By 2025, there will be over 23 billion connections on the Internet of Things (IoT) compared to 15.1 billion in 2021, according to a recent report from GSMA, an industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide. 

The Internet of Things is a network of interlinked devices that harness the internet to continuously capture and process data and analytics from physical objects. As IoT adoption increases and it becomes more integrated, global supply chains are expected to reap major benefits. For example, IoT devices create multiple interaction points along supply chains that provide advanced data collection, factory automation, GPS shipment tracking, and enhanced communication between machines and people. 

According to Dipti Parmar, writing in CIO, there are two major ways that IoT – combined with artificial intelligence, wireless sensor networks, 5G, and big data – will make supply chains smarter, faster, and more efficient:

Eliminates dependency on complicated infrastructure:

Traditional tracking systems for supply chain analytics are expensive, time consuming, overly complex, and often lead to dependency on vendors. IoT-based data loggers, which can be attached to shipments and send data to cloud-based servers, can solve these issues. Once attached to shipments, these loggers can monitor thousands of goods traveling across the supply chain. This level of detail gives everyone involved valuable insight into any problems —such as temperature changes or container tilting — that could be affecting the shipments in real time. The loggers are also more affordable than traditional hardware used to track shipments, and can provide enhanced analytics for enhanced decision making.

Provides equal access to data:

In an IoT-enhanced supply chain, data is accessible in real time to everyone involved in the shipment of goods. With improved monitoring and visibility, manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers can: 

• make better and faster decisions
• save time and money
• improve forecasting
• reduce waste
• take more calculated risks
• increase revenue

IoT Depends on Advanced Cloud Technology

While the Internet of Things has the power to transform supply chains, its success will depend heavily on cloud computing technology. This is because IoT devices must be able to connect and send information to the cloud in a centralized location, which allows devices to communicate with one another. As such, organizations that want to adapt the benefits of IoT also need to embrace advanced cloud technology. 

“The cloud helps in this operation by streamlining and optimizing machine-to-machine communications and facilitating this across interfaces,” writes Ritesh Sutaria, Director of Prompt Softech, a custom forward development company, in IoT for All. “With the increased interactions between many connected devices and immense volumes of data generated, organizations will have to find a cost-effective way to store, process, and access data from their IoT solutions.”

Ongoing Disruptions Will Drive IoT Adoption

Despite its many benefits, industries have been hesitant to adopt IoT. However, ongoing challenges in the supply system, such as disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, will likely encourage more organizations to start adopting the technology in coming years. 

“Speed and reliability have always been and will continue to be the driving factors of the supply chain for the foreseeable future,” writes Parmar. “The next few months will be critical for companies that bank on data to improve their supply chains. They have a never-before opportunity to build on the momentum and insights gained as a result of COVID-related disruptions by adopting newer technology and systems. The ones that fail to adapt to changing realities will likely be left behind by more agile competitors.”

As organizations adopt IoT, they will increasingly depend on technical professionals who understand this complex technology. Learning the applications, principles, and trends behind the technology is a great way to make your skills more relevant. 

Want to Improve Your IoT Skills? Check out the IEEE Academy on IoT

Are you a professional engineer interested in improving your understanding of the Internet of Things? IEEE has created a new academy that combines existing IoT educational materials with the latest research and developments to help guide technical professionals in this expanding field. 

IEEE Academies are primarily for technical professionals who need to understand new technical information quickly so they can apply it to their work. In addition to gaining new skills and knowledge, participants will also earn a certificate upon their completion. There are two IoT learning paths from which to choose— and both are available on the IEEE Learning Network (ILN)!

IEEE Academy on Internet of Things (IoT): Communications Standards

Communication technology is an essential part of the Internet of Things as it allows devices to connect to each other. This learning path covers the basic principles of communication technology and practical usage of standardized communication. Learn more. 

IEEE Academy on Internet of Things (IoT): Computing Platforms

IoT computing platforms are essential to the development and deployment of IoT applications. This learning path covers all these aspects by providing an overview of the current state-of-art and future trends on computing platforms for IoT applications. Learn more.

What Are IEEE Academies?

