Getting started with IoT

Industrial IoT (IIoT)
You will also hear IIoT
referred to as Industry
4.0 or Digital Manufacturing.
IoT systems can monitor and automate many complex
processes. Manufacturers have begun to recognise that
networks of smart sensors, coupled with real-time analytics,
can act as drivers of significant improvements in their processes,
transforming profit margins and operational efficiencies.
Predictive maintenance and
condition monitoring
Challenge
To avoid lengthy, unnecessary shutdowns of critical machinery.
Downtime isn’t only expensive, it can also be a health and
safety risk in some industries such as Oil & Gas where staff
may work in hazardous areas or in lone worker scenarios.
Could an IoT system solve this?
An IoT system can measure operating conditions such as
temperature and vibration around equipment and detect
when the equipment deviates from its prescribed parameters
– detecting deterioration before failure.
Result
With real-time views of conditions across a factory floor,
hospital, oil rig or wind farm, problems can be identified and
managed before failure occurs. Scheduling maintenance
before something breaks saves time and money.
Asset tracking
Challenge
To maintain an accurate log of key assets. Managing the
location and maintenance schedule of physical assets,
e.g., important, moveable equipment in hospitals, can be
expensive and time consuming.
Could an IoT system solve this?
An IoT system can track assets in real-time, using RFID tags or
other technology.
Result
Asset locations can be identified and maintenance scheduled
efficiently. This reduces administrative costs and ensures
accountability and accuracy. Some industries require asset
tracking for regulatory compliance.
Expected market growth for asset
tracking IoT devices
22m
2017 2022
Integrating sensors across machines and equipment.
Examples could include sensors measuring vibration,
temperature or robot positioning.
Remote management of factory units.
70m
Source:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asset-tracking-iot-devicemarket-to-triple-by-2022-300498147.html
Other uses for IoT in manufacturing
Introducing wearables such as smart safety glasses or
smart hard hats for employees.
Monitoring production flow in real-time from start to
packaging and distribution. This can highlight quality
control issues and production lags.
Using smart packaging to manage stock control,
automating the ordering process. This can also
provide insights into how the product behaves
during transit, in various weather conditions and how
customers store and use the product.
Connecting to suppliers to track products through
the manufacturing cycle in the supply chain.
Using data collected to analyse how customers
use products, feeding innovation for new product
development.
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