The Industrial Internet of Things Explained
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is revolutionizing how businesses collect and leverage data. Unlike the Internet of Things (IoT), which encompasses everyday devices like wearables and smart TVs, the IIoT specifically targets industrial devices. These newly 'smart' devices, such as sensors, valves, switches, and field devices, now have the capability to transmit data to systems like HMI and SCADA or directly to cloud platforms. This means that businesses can now access critical data streams that were previously inaccessible, enabling a more comprehensive view of their operations.
Overcoming Historical Challenges
Initially, the adoption of IIoT technology faced significant barriers, including costly components for network connectivity, challenges in aggregating data from various sources, and a lack of centralized databases or dashboards. However, advancements in technology and software solutions have virtually eliminated these obstacles. Today, businesses can leverage platform-agnostic solutions that facilitate seamless data reading and writing, thus enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making.
The Value of IIoT Architecture
One of the key advantages of an IIoT architecture is the enriched context it brings to data analysis. By consolidating disparate data streams into a single source of truth, businesses can derive actionable insights and optimize operational efficiency. This context not only enables immediate return on investment through enhanced efficiency, asset monitoring, and predictive maintenance, but also supports flexible architectures that span from the edge to enterprise levels.
Enabling Smart Decisions with IIoT
Through the power of the cloud, IIoT solutions empower businesses to make informed decisions based on contextual information. By employing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, organizations can perform predictive maintenance, assess machine performance trends, and streamline procurement processes. The IIoT ensures that data is available where and when it's needed, fostering collaboration and breaking down information silos across the business.
AVEVA's Comprehensive IIoT Solutions
AVEVA offers a broad portfolio of products designed to enhance the value of the IIoT across an organization's entire value chain. From device-agnostic communication drivers to AI-powered analytics tools like AVEVA™ Insight, the company provides solutions that enable seamless connectivity, high-quality historical data analysis, and actionable insights that drive operational excellence and asset reliability.