Enginuity Future Skills Hub

Engineering and manufacturing is rapidly transforming, making it hard for employers to know what skills they need to keep pace with change. The Enginuity Future Skills Hub aims to demystify the skills, trends and transitions reshaping industries within the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sector.

What is The Industrial Internet of Things?

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) refers to the network of interconnected devices, sensors, and machinery in industrial settings, enabling monitoring, analysis, and optimisation of manufacturing processes for increased efficiency and productivity.

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The Industrial Internet of Things explained

How is The Industrial Internet of Things used?

The key uses of IIoT lie in monitoring, control, data collection, analysis, safety, and collaboration within manufacturing processes. Examples include:

Monitoring and control of equipment, machinery, processes, energy consumption, and worker conditions
Tracking location and movement of materials, work-in-progress, and finished products
Collecting data for analysis of product quality defects and generation of waste
Detecting abnormalities or potential failures of machinery and equipment
Connecting devices and systems in manufacturing environments.

Benefits of The Industrial Internet of Things

The applications of IIoT in small to medium engineering and manufacturing businesses contribute to improved efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced decision-making, ultimately supporting business growth and competitiveness.

The Industrial Internet of Things and Industry 4.0

IIoT is at the heart of , connecting physical assets, machines, and processes to digital networks and platforms. It enables real-time data collection, analysis and control, fostering predictive maintenance, smart operations, and agile supply chains for improved efficiency, flexibility, and competitiveness.

The Industrial Internet of Things and sustainability

IIoT can enhance sustainability by enabling real-time monitoring, optimising energy consumption, and facilitating predictive maintenance, leading to resource efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and data-driven optimisation of manufacturing processes and supply chain operations.

What skills might you need?

Skills required for Industrial Internet of Things include expertise in sensor technologies, networking protocols, and embedded systems development.

Additionally, knowledge of cloud computing platforms, edge computing, and cybersecurity is essential for implementing and managing IIoT solutions effectively in manufacturing environments.

Solution architecture
Systems integration
Data management
Network design
Security architecture
IoT devices
Automation of industrial processes
Data analytics
Software development
Change implementation planning and management
Innovation
Risk management

What skills might you need?

Skills required for Industrial Internet of Things include expertise in sensor technologies, networking protocols, and embedded systems development.

Additionally, knowledge of cloud computing platforms, edge computing, and cybersecurity is essential for implementing and managing IIoT solutions effectively in manufacturing environments.

Solution architecture
Systems integration
Data management
Network design
Security architecture
IoT devices
Automation of industrial processes
Data analytics
Software development
Change implementation planning and management
Innovation
Risk management

Who might need them?

Not everyone in a small and medium-sized manufacturing or engineering business needs to possess all the skills mentioned for Industrial Internet of Things. Different team members contribute to the IIoT implementation process in various capacities, including:

Leadership and decision-makers
IT and operations managers
Engineers and technicians
Data analysts
IT and network specialists
Project managers
Regulatory and compliance specialists
Innovation champions

Useful resources

Thingmongers store in Eastleigh. Image courtesy of The Green Edge.

Case Study: Barter for Things

Read about Barter for Things in Eastleigh, to understand some real-world applications of the Internet of Things and the skills needed to create them.

GE Digital on IIoT

GE Digital's blog demystifies IIoT, highlighting essential skills for industrial connectivity and optimisation.

Control Global

Find out more about IIoT by visiting Control Global, where they signpost to additional resources and information that will help demystify this topic.

Want to upskill?

Discover a list of online courses focusing on digital twins.