We are at an age of smart things. At every turn, we’re consistently bombarded with interconnected systems and applications of technology. From medical sensors to smart fire alarms to home security systems that can be set off with a simple text, IoT has undeniably become so ingrained in our everyday experiences. In fact, one report expects that in 2020 alone, there will be over 20 billion products linked together through this multi-layered network that is IoT.
As a result, automation and convenience have become the currency of today’s technology-driven society. This is probably why many enterprises are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and introduce intelligent devices in their workflow–including industrial manufacturing.
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Industry 4.0 concept industrial instruments in the factory with cyber and physical system icons ,Internet of things network,smart factory solution -
The Case for Industrial IoT: 3 Key Benefits
Industrial IoT or the Industrial Internet of Things specifically deals with automating machinery and technology in the industrial sector. In other words, it is a seamless integration of IT and Operational Technology (OT) to improve industry-specific machines such as the ones used in factories.
Just imagine this: factories with seamless connectivity and automated processes, requiring little to no human intervention. For some, this may be nothing but a pipe dream–but for many enterprising business owners, this is what IoT in the industry is all about.
Is IoT worth exploring for your organization? We’ve listed three key benefits to the deployment of an integrated IT and OT system in your company.
1. Predictive maintenance
Maintaining and managing machinery can be a tedious and expensive task for business owners. But the good news is that this stress can be mitigated through smart machine learning. With IoT in the background of your processes, the system can easily draw patterns to your operations and eventually predict possible failure. This means that you can easily make prior improvements to keep your manufacturing process running smoothly sans any possible delays.
2. Lesser operational costs
In the manufacturing industry, efficiency is synonymous with money. This is exactly what Industrial IoT sells. It appeals to businesses mostly for its improved factory efficiency and its smart decision-making technology. With it, you’ll finally be able to say goodbye to time-consuming and costly management processes.
3. Innovation backed by data
IoT is not just limited to improving the current state of your day-to-day operations. Thanks to analytics and reporting provided by these smart machines, you’ll also be able to make better business decisions moving forward.
Who knows, with enough data, you might just be able to develop far more lucrative products and services.
Possible Setbacks with a Fully Integrated OT and IT System
Without a doubt, digitalizing your manufacturing process will go a long way in expanding your business. However, there are some anticipated setbacks that you might encounter along the way. Get to know each of these possible IIoT issues below.
1. Monetary requirement
Sure enough, improving your operational workflow will require a significant investment on your part. However, digitalizing the workplace will require you to shell out a significant upfront fee. For most business owners, this is a make or break criterion–with the majority choosing to forego IoT in favor of saving company resources.
2. Cybersecurity
It is no secret that IoT devices are notoriously prone to cyber-attacks and threats.
Products, especially those in the industrial manufacturing industry, are more focused on
improving current workflow efficiency more than anything. This leaves the system compromised and vulnerable to attacks. It’s a good thing that most IoT platforms have now added specific measures in the authentication and authorization of these devices.
The Spotlight on Industrial IoT
Nowadays, IoT has become a significant foundational support for manufacturing businesses hoping to make it big in this digitalized society. It provides a playground for enterprises to transform and develop even better business models.
Still, despite the progress that we have made in this arena, we’re still a long way from actualizing the full benefits of this vibrant new field of mechanization. As of the moment, solid measures are being employed to maximize the benefits and reduce the setbacks for Industrial IoT. To this, we wait and see what the Industrial IoT network has in store for its users.
Sources:
OpenText Blog, Top 5 benefits of industrial IoT platforms
Information Age, What are the advantages of industrial IoT and how do companies make it secure?
