The difference between IoT and IIoT is:
IoT – Internet of Things
Ever tried starting a coffee machine with your phone? Or adjusted the temperature of your fridge? Well, that is the Internet of Things. Household items or everyday things connected to the internet and thereby controllable from remote distances. This development was already forecasted, when the internet was still new.
Today, the ever-available internet and new technologies have connected billions of things. Light switches, cars and home appliances provide efficient, safe and better experiences for consumers. The interaction with these smart devices paves the way for smaller electricity bills and more streamlined everyday life.
IIoT – Industrial Internet of Things
IIoT refers to the branch of IoT that is specifically engaged with the industry of manufacturing and agriculture. It is also about connecting devices and making them more available and intelligent, but in a much bigger scale. The end goal in industry is increasing speed and safety to make production facilities run more smoothly and with lower costs.
With a system for IIoT, the flow of data and information quickens, and working staff can operate safer and at a higher speed. The result is quicker manufacturing at lower costs and with fewer resources. We explain the concept more in depth in this blog post.
Degree of Application
Since IIoT is developed to handle critical machines, IIoT uses more sensitive and precise sensors in the plant, including more location-aware technologies on the supply chain side with sophisticated, advanced controls and analytics. However, on the contrary, IoT uses a simpler application with low-risk impact. It is undoubtedly that IoT device will grow higher with less expensive price than IIoT, considering its production volume and technology capabilities.
Separated Area of Interest
IIoT connects critical machines and sensors in high-stakes industries such as aerospace, defence, healthcare and energy. These are the systems in which failure often results in life-threatening or other emergency situations.
IoT, on the other hand, tends to be consumer-level devices with low risk impact when failure happens. They are important and convenient, but breakdowns do not immediately create emergency situations.
The implementation of IoT technology is here and now. Understanding the difference between IoT and Industrial IoT (IIoT) will give you a better understanding on how the emerging Industrial Internet will provide business with a new growth opportunity and improve your performance even better.