An embedded Internet of Things (IoT) system can take data-driven building or industrial automation from helpful information to invaluable insight. Rather than making assumptions or educated guesses, embedded IoT can elevate your ability to make more informed, bottom line-impacting decisions that are instrumental to success.
With embedded IoT, you have access to relevant, contextual, real-time information that, in turn, enables you to be more responsive, productive, and efficient.
There is much to be gained from having a connected, scalable IoT system—including new opportunities and untold possibilities.
What Is an Embedded IoT System?
An embedded IoT system integrates smart devices with technology-enabled information processing. It enables operators to interact with systems and their connected devices—without the need for complex or advanced computer skills.
That means embedded IoT systems are intuitive, intelligent, and connected. Not only do they rely on smart devices, such as sensors and controllers, to automate specific tasks and talk to each other, they also empower users by enabling data sharing and remote monitoring and control.
Leveraging the Power of Embedded IoT Systems
In a continual quest to boost productivity, ensure safety, and reduce operational costs, organizations, including industrial and manufacturing companies, have turned to technology for help.
Technologies such as machine-to-machine intelligence, edge computing, the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and Cloud computing have literally revolutionized the way business is done and buildings are managed.
How?
By simplifying multi-location operations and leveraging the power of embedded systems to control a wide range of operations, including:
- Data Centers
- Education and Healthcare Campuses
- Food and Beverage Service
- Government and Military
- HVAC/R
- Industrial
- Processing and Manufacturing
Top 3 Ways Embedded IoT Systems Streamline Operations and Promote Profitability
What follows are some of the many examples of how embedded IIoT systems are helping to optimize operations and improve the bottom line.
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Equipment Monitoring
From generator sets used for backup power supply in data centers to refrigerant leak monitoring in food manufacturing and service, an embedded IIoT system can help you keep a close watch on your equipment and high-value assets.
In addition to automatic alert and alarming, embedded IIoT systems enable quicker equipment fault detection—and that means less downtime or fewer production outages.
And with connected solutions like the MSA Grid FieldVEU subscription service, operators can quickly and easily visualize what’s happening in the field so they can troubleshoot remotely. That means reduced personnel costs and field truck expenses.
As another example of the value of an embedded IIoT system, consider the exorbitant energy costs of fast-food industry equipment, such as a ventilated hood for the fryer. Featuring different modes, including turbo, this piece of equipment is specifically designed to suck the heat out of the kitchen. Unfortunately, it’s also a massive energy hog. Thanks to an embedded IIoT system, though, it can automatically toggle between modes depending on needs, delivering more power with the lunch rush and less at closing time.
Pro Tip: Connecting to the controller in the device or equipment allows operators to extract information and store it in the Cloud so that all stakeholders have access to the data and insights and can immediately see how a device or automation process is functioning.
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Planned and Predictive Maintenance
Back in the day, there was an operating principle that seems unfathomable in today’s technology-based, data-driven world: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
That meant that the notification operators got was simply machine failure. With IIoT embedded systems, however, the sophistication level for planned and predictive maintenance has risen to new heights.
For example, think about a motor bearing. As it starts to heat up it naturally draws more current. Because operators are continuously monitoring current flow through an embedded IIoT system, they can analyze the data and compare it to how hard they’re running the system to determine if the rise in current is a result of usage or potential equipment failure. More importantly, they can take preventive action more quickly if necessary.
As another example, consider a business that relies heavily on refrigeration. Thanks to machine data intelligence, operators can more readily identify a leak long before it becomes a safety or compliance issue and take immediate remedial action. Further, the system documents the action and stores it in the Cloud so that if there’s ever a need for it, there’s a record of the potential incident and fix.
Pro Tip: An IIoT system gateway can bring diverse data streams together in one place, making it easier to access relevant data and keep tabs on all your equipment.
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Energy Management
Every organization needs to manage its power consumption—especially industrial, manufacturing, and food service organizations. But, as we always say, “You cannot manage what you cannot measure.”
Embedded IIoT systems to the rescue.
Take thermostats as an example. With embedded IIoT capabilities, organizations can remotely monitor and control temperature settings and easily adjust them based on a variety of factors, including occupancy rates and time of day.
Pro Tip: Transform smart devices and legacy systems into a more connected and interoperable solution with an energy metering protocol gateway.
Connected Infrastructure
A recent Harvard Business Review (HBR) study for Google Cloud found that data-driven organizations are more profitable. According to the study as reported by Google Cloud, those that leverage high-quality, accurate, and integrated data were better at real-time decision making at the most critical junctures.
The study also found that data-leading organizations were more profitable, had bigger market share, and are ahead of their competitors in customer satisfaction.
Using Embedded IoT Systems
The power of embedded IoT systems cannot be understated. Embedded IIoT systems can help unlock business value, speed time to market, improve customer engagement and loyalty, and, most importantly, lead to greater profitability.
As you consider investing in embedded IIoT systems, contact us to learn more about industry-leading IIoT solutions, including FieldServer automation gateways.
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