Countless technologies have caused major transformations around the world, but they have undoubtedly come to make things easier. An example of this is IoT in industry.
This is because this is a sector marked by many processes, devices, and systems that need a series of requirements to ensure survival in the competitive market.
Therefore, we have separated this article to show the benefits of IoT in industry and how it has influenced the 4th Industrial Revolution.
What is IoT in industry?
Basically, the term comes from English Internet of Things, which translates as Internet das Coisas.
We can summarize it as a technology that relies on a network of physical objects connected to the internet and which have various purposes.
The main one is to automate manual processes through the ability to collect and transmit data, promoting remote control of these objects.
However, there is a variation of the term to Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), which in short has the same meaning, but is directed to the application of IoT in industry.
This is mainly characterized by the union of intelligent machines capable of analyzing data in a much broader way. In other words, in industry, IoT is applied to manage, collect, analyze, and transmit data and information to ensure assertive decision-making by the institution.
So what is the difference between IoT and IIoT?
In the term IoT, not every “thing” refers to industry, and by that we mean the machines and processes used in this type of production.
Therefore, in IIoT or Industrial Internet of Things, we talk about these devices programmed to meet the needs of this segment through the application of these technologies.
Consequently, data analysis is fully optimized, making machines intelligent in processes that involve exclusively industrial production.
Applications of IoT in industry
In this sense, IoT in industry can be applied in various processes and with different purposes. Check out some of them below!
Automation of repetitive processes
In industrial production, there are certainly countless processes and, therefore, very efficient management is required.
Often relying on manual labor is unfeasible, which is why many managers invest in IoT. This technology promises a significantly fast return on investment (ROI).
However, many people still believe that technologies like this intend to completely replace human labor.
Quite the contrary, it is by promoting facilities in efficient data collection and analysis that IoT in industry can be an important ally for employees and companies.
Connected Vehicles
It is in this so-called Industry 4.0 that this technology aims to connect things that a few years ago were not even imagined.
A great example is intelligent vehicles for cargo transport, with tracking systems and GPS capable of providing more safety and reliability in the delivery process.
This transport can be carried out autonomously, improving deadline accuracy and ensuring faster deliveries.
With this, you ensure a better estimation of deadlines and more streamlined and organized deliveries, which contribute to your differential in the competitive market.
Maintenance and productivity of intelligent vehicles and machines
With technological advancement, today it is already possible to rely on countless sensors that anticipate the occurrence of problems.
Therefore, IoT in industry can be used to anticipate maintenance and maintain an optimized equipment lifecycle. Consequently, your operation tends to suffer much less impact, especially when equipment breaks down and can generate a major chain reaction.
In addition, it is also possible to rely on sensors that provide information on equipment productivity.
Thus, it is possible to have a clearer vision of problems and decide assertively on their resolution even before the problem happens.
Temperature and humidity monitoring
Many operations, such as in the food industry, require controlled environments for production and storage. Thus, manual processes can put everything at risk, and IoT helps in the application of temperature and humidity sensors.
These sensors can be installed and then controlled remotely, guaranteeing proper conditions and levels.
In contrast, these technologies also have the ability to identify inconsistencies or potential damage to equipment, preventing accidents.
Benefits of IoT in industry
It is possible to achieve several benefits with the use of IoT in industry, ranging from real-time monitoring and inventory control to improvements in occupational safety.
Other benefits can be observed in different points, such as:
Precise diagnostics and quick decision-making
With the use of sensors, it is possible to identify and analyze various factors that interfere with production, providing a clear view of all processes. In other words, through IoT in industry, it is much easier to collect data and analyze it in order to perceive insights on what can be improved.
All this allows great detailing of information and facilitates decision-making regarding factory performance, considering various factors.
Since not only people but also things will be connected, the organization guarantees end-to-end communication fluidity.
Production, inventory, and equipment control
In addition to communication and connection, it is possible to control inventory and various aspects of equipment.
This is because many IoT sensors report real-time information on consumption levels or potential maintenance to be performed. With this data, there is more visibility in production and timely means to solve problems that may arise along the way.
Data analysis and work optimization
Collecting and storing data are not easy tasks, but analyzing this information is certainly much harder, especially manually.
Many institutions still analyze their information this way, while IoT in industry aims precisely to minimize these efforts.
Not to replace human labor, but to deliver more scalable and intelligent results. Thus, work is optimized and can be directed to things that truly need human attention.
Increased operational efficiency
Finally, all of this already promotes greater operational efficiency, which can be further encouraged with the use of IoTs.
Since the focus will not be on unnecessary and tiring work, each IoT device fulfills its purpose of improving a specific area.
Whether in remote climate control in food industries or tracking technologies for a vehicle fleet. With this, there is reduction in production costs, improvement in resource utilization, and increase in the productivity of things and people.
IoT is here to stay
We need to embrace this reality. Manufacturing technologies in Industry 4.0 have directed the focus of many businesses.
It is necessary to be attentive to a future that is already happening, especially because consumers tend to become increasingly demanding. Therefore, anticipating it is ensuring the survival and increasingly refined quality of industrial production.
To be prepared for these new business models, also read our e-book on the future of manufacturing.
