Where is your factory data?

IIoT starts with data and factories are full of it

The impression is that collecting and collating this data to create insight is a complex endeavour. In practical terms, a lot of that data is already available or can be easily harvested. So the key challenge is about tapping into that data and collecting it in a structured way.

Where is my factory data?

There are typically three key sources of data in an industrial setting

1. Untapped data - This data is in the factory but it’s not being used. For example, data within existing machines such as inside inverter drives or process control systems.
2. Stranded & siloed data - This data is also in the factory environment but it’s typically locked in a machine by an OEM, making it challenging to integrate with
   other business platforms and applications.
3. New Data - New sensors, actuators and other end-point devices that allow for the
   real-time collection of data.

How do I unlock my factory data?

Existing data flows within factories are often single-purpose ‘vertical’ flows dedicated to a specific process or asset. To unlock the true value of such data flow, it needs to be integrated horizontally with other systems and devices, often being repurposed for different objectives.

This is the true ‘connected factory’.

Using data to unlock insight

But of course, IIoT implementation does not necessarily have to start by going big with big data. It can start small with just one application. As opposed to big data, it’s about gathering the right data, and often a little data can go a long way in helping to achieve insight that leads to practical and cost-saving benefits.

RS Industria’s modular platform offers just such a plug-and-play approach to IIoT, enabling users to start with low-cost, low-risk projects that can expand over time.