With the whole world being taken onto the next level by digitalization, all the world’s major industries are catching up as well. It isn’t just limited to uploading all of their bureaucratic files and information into an Excel sheet; that was a thing of the past. Now industries are taking up their stance on IoT, the Internet of Things.
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a system of interrelated, internet-connected objects that can collect and transfer information without human intervention over a wireless network. From your fitness band to the voice assistant you use in your home are all IoT products. You may not be much aware of the Internet of Things’ definition and function but still, use it every day.
Like that, IoT is taking its take in the industrial sector, helping bring efficiency in processes through IIoT.
The Industrial Internet of things (IIoT) refers to the extension of the Internet of things (IoT) for use in the industrial sector and applications. It is the use of smart sensors and actuators to improve the manufacturing and industrial processes. It helps enable advanced automation, data collection, and analytics for industrial operations.
The automobile industry previously has undergone many changes in terms of production processes. Initially, it was all done manually, and every procedure was standardized and thus subjected to human errors. Just imagine that every part out of hundreds of a vehicle was checked by a person by hand, looking out for some minor defects it could have. It wouldn’t have been possible for even a small company, let alone a company having more extensive operations. This wouldn’t have been possible, thus leading to different quality levels and not one standardized product affecting the brand image.
With such a big boom of digitalization and connectivity, people expect a car with more innovation and functionality than just a vehicle with four wheels. They expect connectivity, having a smooth experience, and the latest technology. You also would like a car that can come up with algorithms about which song you would like to listen to or which place you are visiting according to the schedule you have logged on to it. This is all possible with the IIoT technology application in the manufacturing of automobiles:
Environmental standards
Many manufacturing units are subject to legal standards for the impact they create on the environment. Especially factories are required to check that the products they are manufacturing and keep them in check with the norms. A person or a group of persons manually monitoring this process can be cautious, but there is always the risk of errors.
Using IIoT technology for keeping your production processes according to the norms is an optimal solution. Connected sensors and monitors can keep up with the compliance standards and ensure that the environmental effects are optimal.
Safety performance
With many accidents on the roads each day, safety is an essential function in any vehicle. Security in a car is not limited just to having airbags or seatbelts; it is much more than that. The internal hardware and the safety features of a vehicle should be optimized to provide maximum safety, and the application of IIoT features can do this. Powerful Software development kits (SDKs) take care of the internal hardware like engine safety, data transmitters, hardware, and other control units. It helps provide safety warnings for engines, seat belt warnings, in-lane position control, and monitoring the vehicle’s health.
Fleet management
Trucks and cars are now equipped with advanced IIoT tools for optimal fleet management. You do not want to run out of gas in the middle of a long highway with no other option than to look around for help. Use of IIoT tools indicate the petrol levels, locations, and in the case of truck fleets, the owners can look out for the location of their trucks, their mileage and fuel levels, weight, and the load they are carrying all from their homes or office.
These features help maintain a better transportation system and ensure delivery of the goods on time for freight and transportation industries.
Traceability
Imagine a situation wherein you discover that a part of a car your company is manufacturing is defective. In a usual case, you would have to pour out a lot of time, money, and workforce in identifying the manufacturer of the part, where it was used, and whether it affects the whole car, a part of it, or just that one piece. Now multiply replacing this in hundreds of vehicles you have already sold. Just reading this, you can estimate the considerable amount of days you will have to invest in this single task only.
The use of IIoT tools would make it an easy task to trace the manufacturer and determine whether the defect would be affecting just a component or the whole car. This would make the entire process much more comfortable and efficient as well.
Maintenance system
The use of IIoT sensors and tools in different car components helps have a predictive analysis as it collects the data, uploads it onto a cloud system, and develops algorithms. These algorithms help make a predictive analysis of any potential problems or malfunctions that your vehicle could go through, helping you save money to prevent those faults beforehand.
Spending money on getting a car service would be cheaper than repairing it if it breaks down completely. Thus the use of IIoT tools helps save money that would have been spent on repairs by providing a predictive analysis.