The Internet of Things (IoT) digitally connects physical objects to collect and exchange data. This concept was once theoretical, but advancements in technology are making it a reality for many industries, including manufacturing. The benefits of IoT are extensive, but there are barriers to adoption, from steep learning curves to siloed processes and technologies.
This is a significant problem for the industry: the need for smart, connected operations is becoming apparent. Manufacturers must incorporate IoT to remain successful in a competitive market, but how can they do so effectively? This is an especially pressing issue for small- and -medium-sized manufacturers.
Starting on the path to IoT implementation can be daunting, but manufacturing companies should start small and scale up as needed. To overcome that initial hurdle, manufacturers must first identify their most pressing business problems. Then figure out how IoT can be the solution.
Once these are identified, manufacturers can start to plan how IoT will fit in their operations and how it will scale throughout the company. This roadmap is even more important for those with numerous facilities. That's why manufacturers need a clear approach to IoT management and must ensure it's consistent across the company. The more complex an implementation becomes, the more likely it is to fail, with 38% of companies citing complexity/technical challenges as their top barrier to adoption according to Microsoft Corp's IoT Signals report.
Starting small and scaling up enables manufacturers to adopt IoT as a low-risk investment with the potential to have a significant return on that investment. Modern manufacturing is slowly starting to rely on connected systems and data-driven operations. Manufacturers must prepare for this shift to ensure they can survive in the future of industry.