So many companies run into certain challenges in their quest to integrate IIoT. We think IoT will be a game-changer for industries if implemented properly. We can only reap the benefits if we are well aware of the stumbling blocks in its path. Today, we will delve deep into Industrial IoT and identify some of  the challenges encountered when companies are just commissioning it.

The Definition of IoT

IIoT consists of a network of interlinked sensors, actuators, and other components that built to automate industrial processes. AModern engineers believe that connecting equipment, processes, and departments via self-fulfilling algorithms across the internet improves data capture and transfer. Managers and their teams are now more able to solve complex problems than ever before thanks to near-instant to real-time computer-generated insights.  Sadly, even with all the advantages, harnessing IIoT for industrial benefit is not a walk in the park for many enterprises.

The Five Major Industrial IoT Implementation Issues

Unclear scope and purpose

Many companies do not have a clear vision of what they want to achieve with the Industrial Internet of Things. Such aloofness can cause problems down the road; especially if they just want to copy the implementation of a rival company. A miscalculated implementation can result in wasted time and funds. Take out time to outline your goals and scope by consulting with an IoT application development company before embarking on IIoT integration. Also, You can start with one department and observe the impact on your business, on your workforce, and your customers. For employees, successful IIoT implementation will keep them motivated to seek more success.

Confusion from data overload

IIoT usage involves the generation of monstrous amounts of data. This can be overwhelming for a newbie IoT adopter as the generated by companies are far greater than in domestic uses. This is because enterprise IoT comprises networks that span several databases across the world; – acting on data generated from equipment in a matter of seconds. It is important for companies to collect, store, and evaluate the data that is crucial to the problem they intend to solve to avoid data bombardment. You also need to ensure you have the right tools to make sense of the data. Managers can set short-term objectives and attainable milestones. For example, when on a mission to reduce the number of equipment downtime per year due to lack of predictive maintenance; the manager should seek data pertaining to machine operating temperature, vibrations patterns, and total hours of uptime month after month.

Protection from cyberattack

Industrial Internet of Things devices are connected over the internet, making them susceptible to cyberattacks. For this, businesses should take proactive steps to secure their enterprise IoT networks and devices. Also, Adopt the practice of using passwords, whilst implementing firewalls and keeping you software updated. Personnel-related point-of-attacks can also be mitigated using special IoT app development company solutions to prevent clicks on harmful sites or sending responses to a spoofed email. In a 2022 implementation study, over 70% of companies across the globe had kicked off aspects IIoT in operational technology security measures for their business. Of this figure, 90% experienced hiccups in their data-centric security projects. In the same report, nearly 50% of organizations studied were capable of performing security updates themselves. This suggests that security updates often stayed obsolete for longer periods of time. Blockchain technology is gaining popularity by way of effectuating effective security improvements. Analysts view the young technology as a viable innovator in many industrial segments. Blockchain is a distributed ledger that stores data in a tamper-proof way. Its used in identity verification, supply chain security, and voting. Business leaders who oversee IIoT implementation in organizations should perform cybersecurity audits to inform individuals of their performance progress and areas where tweaks are needed.

Scalability drawbacks

The truth is: IIoT can be hard to scale. It is inherently costly and time-consuming to include new sensors and protocols to your network. A 2022 study conducted by Bain showed that 80% of the decision-makers in organizations who have adopted the Industrial Internet of Things innovations scale below 60% of their projects. The main reasons for the unsatisfactory scaling attempts were that integration demanded significant efforts on their part. Also, the developers of the IIoT solution did not accommodate scaling – a sad situation considering how easy it is for the world’s leading IoT development company to support scaling services throughout the company. We recommend installing hardware to help resolve the implementation shortcomings and enable IIoT-adopting companies to scale. Overall, company executives should take a long-term output to implementation.

Shortage of resources

Activities taking place under an Industrial Internet of Things environment are at risk of collapse if the right resources are not introduced at every stage. The paucity of resources strongly linked to a talent deficit. One study involving participants across the globe who have used IIoT showed that up to 36% do not have sufficient provisioning for their projects. Half of the participants who used IIoT claimed that they lacked cybersecurity talent. Another 49% revealed that they needed more data science and data analytics experts; while 31% claimed that C-level expertise needed to fully merge IIoT with their existing business functions.

But none of these pitfalls should get in the way of your IIoT implementation drive

The decision to adopt new technologies is often met with a multitude of challenges. But instead of fixating on these drawvacks, organizations should, instead; focus on achieving positive outcomes instead of dwelling on potential issues. When choosing an IIoT implementation route to take, it is crucial to rely on a tried and trusted IoT development company to oversee your entire short to long-term IIoT implementation needs. There are many such organizations all over the internet, but they do not offer full-stack development. At Softeq, we have best in class architecture to perform tasks such as software development; sensor installation, consultation, and IIoT future-fitting. We are fully equipped to handle all your IIoT-related integrations at every stage of development to ensure that you push the frontiers of innovation in your industry.