Latest news with #IIoT
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Smart Manufacturing's IIoT Revolution: Can You Keep Up?
In this session, CIOs, from the manufacturing sector, spoke about leveraging IIoT and how it brings about unprecedented efficiencies. They also delved into ways and means of harnessing IIoT's power without losing control, risking security, or becoming entangled in tech-driven chaos. This talk was a part of ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025, Goa, May 29-June 1 Advertisement
Arabian Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Unified Namespace Revolutionises Industrial Data Integration
Factories are increasingly adopting a Unified Namespace architecture—an event‑driven, centralised framework that unites data from diverse systems under a single, real‑time source of truth. By standardising naming conventions and utilising protocols like MQTT, this model dismantles data silos, enhances scalability, and accelerates decision‑making across engineering, operations, and management teams. UNS addresses the critical issue of fragmented automation ecosystems, where legacy PLCs, SCADA, MES, ERP and new IIoT devices yield data in inconsistent formats and isolated silos. By reorganising data into a semantic hierarchy aligned with business structures and situating all assets as nodes in a publish‑subscribe landscape, UNS ensures every connected system publishes updates when state changes occur and can subscribe to relevant data streams. Architectures based on UNS deploy MQTT brokers and IIoT platforms at their core. Data flows from edge devices—PLCs, sensors, HMIs—into 'raw' MQTT namespaces. It is then tidied, contextualised, and republished into a clean, hierarchically structured UNS, often paired with time‑series historians and SQL databases for durability and retrospective analytics. ADVERTISEMENT Industry voices emphasise UNS's role in bridging OT–IT divides. Walker Reynolds, credited with coining the term, described it as 'a real‑time single source of truth…semantically organised like the business and built to be open'. HiveMQ positions UNS as an enterprise‑scale model that aligns with patterns used in Data Mesh and Domain‑Driven Design, placing context‑aware, edge‑driven data streams at the centre of manufacturing ecosystems. Recent uptake is notable: OEMs and engineering integrators report streamlined onboarding of IIoT sensors, rapid deployment of smart analytics and reduced custom integration efforts. Clarify notes that UNS acts as the foundation for Industry 5.0‑ready systems—where real‑time context, resilience, and federated governance are critical. TCS analysts argue that consistent tag naming and publish‑subscribe methods democratise operations and facilitate near real‑time decision‑making across departments. Drivers of UNS adoption include the surge of IIoT connections—forecast to exceed 37 billion by 2025—and the push for real‑time visibility and AI‑driven insights. Heavyweights such as HiveMQ, EMQX and Inductive Automation's Ignition platform are addressing the architecture's appetite for robust MQTT‑based messaging layers. HiveMQ in particular emphasises semantic data hierarchy design, security hardening, and mapping enterprise schemas to UNS topics. The legacy Pyramid model—where data moves upward in batch‑driven flows—proved brittle and expensive to scale. UNS transforms this into a hub‑and‑spoke solution: systems publish events directly into the namespace; consumers subscribe as needed. This eliminates point‑to‑point wiring and custom middleware, reducing complexity and accelerating time‑to‑market. Adopters also benefit from plug‑and‑play device integration. Sparkplug B over MQTT ensures that edge devices can join UNS without manual intervention, supporting standardized payloads and monitoring capabilities. Challenges remain. Integrating legacy vendors requires protocol adaptation; data governance must balance federated ownership with enterprise consistency; cybersecurity demands are heightened by the open edge‑driven infrastructure. These technical and cultural safeguards are critical to UNS's sustainability. Nevertheless, early implementations demonstrate tangible benefits: one manufacturer reported a 30 % reduction in downtime detection latency thanks to real‑time fault event publication. Another systems integrator noted a 40 % cut in engineering hours by replacing custom connectors with dynamic UNS subscriptions. Bracketology 4.0, an innovative application outside manufacturing, showcased UNS's versatility in handling real‑time tournament data and instant user analytics. As newer projects integrate UNS, focus is shifting to best practice frameworks—semantic schemas, access control, naming standards aligned to ISA‑95 models—and more intelligent data models. HiveMQ's reference architectures are guiding industry audiences in mapping enterprise hierarchies into MQTT topic structures. Momentum is growing within the automation vendor landscape. Inductive Automation's Ignition platform, paired with Cirrus Link MQTT modules, is gaining prominence for its streamlined UNS onboarding. EMQX promotes scalability across geographically distributed plants, enabling centralised monitoring while maintaining edge resilience.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India's top manufacturing CIOs on mastering IIoT transformation
