Internet of Things (IoT), the technology that lets you rethink productivity levels
The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of the most important trends of our time for industry. By combining embedded sensors with the data they generate, companies can create strategies to increase production efficiency and completely rethink their productivity levels.
A 2016 study by the Economist Intelligence Unit showed just how much the topic was already on leaders' radar: 96% of executives expected their companies to adopt IoT that year, and 60% agreed that those who were slow to adopt the technology would fall behind their competitors.
The growth figures reinforce that expectation. In 2017, the world already had around 8.4 billion connected devices, with projections of reaching 30 billion by 2020 and an estimated market value of 7.1 trillion dollars over the same period.
Industrial IoT and Industry 4.0
Within the context of Industry 4.0, industrial IoT (IIoT) takes center stage by integrating real-time data across all production systems. This continuous connection makes it possible to see what is happening on the factory floor at the exact moment and to act quickly.
Main applications of industrial IoT
Predictive maintenance
Identifies component wear before complete failure, reducing unexpected downtime and maintenance costs.
Product sales
Monitors connected components to anticipate failures and replacement needs, creating new service opportunities.
Product engineering
Continuous monitoring improves machine performance and production setups.
Manufacturing processes
Makes it possible to identify issues that impact production and to increase operational efficiency.
Fleet maintenance
Tracks speed, fuel consumption, distance traveled, and maintenance needs, even helping to reduce emissions.
Agriculture
With sensors and drones, it is possible to monitor environmental conditions and optimize irrigation and harvest timing.
Data only creates value when it becomes information
Collecting data alone is not enough. To generate value, information must be aggregated through management software such as ERP, CRM, and MES, allowing managers to focus on strategic decisions instead of merely correcting problems.
Cloud Computing is the essential infrastructure of this ecosystem, supporting the storage and processing of all the data generated by connected devices.
