Industrial IoT is transforming industries by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs and downtime, and enabling smarter decisions. Scaling from manufacturing to logistics, IoT is making its presence felt in all areas of business today. Here are some real-life applications of industrial IoT (IIoT):
Predictive Maintenance: Machinery is a major part of some organizations. May it be a water purification system or a manufacturing unit, maintenance is an important part. Downtime due to a faulty machine or a shutdown due to machine failure could affect production, reduce efficiency, and incur large losses to the company. With IIoT, companies can make informed decisions when a machine requires maintenance based on data like heating, vibrations, etc., effectively reducing chances of machine breakdowns. Many companies recommend a complete service of machinery in a set period of time. With the predictive maintenance module installed, you can be sure if the machine can perform well or if the scheduled maintenance is a requirement for the moment or should be delayed.
Xylem uses IIOT to maintain their water management machinery to predict maintenance requirements, often saving millions of dollars in downtime and unnecessary maintenance and downtime. The custom-tailored solution for Xymel was developed by Megh Technologies and has been active for over half a decade, saving millions every single year.
industrial IOT Enabled Smart Manufacturing
With advanced technologies like sensors, AI, and data analytics to monitor aspects of manufacturing, IIOT can optimize the production process to enhance efficiency and reduce costs by automating various processes. Smart manufacturing allows real-time monitoring with sensors that track equipment performance and production, predictive maintenance to identify equipment failure before it occurs, analytics to optimize process and resource utilization, automation for repetitive tasks, and reduced energy consumption by monitoring usage patterns. Companies may benefit with faster time to market, improved operational efficiency, and reduced production downtime with smart manufacturing practices and also reduce manpower requirements.
industrial IOT Enabled Energy Management
Smart meters are already in use in many countries and have helped reduce energy costs, account for energy consumption, and reduce errors in meter charges. With IIoT integration, energy sectors have benefited more than smart metering. IIoT devices help with energy analytics and automated control systems to adjust lighting, cooling, and heating; renewable energy integration with renewable energy sources; and predictive maintenance. Top companies that use IIOT in the energy sector include Schneider Electric, which accounted for 30% savings in energy and carbon emissions since the implementation of IIOT devices. Expect future innovations, which include decentralized energy systems to enable the management of microgrids and distributed energy sources, AI-powered analytics, and smart grid integration with IIOT in energy sectors.
Supply Chain Optimization with IIOT
Streamline your supply chain with IoT devices, trackers, and RFID tags for real-time tracking, inventory management, predictive analytics, automated warehousing, and enhanced fleet management. Companies like Amazon have reduced costs and increased efficiency with IoT-powered robots and sensors to automate inventory sorting, picking, and packing. RFID tags provide real-time stock levels for enterprises and provide live updates on location, condition, and estimated delivery times. IOT also assists in monitoring vehicle performance, optimizing routes, and reducing fuel consumption.
Industrial Automation with IIOT
With connected devices, machines, and data analytics, you can automate complex manufacturing and production processes to increase operational efficiency and reduce human intervention. With IIoT you can improve safety, optimize resources, and reduce human errors in the manufacturing process. IIOT sensors enable remote monitoring and control of production lines, equipment, and machinery, tracking machine health in real time and predicting potential failures, allowing proactive maintenance. With process automation and robotics AI integration, you can adjust the production process, ensuring performance and quality while improving speed and precision while reducing human errors. IOT sensors also enable the collection and analysis of data for improved decision-making.
Quality Control in Manufacturing with IOT
IOT-powered sensors are revolutionizing quality control with real-time monitoring and advanced analytics in the production process. Ensuring strict standards and reducing waste, defects, and reworks help improve efficiency and customer satisfaction. With real-time monitoring features, defect detection and automated testing enable consistent quality in product manufacturing. IOT platforms are able to collect data and predict potential quality issues, root causes of defects, and enable timely intervention.
Worker Safety Devices integrated with IOT sensors
Wearable IoT devices ensure the safety of workers by monitoring environmental conditions and health parameters and alerting for risks such as gas leaks and malfunctions. Used for fire safety professionals and other industries, smart helmets, vests, and wristbands help track workers vital signs, location, and movement and alert supervisors in case of emergencies. With environmental monitoring, IoT sensors monitor temperature, air quality, and noise levels to ensure a safe working environment. Honeywell is one of the few companies that have entered the IoT-enabled wearable devices market for monitoring workers health and environmental conditions in real time. IOT devices can help with improved compliance, faster emergency response, injury prevention, and health monitoring.
Remote Monitoring and Management
Manage asset systems and processes from any location with remote monitoring and management integrated with IoT applications. Leveraging IoT sensors, devices, and cloud platforms can facilitate businesses operations to be run efficiently with lower downtime and without being physically present on site. IOT devices can help with real-time data collection, centralized dashboards, automated alerts, remote diagnostics and controls, and predictive analytics. Schneider Electric harnesses the power of IoT-based RMM solutions to monitor industrial equipment globally. They reduce downtime on their manufacturing facilities with immediate detection and remote resolution to minimize operational disruptions. Apart from cost savings, enhanced efficiency, and improved asset lifespan, IoT systems are highly scalable. Used in energy management, smart agriculture, logistics, and industrial automation, RMM can help various industries. Future trends in IoT for RMM include 5G integration and edge computing.
Smart Logistics and Fleet Management
Supply chain systems are complex, but when it comes to fleet management alone, there are various implementations of IoT devices, including real-time vehicle tracking, predictive maintenance of vehicle health, route optimization, cargo monitoring, and fuel efficiency management. Top companies like DHL have IoT-driven smart logistics systems to monitor shipment conditions like temperature for perishable goods. Smart logistics and fleet management ensue. Enhanced visibility of goods and vehicle location, reduce costs, improve customer satisfaction, and minimize downtime. Applications include cold chain management, warehouse automation, freight security, driver behavior monitoring, and last-mile delivery. Watch out for AI and machine learning, autonomous vehicles, and blockchain management integrated with IoT for smart logistics and fleet management.
Smart Water Management For industrial Purposes
Smartwater management leverages IoT technologies to monitor and control water usage and distribution. Integrated with IoT, companies can address water scarcity, reduce wastage, and ensure sustainable resource management. With IoT devices, you can perform real-time monitoring, leak detection, and automated controls of valves and pumps; check for water quality; and maintain infrastructure health to prevent failures of water supply networks. Xylem uses Smart Water solutions developed by Megh Technologies to reduce water wastage, reduce costs, and enhance decision-making. Other industries that use IoT for water management include flood monitoring and control, industrial water management, wastewater treatment plants, and agricultural irrigation, apart from urban water supply.