What is IIoT?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a system of collecting machine-to-machine data, and sharing information from sensors to internal networks, so businesses can make smarter decisions and improve their workflows. 

IIoT introduces bidirectional communication to industrial facilities through networked sensors or smart devices. It offers predictive analysis, artificial intelligence and new data sets to management teams so you can efficiently identify, analyze and eliminate behaviors and processes that may be holding back your operations – including issues you didn’t even know existed.

Introduction to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

Consumers are increasingly interested in smart home devices, from thermostats to virtual assistants, but the truth is these technologies began in the world of manufacturing. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices were conceptualized in 1968, bringing real-time data and dynamic decision making to manufacturers -- the concept eventually went wireless back in 1997. Today, we’ve seen the Internet of Things (IoT) fully implemented across sectors, including package delivery and logistics, airport facility automation, agricultural monitoring and bedside counts in larger healthcare systems.

Why should I invest in the Industrial Internet?

While it may have been cost-prohibitive to implement smart manufacturing in the past, sensors are becoming more common. As such, the cost for sensors is decreasing and the industrial internet is now a possibility for manufacturers large and small. 

IIoT presents a welcome disruption to an industry that has struggled with the skills gap, introducing the possibility for linear manufacturing supply chains to transform into next-gen manufacturers via digitally interconnected systems. And at the warehouse, from the loading dock to in-plant, your equipment has a lot to tell you!

Rite-Hite's® Software Solutions tap into the tremendous data collection capabilities of Rite-Hite products to capture small moments that have a huge impact on the bottom line: 

• A door activates, but no one goes through.
  
  
• A forklift collision is narrowly avoided at a busy intersection.
  
  
• A loading dock sits empty, while a full trailer waits to be unloaded.
  
  
• Machinery was left powered on or off, after-hours.
  
  
• The new plant manager cannot find documentation to fulfill their aging asset reports.

How are other industry leaders leveraging IIoT platforms?

Rite-Hite's® Software Solutions help facilities identify, analyze and eliminate behaviors and processes that negatively affect the bottom line. Data is available, in real time, without the clutter and paperwork that may slow down the decision-making process or distract managers from more important tasks. Customer use cases include:

• Leverage loading dock analytics. Understand your loading dock utilization and efficiencies both in real time and historically.
• Access proactive safety tools to improve your employees’ behavior and identify critical intersections. Review events, receive alerts and validate processes and training.
• Discover energy savings opportunities. Review energy use per door and take action (training, sensor settings, etc.) to reduce consumption.
• Plan and manage availability of equipment and monitor use over time. Plan and budget for maintenance and replacements to ensure continuous operation.

Most manufacturers are already onboard with IIoT. Industry reports estimate that 81% of industrial manufacturers have already applied IIoT solutions to increase operational efficiency and almost two-thirds plan to increase their IIoT investment over the next two years. The main use cases are in logistics (50%), supply chain (47%), employee and customer experience (46%), and predictive maintenance (41%).

What is the best pathway to the industrial internet? How can I digitize my operations?

Implementation is not as intimidating as it sounds, especially if you already own Rite-Hite products, like Dok-Lok Vehicle Restraints, industrial high speed doors or barrier safety systems. 

We’ve found these three things are true for every successful installation:

1. Consider the scalability of an IIoT project. Focus on developing technology and smart features with already existing equipment rather than overhauling or replacing your entire production. An IIoT system should save money in the long run, and integrate easily into your long-term improvement plans, not introduce unnecessary expenses. 

2. Intuitive design, combined with our technology experts, will ease you through implementation and training. Our internal product experts will help you customize your IIoT on-premise and examine your security processes from an end-to-end perspective. We will also consider the needs that your business will have in the future, so today’s technology reflects your agility, adaptability, and scalability.

3. Recognize and empower data-based decision-making. New data introduces new Key Performance Indicators to empower operators, managers and leaders through their decisions. This means that actual data drives the relevance of the decisions made at the time of the event.     
   

"Previously, I had no way of knowing all the different issues across our facility that end up costing us. But Rite-Hite's dashboard opened my eyes.

We’re zeroing in on problem areas and finding ways to reduce energy waste.” - Refrigerated Facility GM

Why should I choose Rite-Hite Smart, Connected Platform? 

Rite-Hite is more than just sensors and data. Let us show you how you can predict and adjust to every movement on the work floor, every day. It allows you to focus on what matters most to your facility, your job and your people. Contact us today to request a demonstration tailored to your facility.