When discussing IIoT vs IoT, you will discover that each concept is unique. The largely known Internet of Things is a futuristic technology for home automation and enhancement of consumer and medical devices. IoT ensures convenience, efficiency, safety, and comfort for users.
Industrial Internet of Things, on the other hand, focuses on enhancing industrial systems for better productivity, automation, and safety. This detailed comparison post explores ten differences between the Industrial Internet of Things and the Internet of Things.
Suppose you have a keen eye for emerging technologies. In that case, this is your chance to learn how IIoT and IoT differ and the way they individually transform and simplify things.
Industrial Internet of Things – An Overview
Before we reveal the IIoT vs IoT differences, here is the meaning of each term. To start, the Industrial Internet of Things is a technology that connects equipment, software, and sensors to optimize operations while lowering costs and safety risks.
IIoT works best in sectors such as manufacturing, oil and gas, transportation, pharmaceutical, and energy. An IIoT-powered plant has advanced sensors for tracking machine performance and predicting failures and downtimes.
Industrial IOT has many advantages, including increasing operational efficiency, lowering operational costs, reducing machinery failures and downtimes, and minimizing risks and waste.
Sensors facilitate proactive maintenance by predicting potential machine failures, which reduces costly business disruptions. Due to continuous monitoring and predictive maintenance, IIoT extends the life of industrial equipment.
Internet of Things – An Overview
What is the Internet of Things, and how does it work? IoT is among the most renowned modern technologies that help improve customer experiences. It uses several interconnected devices with sensors that collect and transmit data into a cloud platform for processing.
One can connect the Internet of Things to various home appliances and consumer products, including wearable fitness trackers. IoT addresses consumer problems and needs via automation to increase efficiency, safety, and comfort.
The Internet of Things reduces manual labor and human error by automating everyday-use things. Through real-time monitoring, IoT minimizes data breaches by generating instant notifications.
It ensures resource optimization, which lowers operational costs. In a home setting, for instance, IoT-enabled thermostats can adjust cooling and heating according to occupancy to lower electricity bills.
Real-time, factual data can support decision-making. For instance, a retail shop using IoT sensors to monitor foot traffic patterns can optimize its product placement based on the IoT data insights.
IoT is convenient because users can control heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and other parameters via a mobile app or voice commands.
IIoT vs IoT – Top 10 Differences
There are up to ten IIoT vs IoT differences. Although they both connect things via a cloud platform, these technologies are different. Here is how they vary:
1. Area of Focus Â
The first IIoT vs IoT difference is their areas of focus. IoT is a general-use smart technology. You can find it anywhere, including homes, hospitals, industries, and retail sectors. IoT enhances user experiences by making a home more comfortable, safe, and convenient.
On the other hand, IIoT is a specific smart technology for industrial use. It focuses on enhancing efficiency, safety, productivity, and automation in factories.
2. Intended Development Areas
Another way to differentiate IIoT vs IoT is to assess the intended applications. Why did they make the Internet of Things? IoT specifically connects many smart devices that have sensors, network connectivity, and software.
These may include fitness trackers, thermostats, light bulbs, cars, and appliances like refrigerators. On the contrary, the Industrial Internet of Things interconnects machinery and other systems found in factories.
The connected machines gather, exchange, and analyze real-time data insights that aid decision-making and productivity at work. ‘
3. Data Security and Integrity
Another way to differentiate IIoT vs IoT is the required level of data security and integrity. The Industrial Internet of Things operates under high levels of data security, accuracy, and integrity.
A small error or mild data loss can affect the rest of the product manufacturing process, damage equipment, or cause a hazard. That would create compliance issues in sensitive industries that produce food or drugs.
Data loss or corruption should not happen even during network outages. On the other hand, IoT cannot possibly put your life in danger when the Wi-Fi signal fails or weakens. Even if your smart lights go offline, you will get furious and move on.
4. Regulations to Comply With
IIoT vs IoT vary because one has strict compliance. From FDA to GxP to CFR, your IIoT has to meet strict data integrity regulations to stay up and running.
The IIoT infrastructure should feature robust data encryption, limit access to authorized users, and create transparent audit trails to pass compliance inspections. On the other hand, consumer Internet of Things does not comply with strict regulations.
5. Scalability and Complexity
The Industrial Internet of Things is more scalable and complex than you can imagine. It is more than an IoT ecosystem with multiple sensors. IIoT connects several machines with built-in sensors in an industrial setting. One must connect many industrial sites and ensure they interact well.
Sometimes the equipment is old-fashioned, making the integrations complex. Conversely, IoT for consumer electronics or home appliances is still less complex than IIoT, even if it connects many devices.
6. Connectivity and cybersecurity
Other key IIoT vs IoT differences concern connectivity and cybersecurity features. The Industrial Internet of Things uses both wired and wireless connections. On the other hand, the Internet of Things uses only wired connections. About cybersecurity needs, the IIoT network requires more robust and advanced encryption protocols.
Even as IIoT integrates and automates complex industrial machines and processes, it has to secure data from cyber attackers. On the other hand, the Internet of Things requires reliable but not too sophisticated data encryption protocols.
7. Interoperability
Another way to compare Industrial Internet of Things vs Internet of Things is to evaluate their interoperability. If you have IIoT, it will not operate independently. Instead, it will work with existing and new business software such as Enterprise Resource Planning or Warehouse Management System.
Whether these are legacy or cloud-based systems, the IIoT should operate seamlessly with them. On the other hand, IoT tends to operate independently.
8. Use of Sensors
Both IIoT and IoT use sensors to gather data. However, the key IIoT vs IoT difference is that the former uses more sophisticated sensors. Each area of an industrial plant requires unique sensors.
Thus, a network can simultaneously run torque, pressure, RFID, speed, or many other sensors. On the contrary, IoT requires basic sensors to monitor parameters such as temperature, humidity, motion, and light.
9. Accuracy Level
IIoT must be accurate to produce reliable data for decision-making and production planning. It must run the synchronized system with precision to ensure no room for error.
Such an error should not happen, as it can ruin a whole production line. On the contrary, IoT sensors need to gather accurate data, but not necessarily with the same level of precision.
10. Ease of Programming and Maintenance
The last IIoT vs IoT difference is the ease of programming and maintenance. When running Industrial Internet of Things, you can program it on-site or remotely. On the other hand, the best way to program IoT networks is remotely.
When it comes to maintaining IIoT networks, you need to schedule and plan the exercise. Conversely, you should troubleshoot your personal IoT as you prefer.
Conclusion
Now you understand the IIoT vs IoT differences. IoT improves consumer convenience, comfort, and safety. IIoT integrates and automates industrial machines and processes to promote productivity and efficiency. When choosing the best between them, focus on your specific needs.