The Fourth Industrial Revolution — also referred to as Industry 4.0 — will be fueled by the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting hundreds of millions of sensors to create smart factories that can improve efficiency, safety, and profitability for the manufacturing industry.
The aggressive rate of IIoT adoption in line with the advances in technology and the easing availability of affordable sensors and processors, which can facilitate real-time access to information, is expected to drive the growth of the industrial internet of things (IIoT). The market is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.8% from 2021 to 2028, according to a report from Grand View Research.
Some manufacturers are leveraging IoT infrastructure that is powered by WiFi/LAN. Early on, this was the most comprehensive, cost-effective approach when cellular connectivity was not nearly as tailored to the use cases of IoT, driving up costs.
When comparing WiFi/LAN network connectivity to cellular for IIoT, the benefits of cellular typically outweigh wired. Leveraging cellular connectivity can eliminate IT and OT barriers, resulting in simpler, more secure connectivity at a lower cost.
Additionally, scaling industrial IoT solutions with cellular connectivity eliminates the challenge of needing to build on an IT/OT infrastructure, which has the added benefit of making cellular a more agile approach.
Switching from WiFi/LAN to cellular connectivity is actually not as time-consuming or expensive as it may seem. Working with a trusted IIoT solutions provider can help make the switch easier and more cost-effective. Over time, it’s possible to replace a legacy SCADA system entirely with an IoT system
The Fourth Industrial Revolution isn’t going to happen overnight, but companies are still starting the process of updating legacy systems and moving to cellular connectivity. Integrating IIoT into a legacy SCADA system and migrating from wireless to cellular is taking a major step toward the future and helping usher in an era of truly smart manufacturing. Industry 4.0 does, after all, depend on the widespread adoption of smart factories and manufacturing lines.
Manufacturers are preparing for the next industrial revolution by digitizing legacy systems and evaluating their connectivity needs and choices. KORE offers solutions that help organizations take advantage of IoT data, as well as advanced analytics to create valuable business insights. With solutions including equipment monitoring, field service tools, and warehouse optimization, KORE helps industrial organizations improve operational efficiency, keep costs low, and generate the business intelligence needed for optimal performance.
Check out the infographic, “Top 5 Benefits of Cellular for IIoT,” to learn about the key benefits of deploying IIoT solutions leveraging cellular connectivity.