Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): What Is Important To Know?

Imagine your machines could not only work more efficiently, but also autonomously identify problems before they arise – that's the vision of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). In a world where data is the new gold, IIoT is the key to making production processes smarter, faster and more sustainable. But how do you meaningfully integrate these technologies into your existing systems? In this article, you'll learn how to optimally utilise the potential of IIoT and thus transform your production step by step towards the future.

Definition and Significance of IIoT

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is defined as a comprehensive system of networked intelligent objects, cyber-physical assets and associated information technologies. As Boyes et al. precisely describe it, IIoT enables "real-time access, intelligent capture, analysis and exchange of process information within industrial environments, with the aim of optimising the entire production value."

IIoT goes far beyond a simple transfer of the IoT concept into the industrial context. It encompasses not only self-controlling production logic, but also the acquisition of additional information for all relevant stakeholders. IIoT platforms like Clouver function as central middleware, connecting existing industrial assets, enterprise software and external services. 

You benefit from this through:

• Networked middleware function: Platforms like Clouver enable seamless data exchange between a wide variety of systems and equipment.
• Integration of existing machines: Even older machines can be integrated into modern IIoT networks by retrofitting them with sensors.
• Real-time monitoring: With dashboards, you maintain an overview of your production processes at all times.
• Data-driven process optimisation: The systematic collection of machine data allows you to identify bottlenecks and minimise downtime.

Real-Time Monitoring and Data Analysis in Production

Are you wondering how you can control the state of your production in real time? Thanks to modern IIoT solutions, this is no longer a vision but a lived reality. Real-time monitoring enables you to directly capture critical operating parameters and immediately react to deviations.

Modern platforms like Clouver connect operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT). These systems continuously collect data from all machines and present them via intuitive dashboards. This way, you always keep track of metrics such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). The following functions help you:

• Immediate responsiveness: Push notifications inform responsible employees of critical events.
• Intelligent OEE analysis: Digital dashboards visualise availability, performance and quality of your equipment in real time.
• Advanced analytics: Time series data form the basis for advanced analyses that reveal trends and anomalies.

• Heterogeneous machine integration: Even older systems can be integrated into your IIoT network with special SmartKit solutions.

   

Integration of Existing Machines into Modern IIoT Networks

Many companies face the challenge that not all machines in operation have modernised interfaces. Yet, it is precisely the integration of these existing machines into modern IIoT networks that holds enormous potential. You can continue to use existing equipment whilst simultaneously benefiting from the advantages of digital transformation.

Typical challenges when integrating older machines are:

• Lack of connectivity: Older machines often lack digital interfaces.
• Heterogeneous control systems: Different manufacturers and control protocols complicate data exchange.
• Data extraction: Capturing machine data is often technically challenging.

This is where retrofit solutions come into play. With the Clouver SmartKit, old machines can be retrofitted with sensors and connectivity modules. This gradual integration protects your investments in existing equipment and simultaneously creates a foundation for the continuous optimisation of your production processes.

Efficiency Increase through Paperless Production Management

Paper-based processes belong to the past. Traditional, manual documentation processes lead to delays, errors and unnecessary costs. With a digital, paperless solution, you have all relevant order data at hand at any time, which significantly improves your production flow.

Thanks to IIoT solutions like Clouver Paperless, you not only optimise the flow of information but also achieve measurable efficiency gains:

• Real-time capture of downtimes: Disruptions are automatically recorded and categorised.
• Digital documentation: Precise analyses help you to specifically reduce downtimes.
• Automated work instructions: Digital approval processes shorten setup times and minimise errors.
• Access to real-time data: All relevant information is immediately available to authorised employees.

The advantages of this paperless method are clear: reduction of setup times by up to 25%, shortening of response times for disruptions by 30-50%, and significant savings in printing and archiving costs.

Data-Driven Optimisation of Industrial Processes

Modern production environments generate immense amounts of data daily. Data-driven optimisation of industrial processes is the heart of digital manufacturing in the age of IIoT. This optimisation is based on several key aspects:

• Real-time data collection: All relevant process parameters are continuously recorded.
• Data preparation: Raw data are converted into meaningful metrics.
• Visualisation: Via intuitive dashboards, you get a complete overview at any time.
• Implementation of measures: Based on data analysis, concrete improvements are identified.

In practice, this data-based approach leads to significant improvements: equipment availability increases, Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) improves by 10-15%, and resource savings can be achieved through continuous analyses.

To implement this optimisation sustainably, it is advisable to proceed in small steps: First, you identify the critical process metrics and gradually expand your data infrastructure – all based on a flexible, modular IIoT platform like Clouver.

Conclusion

The integration of IIoT platforms into industrial applications opens up entirely new possibilities for data-driven process optimisation. With IIoT, you not only gain real-time access to production data, but can also easily integrate existing machines into a unified monitoring system and implement paperless processes.

Data-driven optimisation, combined with a modular platform like Clouver, enables you to continuously discover new potentials and gradually increase your level of digitalisation. Use the advantages of this technology to make your production processes future-proof and more competitive.