During the recent Made in Group Monthly Industry Meetup, a breakout roundtable on "IoT on a Budget" brought together representatives from various firms to share their experiences and strategies for implementing IoT in a cost-effective manner. The session featured contributions from Jimmy Philips of Powdertech, Tom Harris of Wavenet, Simon Dunn of Pryor Marking, Kevin Ward of Brown & Holmes, Jackie Bradnick of Telford College, and Carles Palomo of Chemfix. The discussion revolved around current levels of IoT adoption, challenges faced, and practical steps for integrating IoT technologies without incurring excessive costs.
The Drive Towards IoT Adoption
Several companies, including Chemfix, Brown & Holmes, Powdertech, and Pryor Marking, are eager to embark on their IoT journeys. However, these firms recognise the need for robust support and guidance to ensure successful implementation. A common concern expressed was the "hero syndrome," where IoT initiatives are driven by a small group of individuals rather than being embraced organisation-wide.
Kevin Ward of Brown & Holmes stated that customer demands are now a significant driver of IoT adoption. He noted that IoT is not a project with a defined end date but an ongoing process that must be embedded into the company culture. Ward also highlighted the importance of bringing the entire workforce along on this journey, sometimes requiring the recruitment of external talent with the necessary skills.
Simon Dunn of Pryor Marking echoed this sentiment, sharing that their company has focused on various business improvements over the years, and IoT is the next logical step. He explained that due to inheriting older systems, they have prioritised people over equipment. This emphasis on human resources is part of the reason they are considering a move to new facilities, which would better support IoT integration.
The Practicalities of IoT Implementation
Jimmy Philips from Powdertech shared their experience of attempting a major IoT push four to five years ago. He described the process as slow-moving, with the company still in the midst of their IoT journey. This illustrates the reality that IoT adoption is often more of a marathon than a sprint.
Tom Harris of Wavenet, a facilitator of IoT for manufacturers, provided valuable insights into overcoming common challenges. He acknowledged that IoT is often perceived as a complex and expensive endeavor, but he urged companies to start by leveraging existing equipment. Many firms, he believes, have untapped connectivity potential on their shop floors. Harris advised that while new technology can yield significant benefits, companies should first explore the capabilities of what they already have.
However, Harris also cautioned that as plants and systems become more interconnected, the risk of cyberattacks increases. He recommended focusing on the "three pillars" of security: people, passwords, and patching, to mitigate these risks effectively.
The Need for Real-Time Data and Security
Carles Palomo from Chemfix highlighted the necessity of real-time data to improve their operations. This need for immediate insights was a common theme among participants, as real-time data is critical for optimising processes and making informed decisions.
Simon Dunn further emphasised the importance of balancing the drive for improvements with the risks of introducing new vulnerabilities. He extended an invitation to other firms to visit Pryor Marking’s facilities during their 175th-anniversary event on September 19th, an opportunity to see their IoT efforts firsthand.
Best Practices for Successful IoT Adoption
The roundtable concluded with Emma Hill's recommendations, which focused on ensuring that companies allocate sufficient time and resources for IoT projects. Communication, she stressed, is the most critical factor in successful implementation. Simon Dunn also shared an example from Pryor Marking, where they integrated an IT professional into a central business process role. This individual had the right ideas and skills to drive IoT initiatives, a strategy that all participants agreed was worth aspiring to.
In summary, the breakout session on "IoT on a Budget" provided valuable insights into the practicalities of IoT adoption. While challenges exist, the consensus was that with careful planning, leveraging existing resources, and prioritizing security, companies can embark on their IoT journeys without breaking the bank.