In the last blog post I discussed why IIoT is transformative and that IIoT nodes have to be autonomous and collaborative. This post talks about how collaboration, ie communication by sharing of information is a key ingredient for true paradigm shifting digital IIoT solutions.
Imagine a city community buzzing with life where each citizen has their own specialty - the baker crafts delicious treats, the mechanic keeps vehicles running smoothly, and the journalist observes the surrounding landscape and reports on it. But even the most skilled individuals can't achieve much alone. This is where the city's infrastructure comes in - the bustling networks of transport and communication.
So, while individuals hold immense potential (autonomous), it's their collaborative spirit (collaborative), enabled by a robust infrastructure, that truly transforms a community into a thriving, efficient metropolis. Just like a city needs its infrastructure networks to function, smart manufacturing relies on its communication infrastructure to unlock the full potential of its IIoT solutions. There is however a missing ingredient, that is the common understanding of the structure and responsibilities the network of individuals and their roles - in other words a common language and understanding (model).
Imagine now a factory where an operator using a digital app connected to a machine detecting a slight vibration, alerting a maintenance operator through is app which triggers a task to diagnose the machine. This information then is shared so that the supervisor can use his production optimization app, adjusting parameters on other machines to maintain overall efficiency. This collaboration thrives on a reliable communication infrastructure, the digital backbone of the factory. It ensures real-time data exchange, minimizes latency, and enables seamless coordination between operators and using their apps, regardless of their location or function.