The IoT refers to the global connectivity of smart devices and systems to leverage data collected through sensors and actuators embedded in these devices. It revolves around increased machine-to-machine communication and is built on cloud computing and networks of data-gathering sensors. It is mobile, virtual and an instantaneous connection to everything ‘smart’.
With the ability to capture real-time information and provide remote control, embedded mobile connectivity can make a wide range of devices, machines and vehicles more efficient and effective, dramatically reducing waste and improving time productivity. For users, the IoT has the potential to improve energy efficiency, security, health, education and many other aspects of daily life.
Improved productivity and decision making
For enterprises, the IoT can enable solutions to improve productivity and decision-making in manufacturing, retail and agriculture. Network control and management of manufacturing equipment, assets and manufacturing process control bring the IoT within the realm of industrial applications and smart manufacturing.
The IoT intelligent systems enable rapid manufacturing of new products, dynamic response to product demand and real-time optimisation of manufacturing production and supply chain networks, by connecting machinery, sensors and control systems together.
The term IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) is used in the manufacturing industry and refers to the industrial subset of the IoT.
While connectivity and data acquisition are imperative for the IIoT, they merely form a foundation for bigger projects. When applied to energy management, the IIoT is especially relevant to the Smart Grid since it provides systems to gather and act on energy and power-related information in an automated fashion with the goal to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics and sustainability of the production and distribution of electricity.
When applied to manufacturing, the IIoT is relevant for digital control systems to automate process controls, operator tools and service information systems to optimise plant safety and security. It also extends to management via predictive maintenance, statistical evaluation and measurements to maximise reliability.
Yokogawa is focused on the potential project, operations and maintenance benefits that IIoT can deliver across a broad cross section of industries and offers client-focused solutions in security solutions, safety operations, inventory and asset management, analyser systems, production management, quality management and VigilantPlant for operations management.
How to navigate the high-stakes economics of AI infrastructure
IT in Manufacturing
Nearly 60% of data centre operators are expected to adopt liquid cooling within five years as AI workloads drive demand for higher rack densities. Understanding the full financial picture of liquid cooling, from capital investment to long-term operational savings, is now essential.
Read more...Protecting the digital mine RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
As mining becomes increasingly connected and automated, cyber threats are emerging alongside the benefits of digitalisation. RJ Connect and provides rugged networking, edge computing and cybersecurity technologies from MOXA to help protect critical mining operations from evolving attacks.
Read more...Predictive maintenance is the critical enabler for AI data centre liquid cooling systems
IT in Manufacturing
As liquid cooling becomes essential for AI data centres, predictive and condition-based maintenance are emerging as critical enablers of thermal stability. Schneider Electric argues that the infrastructure is already generating the data needed and the question is whether operators are equipped to use it.
Read more...Siemens software scales with Simple Energy EV development Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
: Simple Energy, an Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has expanded its use of Siemens Xcelerator software to manage complex vehicle variants and enterprise-level bills of materials, accelerating product development as its EV portfolio scales.
Read more...ESG as a growth lever RS South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Leading organisations are treating ESG not as a compliance obligation but as a practical tool for operational efficiency, supply chain resilience and business performance, with data and collaboration central to unlocking its value.
Read more...Preparing Africa’s data centres for the demands of autonomous AI Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa’s data centre infrastructure must evolve significantly to support agentic AI workloads, with GPU-intensive computing, advanced cooling and reliable power demanding a fundamentally different approach to facility design and investment.
Read more...Virtualising the control room to reshape building management systems Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric explains how virtualising building management systems frees facilities teams from ageing hardware, delivers stronger cybersecurity and enables portfolio-wide control from a single interface.
Read more...AI infrastructure solutions for data campus Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric and Motivair deliver more than $290 million in power and cooling infrastructure for TeraWulf’s AI-ready Lake Mariner data campus.
Read more...Africa’s data centre evolution: AI, edge computing and new energy demands
IT in Manufacturing
With less than half a gigawatt of active white space capacity serving over a billion people, Africa’s data centre sector faces a stark gap that AI’s surging power and cooling demands are set to widen. Vertiv and Open Africa Data Centres unpack how modularity, edge computing and smarter energy strategies could change the equation.
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.
printer friendly version