses across the globe understand that IIoT technologies are critical to their success. The industries that have adopted IIoT solutions are growing at a constant pace. This showcases the reliableness and efficiency of implementing IIoT solutions. Let’s have a look at some of the IIoT benefits for businesses:

Asset Tracking:

Manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users can easily check the product’s status throughout the supply chain to track the location and condition. Stakeholders gets real-time information if the goods are damaged or at risk, so they can take preventive action.

Improved Customer Satisfaction

IIoT also helps businesses to analyze and study how people are interacting with their products. Thus giving them a chance to enhance customer experience by developing the solutions based on their usage.

Predictive Maintenance

Field service technicians can quickly identify potential devices or equipment before that small problem become critical. Advanced IIoT solutions even notify which parts need to be checked or repair. This way, they can save much time and utilize their resources on other business development tasks.

Remote Monitoring

Operators get effective control over the IIoT adopted devices during their functioning. They even receive signals beforehand if any malfunctions are about to happen to take necessary steps on the spot.

Wrapping Up

IoT in manufacturing is transforming the way the supply chain system operates. With digital transformation, businesses are experiencing new ways to enhance and optimize their overall processes. To achieve unprecedented efficiency, IIoT is driving industries in oil and gas, aviation, power generation, utilities, retail, and much more towards its solution.

So IIoT has surely risen as a boon for many businesses. Every niche data that people or machines interact with can be analyzed, visualized, and optimized for better results.