While the Internet of Things (IoT) has already arrived, it is set to get bigger. How much bigger? According to the latest predictions, by 2020 the number of connected devices will increase from the tens of millions to 26 billion.
Much of this staggering growth is expected to occur in industrial contexts (like mining, agriculture, utilities, logistics and medical services) where it is known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
The IIoT promises to bring significant efficiency improvements, so those within these industries are going to have to get on board with the IIoT or be left behind.
But change will not happen at the click of a finger. It will involve the use of a number of key components.
We know that the IIoT involves wireless connected devices, advanced data analytics, and the cloud, but what else does it involve? What else do businesses which are planning to take advantage of the IIoT need to consider?
Firstly, they need to consider control. Industrial automation requires remote access to real time data. It should be possible to access that data from all types of devices, including laptops, tablets, Smartphones, and so forth.
Use of control technology should be intuitive and simple. And user interfaces should be configurable. Cyber security must always be a priority within industrial contexts. Communications should be encrypted and all connections need to be authenticated with username and password.
The groov Box industrial appliance from Opto 22 fits the bill here. Requiring just a network connection and web browser for full operation, it allows for the remote monitoring and control of almost any automation system or industrial equipment via a web browser.
A second key consideration for businesses looking to employ the IIoT is connectivity. They need interconnection technologies that can provide an enhanced infrastructure for Ethernet and Internet Protocol (IP) based communications.
Data network technology and Ethernet play important roles in the IIoT. They require powerful, reliable cabling.
The HARTING Ha-VIS preLink connector system is a range of 24 different products which allows users to either pre-assemble cables or to buy prepared cables and install them quickly and simply on-site.
Combining the demands of profile-specific cabling for the automation market with the advantages of generic cabling, it is ideal for applications within the IIoT.