IEEE Academies are designed to teach in-demand technical concepts in a new way to IEEE members working in industry. This new learning format at IEEE will help members understand a technical concept without needing a deep background in that technology. This will ensure they understand the fundamental concepts so they can apply them in the context of their general work and technical needs. Learn more about IEEE Academies.

Resources

Sutaria, Ritesh. (8 April 2022). Unveiling the Potential Relationship between IoT and Cloud Computing. IoT for All. 

Parmar, Dipti. (12 April 2022). How data from IoT devices is changing supply chain analytics. CIO. 

The Mobile Economy 2022. GSMA.

Contracts have long created headaches for the business community. Traditionally authorized by third parties such as banks and courts, business contracts can be expensive and time consuming, in addition to often ending in disputes — or even lawsuits. However, blockchain technology and the Internet of Things (IoT) could allow for “smart contracts” that eliminate the need for third parties in order to make contracts far easier and less expensive.

How Do Smart Contracts Work?

Unlike traditional contracts, smart contracts exist as unalterable digital code on the blockchain, a decentralized digital ledger of transactions that records data in a way that prevents hacking and altering of data by duplicating transactions and dispersing them to “nodes” across the network. Furthermore, the physical goods associated with these contracts, such as shipping containers, can be automatically traced with IoT devices and sensors, making them easy to trace and document. 

After conditions are met between the various parties involved, the smart contract automatically executes, and begins next steps in the process.  Because everything in the contract exists as code, it eliminates potential for human error and added fees. And since the terms are all predetermined and automatically enforceable, they cannot be manipulated or misinterpreted. 

What Are The Benefits of Smart Contracts?

As we discussed in a previous post, this seamless integration of contracts could revolutionize the way businesses operate. There are many ways smart contracts will improve businesses in the future. According to the legal site JDSUPRA, these include: 

1. Automation: Smart contracts will allow businesses to automate the contract process, and trigger next steps without any human interference. “They can also send notifications and automate processes such as dispute resolution, document reconciliation, and discrepancy identification.”
2. Risk management: Smart contracts eliminate the possibility for mistakes often made in the process of drawing up big contracts in which many conditions have to be met, and save time in the process. Instead, both parties agree on the release of payments once certain milestones are met. “This way, the service provider has incentive to make sure they maintain the agreed upon schedule and the paying party can have assurance they will not have to pay for work that has not been completed.”
3. Time and money: Smart contracts allow for seamless money exchange, so that costly and time-consuming bank transfers and direct deposits are unnecessary.
4. Confidence: Businesses can rest assured knowing that smart contracts are securely tracked and recorded on the blockchain. This mitigates concern that terms of their contracts may have been altered before they were signed, as well as reducing the potential for disagreements and legal battles. 
5. Simplifies the job of human resources: Because smart contracts are traceable and seamless, they make it much easier for employees, businesses, and HR departments “to satisfy their obligations and comply with company policies and regulations.” 
6. Creates certainty: Because smart contracts leave “no room for interpretation,” they will help eliminate long negotiation periods, contract breaches, legal disputes, and disagreements over whether terms were met. “All parties can see the terms set forth in the code, whether conditions have been satisfied, and what dispute resolution process corresponds to each step of the contract. As a result, there is no doubt what will happen.”

Smart contracts do come with some potential pitfalls. Examples include the potential for flawed code or data, and the inability of parties to reverse any mistakes made in the original contract once it is initiated. With smart contracts, there is simply no room for error of ambiguity. However, given their vast benefits, there is little doubt that many organizations will eventually adopt smart contracts. 

Enterprise Blockchain for Your Industry

What industries can benefit from blockchain technology? Get Enterprise Blockchain for Healthcare, IoT, Energy, and Supply Chain, a five-course program from IEEE, to find out. Developed by leading experts in blockchain technology, this advanced program provides business use cases across key industries and sectors. It’s ideal for managers, professional engineers, and business leaders.

Contact an IEEE Content Specialist to learn more about how this program can benefit your organization.

Interested in getting access for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) today!

