Local Industry Leaders “All In” on IIoT
Most of us are likely familiar with the term the “internet of things” (IoT) and probably think of things like our smart appliances and wearable devices. While devices like these have become pervasive in our everyday lives, the internet of things has also made its way into big industry.
Commonly referred to as the “industrial internet of things” (IIoT), IIoT describes the “multitude of industrial devices connected by communications technologies that results in systems that can monitor, collect, exchange, analyze, and deliver valuable new insights like never before” (GE). Progressively, IIoT is changing the way industrial companies operate, providing data and insights to help mitigate potential problems and offering solutions to make businesses run more efficiently.
Given Northeast Ohio’s deep industrial roots, many believe that IIoT could have a transformative effect on the region’s economy.
IIoT and Northeast Ohio
To better understand IIoT’s potential impact in Northeast Ohio, a group of industry and non-profit leaders came together to develop a Smart Manufacturing IIoT Roadmap (click link to download a copy of the complete IIoT Roadmap). Led by Team NEO and its Working Group, which includes companies such as Eaton, Parker Hannifin, Rockwell Automation, Hitachi Vantara, Amazon Web Services and more, the Roadmap provides a framework for the region to fully leverage the promise IIoT presents.
Consider this – left alone, manufacturing in Northeast Ohio is projected to grow by $4 billion through 2025. The incremental impact of IIoT, however, could shift the region’s growth trajectory to a $53-$62 billion sector. Given this tremendous potential and opportunity, the region’s Roadmap outlines several key initiatives that aim to:
- Drive demand for Industrial IoT
- Increase regional productivity
- Spur product innovation
- Develop resources to support Industrial IoT implementation and innovation
To generate awareness of the region’s Smart Manufacturing IIoT Roadmap, an official rollout event was held on November 2, 2018 in Independence. The event attracted nearly 250 area manufacturers, representing large, medium and small companies. All attendees were invited to complete a complementary IIoT Readiness Assessment. The Assessment was developed collaboratively by the Roadmap Project Team and Roadmap Working Group to be used as a tool to evaluate a company’s digital maturity and readiness for IIoT implementation.
With the rollout event serving as a catalyst, much work remains to meet the Roadmap’s overarching objectives. Team NEO will host several additional rollout events across the region over the next few months, each with goal of engaging more businesses in the process. The next event will take place December 19, 2018 in Lorain.
How to Get Involved:
Want to learn more about the IIoT Roadmap or want to get involved with the IIoT Working Group? Contact Team NEO’s Jay Foran for additional information.