News


The Industrial Internet of Things revolution: Fact or fiction?

Technews Industry Guide - Industrial Internet of Things 2016 News

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is not about ripping out current automation systems in order to replace them with new ones. End-users have invested hundreds of millions in industrial automation and control systems and are completely unwilling to invest millions more to replace those systems with new technologies. End-users also resist rapid and radical change because of the increased risk of downtime and associated costs. This is according to Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation.

“IIoT is often presented as a revolution that is changing the face of industry in a profound manner. In reality, it is an evolution that has its origins in technologies and functionalities developed by visionary automation suppliers more than 15 years ago,” continues Quintin McCutcheon, southern African marketing and operations manager: Industry Business at Schneider Electric. “As the necessary global standards mature, it may well take another 15 years to realise the full potential of IIoT. After all, the benefit of IIoT lies in the ability to link automation systems with enterprise planning, scheduling and product lifecycle systems in order to enable greater business control.”

While the long-term impact of IIoT is difficult to predict, Schneider Electric says that the following three distinct operational environments will emerge as key areas that will initiate the gradual transition to IIoT.

1. Smart enterprise control

IIoT technologies will enable tight integration of smart connected machines and smart connected manufacturing assets with the wider enterprise. This will facilitate more flexible and efficient, and hence profitable, manufacturing. Smart enterprise control can be viewed as a mid-to-long-term trend. It is complex to implement, and will require the creation of new standards to enable the convergence of IT and OT systems.

2. Asset performance management

Deployment of cost-effective wireless sensors, easy cloud connectivity, and data analytics will improve asset performance. These tools allow data to be easily gathered from the field and converted into actionable information in real time. This will result in better business decisions and forward-looking decision-making processes.

3. Augmented operators

Future employees will use mobile devices, data analytics, augmented reality and transparent connectivity to increase productivity. As fewer skilled workers are left behind to man core operations due to a rapid increase in baby-boomer retirement, younger replacement plant workers will need information at their fingertips. That information will be delivered in a real-time format that is familiar to them. Thus, the plant evolves to be more user-centric and less machine-centric.

“Several barriers will need to be overcome before next generation IIoT systems are widely adopted. These include the establishment of industry standards around IIoT, cyber security protection, and workforce adaptation to new sets of skills,” adds McCutcheon.

While these three areas are closely related and share many interdependencies, they also have differences. For example, the time scales on which they can be implemented and the kind of automation market segment they address are not the same.

“Despite this slow, gradual IIoT adoption scenario, the impact on manufacturing will be far-reaching. Suppliers and users will have to embrace IIoT technologies if they wish to remain competitive. The good news is that the new technology allows for IIoT solutions to be phased in so that physical infrastructure base can be shifted over time. The cost of connected sensors is dropping rapidly, open IP-based protocols are gaining traction at an accelerating rate, and the adoption of cloud-based solutions is becoming a reality. Suppliers like Schneider Electric have the expertise to work with manufacturing companies to apply IIoT technologies to production systems and drive the evolution towards a smart manufacturing enterprise that is more efficient, safer and more sustainable,” concludes McCutcheon.

For more information contact Lebohang Thokoane, Schneider Electric SA, +27 (0)11 254 6400, [email protected], www.schneider-electric.com



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...
Africa Automation Indaba 2026
News
A bold new chapter in Africa’s industrial evolution begins with the launch of the Africa Automation Indaba, set to take place from 13 to 14 May 2026 at the prestigious Radisson Collection Hotel in Cape Town.

Read more...
EtherCAT Technology Group holds another Plug Fest
News
Recently, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) once again invited its members to a Plug Fest, this time specifically targeting developers and manufacturers of devices with Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) functionality.

Read more...
BMG powers up at Nampo 2025
News
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.

Read more...
Schneider launches new Breaker Status and Communication Module
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its new Breaker Status and Communication Module Modbus SL/ULP, which delivers enhanced performance, improved connectivity and simplified integration for power distribution systems.

Read more...
Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.

Read more...
Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.

Read more...
Schneider Electric’s microgrid enables optimised energy operations
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric has launched its EcoStruxure Microgrid Flex product.

Read more...
Integration of power and energy management with industrial
Schneider Electric South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Water and power management form the backbone of society and the country’s industrial landscape. With infrastructure challenges, stricter environmental regulations and the need for greater operational efficiency, water and wastewater operators need to optimise their systems. This is where the integration of power and energy management and industrial automation can alleviate some of these operational challenges.

Read more...
Schneider Electric South Africa certified as 2025 Top Employer
Schneider Electric South Africa News
Schneider Electric is proud to announce its South African operation has been awarded Top Employer 2025 certification by a global authority in HR excellence, Top Employers Institute.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved