How To Get Started With IIoT

Estimated reading time: 1 minute

Editor’s note: This article is reprinted with permission from Dassault Systèmes North America.

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) promises a whole new world of sensors and smart devices collecting information and control, and extending visibility throughout the plant, warehouse, and the entire supply chain. But the prospect of installing, integrating, and managing an IIoT network can be daunting, indeed. 

Kicking Off IIoT Implementation
Some companies will want to start small, adding a few sensors and devices into existing networks, while others may be ready to embark on a bigger project to take full advantage of what IIoT has to offer. Either way, the important thing is to get started. IIoT is a basic underlying technology for Manufacturing 4.0 and a key component of modern supply chain management.

How Much IIoT Is Right For Your Business?
Every company will have to decide just how much IIoT technology they want to bring into their environment, and how fast. In this article, we will offer some general advice and suggestions for those who want to experiment with a few IIoT devices before committing to a larger IIoT project. The next article offers general advice for companies that are ready for a full commitment to IIoT in the plant and/or warehouse. The third and final article applies to companies contemplating IIoT in the supply chain—outside of the local plant and warehouse.

First Steps
Any new technology can be scary, so prudent planners and investors in that technology will want to know as much as they can learn before fully committing to what could be a substantial investment with associated risks and uncertainties. Fortunately, it is quite easy (in most cases) to add a few sensors to an existing system to provide some experience and a better understanding of how these devices can work in your environment. Here are some considerations and comments to keep in mind as you start your exploration of IIoT.

To read this entire article, which appeared in the August 2021 issue of SMT007 Magazine, click here.