The mechanical engineering industry is in the midst of an industrial revolution. Smart Industry and Industry 4.0 mark the era in which industries are constantly trying to keep up with the latest technologies. Investing in Industrial IoT is inevitable in the quest for innovation.
Although it requires a large investment of time and money, it is absolutely necessary to provide added value to your customers. The good news is that IIoT helps to optimize machine efficiency and generate cost savings, achieving a rapid return on investment (ROI).
But how do you get started? Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't have to be complicated. You can quickly kick-start your IIoT implementation with a few simple steps and then the road to Industry 4.0 continue step by step.
Connect your machines to the internet
Connect your machines to the internet
Digitalization is more important now than ever. Most machine manufacturers have already taken the first step in their digital transformation journey by making their machines controllable via PLCs, HMIs, sensors etc. It may not be often associated with IIoT, but without this crucial first step you cannot start your journey to Industry 4.0 implementation.
Are your machines controllable? Then it's time to connect your machines to the internet to make them remotely accessible and gain better insight into how your production facility is functioning. IIoT platforms prove themselves very useful to gain remote access to your machines to provide remote service and maintenance. By setting up a VPN connection from your machine’s PLC to the IIoT platform, you are ready to work as if you were physically connected to the machine.
Taking these first steps will already yield enormous benefits:
- Increased productivity and lower production costs;
- Less downtime due to less waiting time for service;
- Ability to install machines remotely in the field;
- Shorter time-to-market;
- Ability to respond quickly and profitably to changing consumer needs.
Industrial IoT Maturity Model
Are you ready to take the next step, but not sure how to continue your IIoT journey? Industrial IoT Maturity Model gives you an idea of what your next steps could be. The model shows the path to IIoT maturity: from digitalization to Industry 4.0. Think about your current situation. What steps have you already taken, and in which phase are you? Now you know what your next step could be to advance your IIoT implementation.
The Industrial IoT Maturity Model
Need help with IIoT implementation?
Do you want to know how to successfully implement IIoT and how to take the next step in your IIoT journey? Are you ready to connect your machines to the internet? Or have you already taken that step and are you curious about what else IIoT has to offer you?
In our whitepaper “The Road to IIoT Maturity in machine manufacturing” you will discover, using clear guidelines and concrete examples of companies in every phase, how mature your IIoT implementation currently is and how you can take the next steps.