Resources

(14 July 2021). 6 Reasons Why Employers Need to Join the Blockchain Revolution and Consider Smart Contracts. JD SUPRA.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has the power to connect all devices through a cloud-based ecosystem. In the future, it could potentially undergird the infrastructure of smart cities. This would make communications far more streamlined and efficient than they are today. However, a major obstacle for IoT is that it still depends largely on centralized platforms. This can make sensitive data vulnerable to hackers.

Blockchain technology has the potential to fix this problem. As discussed in a previous post, blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger of transactions. It records data in a way that prevents hacking and altering of the data. It does this by duplicating transactions and dispersing them to “nodes” across the network.

Blockchain would allow contracts known as “smart contracts” to be completed autonomously in a decentralized manner. This creates a web of connected devices that gives users control over their own data.

Unfortunately, there are obstacles preventing a full merger between blockchain and IoT. Currently, all IoT devices that “talk” to each other must be on the same blockchain. Similar to how the internet runs on a vast web of servers, a future IoT will need to rely on a network of blockchains. As such, scalability is a major obstacle to merging IoT and blockchain. Current blockchains have yet to reach this level of maturity.

While there are obstacles, the integration of blockchain and IoT would be revolutionary. It would create a record of every transaction made on the IoT, which cannot be altered, making data far more secure. Additionally, it would streamline the entire supply chain—from manufacturing lines to consumers. This would give every stakeholder access to documentation when required. Furthermore, a fully integrated blockchain and IoT will make industries that rely on one another, such as insurance companies and supply chain logistics, interconnected and seamless.

How IoT and Blockchain Can Revolutionize Healthcare and Finance

COVID-19 has created a logistical nightmare for both vaccine distributors and health care workers worldwide. Two of the most common vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, must be kept at below zero degree temperatures or they will degrade. This vaccine challenge is a primary example of how blockchain and IoT can work in tandem to streamline operations and enhance distribution.

As discussed in a previous post, vaccine manufacturers can place IoT sensors on vaccine packaging or even on individual vials. These sensors allow distributors to track and monitor their location and temperature during delivery. They also help quickly spot and fix problems as they arise. When the vials arrive at vaccination centers, health care workers can scan the packages to get immediate access to important information about the quality of vaccines.

Blockchain and IoT also have the power to revolutionize finance through smart payments. For example, JPMorgan Chase & Co recently piloted blockchain payments between satellites orbiting Earth. As an experiment, the bank worked with a nanosatellite supplier called GOMspace, which gave them the ability to run software on their satellites. The test revealed that blockchain networks can fuel transactions between devices. It also demonstrated that it’s possible to build a marketplace where satellites send data to one another in exchange for money. Such a system, for example, could allow a smart refrigerator connected to the IoT to order food from an e-commerce site when it runs low. It could also give an autonomous vehicle the ability to buy gas.

While obstacles for blockchain and IoT remain, a merger between the two has the potential to radically impact our world.

Understand Enterprise Blockchain for Your Industry

What other industries can benefit from blockchain technology? Get Enterprise Blockchain for Healthcare, IoT, Energy, and Supply Chain, a five-course program from IEEE, to find out. Developed by leading experts in blockchain technology, this advanced program provides business use cases across key industries and sectors. It’s ideal for managers, professional engineers, as well as business leaders.

Contact an IEEE Content Specialist to learn more about how this program can benefit your organization.

Interested in getting access for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) today!

Resources

Chai, Raullen. (7 May 2021). Internet of Trusted Things: Democratizing IoT. IoT for All. 

(24 March 2021). The Future of the Internet Of Things with Blockchain. Manufacturing Business Technology. 

Kavinsky, Marc. (10 March 2021). How Are Blockchain And IoT Helping COVID Vaccine Shipments? IoT Business News 

Irrera, Anna. (24 February 2021). JPMorgan’s blockchain payments test is literally out of this world. Reuters. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing organizations all over the world to digitally transform their operations as more employees work from home. As remote work becomes the new normal, many organizations are transitioning data storage not only to the cloud, but to the “edge” in a major shift towards digital transformation. Edge computing, a form of cloud computing where data is stored along the “edge” of the cloud, brings data closest to where it’s produced and consumed, and as a result, reduces latency while boosting speed. Digital transformation through edge computing is allowing organizations around the globe to operate faster and more efficiently, while reducing costs.

