IIoT wireless condition monitoring: Reality check

The landscape of IIoT and predictive maintenance is witnessing a convergence of genuine enthusiasm and capital flow. However, despite strong financial momentum, the broad-scale implementation of wireless condition monitoring as a frontrunner remains surprisingly limited in the wider market.

There are quite literally hundreds of millions of pieces of equipment globally, waiting to be monitored. Each represents a silent (though, they do vibrate) opportunity to derive value from. This brief article will dive straight into the heart of this concept, venturing beyond it’s mere surface-level benefits and serving up a dose of reality.

*So, Neo, which pill do you take?

Basics

First, let’s get the fundamentals straight. In the industrial landscape, machine downtime is a big no no — it’s costly and disruptive, especially for critical ones. The main goal of condition based maintenance, whether wired or wireless is to help you?optimize your maintenance resources?by performing maintenance work?only when needed. It's not just about reducing downtime; it's about smart, effective operations.

While the concept existed since the dawn of RCM programs. Today's technology is refining and refreshing these methods. Improved wireless setups, reliable sensors that don't break the bank, and powerful software analytics tools are all setting the stage for next-level predictive maintenance methods. We're talking less "fixing" and more "foreseeing”.

McKinsey and some other big names have been talking a lot about this space and it’s future. Reading those reports, it surely sounds promising, doesn't it?

So, why isn't everyone jumping on board?

There must be something else to it.

Reality check #1: This isn't the place I was promised

Marketing rules the business realm. Everywhere we turn, we’re greeted with bold claims touting "near-perfect predictions" and promises of monumental $$$ savings. It's a symphony of voices, each louder and more assertive than the last. This said, promises need weight, not just volume.

Truth of the matter is, like any tool, wireless condition monitoring isn't magic. It's a means to an end. Overhyping it leads to under-delivery. It's akin to promising a unicorn but delivering a donkey.. (no offence to donkeys).

Sure, the market is fierce, and need for innovation is constant. It’s hard to not emphasize on the tech race. But for companies to truly benefit from your IIoT solutions, they must prioritize reliability first. At its core, technology can achieve only so much.

The foundation – like adapting company culture and refining processes – needs to be firm, always asking the question of “where does this tech fit into a bigger picture?”

Drinking protein shakes won't make you jacked unless paired with a good workout regime.

Blindly pushing a product to a mismatched audience is a strategy destined to backfire, stunting wider acceptance. It's far more beneficial to level with users, guiding them to first solidify their basics, and manage outcome expectations in tune with their unique situations. When you're open and honest, customers notice, and they comeback for business when timings are right.

Reality check #2: You can’t master it all, Jack

Being the best at everything? No company can claim that, especially in the dense jungle of IIoT with layers of complex technologies. While VC’s have a soft spot for predictable SaaS models, achieving genuine scalability in wireless condition monitoring means blending hardware and software, grappling with legacy systems, and eventually getting the best of true reliability expertise. Latter being the key aspect of the equation.

As much as it hurts admitting for some vendors, but cultivating a genuine reliability DNA doesn't just spring up overnight. It's a meticulous process, developed over years of practice, refinement, and resilience. Engaging with customers is more than a transactional relationship; it's a commitment spanning decades.

Similarly, it’s too much of an ask for specialized service companies with "reliability in their blood" to build the necessary technology stack in house. We're talking about a significant investment, both in money and technical know-how with no guarantees if the product will retain its innovative status in couple years.

Being intimate with machinery operation is key, but it doesn't directly equip us to effectively design the tools that evaluate its health.

This collaborative gap driven by investor ambitions, leads to many up-and-coming companies peddle grand visions of being able to combine best of all worlds for just $199.99 a pilot. Result? Well, stats don't lie.

Reality check #3: The gear was set, but the game had different rules.

Look, no tech is flawless. However, in the grand scheme of things, we're not exactly lacking cutting-edge sensors or state-of-the-art data analysis tools out there. And I get it, it’s not pleasant for excited founders to find themselves at a standstill after shedding all that blood, sweat and tears into building next transformative product. This said, there's a vast pool of external dynamics that can't be ignored if we aim for both the product and its collaborators to win. Plenty has been written on these challenges but let’s identify key ones:

Organizational Inertia:

• Deep-rooted processes, involvement of IT teams, operational teams, executives, and sometimes even regulatory will create a friction during adoption

Integration with Legacy Systems:

• Existing older systems might not be compatible with new technologies, requiring additional effort and resources for integration.

