Similar to most forms of new-age & contemporary technology, how the ‘Internet of Things’ - or IoT - will go on to impact our personal and professional lives on a regular basis is only starting to be formulated. The IoT uses the infrastructure of the internet, the adaptation of cellular communication, and technologically driven microprocessors to administer and control the ‘things’ that we use in everyday life, right from home electronic appliances, to even our modes of transport, or medical apparatus.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the effective installation & adaption of smart sensors and actuators to intensify manufacturing and industrial processes through industrial automation. Also commonly coined as the industrial internet or Industry 4.0, IIoT utilises the power of smart machines and real-time analytics to take advantage of insightful data.
The Industrial Internet of Things ecosystem will drive industries - not only building automation system providers and machine manufacturers, but also a wide variety of stakeholders such as building manufacturers, energy managers, service technicians, utility providers, and last but definitely not the least, the building residents. In distinct ways, these multiple stakeholders will be helped by valuable insights into their buildings. This unique mix of data transparency and web-based control and automation will revolutionise building automation to an unthinkable extent. Building managers are offered the opportunity to cooperate with service technicians to actively maximise equipment functionality and performance. Manufacturers can also go on to improve the overall customer experience and content through predictive maintenance - which determines equipment’s lapses on a real-time basis as well as provides insights into future product development.
If you compare this to most other industries that are just starting to be inspired by the IoT, the building management systems industry and distribution management systems have a substantial head start. Inculcating web connectivity within building equipment becoming quite prevalent nowadays. Nevertheless, the forthcoming challenge faced by the IoT ecosystem is how to reduce costs and resources attributed to linking more devices and sensors, especially in the case of new-age wireless communication inventions such as clouds, or even a wifi connection.
While all building automation and access control system players are attempting to understand how the IoT can be used to expand their business, only the prominent players are looking to utilise the IoT to satisfy a broad range of stakeholders. It is critical to note that the notion of smart buildings is also increasing in relevance. The quicker we take to realise that the IoT is so much more than simply a wide spectrum of connected devices and sensors, the better. It embraces an entire ecosystem that achieves this empowerment via ‘simple smarts’, offering users greater insight into their buildings and the expertise to complete actions through web-based control and automation.
An example of a giant company making waves in the sphere of the Industrial Internet of Things is Schneider Electric. The brand has explored the domains of building automation and smart technology extensively in recent times. It shows promising signs since it has proven its worth in building and energy management.