The role of industrial IOT in reducing GHG emissions

The industrial internet of things (IIoT) is revolutionizing the way industries operate, and it has a key role in increasing efficiency and the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

One of its benefits is its ability to identify inefficiencies and take preventive action. By continuously monitoring equipment and processes, companies can get ahead and control where and when inefficiencies happen and reduce waste, which also leads to significant cost savings. By harnessing the power of Industrial IoT sensors, companies can optimize operations, and help prevent unplanned downtime by alerting operators to potential issues before they result in costly breakdowns.

Manufacturing organizations have been collecting data massive amounts of data for  for some time now so, what's new? While this is a true fact, making sense of the data, being able to access it in real-time, and contextualizing is what truly make the difference in terms of environmental impact and efficiency. And here is where IoT (internet of things) technology makes it possible.

How is this accomplished? 

IIoT technology provides users with the ability to understand machine performance and structure unstructured data to be able to make understand their critical processes with precision leading to better decision-making. This is accomplished by the use of simple-to-install wireless sensors that capture and monitor the data that is relevant to a specific process. What makes it different from existing systems is that all of this is collected and processed in real-time giving manufacturers the ability to get ahead of the production challenges and make decisions to prevent downtime.

​​The relationship between efficiency and sustainability is a very close one as any changes in production and increase in productivity leads to less waste, better use of natural resources such as water, energy, gas, and more throughput.

​The use of IIoT Industrial IoT technology in the manufacturing process can range from:
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• Optimizing machine maintenance and improving OEE
• Reducing energy consumption
• Optimize the use of water and other resources
• Understand machine performance 
• Locate assets that impact productivity 
• Improve facility management in industrial environments such as air quality, energy, 

The benefits go beyond simple automation of processes to play a crucial role in reducing GHG emissions. By monitoring energy usage and emissions in real-time, companies identify areas to optimize the use of natural resources and reduce their environmental impact. For instance,, by optimizing equipment settings or adjusting production schedules, companies can reduce energy usage resulting in a more sustainable business.

One size doesnt fit all:

While all of this technology is changing the game and opening new possibilities for manufacturers, there are plenty of options and different approaches in the market, and while the challenges are similar, there is around 20% of the process that varies from one organization to another. Being able to customize solutions become key in efficient deployments. At the end of the day, it's not just about the technology and the machines but also transforming the process associated with it that truly makes an impact in achieving sustainability goals. 
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​Sources:

• Forbes. (2019). The Benefits and Challenges of IoT in Manufacturing. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2019/08/08/the-benefits-and-challenges-of-iot-in-manufacturing/?sh=1de0e63f63d5
  
• ​Reuters. (2021). Factbox: Big companies make net zero pledges, but how will they get there? https://www.reuters.com/article/us-climate-change-summit-netzero-factbox/factbox-big-companies-make-net-zero-pledges-but-how-will-they-get-there-idUSKBN2C32AS