Beyond the Buzz – How Food Manufacturers Realize the True Value of IIoT
The rise of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) is indisputable. In fact, the global IIoT market is expected to reach $123.8B by 2021, permeating and impacting various sectors, some more than others. Specifically for food and beverage manufacturers, this shift should already be top of mind given the industry’s potential to benefit greatly from intelligent, connected automation infrastructure. Not only can increased connectivity improve quality, safety and efficiency, while also optimizing overall production through predictive maintenance, but it can also help reduce operation costs.
However, in the midst of this hype, organizations are encountering a number of roadblocks—ranging from cost to implementation or security—that hinder them from taking full advantage of connectivity. Across all sectors, manufacturers who have successfully achieved industrial automation are exclaiming the rewards from the finish line. But few are discussing the speed bumps and challenges along this path, let alone how to overcome them. Before food manufacturers can realize the true value of IIoT, they must learn how to look past the buzz and focus on taking a step-by-step approach to implementation. Below are three ways to overcome the crossroads of connectivity.