The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) create business opportunities among the most discussed in the world. These two are considered essential for a wide range of industrial and consumer IoT market applications. By 2020, it is anticipated that over 20 billion devices will be connected to these technologies. This is defined to be part of the anticipated IoT vs. IIoT systems.
Even though the predicted figure is vastly increasing each year, it is not yet clear if these numbers appropriately refer to positioning that can be considered as an IoT or IIoT or not. Hence, it is critical to recommend and consider these decision factors. At MOKOSmart, we are the leading provider of all your IoT and IIoT solutions.
IIoT vs. IoT
IoT is mainly applied for usage by consumers, thereby making their lives much easier. On the other hand, IIoT is used in industries to maximize their security and viability. The IoT and the IIoT are neither equipment nor sensors, but it’s a communication-based ecosystem. These systems have multiple devices like industrial sensors, cameras, product hostages, and sales rates to link with cloud-based processes.
The results obtained by IoT or IIoT systems are shown on a computer screen or a smartphone. They are used to improve operations in industrial processes, thereby bringing in unique financial and operating benefits. Some of the IoT/IIoT ecosystem examples include; applications like home appliances and medical devices remote operations. When purchasing an IoT/IIoT, it is essential to check its product availability, cautions of strange technical settings, breakdowns, and many more.
IoT and how it IoT works
IoT is a system of linked devices that communicates with each other via the internet. It also provides the data it collects to the users. IoT devices collect data using sensors and are specially designed that they can connect to the internet. IoT devices are more valuable when used numerously with other devices, although they are still helpful on their own.
The IoT technology allows its users to collect data from various functions automatically. For instance, it can measure the lightning energy used in a building or the amount of water flowing into a treatment plant. Business IoT devices and solutions use the internet to convey information they collect to the central system. The data accumulated by these devices can be used by managers to predict future outcomes and acquire deeper insights using the data analysis methods.
This technology can be used to mechanize equipment and some operations. Devices installed with smart sensors can mechanically regulate their functions to enhance the flow of traffic and energy. Smart sensors are capable of signaling for any action that happens whenever they identify a specific input. An example of smart sensors is the motion-activated lights.
IIoT and how it works
Industrial Internet of Things is a subgroup of the IoT technology primarily applied in industrial environs, such as IIoT manufacturing amenities. The IIoT is a crucial technology in Industry 4.0, and it is the projected chapter of the industrial revolution. Some of the technologies and capabilities emphasized by Industry 4.0 include; artificial intelligence, smart technology, interconnectivity, and data automation. These technologies are transforming the daily operations of industries and factories.
Like IoT, IIoT also has significant uses and benefits. Smart sensors are integrated with energy systems, manufacturing machines, and infrastructures like wiring and piping. These sensors collect data that boosts the productivity, competence, and safety of employees in industrial settings.
IIoT improves the transmission of data between two or more machines and offers data to plant supervisors that enables them to know how the operations of their facility. When industries continuously collect granular data, they can closely keep their tabs on the energy-water and other essential resources. Also, they can determine how much they are producing and when their machines are running. This helps operators to make adjustments manually or automatically adjust their equipment to enhance their operations.
Differences between IIoT vs. IoT
Market focus
IoT covers a variety of sectors. The IoT technology is mainly used by consumers and experts in business IoT like enterprises, healthcare, and the public sector. As IoT is applied in several distinct industries, it tends to concentrate more on universal applications. On the other hand, the IIoT technology is focused on a smaller market as experts only apply it in industrial settings. The IIoT technology is primarily used in power plants, oil and gas refineries, and manufacturing facilities.
Goals
The aim of deploying is usually to improve productivity, health, safety, and experiences. Contrary, the IIoT usually is less user-centric and concentrates more on increasing security and efficiency. IIoT is an industrial process as general consumers do not utilize it in their individual lives.
End devices
The IoT and IIoT usually use different devices as they both have different focuses and objectives. Industrial IoT devices are built to offer users data on equipment where these devices, instead of working alone, integrate with existing equipment. Conversely, IoT devices are usually devices employed in daily life that can be used independently. They include; smartphones, smartwatches, smart thermostats, and smart assistants. There are other IoT devices such as smart sensors that are used to develop infrastructures.
