Industrial IoT is defined as a network of devices, machinery and sensors connected to each other and to the Internet, with the purpose of collecting data and analyze it to apply this information in continuous process improvement. There are many Industrial IOT applications out there, and they have driven an increasing number of companies to engage in this new paradigm to improve their productivity and optimize their expenses and profits.
This is a market that is constantly expanding – one that major players have already adopted. Even though studies show different figures when it comes to accurate predictions of the market value of IIoT in the upcoming years, the most important reports agree that investment will increase threefold at the very least.
To have access to this competitive advantage, one would be wise to know the main IIoT applications and how to implement the system.
The main Industrial IOT applications
Studies published by Deloitte show the importance given by the business world to generating IoT environments: in its ‘Industry 4.0’ report, 94% of the survey participants stated that digital transformation is an essential strategic objective for the organization.
While this is a global trend, in the case of the industrial sector, businesses need to be aware of the usefulness of Industrial IOT applications to generate processes that remain relevant in the upcoming years.
Automated and remote equipment management and monitoring
One of the main IIoT applications is related to the automated management of equipment, allowing a centralized system to control and monitor all company processes.
This ability to remotely control equipment via digital machines and software also implies that it is possible to control several plants located at different geographic locations.
This gives companies an unprecedented ability to oversee advances in their production in real time, while also being able to analyze historical data that they obtain in relation to their processes. The objective of collecting and using that data is to support the improvement of processes and generating an environment where information-based decisions are a priority.
Predictive maintenance
Predictive maintenance consists of detecting the need for a machine to be maintained before a crisis takes place and production needs to be stopped urgently. It is therefore among the reasons to implement a data acquisition, analysis and management system.
This system is one of the most effective Industrial IOT applications and works via sensors that, once installed on the machines and operating platforms, can send alerts when certain risk factors emerge. For example, the sensors that monitor robots or machines submit data to the platforms, which analyze the data received in real time and apply advanced algorithms that can issue warnings regarding high temperatures or vibrations that exceed normal parameters.
Faster implementation of improvements
IIoT generates valuable information so that those in charge of improving processes in an industrial business model (process, quality or manufacturing engineers) can access data and analyze it faster and automatically, and remotely perform the necessary processes adjustments. This also increases the speed in which changes and improvements are applied in Operational Intelligence and Business Intelligence – changes that are already offering competitive advantages to a myriad of industrial businesses.
Pinpoint inventories
The use of Industrial IoT systems allows for the automated monitoring of inventory, certifying whether plans are followed and issuing an alert in case of deviations. It is yet another essential Industrial IOT application to maintain a constant and efficient workflow.
Quality control
Another entry among the most important IIoT applications is the ability to monitor the quality of manufactured products at any stage: from the raw materials that are used in the process, to the way in which they are transported (via smart tracking applications), to the reactions of the end customer once the product is received.
This information is vital when studying the efficiency of the company and applying the necessary changes in case failures are detected, with the purpose of optimizing the processes and promptly detect issues in the production chain. It has also been proven that it is essential to prevent risks in more delicate industries, such as pharmaceutics or food.
Supply chain optimization
Among the Industrial IoT applications aimed at achieving a higher efficiency, we can find the ability to have real time in-transit information regarding the status of a company’s supply chain.
This allows for the detection of various hidden opportunities for improvement or pinpointing the issues that are hindering processes, making them inefficient or unprofitable.
Plant safety improvement
Machines that are part of IIoT can generate real-time data regarding the situation on the plant. Through the monitoring of equipment damages, plant air quality and the frequency of illnesses in a company, among other indicators, it is possible to avoid hazardous scenarios that imply a threat to the workers.
This not only boosts safety in the facility, but also productivity and employee motivation. In addition, economic and reputation costs that result from poor management of company safety are minimized.
Nexus Integra, the platform that provides access to IIoT applications
Choosing the right software to benefit from all the advantages of Industrial IoT applications is key. At Nexus Integra we offer a unique platform that gathers all data generated by the company. With intuitive and simple operation, this software boosts the efficiency and organization of industrial businesses.
The process of implementing Nexus Integra is simple and works in four phases that range from the first technical meetings with our experts with the purpose of setting a timeline, to the training of the personnel that will be charged with operating the application.
Are you looking to benefit from all the Industrial IoT applications? Get in touch with us and we will explain how we can help you.