What is industrial IoT? Definition
IIoT is the deployment of intelligent, connected machines equipped with sensors and software for industrial applications. An IIoT project has several objectives:
- récolter et analyser les données générées par les appareils de l’entreprise ;
- to collect and analyse the data generated by the company’s devices;
- detect changes such as temperature, humidity or vibration levels;
- automate procedures;
- anticipate accident risks;
- ensure that processes run to schedule.
The IoT devices used by industries generate vast quantities of data. To exploit their potential in real time, companies are using dedicated software tools with AI and machine learning capabilities.
IoT: how are industries changing?
With the industrial IoT, companies are able to obtain large volumes of actionable data from their operations. When properly analysed, this data helps to :
Increasing operational efficiency
The information gathered is used by advanced systems to automate tasks that were previously carried out manually. Thanks to the IoT, robots and machines operate more precisely and efficiently, and can be connected to software. Manufacturers can monitor the operational performance of their equipment at all times, and from anywhere. What’s more, the analysis of all kinds of data (production, operations, marketing, etc.) improves decision-making.
Reducing costs
Unplanned machine downtime is a major cost for businesses. The solution to anticipate this risk? Predictive maintenance using IoT sensors. When certain information suggests an imminent failure, they alert technicians, who can then act proactively to avoid the breakdown.
Improving worker safety
IoT sensors help to improve safety in the workplace. In the event of an incident, they alert management and teams to stop operations. What’s more, they generate useful data to anticipate risks and prevent accidents from happening again. Some wearable technologies are capable of assessing employees’ posture or the surrounding noise level. In this way, managers can improve employees’ working conditions and ensure that safety instructions are followed.
Shorten time-to-market
Thanks to the IIoT, manufacturing processes are becoming faster and more efficient. With connected devices, network components (applications, sensors, machines) communicate in real time with employees. The result: rapid decision-making to react to market fluctuations and adjust processes.
What role will 5G play in the IIoT?
In the industrial sector, IoT innovations are using next-generation networks that are more secure and reliable than Wi-Fi. One of these is 5G. Its independence of connectivity from the local network, its low latency and its fast throughput are all assets that make it easier to manage a large fleet of connected devices and, ultimately, to gain in competitiveness.
With such high performance, 5G enables professionals to collect large volumes of data in real time and develop innovative use cases such as remote stock management, predictive machine maintenance, drones and intelligent guided vehicles.
What is now known as industrial 5G has a bright future ahead of it: the number of applications is increasing, as are the number of experimental platforms. Their aim? To enable manufacturers to take ownership of the uses associated with 5G and convert to this key technology.
IIoT: a few use cases
Logistics, agriculture, mining and manufacturing: in all sectors, industries have embraced the IoT to transform their activities and boost their productivity. Here are a few case studies:
- Smart glasses
At Airbus, the aircraft assembly process is extremely complex, involving thousands of components and assembly stages. To simplify their tasks, workers have access to wearable technologies such as smart glasses. Equipped with a camera, they scan barcodes and display cabin plans and specific information about the assembly process.
This technology has also reduced the time needed to locate marks for installing seats on aircraft. The number of errors has been considerably reduced and workers, particularly beginners, have been able to work more efficiently. According to Airbus, an operation that previously required 3 people and 3 days can now be carried out by one operator and 6 hours.
Most smart glasses can operate using Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as 4G and 5G. These networks offer autonomous connectivity and allow devices to be integrated into a vast industrial ecosystem.
- Inventory management system
Some industrial IoT devices use sensors to track and manage inventory in real time. Companies can more easily ensure the supply of products, avoid stock-outs and reduce storage costs. One such company is Ikea, with its fleet of 250 drones. Totally autonomous, these devices are capable of taking stock inventories and photographing locations where products are missing. They are operational 24 hours a day and operate in areas where there is no light or where workers have difficulty reaching.
- Vibration sensors
These sensors measure the vibrations emitted by machines and detect anomalies (unbalanced loads, wear and tear, etc.) that could be the sign of an imminent breakdown. This type of application generally uses LTE-M or NB-IoT technology, two protocols that guarantee excellent coverage both inside and outside buildings.
- Smart meters
These IoT devices are used by manufacturers to measure and monitor their energy consumption in real time. By having access to precise information about their gas, water and electricity usage, they can take steps to reduce costs and improve the management of their resources. But that’s not all: they can also be warned of leaks and anomalies (a light that remains systematically switched on during the night, for example).
IIoT adoption: what to consider?
Wireless equipment such as sensors and routers must be robust and able to withstand the harsh conditions found in factories or outdoors. In the mining industry, for example, conveyors are subjected to extreme temperatures and strong vibrations.
Temporary stoppage of production, increased risks for employees… A malfunction of IIoT devices can have a severe impact on industries. Processes such as predictive maintenance and manufacturing automation require the rapid communication of sensitive data. 4G, 5G, LTE-M, NB-IoT: whatever the choice of IoT network, it must be reliable, secure and have sufficient bandwidth.
Objenious, your partner for your IoT projects
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