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Pros and Cons of the Industrial Internet of Things

Pros and Cons of the Industrial Internet of Things

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) continues to increase in popularity each passing day. If you aren’t familiar with this ever-growing technological revolution, the IIoT refers to an interconnected network of sensors, instruments, and other devices expanded on and utilized in industrial applications. To learn about some of the key pros and cons of the industrial internet of things, continue reading.

Pros of the Industrial Internet of Things

Due to its many advantages, a growing array of industries continues to implement the industrial internet of things—from the manufacturing field to the oil and gas industry. Below, you will find some of the qualities and capabilities that make the IIoT so popular:

  • Reduced Costs: Industries looking to reduce operational costs can often benefit from implementing the IIoT. By automating processes, the industrial internet of things can reduce human labor costs and increase their production efficiency to yield greater revenue.
  • Increased Safety: Industrial environments aren’t always safe for humans. Large equipment, inclement weather, and other aspects of operations often pose safety risks for human workers. By automating processes that take place in unsafe environments, the IIoT can reduce the number of worker injuries in many industries.
  • Improved Decision-Making Processes: The IIoT facilitates the connections of all devices and moving parts in an industrial network. In doing so, it can collect, monitor, and analyze all processes and deliver insights on the network to personnel. With this information in hand, those in charge of the operation will have far greater insight into their company, which will allow them to make more informed decisions.

Cons of the Industrial Internet of Things

While there are numerous benefits of the IIoT, the advanced technological network isn’t without its faults. Below are some of the most concerning drawbacks to the IIoT at present:

  • Increased Security Threat: Perhaps the most notable downside of the IIoT is the increased security threat that it can create in certain applications. Because the IIoT features a high degree of interconnectivity, a security breach in a single device could allow a hacker to gain access to the entire system.
  • Integration Challenges: Many industries that still utilize legacy systems experience challenges integrating the IIoT due to interoperability between equipment protocols. Until a widely accepted standard forms, adopting and integrating new technology into existing legacy systems will likely prove difficult.

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