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Calming Your Biggest Fears About Industrial IoT

Find out about leading IoT concerns for manufacturers looking to implement.

Fear of the unknown has fueled a tremendous body of innovative works. Examples within the manufacturing realm could range from simple fuel gauges to complex modeling and software solutions. In both instances, a desire to combat fear with knowledge was embraced as a solution.

In contrast, these same fears can create an enterprise-wide state of paralysis that prohibits the integration of potentially game-changing procedures and technologies. Instead of addressing the unknown, it is simply ignored, which feeds apprehension and delays the solution. In many instances, this is how the manufacturing sector has reacted to the growing Industrial Internet of Things movement.

A recent report from LNS Research showed that more than 81 percent of responding manufacturers either had no immediate plans for IoT-related investments or were in the infancy stages of IoT planning. This presents an interesting dynamic for U.S. manufacturing and an opportunity for the forward-thinking enterprise.

In discussing IoT with manufacturers from across the country, the leading sources of concern seem to stem from four main areas:

  • Lacking IoT knowledge
  • Seeing a return on the time and energy associated with strategic IoT implementation
  • Figuring out how to start the process
  • Deciding which sections of the company to task with managing IoT platforms

The reality is that many of the technologies that encompass Industrial IoT have been in place for some time. What the Internet of Things really does is connect all of these resources via an established infrastructure — the Internet or a corporate intranet. The combining of machine-to-machine communications with remote monitoring with ERP platforms with inventory management is what is new. Individually, these tools have been utilized in manufacturing for years.

However, the implementation of these resources and the incorporation of mobile devices have established some unique elements that can be intimidating. This is reinforced with new focal points such as cloud computing and network security that demand more attention in the age of big data. The keys to seeing past these fears and focusing on solutions is looking to past successes with related technologies and trusting the vendors and internal managers who have made them successful.

Making It Count

Defending internal investments is nothing new to manufacturers. Another recent LNS Research report showed ROI justifications for improvement-focused investments as the second most commonly cited challenge for U.S. manufacturers.

Some general ways to help validate IoT-related costs can include:

  • Assessing the amount of time saved by connecting more data-driven assets
  • Identifying the additional number of tasks that can be performed by one individual or tracked by one work cell
  • Calculating the efficiencies gained by greater worker autonomy to make on-the-spot decisions driven by greater access to more data via multiple devices
  • Showcasing how better decisionmaking can lead to safer workplaces and less supply chain disruption
  • Promoting this technology and approach can help bridge the skills gap by positioning your enterprise as a leader in recruiting and retaining manufacturing talent

Initial ventures into the IoT space can also seem daunting until manufacturers realize that they’ve been here before with new equipment set-ups, software implementations and process improvement programs.

There is no cookie-cutter blueprint for IoT implementation, as it will vary from company to company. So, what will be essential is properly assessing current platforms and data sources in understanding which employees and areas of the operation are best utilizing the related technological assets. Whether your journey begins with production, quality control, purchasing or supply chain, it should be an area with a proven track record of success with connected platforms.

Looking To The Future

The management and accountability of IoT-related programs and strategies can be another unknown for manufacturers. Without a clear champion, it is easy for these initiatives to be devoid of both leadership and proper funding. Although the primary voices of many IoT programs might be grounded in IT or Operations, considering an approach similar to that taken when forming safety teams is worth bearing in mind.

IoT is meant to have far-reaching effects, so developing cross-functional teams that can contribute ideas on where to start, where to invest and how to most accurately measure results on several fronts would produce the greatest impact. This level of contribution could lead to a quicker implementation, more easily identifiable initiation points and a quicker ROI. All of these goals can be realized due to the connected nature of IoT and the manner in which improving one area of the enterprise will positively impact others.

The Industrial Internet of Things is not a simple concept; however, it’s also not a topic so complicated that manufacturers should fear or ignore its potential in realizing the greater levels of efficiency, data sharing and global competitiveness it brings.  

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