The Covid-19 outbreak has forced industries to automate processes with Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) and digitize their operations as much as possible.
Within manufacturing and supply chain industry, most organizations have taken measures to transition to Industry 4.0 so they can continuously automate and improve conventional industrial and manufacturing processes and cut down wherever possible during this recession.
Following are a few IIOT trends that we are hoping to see for the rest of 2022.
Increase in predictive maintenance
Unplanned downtime for manufacturing equipment can disrupt or sometimes completely halt operations. It cuts the bottom line, the supply chain is disrupted, meeting deadlines becomes harder, and it threatens the overall equipment health.
To combat this problem, many manufacturers have developed predictive maintenance strategies and some have gotten even further to install IIOT-enabled predictive maintenance technologies.
From temperature sensors to robotics, there are many useful technologies that enable manufacturers to identify potential problems, schedule device servicing, and maintain streamlined operations.
Remote monitoring
IIOT sensors are usually relied upon for accurate location monitoring and the tracking of the state of hardware assets. These sensors and other ITAM software applications are critical when the hardware assets and heavy industrial equipment is of high value and require active monitoring.
With IIOT sensors connected to the equipment, they provide real-time data on location, equipment health, remaining life and other useful parameters which is then updated in the tracking software for the management to view from anywhere. They can keep an eye on this data from anywhere and only take actions when necessary.
Improved cybersecurity
Due to the current recession, manufacturing industry has become more vigilant about cyber threats and more proactive measures are being taken. Increased network accessibility and enormity of the data is driving the manufacturing sector to invest more in cyber security.
Not only that, but IIOT technology stacks are now widely being used in healthcare, aviation, mining, and other industries and therefore, the IIOT stakeholders are improving their industrial cybersecurity posture.
Implementing ITAM
IIOT technologies constitute a major chunk of IT investment and therefore, the hardware should be properly managed and taken care of. Implementing an IT asset management system helps manufacturers keep track of not just the IIOT devices, but their components as well.
You will know whenever a component needs replacement and you can also set up alerts for whenever a part needs to be changed or serviced. This growing trends of using ITAM for IIOT lifecycle management allows you to get your ROI and optimize your technology utilization.
Functional Safety
Manufacturing plants have processes and equipment that require proper training and care. In order to improve the workers’ health and safety and more streamlined processes, manufacturing industry has come up with standardized practices that every worker should adhere by.
IIOT functional safety technologies are being implemented all over the production plants and these smart technologies alert workers to take precautions in order to stay safe and healthy.
