Smart components that communicate with each other in a network are now commonplace: in the form of temperature sensors, watches, telephones and televisions. A number of smart features have become established, including in the industrial sector: extended functionality, high sensory performance, distributed digital intelligence, ergonomic user interfaces and connectivity for integration into broader architectures, including cloud solutions. With these benefits, the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) can help companies achieve their business goals.

The good thing about this is that no company has to opt for a comprehensive solution, the implementation of which ties up a lot of time and resources. This is because the IIoT concept is inherently modular: Smart components can be integrated into the network step by step. The respective application scenarios are set up according to the modular system - from simple applications in production to predictive maintenance.

A two-stage analysis is recommended to find out which IIoT applications make sense and to what extent they can actively support the company's business objectives: the first step is to select the industrial "thing" that is to be integrated into the network. There are standardized procedures for describing your own company hierarchically in a physical model, i.e. organization, plant, operating complex, system, sub-system, equipment module, control module.

The second step describes the IIoT requirements. Each "thing" is analyzed according to its smart properties and their respective characteristics: Functionality: from simple to advanced; Data collection: sensor or measurement capabilities; Digital intelligence: embedded algorithms, computation, business intelligence; Interoperability and usability. A targeted IIoT evaluation can deliver valuable results that bring tangible improvements during implementation.

Processes can be controlled at every level with the help of intelligent sensors. Process cells, systems and devices are part of the hierarchical monitoring of efficiency and consumption. When they generate large amounts of process data, this enables predictive maintenance and servicing, among other things. Performance indicators and reports in real time also contribute to the optimization of production processes.

The automation and IT architecture is becoming more decentralized and open and is equipped with digital intelligence at key points. One example of a smart system architecture that is suitable for various IIoT applications is the Zenon automation platform from Copa-Data. Whether sensor or ERP system: the software can be used to integrate and control various components in a network and optimize processes in this way. as