Industrial Internet of Things and SCADA: Is One Going To Replace The Other?

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Industrial Internet of Things 

The Industrial IoT can best be explained as the concept that represents the idea and concept of common physical products/devices/appliances used in manufacturing being inter-linked and connected via the platform of the internet, and then additionally present themselves to other similar devices. The term can also be elaborated on as a process, or a system of communication,and could include other sensor technologies, wireless technologies or QR codes.

A standout characteristic of the Internet of Things is that it authorizes a device or appliance to represent itself on a digital platform. This permits the appliance/device to render itself as something much more pre-eminent than the original object itself. The device no longer links just to its user and its fundamental purposes, but it is now associated and can function in direct relation with gadgets and database data within the area.

SCADA Systems 

SCADA – short form for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is essentially a system that facilitates more comprehensive administration and regulation over its business processes. Through a systematic combination of up-to-date technologies and innovations, SCADA systems typically enable organisations to increase their efficiency, which in turn streamlines the management process by aiding your supervisory efforts and simplifying them to a considerable extent. SCADA organises all the data that is generated from multiple processes in a presentable manner so that only the facts related to the present and future functions of the business are examined accurately. This allows managers and executives in an organisation to make more informed and profitable business organisations.

In the current age, IIoT is revolutionising SCADA by providing standardisation and openness. It also provides scalability, interoperability, and amplified security by introducing its applicability. Essentially, both platforms are used in tandem to increase overall productivity by inculcating smart maintenance. It also facilitates waste reduction, rise in efficiency, and a decrease in downtime.

The information gathered from SCADA systems act as a source of data for IIoT applications. IIoT is fundamentally a summit of advances in the connectivity of hardware and data networks that SCADA provides. In short, IIoT begins where SCADA and other functions such as PLC end. HMI (Human Machine interface) help in the clear interpretation and examination of results derived from SCADA and IIOT. So, while the IIoT market is still in its early phases, it can coexist with SCADA. IoT is bringing forth a wave of new business processes and models that are evolving the landscape of SCADA.