There are many sectors involved within the Industrial Internet of Things. These can include manufacturing, logistics, oil and gas, transportation, energy/utilities, mining and metals, and aviation industries. By the end of 2021, the industrial IoT market is expected to reach $123.89 billion. The term Industrial Internet has come to describe the inter-working of cyber-physical systems, machines, analytics, and people connected to a network within an industrial context. The Industrial Internet of Things is revolutionizing the industrial market with the primary goals of automation, optimization, and using analytics to strategically provide better products and services while reducing costs.

Asset Monitoring, Tracking and Control

Machinery is an essential part of the industrial sector. To make sure your work site is running smoothly, you need to know where, when, and how your assets are working and how they are being used. IoT devices and the underlying network allows you track, monitor, and control your equipment remotely through a web portal rather than taking the time to physically attend the machine.

Benefits of IoT device-use for assets:

• Instant communication between the operator and the machine
• Be proactive in technical support
• Identify potential problems before they become an issue
• Control your machinery from your office or smartphone
• Set parameters for automated alerts or controls
• Reduce costs by managing systems remotely

Industrial Analytics

In the modern industry, business is increasingly being driven by data. The sheer amount of data you can compile in today’s business environment can be overwhelming. The ability to collect, analyze and use this data can transform your productivity and help reduce costs while optimizing resources. Using IoT to utilize useful analytics can bring critical information to CEOs, managers, technicians and other personnel while helping to filter out the information that isn’t helpful.

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Useful Industrial Internet of Things analytics:

• Efficiency—analyze for points of poor or successful performance
• Power requirements—find ways to reduce your energy use
• Routines—receive alerts for anomalies
• Equipment usage—identify unnecessary equipment
• Workflow—analyze the productivity of your process

Examples of useful analytics inaction:

• Provide insights for efficiently automating processes
• Develop an algorithm to sort useful complaints from frivolous complaints
• Use predictive maintenance for better equipment performance
• Prevent theft by monitoring internal operations
• Predict bursts in pipes or other preventable accidents

Communication

An essential part of running a business is communication. The logistics of coordinating work in the industrial market requires fast and efficient communication. This is helped using affordable wireless devices connected to a reliable network that can be customized to fit your specific communication needs. You can also connect with customers in useful ways. With the integration of IoT devices, you can connect people and assets to a network that tells you what you need to know when you need to know it.

Industrial IoT problem:

Problem: Customers desire more feedback regarding the status of utility poles being refurbished. Customer service employees internally communicate with facility employees who must manually track down the utility poles in question. Facility employees must then relay the information to customer service. The refurbishing company needs a system for tracking and communicating with utility poles as they move through the refurbishing process.

Industrial IoT solution:

Solution: Viaanix designs a tracking and communication system for poles moving through the refurbishment facility, from arrival to shipment. Attaching a tracking and communicating device to the poles allows the customer to track the progress of refurbishment and receive a notification upon shipment or at each stage through the process. Internally, the refurbishing employees can easily find poles throughout the facility. The shipping department is notified when an order is ready to be shipped.

Occupational Safety and Hazard Monitoring

One responsibility in the industrial market is providing a safe and secure work environment. Every fifteen seconds, 178 work related accidents happen. In an industry involving automation and physical machinery, safety is a concern for workers carrying out their daily tasks. Preventing hazardous conditions not only prevents harm to employees, but also leads to more efficient production. Collecting data in a work environment and monitoring employees can help prevent accidents or ailments. When it comes to safety, being better informed means reducing risk.

Causes of industrial workplace accidents:

• Acting on incomplete information
• Human error
• Ignoring safety procedures
• Improper use of equipment
• Improperly prepared, equipped, or trained employees  

How IoT helps prevent safety hazards:

• Track the physical location of employees
• Monitor physical fitness indicators for signs of strain
• Collect data from helmets, jackets and other safety wearables
• Monitor the environment for radiation, carbon monoxide, pathogens, or other pollutants
• Use analytics and real-time data to address issues before they become a hazard