Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT)
IMNT321
Ms. M Khumalo
INTERNET OF THINGS
Internet of Things includes any object or “thing” that can be connected to an
Internet network, from factory equipment and cars to mobile devices and
smart watches.
IoT has more specifically come to mean connected things that are equipped
with sensors, software, and other technologies that allow them to transmit and
receive data – to and from other things.
HOW DOES IoT WORK?
IoT devices are empowered to be our eyes and ears when we can’t physically be there.
Equipped with sensors, devices capture the data that we might see, hear, or sense.
They then share that data as directed, and we analyse it to help us inform and automate
our subsequent actions or decisions. There are four key stages in this process:
• Capture the data: Through sensors, IoT devices capture data from their
environments. This could be as simple as the temperature or as complex a real-
time video feed.
• Share the data: Using available network connections, IoT devices make this data
accessible through a public or private cloud, as directed
• Process the data: At this point, software is programmed to do something based on
that data – such as turn on a fan or send a warning.
• Act on the data: Accumulated data from all devices within an IoT network is
analysed. This delivers powerful insights to inform confident actions and business
decisions.
IoT EVOLUTION AND APPLICATION
Internet of Things technologies have been rapidly evolving and transforming various
industries.
 Connectivity Improvements: IoT devices depend on seamless connectivity. Over

time, technologies like 4G LTE and 5G have enabled faster and more reliable data
transfer, reducing latency and improving the overall performance of IoT devices.
 Sensor technology: With the steady rise in demand for IoT sensor innovation, the
market went from a few costly, niche providers to a highly globalised and price-
competitive sensor manufacturing industry.
 Edge Computing: To reduce latency and improve real-time decision-making,

computing capabilities have moved closer to the data source, which is known as
edge computing. This allows IoT devices to process data locally, minimising the
need to send data to centralised servers.
IoT EVOLUTION AND APPLICATION
 Security Enhancements: As the number of connected devices grows, so does
the concern about security vulnerabilities. The evolution of IoT has led to
increased emphasis on device security, including better encryption,
authentication mechanisms, and secure firmware updates.
 Data Analytics and AI Integration: IoT generates massive amounts of data.

Integrating IoT with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) has
allowed businesses to extract valuable insights from this data. AI algorithms can
predict patterns, detect anomalies, and optimize processes based on IoT-
generated data.
 Environmental and Social Impact: IoT has also been applied to address
environmental and social challenges. For instance, it's used for smart agriculture
to optimize water usage, in environmental monitoring to track pollution levels,
and in disaster response to manage and coordinate resources effectively.
INDUSTRIAL INTERNET of THINGS
(IIoT)
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the integration of Internet of
Things (IoT) technologies into industrial sectors and applications. It involves
connecting industrial equipment, machines, devices, sensors, and other assets
to the internet or a local network to gather and exchange data for the purpose
of improving efficiency, productivity, and decision-making in industrial
processes. The goal of IIoT is to improve efficiency, productivity, and safety
within industrial environments.
KEY FEATURES OF IIoT
• Connected Devices and Sensors: IIoT relies on a network of sensors,
actuators, and devices that gather data from various industrial processes
and equipment. These devices are interconnected through wired or wireless
networks.
• Supply Chain Optimisation: IIoT can be used to track and monitor the
movement of goods throughout the supply chain, providing visibility into
the location and condition of products in transit.
• Energy Management: IIoT can help industries manage energy

consumption more efficiently by monitoring energy usage, identifying
energy-saving opportunities, and optimizing equipment performance.
KEY FEATURES OF IIoT
• Safety and Compliance: IIoT systems can enhance workplace safety by
monitoring environmental conditions, detecting hazards, and providing
alerts to prevent accidents. They can also help ensure compliance with
regulatory standards.
• Data Security and Privacy: As with any IoT application, security and
privacy are critical considerations in IIoT. Protecting sensitive industrial
data and preventing unauthorised access are essential to maintaining the
integrity of IIoT systems.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IoT AND IIoT
IoT and IIoT share similarities as both involve connecting devices and
collecting data, but they are tailored for different purposes and environments.
Scope and Purpose:
IoT encompasses a broad range of applications and devices, often targeting

consumer-oriented scenarios like smart homes, wearable devices, connected
appliances, and personal gadgets. The focus is on enhancing convenience and
efficiency in everyday life.
IIoT is specifically designed for industrial settings, such as manufacturing

plants, factories, energy facilities, and supply chain operations. Its purpose is
to optimize industrial processes, enhance operational efficiency, and improve
safety and reliability in industrial environments.
Environment:
IoT devices are typically used in non-industrial environments, such as homes, offices, and
urban spaces.
IIoT devices are used in industrial environments where factors like extreme temperatures,
harsh conditions, and heavy machinery are common. These devices are built to withstand
industrial challenges.
Data Volume and Complexity:
IoT devices often generate and transmit smaller amounts of data compared to IIoT devices.
The data generated might be less complex and not as critical to real-time decision-making.
IIoT devices generate substantial amounts of data, often in real-time, from a multitude of
sensors and machines. This data is highly valuable for optimizing industrial processes,
predictive maintenance, and ensuring safety.
Security and Reliability:
Security is a concern in IoT, but the consequences of breaches might be less severe in
comparison to IIoT breaches.
Security is of paramount importance in IIoT due to the potential impact of breaches on

industrial processes, employee safety, and even the environment. IIoT systems often
employ stringent security measures and protocols.
Scale and Complexity:

