IIoT vs. IoT: Key differences explained
7 min read
IIoT and IoT are two commonly confused terms. Both refer to the internet of things, a category of internet-connected smart devices. However, IIoT focuses on industrial applications, while IoT encompasses devices used in both professional and personal contexts. Follow this guide to learn more about their distinct uses and benefits across different environments.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
What is IoT?
IoT stands for the internet of things, connecting everyday objects, or “things,” to the internet using smart technology.
IoT devices use sensors to collect data from their environment, such as temperature, nearby movement, or even audio. The machine then connects to the internet and uses smart technology to process the data. Some IoT devices even use machine learning and AI technology in their responses.
IoT devices store their collected data in the cloud, allowing users to view and interact with it on smartphones or computers.
Benefits of IoT
IoT technology has many applications, from reducing home energy bills to improving office security. The benefits of IoT outlined below can significantly improve our daily life.
- Efficiency: IoT devices can help speed up tasks you would otherwise do manually. For example, instead of listening to the radio for a traffic forecast, you could ask your voice assistant for traffic details that are specific to your commute. This data allows you to choose the fastest route and save time.
- Safety: IoT devices help keep you safe at home, at work, and on the go. These devices detect unusual activity, notify you of unauthorized visitors, and can even call 911 in case of an emergency.
- Convenience: IoT devices help make life a little more convenient. For example, with a smart home device, you can turn on lights or change the temperature directly from your phone, so there’s no need to stand up.
- Cost savings: IoT devices can help you cut down on costs, especially when it comes to energy bills. They can automatically lower temperatures or turn off lights at home or in the office, reducing costs over time.
- Accurate data: A major advantage of IoT devices is instant access to detailed, accurate data. For example, wearable IoT devices like smartwatches give you access to heart rate information, sleep patterns, and other health data.
Examples of IoT applications
IoT technology has so many potential applications, especially with the rise of machine learning and AI technology. Here are some common use cases for IoT technology.
- Smart homes: One of the most popular IoT applications is the smart home system. These systems typically control lights, thermostats, and appliances and are accessed through an app on your smartphone. Smart homes help you reduce energy use and allow you to make changes in your home, even when you’re not there. You can also use smart home security systems for automated access control.
- Voice assistants: Voice assistants are another popular IoT tool used in both homes and offices. These tools can answer questions, play music, and integrate with smart home systems.
- Smart vehicles: Many modern cars use IoT for an enhanced driving experience. This smart technology helps with navigation and safety, warning you of upcoming traffic jams and providing timely maintenance reminders.
- Wearable devices: Wearable smart devices can help you live a happier, healthier lifestyle. They track biometric data and offer reminders to help manage health conditions.
What is IIoT?
IIoT stands for the industrial internet of things. Like IoT, IIoT devices can connect to the internet and store data in the cloud or locally, depending on the use case and security needs. However, IIoT is specifically designed for industrial applications. For example, many companies use IIoT devices to automate manufacturing processes and manage supply chains. IIoT devices also help with industrial-level energy management.
The difference between IoT and IIoT is that IoT products are used in both work and personal settings and are usually widely available to the average consumer. IIoT devices are only used in industrial settings and tend to be much more complex. They often require professional training for proper use.
Benefits of IIoT
Companies across various industries can benefit from using IIoT devices in their operations. Here are some of the advantages of using IIoT devices in your organization.
- Environmental sustainability: IIoT devices help organizations reduce their energy use and avoid pollution.
- Efficient operations: IIoT technology helps businesses operate more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks, collecting data, and scheduling maintenance in advance. This helps boost productivity while reducing stress on employees.
- Cost savings: Implementing IIoT devices helps commercial and industrial businesses keep their budgets in check. For example, IIoT is often used in inventory warehouses to track product availability and plan for future demand. This approach helps companies avoid overspending on unnecessary stock.
- Better customer experience: When companies invest in IIoT technology, it creates a better overall experience for the end user. IIoT helps companies respond more quickly to their customers’ needs and avoid returns or refund requests.
Examples of IIoT applications
Many organizations have found innovative new applications for IIoT technology. IIoT tools use sensors for data collection and analysis, provide real-time updates, and automate tasks. Here are some of the most exciting examples of IIoT applications at work.
Manufacturing
IIoT plays an important role in manufacturing operations, particularly quality control. Sensors assess each material as it moves through assembly, identifying materials or products that do not meet quality standards.
Manufacturing plants also use IIoT devices for predictive maintenance. These tools collect data from heavy machinery and schedule maintenance appointments automatically. This helps prevent costly emergencies and downtime and extends the lifespan of these pieces of machinery.
