IIoT vs IoT: What is Difference Between IoT and Industrial IoT?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is a sub-category, including consumer applications such as wearable devices, home automation, and self-driving cars. 

Devices, machines, and infrastructure with integrated sensors transmitting data over the internet and managing the software are perfect illustrations of these two concepts.

IIoT employs intelligent sensors and actuators to improve manufacturing and industrial processes. Prominently known as the Industrial Internet or Industry 4.0, IIoT harnesses the power of intelligent machines and real-time analytics to leverage the data that dumb devices have produced in industrial environments for years.

The philosophy of the IIoT is that intelligent machines are not only better than humans at capturing and analyzing real-time data but are also more adept at communicating important information that can be used to make faster and more precise decisions.

Connected sensors and actuators allow businesses to detect inefficiencies and problems faster, in addition to supporting business intelligence (BI) efforts. 

In manufacturing, in particular, the IIoT has excellent potential for quality control, sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, supply chain traceability, and complete supply chain efficiency. 

In addition, IIoT is essential for processes such as predictive maintenance, improved field services, energy management, and asset tracking in an industrial setting.

While the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT have many technologies in common, including cloud platforms, sensors, connectivity, machine-to-machine communications, and data analytics, they are used for different purposes.

IoT apps connect devices across many industries, including smart agriculture, healthcare (IoMT), businesses, consumers and utilities, and governments and cities. In addition, IoT devices include intelligent accessories, fitness bands, and other applications.

Applications of IIoT, on the other hand, connect machines and devices in industries such as oil and gas, utilities, and manufacturing. 

As a result, system failures and downtime in IIoT deployments can lead to high-risk or even life-threatening situations. On the other hand, IoT applications are more concerned with improving efficiency and health or safety than with the user-centric nature of IoT applications.