The Industrial IoT Blog
IIoT Insights by Henry Costa
Tag: Industrial Automation
The use of control systems, software, and machines to operate industrial processes with minimal human intervention. It improves consistency, safety, and production efficiency.
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Edge AI Is Transforming IIoT with Real-Time Decisions
Read more: Edge AI Is Transforming IIoT with Real-Time DecisionsLet’s break it down simply. Edge AI means running artificial intelligence—things like machine learning models—directly on devices at the “edge” of your network. That’s usually right where the machines, sensors, and cameras are, not in some far-off data center. Why…
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MQTT Quality of Service (QoS) Explained
Read more: MQTT Quality of Service (QoS) ExplainedIf you work in manufacturing or IIoT, you’ve probably heard the term “MQTT Quality of Service” (or just MQTT QoS) thrown around. It sounds technical, but it’s actually a pretty simple idea — it’s about how sure you want to…
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How AI Is Driving IIoT Market Growth
Read more: How AI Is Driving IIoT Market GrowthAI and automation are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and they’re changing how we all work — from the plant floor to the boardroom. I’ve seen this play out over the past years, and I want to share what’s…
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This Is Why I’m Still Fascinated by IIoT
Read more: This Is Why I’m Still Fascinated by IIoTIf you ask me why IIoT still fascinates me after all these years, I could list technologies, architectures, or buzzwords. But honestly, it’s not about that. What keeps me hooked are the real, messy, and sometimes frustrating stories behind every…
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Foundations: What Is a PLC in an IIoT Architecture?
Read more: Foundations: What Is a PLC in an IIoT Architecture?Let’s start at the beginning: what’s a PLC, and why does it matter so much in smart factories and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) setups? The Basics: What Is a PLC? A PLC, or Programmable Logic Controller, is basically the…
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When Kepware isn’t Enough: Rethinking the Edge Connectivity Stack
Read more: When Kepware isn’t Enough: Rethinking the Edge Connectivity StackFor a long time, Kepware has been the go-to tool for connecting machines and pulling data from PLCs, DCS, and all sorts of shop-floor equipment. I’ve used it at dozens of sites — from auto parts to steel mills, pharma,…
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Is Sparkplug B Essential for IIoT Data Streaming?
Read more: Is Sparkplug B Essential for IIoT Data Streaming?Let me start with the short answer: No, Sparkplug B is not a “must” in every IIoT data streaming project. But it’s also not a technology you can ignore if you care about scalable, plug-and-play data flow in modern industrial…
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OPC UA: The Bridge to Smarter Plants
Read more: OPC UA: The Bridge to Smarter PlantsI still remember the first time I tried to connect a brand-new packaging line to our old MES, back in the late 2000s. It was like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole: the PLC spoke one…