Industrial IoT: Benefits,Applications, and Challenges Of Wide-Spread IIoT Implementation
What is the hype about IIoT?
The present age crowned as the fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, has unprecedented potential for the manufacturing sector. Mainly due to the Industrial Internet of Things or IIoT, which streamlines multiple processes, provides data-driven insights, and reduces operating costs at the same time. Yet IIoT may face numerous challenges in these wireless times where cybersecurity risks are on the risk. So let’s find out what are the different advantages, challenges, and applications of IIoT’s implementation.
What is IIoT?
Industrial internet of things is interconnecting smart devices together to monitor, automate, and forecast future outcomes, processes, and preventive measures in an industrial setup. With the widespread use of IIoT in different manufacturing units, the functioning of manufacturers, warehouse managers, supply chains and operations becomes more effective and seamless. The technology provides endless possibilities which range from predictive maintenance to enhanced worker protections via shop floor monitoring systems.
The Upside of IIoT
IIoT is one of the biggest gifts to the technological ecosystem as it enables greater results based on insights that are data-driven. What can translate into:
• Reduced costs
• Ability to take improved decisions
• Greater energy efficiency
• Better quality outputs and results
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Reduced equipment downtime
All in all, when factories are automated, they become more efficient through better data-gathering capabilities. Through this, better use of energy is also made as the processes become more streamlined. As metrics are analysed, product efficiency also increases as there are reduced breakdowns. IIoT can yield considerable savings as it reduces downtime incidents as each incident translates into an average loss of seventeen thousand dollars. For this reason, the technology becomes extremely desirable for many plants across industries.
Implementation of IoT
Even though the applications of IIoT are limitless, there are 3 main categories where it can be applied to deliver high-value output. These areas include predictive maintenance, remote monitoring and automation. These three categories give sectors efficiency and precision with the right implementation on a large scale.
Predictive Maintenance
Within the power sector, the use of a drone has increased, especially to maintain increased security. These devices are integrated with sensors and equipment monitors which continuously evaluate risks and monitor powerline networks. Through this equipment, incidents such as falling of a tree on a power line can be prevented, along with preventing unnecessary maintenance and repair costs. This way, any damage is known before it can be prevented from occurring. Through predictive maintenance, cost-effective repairs are done even before any damage occurs.
Remote Monitoring
To monitor local displays, radar level sensors are made use of. To make it easy for the operators, a single dashboard providing all the displays in one place is helpful. Using a single dashboard, measuring points on rotating and moving machines become easier, which helps the operators in continuously fetching real-time data. The real-time insights into the complete equipment life cycle help in predictive maintenance and repairs.
Automation
IoT automation has its application in industrial farming as smart irrigation. To ensure proper plant care and maintain a consistent water supply, farmers have to manually keep a check on the precious water resource. By automating this process, not only is water conserved but the moisture levels in the soil are also continuously checked which enables water supply only when needed.
The Downside
Like most connected devices, IIoT is also prone to cybersecurity threats. To implement IIoT, pre-planning and analysis is required. Some of the barriers to successful implementation of IIoT include:
• Lack of IoT experience
• Inability to align KPIs with clear business goals
• Security threats
• Improper organizational alignment
Not considering the above challenges can mean much more than financial threats as employee safety can be compromised. For example, an automated machine can be infected with malware or can be hacked, which can further impact the personnel. It becomes essential to eliminate security risks by giving proper training to the staff, and maintaining period checks on the system.
Concluding Notes
In the end, it can be said that IoT can be an extremely powerful technological tool with numerous advantages for any industry. Yet, reaping the benefits from the networked devices required proper monitoring and coordination. For a brighter future, automated machines and sensors can provide high value to the company by overpowering any cybersecurity risks.