The future of manufacturing is already unfolding—on data-rich factory floors where machines communicate, predict, and even collaborate with human operators. But as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) rapidly scales, a critical question arises: how can manufacturers unlock its potential without becoming overwhelmed by its complexity?At the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025, leading voices from India's manufacturing and technology ecosystem came together to unpack this very challenge. Moderated by ETCIO Editor Muqbil Ahmar, the discussion brought to light a nuanced view of India's industrial transformation—one that's ambitious, grounded, and acutely aware of the operational, cultural, and technological realities. Reimagining the factory: From industry 4.0 to industry 5.0 Debashish Roy, CDTO at CEAT, painted a vivid picture of the transition from Industry 4.0 to Industry 5.0, spotlighting a future driven not just by automation but by human-centric design, sustainability, and the rise of collaborative robots ( cobots ). 'Cobots are not traditional robots. These are designed to work alongside humans, enhancing both productivity and safety,' Roy said. Roy also introduced emerging concepts like foresight factories, which go beyond predictive maintenance to adapt in real-time to shifting demand signals, as well as experience hubs powered by AR/VR and the industrial metaverse—a space where training, inspection, and visualization converge for operational excellence. Smart factories must deliver across three dimensions Gaurav Kataria, VP – Digital & CDIO at ITC, broadened the definition of success. Smart manufacturing , he emphasized, must create impact across three layers: operational efficiency, revenue generation, and societal value. With digital tools delivering a 2.4% EBITDA boost at ITC's paper division, the results speak for themselves. But challenges remain—especially when it comes to democratizing technology for MSMEs, which form the backbone of India's manufacturing sector. 'We haven't yet figured out how to make Industry 4.0 affordable for MSMEs. But the intent and innovation are already there,' Kataria added, citing examples of small manufacturers adopting 3D printing and modular solutions to great effect. The real barriers to smart manufacturing The panelists didn't shy away from identifying what's holding smart factory dreams back. The list was familiar but still formidable: legacy machines that aren't sensor-ready, siloed and outdated processes, under-skilled workforces, and the often-fatal mistake of deploying tech before defining a problem. 'We need business translators—those who understand the language of both the factory floor and AI algorithms,' Kataria asserted. Without this bridge, even the most advanced IIoT solution risks becoming just another dashboard collecting dust. Agentic AI and machines that talk back For Harsh Vardhan, CDO at Apollo Tyres, smart manufacturing success lies in linking bold innovation with clear business value. He shared Apollo's internal initiative, 'Machines Are Talking,' where engineers interact with equipment via agentic AI frameworks—a system built with explainability, cost controls, and security embedded by design. 'We tried causal AI with quantum-inspired ML for demand sensing,' Vardhan said. 'It sounded like science fiction, but the impact was real and measurable.' This kind of experimentation, he stressed, must be grounded in ROI, scalability, and alignment with organizational priorities to avoid pilot fatigue. Reliance Jio's lego model for scalable IIoT Kavit Gupta from Reliance Jio presented a commercial model built to solve IIoT's toughest blockers: cost, integration complexity, and legacy constraints. Jio's Lego-as-a-Service framework enables plug-and-play adoption of solutions like smart surveillance, connected vehicles, and private 5G, all pre-tested in Jio's own Jamnagar plant and scaled across industries like aerospace and automotive. 'We've helped Airbus reduce inspection times by 80%. For Hitachi, we've cut plant downtime in half using edge analytics,' Gupta said. The key, he noted, is shifting from capex-heavy deployments to as-a-service models that accelerate experimentation and lower risk for manufacturers. When dashboards turn into dollars Rounding off the panel, Santosh Kumar Satapathy, Group CIO at Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys, shared a powerful case study that proves smart manufacturing's ROI potential. By integrating SAP S/4HANA with ML models and dealer systems, and layering it with end-to-end visibility, the company achieved: 23% reduction in inventory15–17% improvement in cash flowFaster and smarter procurement-to-delivery cycles 'The real breakthrough wasn't just better analytics—it was aligning digital architecture with financial performance and operational cadence,' Satapathy explained. The session made one thing clear: smart factories don't emerge from adopting the latest tech—they are built through strategic alignment, relentless process rethinking, and empowering people with the right tools. While enterprises like CEAT, ITC, and Reliance are scaling Industry 5.0 frameworks, the real opportunity lies in extending this momentum to the broader industrial landscape—including MSMEs. The convergence of agentic AI, foresight-driven production, and modular adoption models promises a new chapter in Indian manufacturing—one where innovation is both inclusive and outcome-driven.
