What To Know Before Implementing IIoT

Anyone in the industrial space knows how important it is to update their business with the latest technologies and equipment. Companies with capabilities, such as predictive maintenance, higher visibility, and improved efficiency, often outperform their competitors, who may rely on outdated information or antiquated systems.

One trend in the manufacturing industry many professionals are discussing is the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). IIoT technology offers plenty of benefits for manufacturers to improve their operations. Explore the assets of IIoT and discover some important considerations manufacturers should make before implementing this emerging technology.

Understanding the Benefits of IIoT

Companies in the manufacturing sector are becoming increasingly digital each day. More executives and employees realize the benefits of new digital technologies, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, machine learning, machine-to-machine communication, and the Industrial Internet of Things.

Here are some of the primary benefits of IIoT technology:

• Better quality products
• Faster operations
• Higher energy-efficiency
• Enhanced safety
• Reduced costs
• Improved decision-making
• Less equipment downtime

Additionally, manufacturing facilities with IIoT technology benefit from predictive maintenance. Fixing potential equipment failures before they occur can help businesses keep operations running smoothly.

5 Considerations Before IIoT Implementation

Some may think only large manufacturing companies can implement IIoT, but this is not the case. Small businesses can also leverage IIoT technology for all the benefits it offers. Research shows the most tech-savvy small businesses can earn almost twice as much revenue per employee as other small businesses.

Before manufacturers implement IIoT technology, there are several factors to consider. Below are some of the critical considerations manufacturers should take into account:

1. Cost and ROI

With any technology, considering the cost and the potential ROI is critical. Manufacturers looking to make their buildings smarter—which is becoming increasingly common—can do so using IIoT, but it could be expensive. Thankfully, there are plenty of IIoT solutions out there suitable for businesses with various budgets.

2. Security and Data Management

Implementing IIoT technology can expand a company’s attack surface, making it easier for malicious actors to launch cyberattacks. Therefore, securing the IIoT solution is of the utmost importance. Additionally, IIoT generates massive amounts of data. Businesses must figure out how to store, analyze, and understand that information.

3. Scalability

Can IIoT scale with the business? That’s a question manufacturers must answer if they want to implement IIoT. Any solution in a company’s tech stack should be scalable and support future growth. Cloud-based solutions are often the go-to because the cloud is highly scalable by nature.

4. Interoperability

Another consideration manufacturers should make is whether or not the IIoT solutions they’re interested in will work well with other existing systems in their facilities. If not, the transition to IIoT tech could become too expensive, as it may require companies to update all their outdated tech. Interoperability is a critical characteristic all IIoT solutions should have to help manufacturers succeed with implementation.

5. Employee Training

Workers need to receive adequate training regarding new IIoT technologies. How effective are IIoT technologies without employees to operate or maintain them? Simply put, manufacturers should ensure team members buy into the idea of IIoT implementation and offer various training opportunities to help ease the implementation process.

Preparing To Implement IIoT

Before implementing IIoT, manufacturers should identify their business objectives and goals, ask important questions about IIoT solutions and how they fit into their operations and be sure they can afford them. Manufacturers should take the considerations outlined above into account when thinking about implementing IIoT tech.