Data Overload:

• Managing vast amounts of data can be overwhelming, requiring effective data management systems

Skill Gaps:

• The lack of expertise or understanding can obstruct the effective utilization of new tech.

Cost Implications:

• Promising ROI without understanding the context of user’s operations is selling dreams. Lack of acknowledgement on hidden costs can and will quickly dissuade the users in the project

*We've glimpsed the world without the wool over our eyes. So, what's our next move?"

In the spirit of the Matrix trilogy, there's no singular quick fix for the challenges we confront. But again, we're navigating roadblocks, not dodging machine-led rebellions. Let’s go through some potential resolutions

Solution #1: Journey is not about destination but the friends you made along the way

IIoT is an eco-system driven concept and that has to be underlined. Navigating the complex world of industrial tech is no small feat, and honestly, it's just plain hard for single company to master on its own.

That's where strong foundational partnerships between technology vendors and seasoned industry veterans can make all the difference. By leveraging those relationships, the newer entrants with innovative products can tap into years of hard-earned trust and practical know-how. Ensuring that it’s not just about making a splash in the market, but addressing true industry reliability needs.

Collaborations on all levels will bridge the gap between innovation and practical application, and should go as far is involving partners into the development from day one. Just make sure you sign the NDA first.

Solution #2. Big brother is always watching

Large corporations hold immense influence and resources, and while the temptation to simply acquire emerging tech startups for immediate gains exists, it often squashes the very spark that made them special

Sure, closed ecosystems can ensure a streamlined experience, but they can also limit customer’s choices. If products within an ecosystem are designed to work best (or exclusively) with each other, consumers might feel "locked in" and reluctant to explore potentially better options outside of what fits the puzzle

Instead, big boys should embrace their role as industry stewards, fostering a diverse ecosystem by collaborating with new kids in the block. This approach not only ensures sustainable industry growth and continuous innovation but also positions the corporation as a forward-thinking leader, benefiting both the industry and the parties involved.

Solution #3. Start with the end in mind (thanks mr.Covey)

Is our pursuit driven by desire to capture juicier market portion or a genuine commitment to address core challenges? The industry is in need of leaders who comprehend the full scope and link up its disjointed bits.

For tech vendors - focus is your ally. Instead of spreading thin, delve deep into one arena and dominate it. When you're building a product, reflect: Is this aligned with the overarching ambition to address tangible and foundational challenges? The reach should always be guided by depth, not breadth

For service providers, wireless condition monitoring might not be the first thing on the radar. However, when it blips into focus, the approach should be inclusive. Sync up with the vendors, merge know-how, and co-create a robust framework. Diving deep into in-house development without tapping into vendor knowledge? That's a deeper end you might not want to swim in alone

There is enough friction in this space. The collaborative effort should make it EASY to implement desired technology, so the user’s can focus on what they do best - produce things. Best way to enable that? Reducing downtime effectively, and efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I have to admit that drafting an article, suggesting we tick boxes A, B, and C, is the easy part. But here's the less desired truth many shy away from: turning the promised vision of scalable wireless condition monitoring into reality won't be a cakewalk. The sooner we accept that no single entity can wave a magic wand to fulfill every dream, and grasp that it's a team sport, the smoother we will transition from hype phase to sustainable adoption

And for the marathoners among us, I am confident, the journey and its end will justify the means

Treon is a technology company designing intelligent edge products for massive IoT. Their expertise lies in enabling customers in industrial, smart life, and logistics to create scalable IoT solutions with sensors, gateways, platform, and engineering services.

In the space of wireless condition monitoring, Treon is a key player, offering a portfolio of wireless vibration sensors to industry leaders worldwide. Adding value by laying the foundation for the development of wireless condition monitoring solutions and facilitating seamless integration of sensors with existing infrastructures, focusing on flexibility and scalability. Coupled with a robust network of technology partners, Treon can present a holistic solution that addresses the full spectrum of reliability needs