By strategically investing in IIoT in 2024, manufacturers can transform their operations, improve efficiencies, and achieve long-term growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
As the manufacturing industry continues its digital evolution, there will be a greater reliance on data from Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices deployed throughout a company’s entire operations. Looking to 2024, such devices will increasingly be highly connected and produce much richer, finer-grained data upon which to make informed decisions.
Such enhanced capabilities will make IIoT devices useful for a much broader range of applications, and their data will be used to drive existing efforts further to improve productivity, reduce costs, and more. The bottom line is that 2025 promises to bring new developments in IIoT that could redefine operations, efficiencies, and competitive advantage.
2024: A Year of Transition for Manufacturer’s Use of IIoT
Here’s a look at some of the top IIoT trends to look for next year.
1. Increased Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
AI and ML are increasingly intertwined with IIoT applications in manufacturing, transforming data into actionable insights. In 2025, this integration is expected to become even more seamless, with AI-driven analytics predicting machine failures, optimizing production schedules, and enhancing supply chain visibility.
New advancements in machine learning will provide better data interpretation, allowing manufacturers to gain predictive insights into maintenance needs, quality control, and productivity improvements. By embedding ML algorithms into IIoT systems, manufacturers can move closer to achieving fully autonomous production environments.
However, manufacturers must be prepared for the challenge of finding the right talent and building the infrastructure to support these advanced systems. This shift will require not only data scientists but also professionals who understand manufacturing processes and how to translate analytics into meaningful business outcomes.
2. Focus on Cybersecurity and Data Privacy
With the expansion of IIoT comes an increased risk of cyber threats. As such, cybersecurity will be a top priority in 2025 as manufacturers become more dependent on connected devices. Many manufacturing systems were not originally designed to withstand sophisticated cyber-attacks, making it essential to reassess and strengthen security measures.
To that end, manufacturers will likely need to allocate more budget toward cybersecurity initiatives, including regular audits, real-time threat monitoring, and investment in secure data-sharing protocols. Additionally, with growing concerns around data privacy regulations, manufacturers must consider compliance with data governance standards like GDPR, which may also apply to IIoT-generated data.
See also: IIoT Wireless Options Abound, See What’s New
3. Rise of Edge Computing in IIoT
Data volumes are exploding, and edge computing is emerging as a solution to process information closer to the source. Specifically, edge computing reduces the time it takes to collect, analyze, and act on data, thus supporting real-time decision-making and improving responsiveness in manufacturing settings.
Moving some IIoT data analysis and decision making to the edge will allow companies to reduce the amount of data sent to centralized cloud systems, lowering latency and operational costs.
4. Expansion of Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins
Predictive maintenance, enabled by IIoT sensors and analytics, will continue to evolve, helping manufacturers to reduce unplanned downtime and extend the life of equipment. The introduction of digital twins in manufacturing environments has added another dimension to predictive maintenance.
In 2025, digital twins will become more accessible as technology matures and costs decrease, making them practical for small and mid-sized manufacturers. However, manufacturers will need to ensure they have the right data infrastructure in place to support these advanced applications.
5. Shift Toward Sustainability Through IIoT
Sustainability goals are becoming central to business strategies. How does IIoT fit in? In 2025, IIoT applications will increasingly be used to monitor and optimize energy usage, reduce waste, and track environmental impact in real time. IIoT data can help manufacturers pinpoint energy-intensive areas, allowing them to make more sustainable choices and reduce emissions.
However, the focus on sustainability adds another layer of complexity. Manufacturers must balance IIoT adoption with the energy required to support these systems, which can be substantial. The good news is that energy-efficient IoT devices are gaining traction, helping to minimize this impact.
See also: How Industry 4.0 and IIoT Work Together for Industry
A Final Word on Industrial IoT Trends for 2024
In 2025, IIoT technology will be a linchpin in the manufacturing industry, driving advancements in AI integration, edge computing, sustainability, and more. However, these trends also bring challenges, from cybersecurity risks to the need for skilled talent.
Manufacturers who understand these issues and develop strategies to deal with them will be able to harness the full potential of IIoT. By strategically investing in IIoT and addressing these challenges, manufacturers can transform their operations, improve efficiencies, and achieve long-term growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