Two-Thirds of Organizations in Global Survey Are Adopting Edge Computing

According to a recent global survey from the International Data Corporation (IDC), two-thirds of IT leaders who participated in the survey have begun to adopt edge computing, with 40% planning to adopt new edge technology in under a year. Motivating factors include edge computing’s improved bandwidth and reduced latency and costs. 

“Enterprises around the world are being confronted by a basic law of physics—distance neutralizes speed, causing latency or a delay between an action and an application’s response,” survey sponsor Lumen Technologies stated in a blog post about the survey. “Controlling latency has never been more important, whether data flows to a distributed workforce or a multitude of smart gadgets that make up the Internet of Things.”

How Organizations Will Use Edge Computing this Year

According to a recent TechRepublic survey, 70% of organizations surveyed transitioned to edge computing to deliver enhanced experience for customers and 46% said they use or intend to use the technology to minimize operational costs. 

Among the main applications for which organizations are currently using or intend to use edge computing include laptops and mobile devices (54%), remote networks and servers (50%), locally deployed software and systems (37%), monitoring of remote assets (27%), virtual mobile networks (12%), other IoT applications (8%), and autonomous vehicles (5%). When asked what edge computing technologies they want to roll out over 6 months, remote servers and networks, as well as laptops and remote mobile devices, ranked equally at 42%. Locally deployed software and systems, ranked at 33%, followed.  

How Digital Transformation for Edge Computing Will Accelerate The Internet of Things

The digital transformation to edge computing technology will also give organizations a greater ability to embrace the Internet of Things. This will empower them to solve problems in revolutionary ways. For example, edge computing combined with Internet of Things technology, such as sensors, will allow businesses to roll out super-efficient “smart factories.” Featuring highly connected equipment, employees will be able to quickly spot and fix problems in production lines more easily.

“The industry will continue to move toward more decentralized compute environments, and the edge will add significant value to digital transformation initiatives,” writes Keith Higgins in RFID Journal.  

Digital transformation will continue well beyond 2021, and there’s little doubt that edge computing will continue to play a major role. 

Bring Your Organization to the Edge

Many organizations don’t fully understand edge computing and the impact it can have on their business. From providing real-time data analysis to reducing system malfunctions, edge computing can be customized to meet an organization’s specific needs.

Prepare your organization for edge computing integration. Designed to train your entire team to support edge computing, IEEE Introduction to Edge Computing is an online five-course program. To learn more about getting access to these courses for your organization, connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today.

Contact an IEEE Content Specialist to learn more about how this program can benefit your organization.

Interested in getting access for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) today!

Resources

Vigilarolo, Brandon. (29 January 2021). Business leaders want low latency, not speed, study finds. TechRepublic.

(28 January 2021). Global Business Leaders Rate Latency Higher Priority Than Speed. Multivu.com. 

Higgins, Keith.  (10 January 2021). Trendspotting: Industrial Digital Transformation Matures. RFID Journal.

Edge computing adoption to increase through 2026; organizations cautious about adding 5G to the mix. Tech Republic.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is allowing organizations to cost-effectively implement smart grids, also known as microgrids. Through IoT-based energy technologies, companies could revolutionize the distribution of electricity around the world.

Microgrids create smaller groups from the larger electrical utility grid, which provides greater control to organizations on how they use their energy supply.  Through this ability to disconnect and operate on the grid or in island mode, organizations can make smarter use of their power.

Islanding

Islanding refers to the ability of microgrid owners to improve resiliency when the grid is not supplying enough power. Microgrid owners are able to produce their own power when needed.

According to Justin Brant, a senior associate with the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP), “the biggest key is just in the area of resiliency, and that [microgrids] can provide the opportunity to island from the grid…When the grid may be down, you can still provide basic services.”