Risk of failing
The risk of failure in IoT devices is relatively low as these devices are only applied on a small scale. Typically, IoT devices are not utilized for restorative practices that pose a threat when they fail. Alternatively, the failure of IIoT devices and technology is more hazardous. The IIoT technology is linked over to a system; hence can pose life-threatening circumstances if one heavy machinery fails.
Development needs
Companies that create new IoT devices aim to provide more outstanding suitability to the user’s daily life. The IoT development concentrates more on improving comfort since the usage demand of consumers is usually high. In contrast, the IIoT development usually emphasizes creating new devices that efficiently improve the operation of the consumers.
Legal systems compatibility
IoT devices don’t have to be compatible with legacy systems. These devices are not designed with backward compatibility as these they work independently. In contrast, IIoT devices are compatible with several legacy systems and equipment set up in manufacturing plants. Most IIoT devices assist legacy systems in offering digital information, receive IT system commands as these manufacturing plants usually have equipment with no digital functionality or interfaces.
Environmental requirements
IoT devices usually function in daily environments. They are designed to endure standard temperatures and other ecological pressures. IIoT devices are more durable and reliable since they are primarily used in harsher environments, like factories, energy plants, and oil refineries. Therefore, manufacturers of IIoT devices usually craft their devices to tolerate extreme temperatures, humidity, and radio interference to ensure they provide reliable outcomes.
Served applications
In IoT, the definite intelligence is delivered via a cloud-based service given by the service provider managing that network. Hence, an IoT system offers exceptional value and enhanced convenience to those using the service.
In IIoT, the sensor is connected to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Its efficiency is directed to a service provider. The cloud-based information processes the data received and the outcomes are shown in an optimized operation.
Ecosystem architecture
An IoT system always consists of a public cloud manageable by an operator of the ecosystem. When an inquiry is recorded, it is examined and directed for a particular route that needs proprietary data unavailable for the inviting entity. Once the cloud-based IoT process ends, the outcomes are conveyed to the user through specific architectures such as smartphone screens, etc.
Contrary, the architecture of the IIoT network is entirely different. The IIoT process is completed in a private cloud operated by a service provider. The copyrighted data is stored here. The results of the IIoT network aims at helping the user to make an economic verdict. The IIoT response is transmitted to the ICS control center via the organization’s IT network.
Operation Safety
When dealing with most IoT systems, the safety of operations is never a concern, as these systems do not usually handle industrialized processes. In case a wrong decision is made, there are no severe security incidents that can occur due to any reason like a mistaken action or a cyber-attack.
When dealing with IIoT systems, things become entirely different. The IIoT is an essential component of the controller loop. An inappropriate action of the control process can drive the network to unstable and insecure situations. Hence, it is highly critical to have PLCs, sensors, and a communication protocol or process in the system. People can quickly lose their lives in case of one careless mistake.
Operation reliability
Operating reliability is essential, as people’s decisions entirely depend on the result of the IoT process. An IoT system is capable of identifying and detecting deliberate or incorrect acts by an approved individual. According to the exact application, the IoT network needs to be furnished with exceptional measures to sense any manipulation and evade cyber-attacks that can produce a bad outcome.
In IIoT, this restriction is essential as the system is a component of the ICS architecture. Of most importance, reliability is a fragment of the Safety, Reliability, and Productivity (SRP) triad. Like in IoT, IIoT systems can also sense deliberate or incorrect acts by an approved individual.
Operation benefits
The IoT ecosystem creates special remunerations over the setting out of cloud-based processes, or else it could not be accessible to users. When cloud-based registered information is not part of the process, its networked endpoint devices do not form part of the IoT ecosystem. Essentially, the application of registered information is vital for generating operational benefits.
In IIoT, the operational benefits are formed by the circumstance that maintenance timing and failure analysis decisions can be made centered on superb data examination steered by a relevant provider of the IIoT ecosystem.
Communication media
The architecture of an IoT ecosystem should match its communication media and protocol. As the operations are consumer-oriented, it is most likely that the system must consist of Bluetooth, WI-FI, and cellular networks. Also, it uses standard IT protocols. A comprehensive IoT network utilizes all these media where it needs to be individually cyber-secured.
