The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), a subset of the Internet of Things (IoT) holds immense potential to streamline industrial processes and reduce costs. Internet of Things (IoT) refers to connected devices, computers, and vehicles that exchange data through the internet. This technology involves the use of software, sensors, and other devices that are embedded in consumer things such as watches. The connected devices transmit data and can be accessed or controlled remotely by the users. When this technology is applied on the industrial level, it becomes industrial IoT that can improve the speed and efficiency of industrial processes. From automating manufacturing operations to offering data-driven insights, industrial IoT has potential across all industries. Also known as Industry 4.0, IIoT involves the use of smart sensors that turns dumb machines into smart devices capable of transmitting data.
The connected industrial devices exchange data with other devices through the internet. With the help of cloud-based storage, applications such as remote access, monitoring, and control become possible. At the consumer level, IoT includes smart wearable fitness trackers, self-driving cars, smart doorbells, and more. So, the basic difference between IoT and IIoT is the application. While IoT has consumer applications, IIoT is applied on a larger scale in industries such as manufacturing, automation, logistics, energy, and more.
Advantages of Industrial IoT
Almost every industry can explore potential applications of IIoT to improve its operational efficiency. From healthcare and agriculture to manufacturing and transportation, IIoT offers several benefits to every industry. If properly implemented, it can boost productivity, reduce costs, and ensure safety. Now, let’s discuss these benefits in detail to help you understand why every industry needs IIoT.
Automation
The major advantage of IIoT is automation. The technology allows automating manual tasks that help in enhancing operational efficiency. For instance, in the agriculture industry, smart irrigation can help in saving precious water. Manual irrigation involves maintaining a consistent watering schedule. Smart irrigation systems can automate this task and ensure that plants get water at the right time by reading moisture levels in the soil. The sprinkler system water fields only when needed and that helps in conserving water, as well as saves time and money. Likewise, IIoT can achieve efficiency in other industries also by optimizing their operations. Robotics and machinery connected to software via sensors ensure superior operational performance.
Predictive Maintenance
Connecting industrial machines and devices with sensors allows equipment monitoring that helps in predicting issues and allows taking action before a major issue emerges. Periodic maintenance schedule followed in industries often fails to detect issues and that results in costly maintenance and repair. But with constant equipment monitoring, it becomes possible to analyze the condition of the machines and anticipate failure. If a machine deviates from the normal operating condition, an alert is sent to the manager. The collected data is analyzed and used to perform predictive maintenance that helps in reducing downtime.
Minimize Errors
As mentioned above, IIoT automates industrial processes. Manual operations typically have the risk of human error. But when these tasks are automated, this risk is eliminated. Moreover, connected devices enable remote monitoring that also helps in keeping a track of operations and preventing issues. The plant managers can get constant real-time data to find out the equipment’s functionality and operations progress. The IIoT-enabled applications help ensure efficiency and avoid costly mistakes. Machine maintenance is strategically scheduled based on analyzing real-time data rather than on regular intervals.
Workplace Safety
When industries set up smart manufacturing units, it not only improves production efficiency but also helps in keeping employees safe. With the help of sensors, everyone in the plant or factory can get alerts when something unusual happens- temperature rise, too much vibration, or other issues that could jeopardize the safety of workers. Some businesses also provide fitness trackers to workers to identify a change in their blood pressure or pulse rate.
