How secure is IIoT and the cloud and why should companies use it?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the connection of machines and devices to the Internet. The aim is often to optimize production processes in companies and thus save time, costs, and resources. IIoT makes it possible to collect data in real time and subsequently analyze it. This allows companies to increase their productivity and reduce costs. In this article, you will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of IIoT and how you can protect your data.

What does the term IIoT mean?

The implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is an important step for companies to assert themselves in today's business environment. By linking physical and digital systems, companies gain insights into their production processes that they did not have before. Data collected through IIoT technologies can be used to optimize processes and respond to disruptions in real time. Additionally, the concept offers the opportunity to develop new business models and further develop existing ones. By utilizing sensors and other technologies, companies can offer new services based on the needs of their customers. For example, a wind turbine manufacturer can provide a service to its customers where they regularly monitor the performance of the system and carry out maintenance as needed.

Differences between IoT and IIoT

Internet of Things and Industrial Internet of Things are two terms that are often used in similar contexts. But what exactly is the difference between the two concepts?

The main difference is the type of devices they work with. IoT is primarily intended for consumer devices, while IIoT is mainly developed for industrial applications. Devices that fall under IoT include smartphones, smart TVs, smartwatches, and household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines.

IIoT devices are those used in an industrial environment, such as manufacturing lines, airplanes, or power plants.

Decisive factors

The main differences between IoT and IIoT are based on their use cases and decisive factors. While the Internet of Things generally aims at the networking of devices, the Industrial Internet of Things has a specific focus on improving efficiency and productivity in the industry. Another significant difference is that IIoT devices typically have higher requirements for compatibility, reliability, and security.

The following table compares the use cases of IoT and IIoT:

What does IIoT mean for manufacturing and production?

Production is one of the areas where IIoT can have the greatest impact. By connecting machines and plants, production processes can be optimized and sources of error minimized. For example, disruptions can be detected and resolved more quickly, which increases productivity. The quality of products can also be improved, as faulty parts can be detected and replaced more quickly. Thus, IIoT can help to increase productivity and improve product quality. This is particularly important for companies that want to expand into international markets. Only those who are competitive have a chance in the global market.

The industrial manufacturing sector has been discussing the Internet of Things more intensively in recent years. The term “Industry 4.0” is also on everyone's lips. But what exactly is behind it and what role does production play in this digital transformation?

The abbreviation IIoT refers to the trend of networking devices and machines in factories and other facilities to allow information to be exchanged. Through this networking, processes can be automated and optimized. For example, the maintenance of plants can be planned before a disruption occurs.

IIoT and plastic production

The concept of Industrial IoT has been discussed for some time. However, surprisingly, it has not yet been widely adopted in practice. However, the technology could play a significant role, especially in the manufacturing of plastics. Here we explain how this works and what advantages it brings.

The plastic industry is one of the sectors where the Internet of Things (IoT) has the most influence. The introduction of connected devices and sensors into production processes allows companies to improve the quality of their products and enhance the efficiency of their operations.

A new study by MarketsandMarkets predicts that IoT in the plastics industry will grow by 19.4% per year by 2025. This impressive growth rate is attributed to increasing demand for connected devices and sensors in plastic production, as well as growing investments in research and development in the field of IIoT.

So far, many plastic companies have not fully adapted to IIoT. However, many facilities have the necessary infrastructure to implement IIoT technologies. This includes connected devices and sensors, robust data networks, as well as advanced analysis and reporting tools.

If you are wondering how IIoT can improve your plastic production, here are some examples:

1. Availability – Reducing downtimes: By introducing connected devices and sensors into the production process, companies can detect and resolve production-related failures early, before they lead to long operational interruptions. This reduces the total production time needed and increases operational efficiency.

2. Quality – Improved quality control: Connected devices allow companies to identify and address production-related errors. This leads to higher product quality and less waste.

3. Performance – Increased production speed: To increase production performance, it is essential to increase production volume or throughput. By using IIoT, potentials for performance improvement become fully transparent, and measures for performance enhancement can be pursued in a targeted manner.

Bottom line: The use of IIoT effectively supports the increase of one's own OEE.

Connected devices help manufacturing companies to efficiently minimize machine downtimes, consistently achieve the desired product quality, and optimize their production performance. Together, many commercially available IIoT solutions are modern tools that assist companies in increasing their Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Benefits and prerequisites of IIoT

The benefits of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are manifold. By networking machines and systems, production processes can be optimized, maintenance measures can be carried out in time, and downtimes can be minimized. Furthermore, the Industrial Internet of Things enables better resource planning, as well as more efficient communication and collaboration within the company.

However, the Industrial Internet of Things also entails some prerequisites without which IIoT projects cannot be implemented. For one, almost all IIoT initiatives require a stable and reliable IT infrastructure. For surprisingly many manufacturing companies, this point still poses a challenge even today. The planning and implementation of IIoT projects can help uncover blind spots in the IT infrastructure and reassess various types of security risks.