As part of the ICS architecture, the IIoT network offers wireless and wired links among the ICS server, the sensor, and the PLC. From that communication media, information is conveyed to the provider of the IIoT network, where you can easily view the presence of ICS-oriented protocols. You must verify the network latency in the IIoT ecosystems that you anticipate to obtain feedback in a short time.
Cyber risks
In IoT ecosystems, cyber risk is a significant reason for concern. This is because most IoT endpoint devices do not include cyber security, and hence it can serve as an attack gate into the ecosystem. Likewise, the IIoT ecosystem end devices can outspread the cyber-attack surface. These serve as an attack gate into the ecosystem and can raise an attack risk on critical infrastructure.
Cyber defense
As the IoT ecosystems deal with consumer-oriented end devices mounted in stores, homes, offices, bus stations, etc., cyber defense signifies a fundamental problem. These IoT devices improve public suitability; however, the technology comes with cost limitations that prevent the attachment of cyber defense measures. It is always important too;
a) Deploy an improved cyber defense for the system that connects with these devices
b) Where applicable, ensure that you update your verification measures, such as the devices’ username and password.
c) Conduct constant scanning on your systems to sense any foreign or unauthorized devices
Nevertheless, with IIoT, things are very much different. The cyber risk is higher here, although its investment resources for retrofits and upgrades are easy to obtain. Moreover, to best practices of the IoT network already listed above, it is also essential to consider extra measures for your IIoT ecosystem.
a) Perform susceptibility analysis and retrofits to improve the physical security of your devices.
b) Use the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to detect any anomaly condition
c) Add any other special verification measures convenient for your IIoT ecosystems
Effects of IoT on smart cities
IoT is an essential technology of smart cities that applies innovative technologies to increase people’s quality of life and expand daily operations. This IoT technology allows cities to gather data from their infrastructure, apprise decisions, and boost their operations. The IoT technology can drive revolutions in several areas, such as:
a) Infrastructure: Sensors are integrated into smart cities’ infrastructure to improve productivity, expand maintenance programs, allow remote operations, and achieve other benefits. Sensors can be mounted in infrastructures such as street lights, roadways, water systems, and transportation networks.
b) Buildings: IoT enables cities to increase the productivity and operations of public buildings. Smart technology can be used in cities to assemble information from several systems within the building, such as lights, elevators, and air conditions.
c) Energy supply: IoT enhances the productivity, sustainability, and reliability of electric power systems. The technology assists operators in spotting problems that may arise in equipment early enough, achieve adaptable generation assets, and optimize distribution.
d) Water: It is crucial to have a water system that consistently gives clean water to the residents. The IoT technology also enables the operators to plan for the future adequately and forecast the water rates of depletion.
e) Transportation and traffic: The IoT technology can also be used to enhance traffic networks and public transport. It minimizes energy use in public transportation networks and allows operators to regulate overhead exhibitions on streets or lighting on airports tenuously. Operators can use this information and quickly respond to road accidents or other emergencies.
Effects of of IIoT on smart factories
The IIoT technology is an essential element of the shift to Industry 4.0. Smart industries can incorporate the IIoT technology in a wide range of equipment and influence it to improve productivity, efficiency, and the safety of workers.
Some top ways industries can use the IIoT technology are:
• Smart production – When the IIoT technology is integrated into manufacturing equipment and systems, it links them, forming a connected industry. Every information collected from this related technology is stored in a central database where workers can easily access it. Managers can acquire an extraordinary outlook of the industry when all the data is stored in one place.
• Energy management: – All industries regularly use significant volumes of energy. Therefore even minor enhancements in the management of energy can assist industries in saving substantial amounts of money and expanding their ecological performance. Managers can use Industrial IoT solutions to develop their energy consumption understanding in the entire facility. Also, they can continuously view how every machine in the facility is consuming energy.
• Predictive maintenance – The IIoT technology assists industries in increasing their productivity by improving their projected upkeep programs. Predictive maintenance comprises observing the performance and the condition of equipment to forecast when it might fail to respond. Employees can perform maintenance to prevent any of these failures from occurring. This kind of maintenance is different from responsive maintenance, where the employees only fix the equipment after a problem arises. Smart sensors give comprehensive information on machinery functioning, thus enabling the employees to forecast failures early enough.
