Introduction: The Industrial Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses more than just transportation, healthcare, and smart homes. It also operates in industrial environments, where large amounts of data must be evaluated and maintained. This has led to the gradual elimination of outdated systems and the restructuring of operational models.
National Strategies for Smart Manufacturing
Recently, many countries have launched national development strategies such as the National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing (USA), Industry 4.0 (Germany), and Made in China 2025 (China). These strategies focus on the widespread application of information technology in manufacturing, all aiming for smart production. This production relies on the interoperability, integration, and convergence of physical and cyber domains.
Industrial IoT (IIoT): Transforming Industrial Production
A subset of IoT, known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), focuses on industrial production. IIoT refers to the implementation of IoT in industries such as manufacturing, processing, and retail. This technology enhances control, automation, and interconnectivity of production systems. As a result, it improves coordination, increases productivity, conserves resources, and helps avoid capital expenses.
Leveraging Data and Analytics
In addition to production control, the vast amount of data generated by IIoT can be analyzed using tools like IoT Analytics and Business Intelligence (BI). This analysis provides valuable insights that aid in decision-making. However, the key distinction between industrial and consumer IoT is that IIoT systems are critical to system operations. Any malfunction can cause production disruptions and economic losses. Therefore, IIoT systems require high reliability, availability, resilience, and strong cybersecurity.
The Future of Industrial IoT
The field of Industrial IoT is continually evolving, with its undeniable impact on production. Industry researchers are increasingly recognizing its benefits. Through Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), the physical and digital realms of production are unified. Moreover, the concept of Manufacturing as a Service (MaaS) is emerging, allowing production to be offered as a service. Cloud MaaS platforms (CmaaS) play a crucial role by ensuring interoperability and independence, opening the door for large-scale intelligent applications and productive collaborations.
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