It is the era of industry 4.0 and IoT (Internet of Things) plays a key role in determining the way industries operate today. Usually, manufacturing industries are slow to embrace changes. But with the implementation of IoT solutions for the manufacturing industry, the sector is changing rapidly at a never-before-seen pace.
Today’s manufacturers are required to embrace digital technologies to stand out and remain competitive in the cluttered marketplace. This need for innovation and modernisation sparked the revolution of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things).
IIoT is the next phase of IoT. Just like IoT ushered in the onset of smart homes, IIoT has ushered in the era of smart factories and transformed manufacturing like never before. IIoT plays a key role in the way factories operate. It has transformed every phase of operation – from factory floor manufacturing to maintenance, logistics to employee workflows and product distribution. In this guide, we walk you through the basics of IIoT and how it is transforming the manufacturing sector.
What is IIoT? A simple definition without any jargon.
Today, IoT exists all around us and has made its way into our daily lives. From smart lights to smart TVs, smart ACs to smart security systems – our lives are a whole lot easier and convenient thanks to the innovations of the top IoT software development company. IoT is the interconnectedness of different appliances via the internet.
Now moving on to IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), it is defined as “using smart sensors and other smart applications to enhance manufacturing and optimize industrial processes.” In the simplest of terms, IIoT uses the power of the internet, data analysis and smart devices to improve and enhance the productivity of industrial settings.
You can think of it as a smart factory. A manufacturing company is considered a fully-IIoT enabled system when it meets the following requirements:
- It has smart machines fitted with sensors and software that can track data in real-time
- Remote cloud-based software solutions that compile the logged data in real-time to provide vital insights
- Advanced data analytics systems to process data and use this data to improve industrial operations
- Expert employees who can use the data to enhance productivity and output
Top Benefits of IIoT for the Manufacturing Sector
Here are the top 5 benefits of adopting a fully-integrated IIoT solution in the manufacturing sector:
Optimise the Efficiency of Manufacturing Processes
The biggest advantage of IIoT is that it makes it possible for manufacturers to automate their daily workflow, thereby enhancing the efficiency of operations. In an IIoT enabled factory, automated machines and robots work alongside with human employees. The result – more accuracy, increased efficiency, improved productivity and a streamlined operation.
Sensors and trackers are attached to machines to monitor their operations in real-time. This helps factory managers track the performance and efficiency of machinery on a constant basis, thus helping them take proactive steps to correct any inaccuracies. Manufacturers can:
- Monitor performance of key machinery from anywhere and at anytime
- Take data-driven decisions to improve efficiency
Eliminate Manual Errors
By reducing the amount of manual work involved, manufacturers can reduce the biggest risk – human errors. Machines do not get tired like human labourers. They can perform the same tasks day-in and day-out without getting complacent or weary. IIoT goes a long way in eliminating errors in the factory floor.
Predictive Maintenance
Downtime is one of the biggest worries of manufacturers. Unplanned downtime is not only expensive but also disrupts the entire production schedule. One of the main reasons for unplanned downtime is due to lack of proper and timely maintenance.
Very often maintenance in the manufacturing industry is reactive rather than proactive. It’s more of a firefighting technique rather than regular maintenance. With IIoT enabled predictive maintenance, all of these issues can be rectified. Predictive maintenance helps you identify potential problems become they become a major issue. This helps you operate machinery at the maximum efficiency with minimal downtime.
Enhance Safety
IIoT helps you move your factory from smart manufacturing to smart security. By using IIoT sensors to monitor the workplace at all times, you can ensure the safety of employees and machinery. IIoT integrated safety systems helps in protecting the workers on the floor by alerting them to damages and accidents. It can also send proactive alerts regarding the status of machinery, thereby preventing employees from working with damaged machinery.
A newer trend in improving workplace safety is by using wearables. These devices monitor the heart rate, pulse, posture and other critical employee health indicators regularly. They send alerts when employees face fatigue, etc.
Reduce Operational Costs
This is one of the biggest incentives for manufactures to get started with IIoT. Remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, enhanced quality control, improved efficiencies, fewer errors all help in increasing productivity while keeping costs down. By providing manufacturers with data-driven insights, IIoT integrated factories can steer the business in a profitable direction.
FutureAlgos & IIoT Solutions
FutureAlgos is a top IoT app development company in India. Industrial IoT requires expertise in digital transformation and advanced tools. FutureAlgos has the experience and expertise to lead the transition. Our IIoT solutions help you monitor performance, maximise productivity, implement predictive maintenance, and reduce operational costs.
If you would like to start implementing industrial IoT solutions or would like to learn more about our IoT solutions for the manufacturing industry, get in touch with our team.
