IoT and IIoT: 10 Key Differences between Two Technologies
The Internet of Things (IoT) and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are similar in their operating principle and the technology name, but they were created to address different tasks. They develop in parallel and are unlikely to ever intersect. Let’s take a look at 10 key differences between the two technologies.
But the two technologies still have one thing in common: both offer universal protocols, allowing devices from different manufacturers to freely interact with each other, exchanging information and making various decisions based on this data. Next, let’s move on to the differences.
1) Reason for technology creation
IoT has been developed to increase the comfort of people and is used in everyday life. The main idea behind IoT is convenience, time saving and security. IIoT, on the other hand, is aimed at operational benefits and increased business profitability.
2) The history of development
While IoT is a step-by-step development of technologies for use in everyday life, IIoT is an improvement of existing production systems for better measurement and control.
3) Solution cost
IIoT solutions are much more expensive than IoT solutions due to the large number of devices, high requirements for reliability, safety and efficiency in the most adverse working conditions and environments.
4) Failure cost
IoT is characterised by a low cost of system failure. For example, in case of problems with advanced IoT functions, the system will transfer to the reduced functionality mode. In IIoT, however, the situation is often more complicated as a failure of a mechanism or breakdown of a system part in most cases leads to a complete stop of production and significant losses.
5) Implementation speed
An IoT system launch is significantly faster due to its relatively small size and relative technical simplicity as compared to IIoT. An Industrial Internet of Things in most cases requires a complete upgrade of the production infrastructure. IIoT solutions should consider the capacity for scalability and modernisation, as well as compatibility with legacy infrastructure sites.
6) Workplaces
While IoT solutions do not affect the number of jobs in any way, IIoT helps to optimise this component: by reducing routine activities and automating manual labour, companies may operate more efficiently. This leads to a reduction in the number of low-skilled jobs and an increase in the number of specialists to design and maintain smart industrial systems.
7) Service cost
The cost of maintaining IoT devices is limited to replacing failed equipment. In case of IIoT systems, maintenance is an expensive process. Because IIoT solutions come as a complex equipment set, replacement is more difficult, and the failure of a specific part may lead to a complete stop of a production line.
8) Data processing
Another difference between IoT and IIoT lies in the speed of information processing. While latencies of several seconds or minutes are acceptable in IoT, in IIoT such high latency can lead to problems in production process. In IIoT, all information is provided in real time with a minimum latency of no more than tens of milliseconds.
9) Traffic
Typically, IoT devices generate several MB of traffic per day. IIoT devices can generate large amounts of traffic, up to several PB (petabytes) per day.
10) Data security
In both technologies, security breaches can lead to extremely unpleasant consequences. For example, hacking an IoT system can cause a theft of money from bank accounts or invasion into residential premises. In case of IIoT devices, any implementation in an enterprise infrastructure can provoke a real disaster, so the level of security in IIoT is critical.
What other important differences between IoT and IIoT would you add to this list? Suggest in the comments!
