Many people are aware of the internet of things; however, fewer recognize the use and potential of the industrial internet of things. Also known simply as the Industrial Internet, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is implemented in a wide range of industries and continues to grow in popularity each day. To gain a better understanding of what the industrial internet of things is, continue reading this comprehensive guide.

What Is the Industrial Internet of Things?

The industrial internet of things essentially refers to the expansion of the internet of things (IoT) and its use in industrial applications, from robotics to medical devices. It is composed of billions of industrial devices and machines that are equipped with sensors and connected to wireless networks, which allows them to gather and share mass quantities of data. The IIoT focuses heavily on machine-to-machine communication, machine learning, and big data. In doing so, it allows industrial industries to improve the efficiency, consistency, and reliability of their operations.

How the IIoT Differs from the Internet of Things

While there is some overlap between the IIoT and the internet of things, they differ in several ways. Most obviously, the industrial internet of things contains industrial-grade devices rather than the typical consumer-level devices used in the internet of things.

Another one of the main distinctions between these two systems is their use of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT). In the industrial internet of things, IT and OT intersect. This convergence allows industries to formulate a greater system integration. As a result, benefits such as improved automation, optimization, and decision making can all be achieved.

Advantages of the IIoT

1. More Informed Decision Making
Perhaps the most notable advantage of the IIoT is its ability to improve the decision-making process for businesses. By connecting industrial devices, advanced analytics, and people into one cohesive network, a system that can collect, monitor, exchange, analyze, and deliver valuable insights is formed. In creating and communicating such insights in real-time, the IIoT allows companies to make more informed decisions more quickly. This capability is highly beneficial in time-sensitive industries that rely on high degrees of accuracy.

2. Increased Efficiency
Through analysis of the data that comes in through the sensors in the system, businesses can find ways to make their processes more efficient. In addition to receiving insights on how to improve the efficiency of processes, the IIoT enables machines to automate more tasks. Such automation has the potential to further improve the efficiency of a company by minimizing the potential for human error which can often impede production.

3. Enhanced Scalability
The IIoT also allows businesses to enhance their scalability. In enabling businesses to collect and analyze far larger quantities of data at rapid speeds through the implementation of connected smart devices, they have the capability to expand their operations larger than ever before.

4. Reliability
Another key advantage of the industrial internet of things is its ability to greatly enhance the reliability of an operation. In acquiring valuable data regarding industry operations and the status of devices and machinery, the IIoT allows companies to identify potential issues early on and make more accurate predictions on when machines will need servicing. In doing so, the IIoT can significantly reduce downtime in a company and enhance the reliability of its operations, which is essential for the reputation, financial wellbeing, and success of any organization. This capability is especially impactful in high-stakes industries such as the healthcare field where power outages or system failures can have detrimental impacts.

Applications for the Industrial Internet of Things

The industrial internet of things is an increasingly popular construct that is used in a wide range of applications. Due to its ability to increase efficiency and improve decision making, the industrial internet of things is often implemented in industries where consistent, reliable operation is vital. For example, healthcare, power generation, oil and gas industries, and other high-stakes fields often implement the industrial internet of things to avoid downtime that can be potentially life-threatening or otherwise detrimental to their operations.

That being said, the industrial internet of things isn’t only implemented in particularly high-stakes applications. The IIoT is also often used in retail industries to identify and eliminate supply chain bottlenecks or in the manufacturing industry to decrease downtime by providing manufacturers with a comprehensive view of production line operation and the status of machines. The IIoT is also useful in transportation industries to monitor the performance of their vehicle fleets or in utility industries to monitor remote locations and operations.

While the IIoT is most commonly adopted by larger corporations, it will likely become more widely implemented by smaller organizations as the cost of services and hardware steadily decreases. In other words, the potential for the expansion and implementation of the IIoT is virtually limitless.

Challenges and Risks of Implementing the IIoT

While the IIoT offers numerous advantages and is successfully implemented in a wide range of industries, adopting this system is not without its challenges and risks. Some of the key challenges of the industrial internet of things include:

- Maintaining Security: increasing connectivity while maintaining security is one of the most significant challenges and risks of implementing the industrial internet of things. If a hacker gains access to a connected system, the entire system may be subject to a major breach and operations could potentially be entirely shut down. As such, industries that seek to adopt the IIoT must take the necessary measures to manage the physical and digital components in their network securely.

- Integration:Many corporations still use legacy systems and processes that have remained unaltered for decades. As such, adopting new technologies and integrating them with legacy systems can pose a significant challenge.

- Fragmentation:Fragmentation has been a top concern when adopting IoT technology. Concurrently, creating a system in which differing standards, protocols, and architectures all work together seamlessly also poses a challenge when implementing IIoT systems.

Now that you have a good understanding of what the industrial internet of things is, we can step in and fulfill your IIoT needs. Antaira Technologies is an industry-leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality industrial networking and communication products. For over a decade, we have offered an extensive range of innovative industrial networking products suitable for use in even the most rugged environments. From industrial routers to industrial Ethernet switches, you can find everything you need to create a reliable, durable network. For more information regarding our products, contact us today.