What is IIoT?

Brilliant machines, cutting-edge analytics, and people at work come together in the Industrial
Internet of Things (IIoT), commonly referred to as the Industrial Internet. Systems that can
monitor, gather, exchange, evaluate, and give priceless new insights like never before are created
by a network of numerous industrial devices connected by communications technology.
Industrial firms may be able to make wiser, quicker business decisions with the use of these
insights. The concept behind the industrial internet of things is that industry can only benefit
greatly from it.

Background of IIoT
The programmable logic controller (PLC), created by Dick Morley in 1968 and employed by
General Motors in their division that manufactured automatic transmissions, is where the history
of the IIoT begins. These PLCs enabled precise control over certain industrial chain components.

Through the Auto-ID Center at MIT and related market-analysis papers, the idea of the internet
of things first gained traction in 1999. After the development of the OPC Unified Architecture
protocol in 2006 and the emergence of cloud technology in 2002, which allowed for secure
remote communications between devices, programs, and data sources without requiring human
interaction, the modern notion of the IIoT emerged.

Instant and continuous inventory control would be one of the first effects of deploying the
industrial internet of things (by outfitting objects with tiny identifying devices or machine-
readable identifiers).
The capacity to build a digital twin of the system is another advantage of deploying an IIoT
system. By allowing for experimentation with new data from the cloud without having to stop
production or jeopardize safety, using this digital twin enables further system optimization. New
processes can virtually be improved until they are ready to be implemented. New hires can use a
digital twin as a training environment without having to worry about having an actual impact on
the live system.

Difference between IIoT and IoT:

IoT applications connect devices across a variety of verticals, including agriculture, healthcare,
enterprise, consumer, and utilities, as well as government and cities. This is where IoT
applications differ from IIoT. Smart appliances, fitness trackers, and other IoT applications
typically don't result in emergencies if something goes wrong.

On the other hand, IIoT applications link equipment and gadgets in the manufacturing, oil and
gas, and utility sectors. In IIoT installations, system failures and downtime can lead to high-risk
or even life-threatening situations. In addition, compared to IoT applications, IIoT applications
are more focused on enhancing efficiency and health or safety.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and Its Operation:

More businesses are attempting to utilize IIoT's potential. They aim to increase efficiency,
sustainability, and quality control throughout the supply chain by utilizing machine learning, big
data, and automation technologies to build a "system of systems" that can accurately and
consistently acquire, analyze, and send data. The IIoT is the next major advancement in
performance and operations, utilizing current technologies like advanced computing, intelligent
sensors, mobility applications, cloud-based platforms, and enterprise digitization to assist in
transforming data into knowledge that can be used to take appropriate action. This strategy's core
components include numerous important factors:
1. Secure and intelligent cooperation
2. predictive modeling
3. Control and data management on site
4. Assets and equipment that are smart and connected.

A successful IIoT strategy depends on combining data from several unrelated systems on the
cloud, using advanced analytics, and utilizing specialists who are frequently located far from the
plant site.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Applications:

● Several conceivable uses: Utilizing large amounts of data from crop yields, soil
mapping, fertilizer applications, meteorological data, machinery, and animal health to
increase yields and save costs in the contemporary farming environment is known as
smart farming.
● Smart Manufacturing: Using the industrial internet to transform how goods are
developed, produced, transported, and marketed. The value chain will be powered by
intelligent networks that connect people, processes, and data while also generating new
best practices.
● Smart Cities: By linking people, processes, data, and objects, cities stand to gain
considerably. Libraries, transportation networks, power plants, water supply networks,
waste management systems, police enforcement, hospitals, and other neighborhood
services are examples of city assets that may complement one another. Local
governments will be aware of both the micro- and macro-level events as well as how the
city is changing.
 ● Smart Energy: By combining sensors, big data, and networking, power generation can
be improved. Imagine wind farms that adapt mechanically to take advantage of minute
variations in wind speed or direction, making them more effective. This is just the tip of
the iceberg.

