5 Things to Know About Industrial IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to “smart” devices being connected to the Internet so that they can communicate with each other and (theoretically) make life easier for people. For example, using an app on your phone to set the lights to turn on in your house when it gets dark outside. This was big news a few years ago, but at this point the Internet of Things shows up all over our everyday lives. The Industrial IoT is the application of IoT devices in industrial sectors such as manufacturing.
Research shows that 85% of companies will use Industrial IoT (IIoT) in their main business areas, and the entire industry will exceed $1 trillion by the end of 2020. So, if you run a manufacturing company, there are some key things you need to keep in mind about Industrial IoT and how it relates to your business. Read on for 5 highlights:
- Automation
As you are probably well-aware, automating part of your processes can help your factory be more efficient. It is the Industrial IoT that allows for such automation to happen. You can use smart devices and sensors to automate almost anything – from ensuring that new supplies are ordered when inventory runs low to using a motorized vehicle to automatically move products from one machine on the assembly line to another. Automating processes using Industrial IoT tools can free your employees up to focus on more strategic goals. According to one study, up to 59% of manufacturing tasks can be automated.
- Maintenance
If your current maintenance plan involves waiting until a machine breaks down and then getting it fixed, you are definitely in need of the magic of Industrial IoT. Newer technologies mean receiving constant data from your machines to a central location – you can know in real time when a machine is struggling or broken down. When you know immediately that there is a problem, you can solve it much more quickly. You can also set up reminders for a preventative maintenance schedule to keep you even more on top of your entire production line’s maintenance.
- Data Analysis
“Big Data” is another big buzzword heard in the manufacturing space. Your factory is constantly producing data, way more than any human can actually gather and analyze. Enter Industrial IoT…now there are plenty of tools that are stronger and faster than earlier generations of data analysis products. You can employ Industrial IoT technologies to collect and analyze data to help you solve a myriad of business challenges. Whether it is uncovering (and then unclogging) bottlenecks, tracking employee breaks, or measuring machine performances, you can find a solution that will optimize your specific situation.
- Quality Control
Quality control is an essential part of any manufacturing business. Ensuring that everything you produce is of top quality saves money and time down the line, as every defective product is lost revenue. You can use high-tech sensors or other products that are designed to support the work of quality control managers and make their jobs easier and more effective. An Industrial IoT product can easily scan and check even the smallest parts for defects and then, in some cases, can automatically roll out a fix to the problem or, at the very least, notify a manager of the problem so that action can be taken.
- Security
When you leave your factory for the night, you want to be able to go home and relax and not worry about fire or other damage to your factory. During the day as well, you probably can’t help but be a little concerned about the risk of workplace accidents, especially when so much machinery is being used. The Industrial IoT can help when it comes to security as well – fire and smoke detectors that are connected to the Internet and set to inform both you and the emergency services of any emergency have been around for a long time, but newer technologies mean devices with greater senstitivies offering greater protection.
Bottom line, we are living in exciting times with a near constant flow of innovation and advances in technology. Today’s Industrial IoT is just the beginning – many more tools will continue to be introduced and factories will be able to become continuously more efficient and productive.