In this article we explore some IoT applications in the industry. This includes the ability to collect and analyze data in real time, the automation of processes as well as the generation of operational efficiency indicators. We will also address some key challenges, especially in the area of ​​interoperability and security.

What is IIoT?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a set of technologies used to connect industrial devices to the Internet, enabling the collection, analysis, and use of data in real time. The IIoT enables remote monitoring, control and automation of infrastructure and industrial processes, bringing a whole new level of optimization and scalability to operations.

Advantages of the IIoT

In the field of Industrial IoT (IIoT), the interconnectivity and communication of various devices, systems, and machines enables the collection, analysis, and utilization of data in real time, leading to greater efficiency and cost savings.
One of the key benefits of IIoT is the ability to collect and analyze data in real time. This allows better monitoring, control and decision-making of industrial processes. The data collected, such as temperature, humidity, machine performance, and other metrics, can provide valuable insight into operations, allowing businesses to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

Another advantage of IIoT is the ability to automate measurement processes and generation of indicators. By integrating IoT technologies into industrial operations, companies can automate measurements that are usually carried out manually by technical personnel who can be occupied with higher-value tasks.

Some applications

Before we mentioned automatic measurement in general but now we list some particular cases that we have implemented.

• The measurement of the pressure of the water supply as well as the level of accumulation tanks at the entrance of certain processes is essential to know the availability of water that is essential for certain processes.
• Record of temperature of refrigerators that store raw materials or products that require cold to ensure their quality or of hot water tanks required for some processes.
• Measurement of energy consumption of the different sub-processes in order to know the performance of each one.
  Directly or indirectly, operating times of the different production units are also measured and thus the operational efficiency of each one can be calculated.

By collecting this data, companies can monitor processes in real time but also analyze historical data for strategic decision making, the implementation of predictive maintenance tasks and thus optimize the overall performance of the monitored systems.

IIoT challenges

However, there are also challenges to overcome in implementing IIoT.

One of the most important challenges is the compatibility and interoperability between sensors and IIoT systems. This implies the use of physical interfaces and communication protocols compatible with normally existing sensors or systems.

Another challenge, no less important, is security. Interconnected industrial systems can be vulnerable to cyberattacks and mitigating this risk is essential. For this, it is important to implement strong security protocols with encryption, secure key management to ensure that the systems and the data they generate are protected.

In short, IIoT is about connecting industrial devices and processes to the internet, collecting and analyzing data in real time, and automating processes. By integrating IoT technologies into industrial operations, companies can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase productivity.

At Nettra we specialize in designing and implementing IoT solutions for the industrial sector, based on proprietary hardware integrated with different sensors and a powerful cloud platform that allows us to offer a complete state-of-the-art IIoT solution.
We understand the challenges and requirements of the industrial sector, so if you are interested in learning more about how we can help you take advantage of IIoT, please do not hesitate to contact us.