Report Considers Technologies Critical To Industrial IoT

A new report classifies autonomous and remote operations, Big Data analytics and user interface technology among the advancements likely to fundamentally transform the manufacturing sector.

The analysis by Massachusetts-based IDC Manufacturing Insights aims to help companies align their risk tolerance and high-tech efforts with the expected evolution of Internet-connected technology.

The technologies labeled transformational — which the firm anticipates will dramatically alter current best practices — also include applications and services delivery and wireless sensing and locating.

Incremental applications, which represent current best practices that will evolve gradually, include Wi-Fi and other connection technology, cybersecurity and enterprise cloud digital billing, while those classified as opportunistic — or not integral to current best practices — include industry cloud, content delivery and wired sensor technology.

Analysts said connected products can improve product uptime, design and customer value, but that manufacturers need to recognize how a variety of technologies combine to create those advantages. IoT observers expect the number of connected devices to grow ten-fold over the next five years.

"The manufacturing industry is undergoing a transformation from the proliferation of connected products," said Heather Ashton, research manager for IDC Manufacturing Insights. "Leading manufacturers already recognize that new revenue and growth is developing because of the information and intelligence those complex products can generate."