Techday NZ
18-06-2025
- Business
- Techday NZ
Data diode market to reach USD $919.29 million by 2034
The data diode market is projected to reach USD $919.29 million by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2025 to 2034, according to research by Polaris Market Research. Data diodes are specialised hardware devices that enforce a unidirectional flow of data between networks, typically from a secure internal network to a less secure external one. Unlike software-based gateways and firewalls, which can be susceptible to cyber threats, data diodes provide a physical layer of security, making them ideal for environments that require strict separation and regulatory compliance. Once largely employed within military and critical infrastructure environments, data diodes now see adoption across an increasing range of sectors, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and energy, where sensitive and mission-critical information must be robustly safeguarded. Market developments The Polaris Market Research report values the data diode market at USD $467.66 million in 2024 and projects growth to USD $919.29 million by 2034. SMEs are expected to experience heightened adoption of data diodes, as they too are now targets of cyberattacks that formerly affected primarily large enterprises. The Asia Pacific region is forecast to see pronounced growth, driven by ongoing industrialisation and escalating cyber risk. Multiple factors are expected to fuel wider adoption of data diodes. The report notes, "There has been a significant rise in ransomware attacks, cyber espionage, and nation-state threats targeting critical infrastructure. This has prompted organisations to actively seek solutions that offer zero-attack surfaces. Data diodes act as a physical barrier to unauthorised access, which effectively eliminates pathways for cyber intrusions into sensitive networks." The integration of operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT) through the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) also raises the risk of cyber vulnerabilities. According to the research, "Data diodes offer an effective way to transfer sensor data from OT systems to IT platforms without making the system vulnerable to backflow attacks." Furthermore, governments globally are enforcing tighter cybersecurity regulations, especially in industries such as finance, defence, and energy. The report notes, "Data diodes help entities comply with these regulations by preventing data tempering and ensuring secure audits." There is also a trend towards greater use in critical infrastructure sectors. The report highlights, "Data diodes are being increasingly deployed in power plants, water treatment facilities, and transportation networks to protect them from cyber threats. These devices ensure continued operations by preventing data leakage or malware infiltration while still enabling outbound communication." Data diode types and trends Data diodes come in various forms according to use case and integration requirements, including hardware-based, software-assisted, and virtual data diodes. Hardware-based data diodes employ physical limitations, such as optical fibres or digital circuits, to guarantee one-way transfer. This makes them resistant to hacking, malware, and configuration errors. Software-assisted diodes reinforce hardware controls with software layers to support a broader array of protocols and data formats. Virtual data diodes, intended for situations where physical separation is impractical, simulate one-way data flow but offer a lower security assurance compared to hardware-based alternatives. The study identifies several emerging trends in the sector. There is increasing miniaturisation of data diode units, leading to more portable and compact solutions suitable for mobile or small-scale applications. Modern units have become protocol-agnostic, supporting diverse industrial and IT protocols to facilitate broader network deployment. There is also enhanced integration with security operations centres (SOCs); data diodes are now used to securely transmit logs and alerts, shielding source systems from exposure. Cloud connectivity has become another focal area. With the proliferation of cloud adoption, manufacturers are working to ensure data diodes can provide safe outbound connectivity for the transfer of information to cloud services, permitting companies to make use of cloud analytics without increasing vulnerability to inbound threats. Regulatory and infrastructure considerations Regulatory compliance remains a crucial driver for data diode adoption, particularly in scenarios where information integrity and auditability are paramount. The physical enforcement of one-way data communication contributes to meeting stringent sector-specific requirements. The ongoing digital transformation across industries, with the convergence of OT and IT, increases the need for robust security controls. Data diodes are positioned to become integral in strategies to safeguard industrial operations and infrastructure from ever-evolving cyber threats. As the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks increase, the demand for high-assurance network protection technologies like data diodes is gaining momentum. These devices offer unparalleled security through the physical enforcement of one-way communication, making them crucial for sectors that need high confidentiality and regulatory compliance. With ongoing advancements in protocol support and integration capabilities, the data diode market is poised to witness sustained growth in the coming years.
