IoT Technologies and Manufacturers
                     IoT Technologies and Manufacturers
Anil Janardhanan
Writes for Gadgeon 
IoT software development company and 
IoT engineering services.
 
Today’s manufacturing landscape is increasingly becoming complex due to 
changing customer demand, market trends, global competitors, supply 
chain challenges, demanding sustainability goals and so on. In addition, 
the traditional challenges such as escalating costs, productivity loss due to 
unplanned shutdowns, and aging equipment & infrastructure also hinder 
progress for the manufacturing segment. Adoption of a capable 
automation technology is the need of the hour. More and more 
manufacturers across the globe are turning to IoT enabled intelligent 
automation to accelerate their digital revolution. Major digital trends in 
manufacturing segments are AI / ML, IoT, Big Data, Robotics, and 
Analytics.
How IoT works for Manufacturing sector?
Internet of Things is a network of connected devices communicating with 
each other of other networks. IoT devices are mainly leveraged to collect 
data and perform analytics to extract insights from the collected data.
IoT devices, also referred to as Smart Devices, are integrated with 
embedded software & built-in sensors, connect and exchange data to 
drive informed decision making at critical levels of the manufacturing 
process. Industrial IoT is not a futuristic technology anymore, but a 
technology that is being leveraged by manufacturers to improve their 
processes today.
IoT Solutions, enable Manufacturers with:
1. Data collection and automation across processes – IoT technologies are 
enabling each component in a process line to collect data and receive 
remote commands. IoT enabled PLCs are a good example.
2. Improved Data quality & security – IoT allows digitization of data 
management, which reduces the manual handling of data and facilitates 
remote and automated data handling. This reduces the number of human 
users and reduces the chances of intrusion of malicious actors.
3. Enhanced workplace visibility and safety 
4. Remote production visibility - Connecting and collecting data from 
machines on the production floor significantly enhances the visibility to 
supervisors and managers and equip them to take the right decisions at 
the right time.
Manufacturers can achieve
a. Improved energy efficiency – IoT enables breakdown on energy 
consumption across process lines and at equipment levels. Smart alerts 
and analysis of consumption data allow the system to provide timely 
insights and recommendations on improving energy wastage and 
opportunity for savings. 
b. Predictive maintenance – One of the most labor intensive and time-
consuming processes in manufacturing is maintenance of equipment. IoT 
technologies facilitate predictive maintenance through a combination of 
smart sensors and AI/ML, eliminating breakdowns, downtime, and 
reduction in maintenance costs. 
c.  Enhanced Product Quality – IoT enables the identification and 
elimination of reasons for poor product quality whether it is faulty 
machines or process. 
d. Improved asset life and utilization – Through remote monitoring and 
predictive maintenance, reduces actual breakdown of machines and with 
timely replacement of parts/ maintenance activities enhances its life. 
Through measuring and tracking the overall equipment effectiveness 
(OEE) of machines, manufacturers can improve the utilization and 
efficiency of assets.
e. Ability to make quick informed decisions – IoT unlocks the critical data 
from the entire manufacturing production chain - machines, processes, 
quality of products, assets, energy utilization, and many more. These data 
are analyzed using AI/ML techniques generate valuable insights and drives 
faster decisions.
Challenges in the IoT Technology adoption in Manufacturing
There are many broader challenges in managing an Industrial IoT network 
with an array of networked devices. These IoT devices are also open to 
cyber security risks. To make the deployment of an IoT solution successful, 
there are many steps of planning and assessments are required. Main 
aspects that require attention are:
• Alignment of key performance Indicators (KPIs) and business objectives
• Identification of key Stakeholder and alignment
• Availability of right IoT technology expertise
• Assessment and mitigation of Security threats 
These challenges can be addressed by running an IoT adoption readiness 
assessment and roadmap planning including a security risk assessment. 
The security risk assessment to be conducted at regular intervals during 
the IoT solution lifecycle. Training for the staff in all aspects of the IoT 
solution at regular frequency will also enhance the value of the IoT 
technology deployment.  
About Gadgeon
Gadgeon is known for its expertise in Industrial IoT and engineering 
excellence. We connect devices, operations, and processes to create 
business value, and revolutionize enterprises with the power of data. As 
an end-to-end technology services company, we successfully enabled the 
digital journey of customers with critical digital services ranging from 
embedded systems, cloud app development, mobile app development, 
data & analytics, application modernization, emerging technology based 
solutions, and testing & test automation across the industries such as 
connected factory, telecom & datacom, digital healthcare, CSPs, and 
home & building automation.
Thank you for time in reading this article!