Internet of Things

IoT solutions can be used in a wide range of industries, each offering specific benefits. Here are some of the industries that can benefit:

• Manufacturing: IoT enables automation of production processes, quality control and predictive maintenance of machinery.
• Healthcare: IoT devices such as wearables and sensors can monitor patient data in real time to improve patient care.
• Retail: IoT can be used to manage inventory, analyse customers and improve the customer experience.
• Agriculture: Sensors can monitor soil moisture, weather conditions and plant health to maximise yields.
• Logistics and transport: IoT can track deliveries in real time and optimise supply chains.
• Energy sector: IoT can be used to monitor and optimise energy consumption in real time, leading to cost savings and greater sustainability.
• Smart cities: IoT technologies can help improve traffic management, waste management and public safety.

Device lifecycle management plays a central role in IoT solutions as it influences the efficiency, security and scalability of the overall system. A holistic approach to managing the devices in use also helps to extend their lifespan – contributing to the success of the solution. The lifecycle of an IoT device varies by industry and use case, but can be broadly categorised as follows:

• Hardware acquisition (for edge devices or gateways)
• Initial device setup and vulnerability management
• Device provisioning
• Connectivity setup
• Over-the-air updates
• Monitoring
• Resale
• Deprovisioning/Disposal

For more information on this topic, see our blog post «Managing IoT devices correctly – this is how».

Although the terms Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are often used interchangeably, there are significant differences between the two:

• Scope: IoT is a broad term that encompasses the networking of devices and systems in various industries and everyday life. IIoT focuses specifically on industrial applications such as manufacturing, logistics and energy supply.
• Security: IIoT systems generally have higher security requirements as they are used in critical infrastructures where a failure could have serious consequences.
• Complexity and scalability: IIoT solutions are often more complex and must be able to manage a greater number of devices and data streams.
• Data analytics: While the IoT is often used for simple applications such as home automation, the IIoT requires advanced data analysis and automation for optimisation and prediction.
• Reliability: IIoT systems must be extremely reliable to meet the high demands of industrial processes.
• Connectivity: IIoT uses specific network protocols and standards optimised for industrial applications, while IoT offers a wider range of connectivity options.

Edge Computing refers to data processing that takes place at the edge of a network, i.e. closer to the data source, for example in the case of IoT devices or sensors. Instead of sending all the collected data to a central data centre or cloud, processing takes place directly on the device or on a local server. This has several advantages:

• Latency reduction: Local processing allows data to be analysed more quickly and actions to be taken in real time, which is particularly important for time-critical applications.
• Bandwidth efficiency: With less data to send to the cloud, network bandwidth is used more efficiently.
• Data security: Local processing can increase security by reducing the amount of data transmitted over the Internet.
• Independence: Edge computing allows IoT devices to operate autonomously even if the connection to the central network is lost.
• Scalability: Edge solutions are often easier to scale as new devices can be added without major changes to the central infrastructure.

For more information on this topic, see our German blog post «Why Edge Computing?».