Benefits of a Microgrid

An IoT-based microgrid gives organizations power—both literally and figuratively. With the installation of an IoT-based microgrid, owners are able to improve the efficiency of their energy consumption. In additional to giving owners the ability to generate their own energy, microgrids also reduce dependency on utilities by helping to reduce costs and avoid peak usage charges. The technology even has the ability to produce revenue should the microgrid produce a surplus of power, which could be sold to a utility.

Utility Concerns

Microgrids may be helpful for organizations, but many utilities do not view them in a positive light. An increase in IoT-based microgrids could possibly mean a revenue loss. Furthermore, an increase in microgrids will require infrastructure upgrades. Because microgrids both use and generate energy, utilities will need to make sure that they are able to handle the bidirectional movement of power.

However, as microgrids continue to grow, opposition from utilities is decreasing, and they are looking into creating a new revenue stream. They are taking this opportunity to become partners with microgrid owners and offer fee-based services, such as microgrid feasibility studies and designs.

Modernizing the Smart Grid from IEEE

Do you want to learn more about the smart grid? Check out Modernizing the Smart Grid, a four-course online learning program from IEEE.

One of the biggest frontiers in electrical engineering today is the development and implementation of smart grid technology. Fueled by the global demand for greener technologies and alternative fuels, environmentally-friendly smart grid technology can stimulate stagnated economies. It also has the potential to change the way power is delivered to electricity consumers around the world.

Modernizing the Smart Grid, now available on the IEEE Learning Network, is designed to get you and your team up to speed quickly on the latest smart grid technologies.

Interested in bulk discounts for your organization? Contact us today, and we’ll put you in touch with an IEEE Account Specialist.

 

Resources

Castagna, Rich. (16 January 2020). Microgrids Deliver Resiliency, Security and Savings. IoT World Today.

Edge computing for business can increase the speed of data processing and analysis. The Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to grow significantly, predicted to reach about $1.6 trillion USD by 2025. Edge technology can help process the copious amounts of data that this surge in IoT-enabled devices will produce.

Because edge computing processes data at the location where the data is being generated, it stores, processes, analyzes and informs actions of users instantaneously. The benefits of edge computing over cloud computing is the speed at which data is analyzed and acted on. See a few ways it can transform a business in the next year.

Real-Time Data Analysis

Data is normally sent to one central location so that it can be analyzed in order to take proper action. However, edge computing allows for the data analysis to take place near the area where it is created.  With edge technology, the data can be kept close to its origin point, which is optimal for nearly real-time decision making.

Augmented Reality

Edge computing has the chance to improve augmented reality. Users will gain a more vivid and realistic augmented reality (AR) experience. By taking advantage of this technology early on, technology firms can be one of the first to provide this upgraded experience to their customers.

Smart Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies can improve their production floors with edge technology. With almost real-time data analysis, it helps improve efficiency and margins. Companies can help avoid line shutdowns by identifying problems while edge computing allows analyzes the collected data.

Security Systems

Large organizations need fast and accurate security systems to help keep their information and buildings safe. Edge computing makes security systems more efficient when operating at a lower bandwidth. Data from security cameras are frequently collected and stored in the cloud through a signal. Edge computing allows each device to have an internal computer that is able to transfer footage to the cloud when it is needed.

Lowered Operational Costs

Because edge computing helps collect data, it does not require a central server to determine what action should be taken. This helps reduce operational costs by needing less storage to hold the information.

Get Close to the Edge with Customized Solutions

Not many organizations know what edge computing means or what impact it can have on their business. For one company, it could mean installing on-site servers that are capable of nearly real-time IoT data analysis. For another company, it could mean reducing organizational costs by using smaller deployments. One key benefit to edge computing it that is can be customized to meet the company’s needs.

Prepare your organization for edge computing integration. Designed to train your entire team to support edge computing, IEEE Introduction to Edge Computing is an online five-course program. The on-demand courses included in this program are:

• Overview of Edge Computing
• Practical Applications of Edge Computing
• Research Challenges in Edge Computing
• Designing Security Solutions for Edge, Cloud, and IoT
• Tools and Software for Edge Computing Applications

To learn more about getting access to these courses for your organization, connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today.

Interested in the course for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) to learn more.

