The Internet of Things and the Industrial Internet of Things are very different. Both rely on sharing and using data, but what that data is used for sets the two apart. Today, the Internet of Things (IoT) lends itself to convenience. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), however, lends itself to profit, optimization, and revolutionizing the manufacturing industry.
The Internet of Things in an Everyday World
Many consumers are hesitant when it comes to the Internet of Things. Current IoT technologies share information, but won’t completely change how you live your life. Controlling the temperature of your home from your smartphone is pretty nifty, and having a coffee pot that starts brewing when you hit the snooze button is convenient, but it’s by no means life changing.
For the IoT skeptics, sharing information for minor convenience isn’t a fair trade. They don’t want their cars, light bulbs, and appliances connected and sharing information with the whole wide world. A man’s fondness for air conditioning and how he prefers his coffee in the morning are his own business.
On the other hand, having your printer order ink for itself when it’s needed may seem like a fair trade. Turning lights on automatically as your wife’s car nears your home in the evening or getting an alert if your teen missed her curfew — these additional safety measures might be worth letting your house, car, and phone chat with each other a bit.
The Internet of Things has a lot of potential. It’s likely that one day IoT will have a huge impact on our lives.
The Internet of Things in an Industrial World
Unlike the Internet of Things, the Industrial Internet of Things is truly changes the game. IoT technologies are fun and convenient, but IIoT makes a difference in the world. As with IoT, data is key with the Industrial Internet of Things. But instead of saving steps or promoting laziness, IIoT uses data in a big, meaningful way. Gathering and using data from industrial machines leads to increased efficiency, less waste, and higher profits in manufacturing. IoT technologies are projected to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars over the next decade.
IIoT technologies are much more important than dialing in that perfect piece cup of coffee or heating your pool from your car as you head home from work. Connecting machines in an industrial space unlocks potential for businesses and helps get rid of wasted time, space, and materials. For example, the Internet of Things can help cut out delays with real-time updates, eliminate inventory space, and reduce overproduction. Real-time data also allows manufacturing to be more responsive. This is big in a world that’s becoming increasingly fast-paced.
Predictive maintenance is another big advantage of IIoT. Fixing problems with industrial machines before they occur reduces downtime and saves money.
There are, of course, security risks that come with sharing information between devices. This is true for both the Internet of Things and The Industrial Internet of Things. However sharing, collecting, and applying data is extremely beneficial for manufacturers, and well worth the risks.