The Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming our world into a smarter place. In addition, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is part of a bigger and advanced IoT ecosystem that focuses on devices and objects used in a factory/warehouse and/or business environment. There are numerous Industrial IoT applications available, and they have prompted an increasing number of businesses to adopt this new paradigm to boost productivity and reduce costs.

Even though studies show varying figures when it comes to accurate predictions of the market value of Industrial IoT in the coming years, most reports agree that investment will see striking rise in coming years. This is the reason behind the rise of a number of IoT consulting solutions providers.

Read also: IoT Consulting Solutions: The Future of Business Growth

How IIoT works?

Smart sensors, machines, tools, software platforms, cloud servers, and applications are all part of the Industrial IoT system. Smart sensors are used for specific applications at every stage of the manufacturing process. These sensor networks continuously send data to the IoT gateway, which receives and transmits the data to the cloud application server for processing and analysis. Smartphone applications are used to access sophisticated application programs that handle large amounts of data within a secure network.

Industrial Applications of IoT

• Remote Equipment Management and Monitoring

One of the most important industrial IoT applications is equipment management automation, which allows a centralized system to control and monitor all mission-critical assets/equipment. This ability to control equipment remotely also implies that multiple plants in different geographic locations can be controlled. This is where a smart warehouse management solution powered by IoT comes into the picture. An intelligent warehouse management solution from a trusted IoT solutions company enables immediate tracking of warehouse resources and assets, offering complete visibility and accountability for items throughout multiple warehouse and storage sites. It helps you gain valuable insights into inventory management and enhanced stock visibility while minimizing inventory inconsistencies.

• Automation

Industrial automation is one of the most common and important applications of IoT. Automation of machines and tools allows businesses to operate more efficiently by using software tools to track and improve processes. Industrial automation improves accuracy and efficiency and reduces errors. Automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) have revolutionized the way we live and work, propelling us into an era of unparalleled efficiency and interconnectedness. As a seamless fusion of physical devices, software, and networks, IoT facilitates real-time communication between objects, enabling automation in various sectors including manufacturing and healthcare.

• AIoT

Automation, driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, empowers machines to perform tasks that once required human intervention, thereby increasing productivity and reducing human error. The synergy between automation and IoT is transforming the global landscape, creating smart cities, homes, and industries that are more environmentally sustainable and resilient. However, this rapid expansion of automation and IoT comes with its share of challenges, including privacy concerns, data security, and the displacement of traditional jobs. To maximize the potential of these technological advancements, stakeholders must address these issues head-on, fostering a responsible and inclusive digital environment that ultimately benefits society as a whole.

Read also: AIoT: When AI Meets IoT

• Smart Robotics

Smart robotics ensures precise accuracy and efficiency in the handling of tools and materials in the manufacturing line. Intelligent robotic arms can be programmed to meet predefined specifications for maximum precision (up to a few nanometers in some cases). The man-machine interface design concept will reduce the complexity of the operation, resulting in increased productivity in future IoT-enabled manufacturing.

Robots with high-end embedded sensors for real-time analysis can be programmed to perform complex tasks. For monitoring and control, these robotics networks are linked to a secure cloud. This data can be accessed and analyzed by the engineering team to take quick actions for product improvements or to avoid an unexpected failure due to human error.

• Supply Chain Management

The ability to have real-time in-transit information about the status of a company’s supply chain is one of the Industrial IoT applications aimed at increasing efficiency. This enables in identification of various hidden opportunities for improvement as well as the identification of issues that obstruct processes, rendering them inefficient or unprofitable.

• Predictive Maintenance

Smart sensors in modern industrial machines continuously monitor the status of each major component and can detect any critical issues before the system goes down completely. Maintenance warnings will be sent to the centralized system via smart sensors, and alert messages will be sent to responsible personnel.

Maintenance engineers can effectively analyze data and plan for scheduled maintenance without disrupting daily operations. Predictive maintenance is an effective way to avoid unnecessary production downtime. Predictive maintenance involves detecting the need for machine maintenance before a crisis occurs.

See how Futurism Smart Factory is reducing production downtime to half

• Wearables and Smart Tools Integration

Smart sensors integrated into tools and machines allow workers to perform tasks with greater accuracy and efficiency. Employees can use specially designed wearables and smart glasses to reduce errors and improve workplace safety.

During emergencies such as gas leaks or fires, smart wearables can send out instant warning messages to employees. Wearables can continuously monitor an individual’s health and provide feedback.

• Equipment Optimization

Many organizations have already leveraged the power of IoT with the help of IoT solutions provider for in-depth analysis of massive amounts of data collected from large sensor networks and machines ecosystem. A much better understanding of process improvement strategies for product optimization comes from detailed data analysis and understanding of behavior over time. Machinery optimization for better performance and output could be directly related to improvement ideas.

• Smart Package Management

Package management using IoT technology provides manufacturing units with a great deal of convenience and efficiency. Smart sensors can track each stage of the packing process and provide real-time updates. Embedded sensors can detect vibrations, and environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity, and provide feedback if something goes wrong during transport or storage.

• Autonomous Vehicles

IoT services and solutions are being used by the automotive industry to enable self-driving vehicles to deliver goods and manage logistics within their facilities. Smart vehicles can detect traffic congestion along their route and deviate to arrive at their destination in the quickest time possible. These vehicles have numerous smart sensors that constantly detect location data and communicate with the control station via GPS and wireless technologies.

Conclusion

Every industry can benefit from IoT consulting solutions by improving their processes, management, cost-effectiveness, and overall efficiency. With advanced data analytics from thousands of tiny sensors, businesses can harness the power of IoT.   

Futurism offers end-to-end IoT consulting solutions. Our IoT services and solutions suite has the expertise to help you build unparalleled IoT capabilities that will help you create new revenue streams, drive operational efficiency, curb costs and maximize return on investment (ROI). Whether you are looking to expand or fortify your existing IoT network/solution for added security or to add more connected mobiles, devices/wearables or wish to design a new IoT solution tailored to meet specific business needs, we can help. We provide comprehensive IoT consulting solutions including opportunity assessment, consulting and transformation roadmap strategy to help you get the most out of your IoT investment.

Let’s talk about how IoT can make your business future-proof. Get in touch today!