 

 

Resources

(23 December 2019). 13 Ways Edge Computing Can Benefit Businesses. Forbes.

Lital, Marom. (13 December 2019.) Enter A New Era Of Edge Computing. Forbes.

With the booming Internet of Things (IoT) device market, many people expect to be connected at all times. While it is unrealistic to be online 24/7 with no drops in coverage or speed—especially while travelling—losing connection can be a significant problem for organizations.

Businesses rely on devices and technology such as Wi-Fi and the cloud to remain connected to their data and customers. However, what happens when a business cannot connect? If employees are unable to even check their email inboxes, will productivity grind to a halt?

A possible solution that could help create a permanent connection for IoT devices involves sending data over sound. While this solution involves newer data-over-sound technology over the air, transmitting data via sound is an established practice. The characteristic whines and beeps of the dial-up modem was a form of data-over-sound using wires rather than over the air.

What is Data-Over-Sound?

Companies have been investing in new ways of transmitting data through their devices to ensure they are always securely connected. Sound waves would allow devices to interconnect without the use of Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The evolution of data-over-sound technology has the real possibility to create network-independent IoT environments with uninterrupted connectivity.

Who Offers Data-Over-Sound? 

Organizations that are currently working on data-over-sound solutions include Sonarax and Stimshop. Sonarax, an ultrasonic communication technology company, revealed its new standard in machine-to machine (m2m) connectivity. It enables devices to communicate with one another via sound waves. The protocol is the most extensive global infrastructure install base, and it operates on any device that has a built-in speaker or microphone.

Sonarax’s solution addresses three main areas:

• Ultrasonic Payments: Helping create secure connections for mobile payments and contactless ATM interaction. Pilot programs for this feature have been deployed at major global financial institutions.
• Ultrasonic Authentication: Providing a safe identification solution that can be integrated and used by any third party application.
• Ultrasonic Indoor Positioning: Allowing indoor positioning in buildings, such as shopping malls and hospitals, where GPS stops working. Sonarax is working to implement its technology for novel indoor navigation functionality at a later date.

Stimshop, an agency in France, offers data-over-sound technology via its protocol Wi-Us. Stimshop’s Wi-Us technology can turn speakers or sound systems into a vehicle for wireless communication, detection, authentication, and geo-location. The company also states that its technology can be used in environments incompatible with radio waves such as explosive environments or those with electromagnetic scrambling issues.

Security Concerns

What are the security concerns when it comes to transferring data via sound? Experts worry that there are apps that can acquire the information sent through the sound waves.

However, Sonarax CEO Benny Saban states that over-the-sound verification between two devices restricts man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. This type of attack involves hackers trying to interfere with the communication between two devices.

“As in all communication protocols, encrypted data is converted to ultrasonic data and reaches its destination–unchanged–through the same encrypted method by which it was sent,” says Saban. “Essentially, the ultrasonic communication protocol adds an additional layer of security to the first layer of encryption. This means that in order to hack the data, one needs to intercept the sonic data, decipher it, and then decipher the encryption used.”

Preparing for Evolving IoT Technology

Find out what new IoT developments could impact your industry. Prepare your organization with the IEEE Guide to the Internet of Things, a series of eight training courses led by top researchers in the field. This program is designed for professionals working in engineering, IT, computer science, and related disciplines across all industries.

Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist and receive a custom quote for your organization today.

 

Resources

Chandler, Simon. (18 October 2019). How Data-Over-Sound Will Ensure A Permanently Connected IoT World. Forbes.

(27 February 2019). Sonarax Unveils a Novel Ultrasonic Device-to-device Communication Protocol. PR Newswire.

(10 January 2018). When Wi-Fi Won’t Work, Let Sound Carry Your Data. Wired.

Stimshop Mobile Interactions and Data Transfers. Stimshop.

Edge computing improves the way businesses collect and analyze their data by processing information near the source as opposed to in the cloud. It provides real-time information, which allows companies to make data-driven decisions. Analyst predict that by 2024, the global edge computing market will rise to $9 billion USD. However, only 56% of networking professionals currently have plans to integrate this form of decentralized computing into their organizations, according to the IDG 2018 State of the Network.