Advantages of IoT and IIoT
Some of the advantages the IoT and IIoT technologies offer to smart cities, industries, and other facilities are;
a) Improved productivity – IoT devices can constantly collect information about the equipment, methods, and properties a system or machine uses. Productivity can be enhanced by managing the processes used and clearly understanding how every resource is used.
b) Decreased downtime – Downtime in a facility can be reduced by enabling predictive maintenance early enough. This allows industries to evade substantial sums of lost revenue. It also warrants consistent access to electricity, water, and other essential resources in smart cities.
c) Remote control – devices connected to the internet are easily controllable from any location with an active internet connection and the required software. It is easier to adjust to varying conditions when it is possible to control your equipment remotely.
d) Improved security – Some risks arise from remote control of machinery or infrastructure. Generally, an infrastructure connected to the internet offers improved protection. It is essential to select software and devices with inclusive, unified security features to adequately guard your facility against any unapproved admittance and data loss.
e) Smarter decision-making – Smart sensors enable you to expand the data volume collected by a facility. This information is essential as it gives the manager deeper insights regarding the facility whenever they use extensive data analytics.
f) Improved ROI – The IoT and IIoT technologies help to improve the returns on investments in organizations. These technologies assists organizations to minimize their production cost through several means such as predictive maintenance and improvements in energy productivity.
The future of IoT and IIoT
In the coming years, these two technologies are projected to develop. By 2025, more than 30.9 billion devices are expected to be connected to these technologies globally. Moreover, the Industrial IoT market is anticipated to rise to USD 1.1 trillion by 2028.
From healthcare to consumer IoT goods to manufacturing, these technologies are already positively influencing various sectors in the world. Along with the Industry 4.0 technologies, the IoT and the IIoT will continue to initiate digital transformations in almost every industry. The IoT and IIoT technologies are likely to be more impactful when used with other advanced technologies such as data analytics, automation, and artificial intelligence.
Presently, IoT and IIoT can help in giving organizations superiority over the competition. Moreover, when firms apply these technologies in their operations, they evade the risk of falling behind their fellow competitors. Thus, this can help them to develop over the coming years continuously. Without a doubt, the IoT and IIoT technologies are playing a significant role in everyone’s daily lives as the future continues to become digitalized, smart, and connected.
MOKOSmart’s IoT and IIoT solutions
Recently, IoT has turned out to be one of the essential technology. Now it has become easy to link with objects that we use daily such as cars, baby monitors, kitchen appliances, cars, thermostats, to the internet using embedded devices, thanks to the IoT technology. With IoT, seamless communication between people, things, and processes are now possible.
With low-cost computing, it is now easier for mobile technologies, analytics, cloud, and big data to share and gather information with less human intervention. In this world we live in today, digital systems can now record, monitor, and adjust every communication between connected things. The physical world has linked with the digital world, and they are cooperating well.
Examples of IoT use cases
Amazon is currently managing and linking its devices using IoT ecosystems. Some of the services in works at Amazon include; IoT Core, Device Management, Analytics, Greengrass, Device Defender, and many more. They have brought these IoT improvements to their end-user products so that all their clients can mutually benefit from this new technology.
Also, Google is using the IoT technology in their data analytics control to make their Google Cloud IoT. The IoT ecosystems help Google carry out real-time asset tracking, analytical maintenance, supply chain management, and many more. They offer a comprehensive set of tools that improves efficiency and analyzes data from IoT devices. Moreover, the Intel Corporation also applies the IoT technology in utilizing their network controllers, low-power processors, and developer kits to link devices. This guarantees the company total security, manageability, and scalability.
At MOKOSmart, we focus on designing and manufacturing hardware for all your IoT and IIoT solutions. Our OEM and ODM services provide you with a wide variety of commercial IoT products for the world smart device market. IoT products available in our line include; IoT gateways, smart plugs, fitness trackers, smart sockets, LoRa products, Bluetooth beacons, Bluetooth modules, etc