Why Industrial IoT?

For any business that deals with the production and/or transportation of physical goods, IIoT can
create game-changing operational efficiencies and present entirely new business models. The
following are examples of ways in which IIoT technology could be applied in diverse industries.

● Production is the sector where IIoT technology is now being used most frequently.
Machines with IIoT capabilities can monitor themselves and foresee possible issues. As a
result, there will be reduced downtime and more overall efficiency.
● Supply chain- IIoT technology could handle ordering supplies right before they run out
of stock by using sensor-managed inventory. This allows staff to concentrate on other
responsibilities while reducing the amount of waste created and maintaining supplies of
essential items.
● Building management - IIoT technology may make managing a building easier and
safer. The guesswork and irritation associated with manually altering a building's climate
will be removed by sensor-driven climate control. The security of the facility will also be
improved by equipment that keeps an eye on its entrances and reacts rapidly to any
threats.
● Healthcare- The IIoT could improve the accuracy and responsiveness of healthcare by
enabling devices to remotely monitor patients and alert healthcare providers when their
statuses change. In the future, AI might even be able to diagnose patients for medical
professionals, allowing for quicker and more efficient treatment.
● Retail - IIoT technology can quickly and wisely decide on marketing strategies for
specific establishments. Retail establishments that use IIoT technology could
significantly outperform their rivals with storefronts that change automatically based on
consumer demand and the capacity to create clever promotions.

The following are some potential problems that businesses could run into when using new
technologies.
● Investment expenses Budgets will be needed to install new hardware, upgrade current
hardware, hire skilled staff, develop the infrastructure, and other costs associated with
implementing IoT in Industry 4.0.
● Security: Through network connectivity, a significant amount of data will be transferred
or moved to internal storage or the cloud. Everything will be connected to the Internet
through IoT devices, which raises the risk to their security. The system itself can be
compromised in addition to database servers and administrative computers.
 ● Infrastructure: Developing and implementing technology and communication
infrastructure, including databases, WiFi, the Internet, and other cutting-edge tools made
specifically for managing IoT, is a difficult undertaking.
● When purchasing hardware, companies must choose scalable gear that can change and
adapt to the organization's current and future demands. It will be easier to respond to
business requirements effectively with an open, integrated hardware and software tool
and a real-time network that is flexible enough to adopt new technologies.

What are the risks of integrating IIoT?

● Failure of the Internet: Many of you could argue that businesses today already rely on
the Internet for file transfers, user access via centralized servers, e-commerce, client
assistance, and other functions. One can still work on local files or servers and continue
producing even if the Internet is offline. One of the crucial conditions for IoT to enable
ongoing work is internet stability.
● Security and privacy: In addition, a serious cyber-attack exposes your system to risk by
providing unauthorized access to sensors or your private database. A breach of security
can have a disastrous effect on your business and its operations. Without obtaining
explicit consent, Internet of Things (IoT) smart home gadgets like the Amazon Echo,
Google Home, and other chatbots like Siri have recorded user interactions and shared
them with contractors for human review.

What is the future of IIoT?

The future of IIoT is tightly coupled with a trend known as Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 is,
essentially, the fourth Industrial Revolution.
● The first Industrial Revolution, known as Industry 1.0, started in the late 1700s when
businesses started using steam- or water-powered machinery for manufacturing.
● Electricity and assembly lines were introduced at the beginning of the 20th century,
which marked the beginning of Industry 2.0.
● The employment of computers in manufacturing marked the advent of Industry 3.0 in the
latter half of the 20th century.
● Today, we are in the era of Industry 4.0. The foundation of Industry 4.0 is the utilization
of linked electronic devices, especially IIoT devices.

Future digital transformations will heavily rely on IIoT devices, particularly as businesses work
to automate their supply chains and production processes. Big data analytics will also advance to
include IIoT data.