Supply chain
IIoT is also widely used in supply chain management. IIoT devices perform automatic inventory counts, using predictive demand tools to reorder products and prevent stockouts. Collecting inventory data automatically reduces the need for manual inventory checks and reduces data made in error.
Additionally, IIoT is used in commercial transportation. These devices monitor weather and traffic patterns to plan the fastest and most cost-efficient shipping routes.
On top of that, logistics companies can implement IIoT technology in their trucks, ships, or planes to monitor transportation in real time. This helps shipping and logistics companies solve transportation challenges faster and increase the chances of an on-time delivery.
Agriculture and environmental monitoring
IIoT is a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. This technology is widely used to monitor air quality, water quality, and pollution.
Many commercial farmers and ranchers also use IIoT to perform effective agricultural operations. Agricultural teams can use IIoT-powered drones and sensors to monitor crops or livestock remotely and respond to emergencies quickly. IIoT devices also help farmers schedule irrigation and fertilization to keep crops as healthy as possible.
Smart cities
Smart cities are one of the most exciting examples of IIoT in action. In a smart city, municipal agencies implement IIoT sensors across a wide range of infrastructure. These sensors collect data for government agencies, which use it to operate more sustainably and create a better environment for local residents.
For example, many smart cities implement sensors on their trash cans and sewer systems. These sensors detect overflow, helping cities stay clean. Smart cities also use IIoT to monitor traffic and road conditions. This results in more accurate reports for local residents and can even help prevent accidents.
Healthcare
IIoT helps doctors provide responsive, life-saving care for their patients. These tools are often used for remote patient monitoring and can catch healthcare emergencies early enough to prevent long-term consequences. Healthcare organizations can also use IIoT tools to track inventory levels, ensuring that essential supplies are always on hand.
Safety
Companies in many industries use IIoT devices to create a safer environment for employees. For example, IIoT can monitor for unsafe air quality or the presence of harmful chemicals in industrial settings and provide warnings to keep workers away until the danger has been addressed.
Biological monitoring devices can also keep workers safe in highly physical roles. For example, workers can wear sensors to track their heart rate and other important biological metrics. When the sensors detect abnormal activity, the employee receives a warning, prompting them to take a break, which can help prevent injuries.
Differences between IoT and IIoT
IoT and IIoT use similar concepts and functions to simplify daily life. However, there are several differences between these two types of technologies.
| IoT | IIoT | |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Sold to individual consumers. Focuses on convenience and ease of use. | Sold to organizations. Each device is industry-specific, with a focus on safety and efficiency. |
| Complexity | Devices are easy to install and learn how to use. Each device collects limited data sets. | Devices require training to use effectively. Each device collects complex data sets that may be stored for an extended period of time. |
| Customizability | Devices come pre-programmed. Users can adjust some settings, but there are limited options for true customizability. | Devices can be almost entirely reprogrammed to suit the organization’s needs. |
| Devices used | Simple cloud-connected devices. | Devices use industrial-grade hardware, require secure network connections, and must be compliant with industry security requirements. |
| Security risks | Attacks on IoT devices can result in identity theft and other individual security concerns. | Cyberattacks can lead to large-scale data breaches and severe reputational harm. |
IoT and IIoT working together
Since IoT and IIoT devices use similar technology, they could work together in some instances to make life easier in both personal and commercial settings.
One great example of this is IoT and IIoT in healthcare settings. Patients can use an IoT device at home to track their biometric data and share it with their healthcare provider. When patients stay in the hospital, doctors can use IIoT devices to collect more detailed health data. In this scenario, both devices play an important role in monitoring the patient’s condition.
Another excellent example of this is energy-saving devices. IoT smart home systems help consumers reduce their energy use at home. Meanwhile, many municipal utilities use IIoT devices to use energy more efficiently across entire cities. These tools could work together to share energy-saving data and improve sustainability.
The future of IoT and IIoT
IoT and IIoT technology are continually evolving and will likely have many new applications in the years to come. In particular, both IoT and IIoT devices are implementing AI technology for better responsiveness and accurate data analysis.
In the IoT realm, wearable devices are becoming much more sophisticated. Smartwatches will soon provide more advanced internet-connected features — for example, new models may connect to the internet during your workout to provide personalized fitness guidance. AI-augmented glasses are also hitting the market, allowing users to take and share photos through their favorite pair of shades.
On the IIoT side, many devices are implementing edge computing technology. Edge computing results in faster data processing, which helps IIoT devices produce output in real time. Additionally, many new devices will incorporate advanced security measures to help prevent large-scale data breaches, addressing a major concern with older IIoT devices.