As the technology improves, more companies are exploring edge computing capabilities. So how can your organization get a head start on the integration process?

Steps to Integration

Some helpful steps for organizations looking into edge computing include:

Step 1: Virtualize
Updating your infrastructure with virtualized machines can improve reliability, manageability, and create a solid foundation for edge integration. Besides these immediate benefits, transferring workloads to virtual machines should help simplify a future edge integration.

Step 2: Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology  (IT)
Many companies with separate Integrating Operational Technology and Information Technology are now seeking to bridge the gap. Because they possess dual skill sets, Hybrid OT and Industrial IT specialists may provide greater performance, productivity, agility, and cost-efficiency.

Step 3: Choose a vendor
The total cost of ownership, deployment, management, downtime risk, and operational efficiency are all key factors when selecting an edge computing solution. Be sure to do your research. Before selecting a vendor that works well with your organization, you should consider where the platform will be installed. The physical environment as well as the distance between the location and where the data is collected will likely impact your decision.

Step 4: IIOTint
Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) devices use smart sensors to collect and analyze data instantaneously. This data allows industrial devices to make decisions and act on them, which optimizes quality, workforce, and engagement.

Step 5: Security
Increased interconnectivity also increases security vulnerabilities. Security risks include software hacks and system manipulation— both of which can cause breaches in customer data and bring operations to a standstill. Investing in cybersecurity and IIOT systems that provide regular monitoring and detection in the event of malware infection is crucial to keeping your information safe.

Benefits of Edge Computing

Staying up and running: Edge computing can benefit many industries, especially those that operate remotely. Because retail companies generally have more than one location, edge computing works well from both point of sale and security perspectives. Like retail companies, financial institutions, including banks, also have multiple branches and can benefit from edge computing.

Quick processing: The Internet of Things provides massive amounts of data. Because the data generally needs to be analyzed instantly in cloud applications, communication must be fast in order to be efficient.

Cost savings: Edge computing can reduce organizational costs by using smaller deployments. This helps businesses avoid building infrastructure at every site.

Getting Up to Speed

Prepare your organization for edge computing integration. Designed to train your entire team to support edge computing, IEEE Introduction to Edge Computing is an online five-course program. The on-demand courses included in this program are:

• Overview of Edge Computing
• Practical Applications of Edge Computing
• Research Challenges in Edge Computing
• Designing Security Solutions for Edge, Cloud, and IoT
• Tools and Software for Edge Computing Applications

To learn more about getting access to these courses for your organization, connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today.

Interested in the course for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN) to learn more.

 

Resources

(23 August 2019). What Is Edge Computing? Forbes.

(16 September 2019). The analyst projects the global edge computing market to grow from USD 2.8 billion in 2019 to USD 9.0 billion by 2024, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 26.5%.Yahoo! Finance. 

Conboy, Alan. (17 September 2019). What’s next for the Internet of Things? Going to the edge. IoT News

(16 September 2019). Five steps to successful edge integration. It Web.

Smart grid technology is enabling the effective management and distribution of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. The smart grid connects a variety of distributed energy resource assets to the power grid. By leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT) to collect data on the smart grid, utilities are able to quickly detect and resolve service issues through continuous self-assessments. Because utilities no longer have to depend on customers to report outages, this self-healing capability is vital component of the smart grid.

Smart Grid Management of Renewable Energy

The relationship between the smart grid and renewable energy revolves around gathering data. For example, wind farms use mechanical gears that require each link to support multiple sensors. Each sensor is able to note current climate and environmental conditions. This information is then quickly sent though the grid to alert the utility of any issues, which improves both the quality of service and safety.

“You’ve got this story of this invisible, dangerous commodity that travels at the speed of light that we call electricity and for the last hundred-plus years most people could interact with it in only the most rudimentary ways,” says Mark Feasel, vice president of smart grid for Schneider Electric. Companies are now deploying much more advanced sensing devices. According to Feasel, some devices can continually capture information on electricity up to 60,000 times per second.

