By now, we're all familiar with the Internet of Things (IoT). The term IoT refers to consumer devices that communicate and connect via the internet. Think smart wearables, smartphones, smart home appliances, and heart monitoring devices. But you probably haven't heard much about the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). That's going to change.
This is a similar concept: it's about communication and connectivity across networks. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) focuses not on consumer devices, but on equipment and machinery in industries like oil, agriculture, and healthcare, where system failures and unplanned downtime can lead to high-risk, even life-threatening situations. The IIoT combines modern industrial engineering with intelligent assets such as sensors and actuators, aiming to improve manufacturing and industrial processes. By using a vast network of connected industrial devices through communication technologies, upgraded machines can collect, exchange, analyze, and transmit valuable data.
Each Industrial IoT ecosystem includes:
• Connectivity devices used for communicating, storing, and detecting their own information.
Data storage generated by industrial IoT devices
• Analysis and applications that generate information from raw data
• Public and private data communication infrastructure
The collected information is transmitted directly to the data communication infrastructure and then transformed into information that can be analyzed and used in various applications, including predictive maintenance and business optimization.
What are the benefits?
The benefits of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) include the collection and analysis of diverse data. Manufacturers leverage this network to improve quality control, sustainable and green practices, supply chain traceability, and supply chain efficiency. Other uses of IIoT include helping field technicians determine when machine maintenance is needed, detecting corrosion in refinery pipelines, monitoring physical infrastructure in industrial operations, and even tracking assets.
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks offer industries greater system integration in terms of automation and optimization, as well as improved supply chain and logistics visibility. By using smart sensors and actuators, monitoring and controlling the physical infrastructure in businesses such as transportation, utilities, and healthcare becomes easier and more efficient. These smart communication networks have the potential to dramatically transform and improve industrial processes. However, as with any new technology, there are risks and challenges that need to be kept in mind.
Industrial Internet of Things and Security Risks
The challenge of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is security. Many enterprises are still using legacy systems and processes, making IIoT integration extremely difficult. Adopting new technologies can be complex, leaving more room for error. In addition, there are cybersecurity issues to consider. Anything can be hacked. Over the years, many large companies, banks, and private enterprises have been hacked, proving that no one is invincible. To prevent major intrusions and shutdowns, industries adopting IIoT must adopt new practices to securely manage physical and digital components.
Another challenge is device management and patch updates. The increasing adoption of industrial IoT devices means there needs to be an effective way to track them. Furthermore, devices must be constantly updated to function properly. Devices and software frequently receive patch updates. This means another system is needed to track these updates and ensure they are installed correctly.
Other risks to consider when using networked devices include vulnerable software vulnerabilities, data breaches, system manipulation that could disrupt and damage operations, damage caused by system failures, and the use of publicly searchable networked devices and systems.
What is the future of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)?
Technology experts predict that Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices will play a crucial role in digital transformation, especially as businesses begin to update their supply chains and production. Big data analytics is also expected to evolve to incorporate IIoT data, enabling organizations to track changes in real time.
While Industrial IoT devices have been around for some time, many industries are only just beginning to adopt the technology. With the widespread adoption of 5G, the Industrial IoT is expected to grow even larger. Several industries are already investing in Industrial IoT. Currently, sectors such as manufacturing, retail, utilities, and transportation are seeking to adopt this technology to monitor production lines and make better predictions about machines needing maintenance. Government and healthcare sectors are also looking to integrate Industrial IoT into their processes.