Mid East Info
03-06-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
e& enterprise and Exeed Industries team up to fast-track UAE's Industry 4.0 shift - Middle East Business News and Information
e& enterprise, the digital transformation arm of e&, and Exeed Industries, a leading UAE industrial group and a subsidiary of National Holding, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the partnership is a multi-year programme set to accelerate digital transformation across Exeed Industries' UAE-based factories. Together, both entities will develop a comprehensive Industry 4.0 roadmap – a strategic plan that guides manufacturers in adopting smart, connected technologies to boost efficiency and competitiveness – underpinned by AI and sustainability. The goal is to strengthen the resilience and global standing of UAE manufacturing. e& enterprise will lead the development of the Exeed Industries technology blueprint for Industry 4.0 strategy, working closely with each manufacturing unit and the Group. This roadmap will be key in enabling Exeed Industries to access funding opportunities from Abu Dhabi Investment Office through the Smart Manufacturing Accelerator Programme (SMAP), to implement transformative projects at scale. The scope covers conducting maturity assessments across five Exeed plants, developing tailored smart manufacturing roadmaps, and Deployment of Industrial IoT (IIoT) technologies integrated with AI and GenAI engines, digital twins (which use IIoT data to mirror the real-time performance and condition of physical assets), predictive maintenance and automation. It also includes deploying AI for functions like demand forecasting, quality control, and energy optimisation, as well as integrating ESG-driven platforms to monitor and reduce carbon impact. Majd Coussa, Acting Chief Revenue Officer, e& enterprise, said: 'This partnership represents a model for how we aim to work with forward-looking manufacturers. By combining Exeed's industrial leadership with our deep expertise in digital transformation, we will co-develop scalable solutions that align with the UAE's goals for innovation, sustainability and economic diversification.' Mohammed AlAmeer, Group CEO, Exeed Industries, added: 'At Exeed Industries, we are committed to evolving our manufacturing capabilities to meet the demands of a future-ready industrial sector. This MoU with e& enterprise allows us to reimagine our operations through the lens of digital innovation, contributing directly to national goals under Make it in the Emirates.' As part of the collaboration, e& enterprise will bring its wider climate commitment to the table. After setting ambitious environmental targets for 2030, e& launched its Climate Transition Plan, titled 'Ambition to Action', which sets out a clear roadmap to Net Zero. One of the first companies in the region to publish such a detailed approach, e& is working to decarbonise its operations and support partners like Exeed in embedding sustainable practices across value chains. Sustainability is embedded in e&'s transformation journey, aligned with national and global priorities such as the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, We The UAE 2031 Vision, and the Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership with Exeed will further strengthen ESG-led manufacturing, with the aim of building resilient, resource-efficient industrial models that are future-fit and climate-aligned. The collaboration supports the UAE's broader ambitions to become a global hub for advanced manufacturing, in line with its Industry 4.0 strategy and net zero goals. It will also serve as a replicable framework for other manufacturers in the UAE and the wider region, demonstrating how digital transformation can enhance industrial productivity, energy efficiency and competitiveness. About e& enterprise: e& enterprise is a digital transformation leader supporting governments and large-scale organisations in building and scaling their digital core. Through optimising operations, enhancing customer engagement, and data-driven decision-making, we enable seamless, sustainable, and secure transitions into the evolving digital world. Currently operating in the UAE, KSA, Egypt, Oman, Türkiye, Qatar, and South Africa, e& enterprise brings cutting-edge digital scalable solutions designed to deliver tangible business value and address the unique challenges faced by organisations and executives across industries. With a proven track record as a trusted digital transformation partner, technical expertise, and the ability to deploy and manage complex solutions, e& enterprise provides collaborative tailored solutions that empower customers to navigate their end-to-end digital transformation journey. About Exeed Industries: A subsidiary of National Holding and headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Exeed Industries is a leading diversified manufacturing conglomerate playing a pivotal role in industrial manufacturing and directly contributing to the economic development of the UAE and the wider MENA region. Presently, its operations span six state-of-the-art manufacturing entities across the UAE and Jordan, specialising in building materials, construction, engineering, synthetic materials, and consumer goods. Each entity leads its respective sector with a strong focus on innovation, quality, and sustainability.
