The world of industrial manufacturing is undergoing a transformative shift with the advent of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices. However, this journey is not without its hurdles. In this article, we will delve into the top five challenges that organizations often face when implementing IIoT.

1. Undefined Purpose and Scope

Having a clear vision is essential for any successful venture, and the same is true for IIoT implementation. Clearly defined business and operational objectives are an important first step when considering the implementation of IIoT devices into a new or existing industrial environment. By outlining your goals and desired outcomes, you can ensure your IIoT initiative aligns with your broader mission.

2. Issues Related to Data Collection

Collecting data from hundreds, even thousands of IIoT devices spanning both locally and remotely connected sites is not without its challenges. Cleary defining your organizational goals, while narrowing down the data you hope to collect, is an important step to consider prior to data collection and storage.

Defining your key performance indicators (KPIs) and relevant metrics will help you to streamline data collection and make your data more manageable and meaningful. Investing in data management and storage solutions, such as FactoryTalk Analytics, can also help you handle the influx of data.

3. Securing Your Connected Infrastructure

Having a solid plan to minimize the attack surface before, during, and after implementing IIoT devices is necessary to mitigate the risk of a possible threat actor from infiltrating your industrial network. Devices should be properly staged when possible, installing the most up-to-date software and firmware versions available prior to integration. Ongoing cybersecurity audits are also recommended to ensure you’re fully protected.

4. Scalability

As your organization continues to grow, so does your manufacturing operations. Careful planning during the initial design phase of a proposed project can help alleviate future scalability issues. In fact, ”The top three reasons why those respondents failed to scale their projects were that the integration effort was overly complicated and required too much effort, the associated vendors could not support scaling, and the life cycle support for the project was too expensive or not credible.” (TechRepublic, 2022)

5. Resource Shortage Adaptation

Resource shortages are very common on the plant floor, particularly in the areas of networking and cybersecurity. The integration of new IIoT devices on the plant floor also requires the properly trained individuals to install, configure, troubleshoot, and upgrade those technologies. In instances where a company may lack the expertise to do so, partnering with a company such as Rexel is crucial in meeting those adaptation goals.

Your Cybersecurity Solutions Experts

Implementing IIoT devices is critical to your operations as an industrial manufacturer, but it can have its hurdles. Our cybersecurity experts are ready to help you navigate and mitigate any IIoT implementation issues you might face. Contact us today to learn more.