IIoT & Industrie 4.0

How is IIoT changing industry?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the network of physical objects—sensors, actuators, machines, controllers—embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data¹. The Industrial Internet of Things—or IIoT—represents the subset of IoT applications related to the broad family of manufacturing, utility automation, process control and similar enterprises.

What is Industrie 4.0?

Smart Factories & Automation

Representing the fourth industrial revolution, Industrie 4.0 is a collective term embracing a number of automation, data exchange and manufacturing technologies. These technologies coalesce under Cyber-Physical Systems, the Internet of Things and the Internet of Services.^3,4,5 Industrie 4.0 originated from a high-tech strategic initiative of the German government to promote the computerization of manufacturing⁶. 

By Christoph Roser at www.AllAboutLean.com.

Six Design Principles

Industrie 4.0 is based on six design principles:

1. Interoperability. The ability of cyber-physical systems (i.e. workpiece carriers, assembly stations and products), humans & Smart Factories to connect and communicate with each other via the Internet of Things & the Internet of Services
   
   
2. Virtualization. A virtual copy of the Smart Factory which is created by linking sensor data (from monitoring physical processes) with virtual plant models & simulation models
   
   
3. Decentralization. The ability of cyber-physical systems within Smart Factories to make decisions on their own
   
   
4. Real-Time Capability. The capability to collect and analyze data & provide the derived insights immediately
   
   
5. Service Orientation. Offering of services (of cyber-physical systems, humans or Smart Factories) via the Internet of Services
   
   
6. Modularity. Flexible adaptation of Smart Factories to changing requirements by replacing or expanding individual modules

1. "Internet of Things Global Standards Initiative". ITU. Retrieved 26 June 2015.
2. Daugherty, Paul; Negm, Walid; Banerjee, Prith; Alter, Allan. "Driving Unconventional Growth through the Industrial Internet of Things" (PDF). Accenture. Retrieved 17 March 2016
3. Hermann, Pentek, Otto, 2015: Design Principles for Industrie 4.0 Scenarios, accessed on 3 February 2015
4. Jürgen Jasperneite: Was hinter Begriffen wie Industrie 4.0 steckt in Computer & Automation, 19 Dezember 2012 accessed on 23 December 2012
5. Kagermann, H., W. Wahlster and J. Helbig, eds., 2013: Recommendations for implementing the strategic initiative Industrie 4.0: Final report of the Industrie 4.0 Working Group