Applications of IoT in Manufacturing: Issues and Challenges

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the global network of inter-related physical devices such as sensors, objects, computing devices, mechanical instruments, smart applications and human resources that are becoming an essential part of the internet. These devices are the sources of data which provide abundant information in manufacturing processes. In an industrial environment, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) plays a pivotal role in manufacturing. IIoT is the transformation of manufacturing process by making the industries more efficient, productive, and smarter. In order to survive, withstand in the market place and gain competitive advantage, the manufacturers are initiating to leverage IIoT technologies and data analytics. With globalization, global competitive pressures are challenging industries and manufacturing companies to manage the gaps in the workforce skills, drive out inefficiencies from the existing systems and enhance their business opportunities. The world is plunging into an era of data inter-connectivity and companies are able to enhance their production after adapting new technologies. In this context, this paper provides an understanding of the concept of IIoT and smart manufacturing. Further, the paper discusses in detail the issues concerning different applications of IoT in the industrial sector; and presents the challenges encountered in an IoT-based Industrial Data Management System (IDMS), which can manage the huge industrial data, support online monitoring and control smart manufacturing.