Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) — definition
Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to networks of connected sensors, devices and machines that collect and exchange operational data to support monitoring, analytics and automation across a facility.
IIoT implementations typically add sensors and connectivity to existing or new equipment, transmitting data to edge devices, on-premise servers or cloud platforms for aggregation and analysis. Common use cases include condition monitoring, energy tracking, and feeding data to MES or digital twin platforms.
Why it matters to industrial buyers
IIoT adoption enables data-driven maintenance and performance improvement initiatives, but requires attention to cybersecurity and data integration architecture from the outset.
Key reference points
Common protocols
Protocols such as MQTT and OPC UA are commonly used for IIoT data transmission in industrial settings.
Deployment pattern
Edge computing is commonly used to pre-process data locally before transmission, reducing bandwidth and latency.
How it is used in practice
IIoT sensors added to a compressor fleet transmitted vibration and temperature data to a cloud platform for centralised condition monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Is IIoT the same as SCADA?
No, SCADA is a control and supervisory system typically confined to a site; IIoT emphasises broader connectivity, often including cloud and cross-site data aggregation.
What is a key risk of IIoT deployment?
Cybersecurity exposure from connecting operational technology to broader networks is a commonly cited risk requiring dedicated mitigation measures.
Go deeper on the platform
Related terms
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance is a maintenance strategy that uses condition data, such as vibration, temperature or current signatures, to estimate equipment health and schedule maintenance before failure occurs.
Digital Twin
Digital twin is a virtual model of a physical machine, line or facility that is kept synchronised with real operational data to support simulation, monitoring or predictive analysis.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) is a software system that monitors and controls distributed industrial processes by collecting data from field controllers and presenting it for centralised operator oversight.
Manufacturing Execution System (MES)
Manufacturing Execution System (MES) is software that manages and tracks production orders, work-in-progress, quality data and material consumption on the shop floor in real time.
Automated Guided Vehicle and Autonomous Mobile Robot (AGV / AMR)
Automated Guided Vehicle and Autonomous Mobile Robot (AGV / AMR) are unmanned vehicles used to transport materials within a facility, differing in navigation method and route flexibility.
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Reference content only. Global B2B Group is independent of equipment manufacturers and financing institutions; definitions are provided for education and do not constitute engineering, financial or legal advice.