There are many similarities between the IoT and the I-IoT. The I-IoT, however, is strictly related to industry and so it has some specific features, as highlighted in the following list:
- Cyber security is a critical topic for any digital solution, but its implementation in the industrial world requires special attention. This is because the OT systems and devices in industry have a much longer life cycle and are often based on legacy chips, processors, and operating systems that are not designed to be connected over the internet. This means they live in an isolated LAN, protected by a firewall from the external world.
- It is critical to ensure that industrial digital devices stay running; any temporary disruption can imply a large economic loss.
- I-IoT solutions must co-exist in an environment with a significant amount of legacy operation technologies. They must also co-exist with different devices acting as data sources, including SCADA, PLCs, DCS, various protocols and datasets, and the back-office enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as well.
- Industrial networks are specialized and deterministic networks, supporting tens of thousands of controllers, robots, and machinery. I-IoT solutions deployed into these networks must, therefore, scale tens of thousands of sensors, devices, and controllers seamlessly.
- Physical objects in the industrial world are more complex and have a wider range of typologies when compared to the consumer world.
- In the industrial world, robustness, resilience, and availability are key factors. Usability and user experience, however, are not as relevant as they are in the consumer world.
- Industrial and OT systems, from programmable logic controllers to machining equipment, are frequently reprogrammed and reconfigured to support new processes. I-IoT solutions must support and provide the same flexibility and adaptability to support operations.
- Intellectual property is a sensitive and important topic in the industrial world. Consider, for example, the design of a new machine, an engine, or a new food or drink recipe. The IP is often what differentiates a company in the market, and this cannot be lost or violated, since it is often managed by the company as a trade secret rather than covered through a patent.