IoT ecosystems can encompass a large number of devices, but the scale might be
smaller compared to IIoT deployments.
IIoT systems can be incredibly complex, involving numerous sensors, machines, and
interconnected processes, often spanning large industrial facilities.
IIoT TECHNOLOGY IN INDUSTRY
SECTORS
• Smart manufacturing: Businesses gather data from customer
feedback, media trends, and the global market. AI-powered systems
can amalgamate this and other relevant data to inform product
development and quality control. Based on such insights, an IIoT
network of machines and robotic devices can be automated to
optimise product manufacturing in smart factories.
• Resilient supply chains: IIoT networks – and the AI-powered

systems that run them – let supply chain managers know things like
where their products are, which suppliers have them, and how many
are in stock. IIoT devices and machines can also be programmed on
the fly to adapt to real-time events and disruptions, giving businesses
built-in contingency planning and a competitive, resilient edge.
SECTORS
• Intelligent logistics: The Amazon Effect is a term that describes
consumers’ growing expectation for free, next-day delivery on practically
anything they order. To compete and fulfil this expectation, logistics
providers have had to scatter their inventories geographically and bring on
third-party logistics (3PL) partners. IoT solutions in a logistics network
help managers keep a centralised view of every vehicle in their fleet – be it
drone or cargo ship. Real-time data from IoT sensors can help to merge
loads, minimise waste, and speed up deliveries.
• Healthcare: From the patients’ perspective, IoT monitors and wearables

can help them feel more in control of their care, all while connected to their
healthcare provider. For medical practitioners, the data delivered by these
devices can give a more complete picture of patient health. The result is a
more informed and thorough approach to diagnostics, treatment, and
general well-being.
SECTORS
• Agriculture: For businesses dependent upon weather and natural forces,
any tool that helps reduce risk and vulnerability is a welcome addition.
Forbes magazine points out that the modern agricultural sector is
increasingly adopting IoT solutions and that “there are thousands of
sensors currently deployed to improve water sustainability, imaging,
production and ease of farming.”
TOP SIX BENEFITS OF IIoT
 Improved agility
When IIoT devices share data in real-time, they contribute to an intelligence network
that continually gathers, analyses, and learns from data. This allows businesses to
respond to opportunity – and risk – with speed and decisiveness. And those same
devices not only send data but can also receive instructions based on data analysis to
adapt and optimise their automated workflows.
 Healthier machines
Devices and machines in an IoT network are continually transmitting operational logs
and performance data. AI and machine learning algorithms use this sensor data to gain
valuable predictive maintenance insights. In fact, according to McKinsey, “Predictive
maintenance typically reduces machine downtime by 30% to 50% and increases
machine life by 20% to 40%.”
 Greater efficiency
When an operational network incorporates IoT devices, the data they gather and
transmit is entirely objective. The application of advanced analytics to such data leads
to ongoing recommendations and strategies for updating processes, streamlining tasks,
and achieving increased efficiency.
 Smarter inventory management

At the start of 2020, U.S. businesses had already spent a few years weathering political
and trade uncertainties. For many, the pandemic only served to drive home just how
vulnerable and reactive their inventory management systems had become. When
connected to an IoT network, devices, such as additive (3D) printers can reduce
dependency upon external manufacturing partners and allow businesses to retain
virtual inventories and manufacture the products they need – on demand.
 Safer workers
In any industrial setting, there is always the danger of injury or strain. Today, many
businesses are reducing this risk with the use of IoT workplace safety devices. These
may deliver warnings via wearable units such as VR headsets or monitor ongoing
workplace patterns to restructure factory and warehouse floors to be safer and more
 Improved customer service

IIoT networks connect more than just the devices and machines within a business –
they also integrate the customer’s experience and input. This integration results in
more seamless shopping experiences, more transparent and personalised logistics, and
greater ability to incorporate customer feedback and preferences into the
manufacturing and development of new products. Real-time and meaningful
engagement with customers leads to a more competitive and resilient business model.

Internet of Things

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Internet of Things (IoT)

 Connectivity Improvements: IoT devices depend on seamless connectivity. Over

 Edge Computing: To reduce latency and improve real-time decision-making,

 Data Analytics and AI Integration: IoT generates massive amounts of data.

• Energy Management: IIoT can help industries manage energy

Scope and Purpose:

IoT encompasses a broad range of applications and devices, often targeting

IIoT is specifically designed for industrial settings, such as manufacturing

Data Volume and Complexity:

Security is of paramount importance in IIoT due to the potential impact of breaches on

Scale and Complexity:

• Resilient supply chains: IIoT networks – and the AI-powered

• Healthcare: From the patients’ perspective, IoT monitors and wearables

 Smarter inventory management

 Improved customer service

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