IIoT ecosystem beginning to emerge

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has created a buzz with its focus on how networking will transform manufacturing operations and efficiencies. But the current reality is that while the interest level is extremely high, actual deployments seem to be lagging behind.

One possible explanation is that we're in a process of understanding the complexities of how these systems and field devices such as sensors will operate within the IIoT, along with how to effectively manage these types of projects. Machine-to-machine (M2M) and remote connectivity are really not new concepts, so the real goal may be development of an IIoT ecosystem and technology tools that address integration/security issues and result in a consensus on networking solutions.

"Most engineers are bought into the fact that, from the highest level within the IIoT space, there are solutions that provide the ability to measure and monitor more and more data," Mike Fahrion, vice president of IoT Technologies at B+B SmartWorx, told Design News in a recent interview. "Technology is available to make better decisions, reduce downtime, and achieve better use of resources."

But Fahrion added that the next question often seems to be "why are we not seeing more deployments that fit within the IIoT?"

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