Features that are a must-have for any organisation when choosing IIoT software
In sectors including manufacturing and automotive, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is driving digital change. By using predictive analytics, firms can see how machines will perform in the future, automate tasks to save money, and remotely monitor operations to make real-time adjustments. Without a strong technological infrastructure based on IIoT software, none of this is conceivable.
Choosing IIoT software is essential if you want to adopt IIoT within your company. How can you choose from the hundreds of IIoT platforms when they are all slightly different from one another? The ensuing advice and TechRepublic Premium assets can be useful.
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5 key features of any IIoT platform
Understanding the essential components of any reliable IIoT platform is the best place to start. You should exercise caution if an IIoT platform does not offer the following essential characteristics.
Edge computing
Edge computing, which includes IoT devices, describes computation that is done as close to the data source as possible. No matter how many IoT devices are deployed, real-time visibility is made possible by this form of computing, which makes it essential.
Data at the source, for instance, can be used to track the performance of a sensor connected to a machine on an assembly line. The sensor can alert maintenance or immediately stop the machine if a problem is discovered. Data generated by the event can be uploaded to the cloud and properly analysed later.
Device management
IoT devices are necessary for IIoT and can be found inside large machinery, on moving vehicles, or at remote areas. These devices include sensors, alarms, and more. The software needs to have management features that let you access and control each device remotely.
By using remote device management, you can push critical updates to your devices and respond quickly to a device going offline.
Machine learning
The gathering of data that may be used to enhance industrial operations is the main function of the IIoT. But every day, machines and sensors collect an enormous amount of data. A human simply isn’t capable of making sense of the facts. Without human interaction, machine learning (ML) takes control, discovers patterns over time, and provides insights.
Predictive maintenance
Sensors are used in predictive maintenance to foretell when industrial equipment may need maintenance. Businesses can reduce expensive unplanned downtime and lengthen the life of their equipment by anticipating maintenance needs.
Real-time data visualization and reporting
The process of converting data into graphic representation is known as data visualisation. Businesses can view their data and swiftly gain insights from it thanks to visualisation. The end result is increased decision-making effectiveness.
The IIoT platforms you are thinking about should also have strong reporting tools, like integrated, customizable reports.
Other key considerations about IIoT software
Like any software implementation, you should think about how user-friendly the platform is. The programme you select should have a minimal learning curve and be intuitive. Additionally, you must make sure the platform is compatible with your current tech stack. For instance, it must smoothly interact with your outdated systems.
Scalability is an additional important factor. The IIoT platform ought to be scalable as you add users and devices. In order to protect all users and devices, you should select IIoT software that has strong end-to-end security.
The capabilities of IIoT software go much beyond what has been covered so far. You’ll need to go further to make sure you pick the ideal platform for your business.
You can do that with the aid of TechRepublic’s Industrial Internet of Things software comparison tool. You can keep track of and contrast the characteristics of each piece of software you’re thinking about using the spreadsheet included in the TechRepublic Premium offering. The tool also comes with a brief guide outlining the qualities you ought to seek in a new platform.
