5 Trends Driving the Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) in 2021

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industry, typically to improve automation.

16:02 07 December 2022

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industry, typically to improve automation, production quality, and efficiency. IIoT places a heavy emphasis on machine-to-machine communication, big data, and machine learning, enabling industries and organizations to improve operational efficiency and reliability. According to a study by Microsoft, 88% of companies using IoT consider IoT to be critical to their business. Additionally, the Industrial IoT industry will experience unprecedented growth this year. Here are five trends driving the Industrial Internet of Things in 2021.

. Predictive Maintenance Services

Predictive maintenance services can detect small changes in equipment operation early. It continuously monitors, records and analyzes many aspects of equipment operation to provide deeper and more timely insights than previously possible. With enough data collected over time, these changes can be evaluated to give a good indication of upcoming maintenance needs before they could disrupt production. Regardless of the efficiency and functionality of equipment and processes, predictive maintenance should continue to be performed at periodic intervals to ensure continuity of operations.

. wireless connection

The combined use of wireless connectivity, cloud computing, sensor technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence has enabled industrial development to flourish. Over time, industries can innovate and grow by using technology in new ways to automate processes, increase efficiency, set and achieve new goals, and adopt new business models. One immediate application of wireless connectivity in the IIoT is the use of wireless communication technology to install more sensors, giving manufacturers a better understanding of machine health.

. Industrial Automation

Industrial automation through IIoT employs data-driven systems, such as industrial computers or PLC controllers, to automate processes and reduce the need for human intervention. For example, IIoT can be used to trigger an alarm when a label printer is about to run out of paper, preventing interruptions in the manufacturing process. IoT helps to create an ecosystem that adapts to customer needs in terms of industrial automation. Connecting various devices to the cloud and exchanging real-time data can significantly impact efficiency, yield and uptime, and aid in the development of next-generation machinery.

The Use of Embedded Systems

Embedded systems provide the hardware support needed to successfully integrate the IIoT into manufacturing systems. In addition to supporting manufacturing automation processes such as supply change management, inventory control or barcode applications, they can also be used to enable remote sensing and control. For example, oil and gas companies use pressure sensors like these to detect the pressure of components and allow  users to easily design and manage highly complex production systems.

Digital Twins

Digital twins act as proxies that replicate physical systems in the digital world, allowing access to the asset's structure, context, and activities. It gives users access to past and present conditions, as well as the ability to predict the future function of an asset. Users should regularly update digital twins to represent real-time conditions, status, and performance of physical elements through the use of sensors and remote connections. Simulations provided by AI can aid in planning and forecasting without the need for a physical presence on the manufacturing floor.

The future of production and manufacturing is rooted in the use of IIoT. Without using comprehensive IIoT systems and frameworks, organizations will find it impossible to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for products and services.