Internet of Things for Industry

Internet of Things for Industry 4.0 is a common term that refers to the technologies and concepts of value chain organisation that draws together the internet of things, services and cyber-physical systems. The term originates from a project by the German that promoted computerisation of the manufacturing process. The first revolution in the industries mobilised the mechanisation of production using steam power and water. The second revolution introduced mass production using electric power. This was closely followed by the digital revolution that encompassed use of electronics and IT that intended to automate the production process.

It encompasses most of the automation, manufacturing technologies and data exchange. The cyber-physical systems are enabled to communicate with each other and with humans too in real time over the internet of things.Notably, there are some key indicators of the current status of the industry 4.0 such as increasing new offers that appear on the market. This aimed at reducing the technical complications of the industry.  It is also currently not possible to divide the market into pure solution and service providers. In addition to this, solution providers and the integration of the systems of the companies have come up with partner networks which will go a long way in getting solutions which are complete. This aids in offering full service to the users.

The industry 4.0 has six principles which help in identification and implementation of the scenarios.  These includedecentralisation of decision making process, real time capabilities, service orientation, modularity, interoperability and virtualisation. However, there are some challenges that have been identified in industry 4.0 such as general reluctance to change by stakeholders, the need to maintain integrity of the production process, need to protect industrial know how, IT security issues, lack of skill-sets needed to actualise fourth industrial revolution and finally the reliability and stability needed for critical machine-machine.

Despite these challenges, the fourth industrial revolution has had an effect on many areas. This includes service and business models, safety of machines, the industry value chain, industry demonstration, lifecycle of products, services and models of businesses, continuous production, socio-economic status etc.

In conclusion, the internet of things sets in motion the fourth industrial revolution that decentralises control of production and establishes a paradigm shift in the manufacturing industry. it is paramount that businesses optimise the digital aspect of their existing business models by using the industry of things 4.0.