IoT
What is IoT?
IoT (Internet of Things) refers to a system in which physical devices, machines, vehicles, and infrastructure components are equipped with sensors, software, and data connectivity. Thanks to these features, devices can automatically collect, transmit, and process information as well as respond to changes in their environment without constant human supervision. IoT is not limited to individual devices—it forms extensive networked systems where information flows between devices, systems, and analytics services.
In industrial settings, IoT serves as the foundation for digitizing production processes, automation, and data-driven management. With IoT, real-world events can be transformed into digital information, which is then used for operational optimization, quality management, and decision-making.
IoT in Industrial Environments
In industrial use, IoT is often called the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). IIoT covers manufacturing plants, the machining industry, energy systems, logistics, and infrastructure—areas where continuous monitoring and data transfer are critical. Industrial IoT brings together production machines, automation systems, and control systems into a unified data stream for real-time monitoring of the entire operation.
In the machining industry, IIoT can be seen in the collection of status data from machine tools, robots, and production lines. The same principle applies across various industrial processes where process reliability, utilization rates, and efficiency are key goals.
IoT and Data Collection in Industry
The core of IoT systems is gathering and transmitting data. Sensors measure physical phenomena—such as temperature, pressure, vibration, flow, or energy consumption—and convert them into digital data. This data is then transferred via networks for analysis, either locally using edge computing or to centralized systems.
In industrial IoT, collected data is not valuable on its own; its value comes from processing and refining. By combining data with historical information and process models, it's possible to understand system behaviors, identify anomalies, and predict future changes. In machining, this can relate to loads and utilization rates, but the same principle applies to all industrial processes.
IoT and Predictive Analytics
One of the main benefits of industrial IoT is predictive analytics. By continuously monitoring equipment operations, it’s possible to detect changes that indicate abnormal activity or upcoming faults. This supports a shift from reactive maintenance to a predictive approach—actions are scheduled based on real need.
In an industrial setting, predictive analytics relies on long-term collection and analysis of IoT data. This makes it possible to identify trends, recurring phenomena, and weak points in processes. For machining, this supports production continuity, but the same operating model is widely applicable across industries.
IoT as Part of Automation and Industry 4.0 Concepts
IoT is a key building block of Industry 4.0, where industrial production evolves towards smarter, more flexible systems. Thanks to IoT, automation no longer relies solely on pre-set rules, but on real-time data and communication between different systems.
In industrial environments, IoT allows for interaction between systems, enabling production to adapt to load, equipment status, and process requirements. In machining, this can mean greater production transparency, but on a larger scale, IoT supports optimization across the entire industrial value chain.
IoT and Cybersecurity in Industrial Systems
As IoT becomes more prevalent in industry, the importance of cybersecurity and system reliability increases. Industrial IoT solutions often handle critical data related to production, processes, and equipment, making protection essential. Cybersecurity covers data transmission, system access rights, and the isolation of devices and networks.
Industrial IoT differs from consumer solutions in that the systems need to operate reliably over long periods and integrate with existing production environments. That’s why cybersecurity and manageability are essential parts of IoT architecture.
Summary
IoT, or the Internet of Things, forms the foundation for the digitization and intelligent operation of industrial systems. Industrial IoT connects devices, processes, and analytics into one entity, allowing production to be monitored, optimized, and developed using data. In the machining industry, IoT supports efficient and proactive operations, but its range of applications extends widely across all industrial environments.