Semiconductor materials, such as silicon, are supporting the creation of green energy with smart grid technology. Due to their ability to hold millions of minuscule transistors, these materials have enabled IoT advancement. In turn, this advancement has allowed the smart grid to link up devices throughout the system, which ensures that the supply of energy is equal to the demand. It also keeps the current evenly distributed.

Smart grids equipped with parts made from semiconductor material reduce the usage of electricity. For example, electric vehicles can charge at night— a time when offices and homes are not typically using much electricity. Lights switches and furnaces can also automatically power on and off. In this way, energy usage becomes “smart” by not using more than what is needed.

Renewable Energy with Smart Grid Technology Initiatives

As smart grid technology becomes more promising, both local and federal governments are exploring potential grid improvements.

Thailand

By 2037, Thailand wants a third of its energy to be generated by renewable energy sources. This means that Thailand’s grid will need to be modernized to handle the varying levels of energy provided by renewable sources. Any modernization plans will also need to take the country’s growing demand for electric vehicles (EVs), which is predicted to grow in coming years.

“When we have more renewable energy, the grid will become more difficult to manage, and then we will need to give them more flexibility with the digital to make it smarter,” says Dr. Surat Tanterdtid, Chief of Enterprise Architecture of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. Smart grid technology can help monitor and predict the supply of renewable energy into Thailand’s grid. This may allow the country to anticipate power outages and prepare accordingly.

New York

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority is currently holding a competition in order to improve the state’s energy distribution. The Future Grid Challenge, which began in July, is part of a push to transition the state’s electric grid to renewable energy. A new statewide act includes requirements for a clean or carbon-free electricity sector by 2040 as well as an 85% greenhouse gas emissions drop by 2050.

The first round of funding will provide up to $6 million USD to projects that partner with Con Edison and Orange & Rockland Utilities. The goal of the competition is to improve data analytics, grid stability, and forecasting while reducing system losses. 

Modernizing the Smart Grid

One of the biggest frontiers in electrical engineering today is the development and implementation of smart grid technology. Fueled by the global demand for greener technologies and alternative fuels, environmentally-friendly smart grid technology has the ability to stimulate stagnant economies as well as change the way power is delivered to electricity consumers around the world.

Modernizing the Smart Grid is a four-course program designed to get you and your team up to speed quickly on the latest smart grid technologies. Learn more about how your organization can benefit from this IEEE course program today!

 

Resources

Pilkington, Ben. (4 September 2019). The Role of Semiconductors in Clean Energy. AZO Clean Tech. 

Castagna, Rich. (29 August 2019). How Smart Grid Technology Is Driving Renewable Energy. IoT World Today.

Clemens, Ashley. (12 September 2019). New York power grid challenge is part of larger state energy goals. Daily Orange.

Basu, Medha. (19 August 2019). Thailand will use smart grid to predict outages. GovInsider.

Basu, Medha. (16 September 2019). How Thailand will integrate renewables and EVs into the grid. GovInsider.

 

Depending on how many of the 30 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices forecast for global deployment by 2020 rely on the cloud, managing the deluge of IoT-generated data makes proper processing seem near impossible. Traditional cloud computing has serious disadvantages, including data security threats, performance issues, and growing operational costs. Because most data saved in the cloud has little significance and is rarely used, it becomes a waste of resources and storage space.

In many instances, it would be incredibly beneficial to handle data on the device where it’s generated. That’s where edge computing comes in. Edge computing helps decentralize data processing and lower dependence on the cloud.

Edge computing has several advantages, such as:

• Increasing data security and privacy
• Better, more responsive and robust application performance
• Reducing operational costs
• Improving business efficiency and reliability
• Unlimited scalability
• Conserving network and computing resources
• Reducing latency

 

Edge Computing Use Cases

Prime use cases, which take full advantage of edge technology, include:

Autonomous Vehicles: The decision to stop for a pedestrian crossing in front of an autonomous vehicle (AV) must be made immediately. Relying on a remote server to handle this decision is not reasonable. Additionally, vehicles that utilize edge technology can interact more efficiently because they can communicate with each other first as opposed to sending data on accidents, weather conditions, traffic, or detours to a remote server first. Edge computing can help.

Healthcare Devices: Health monitors and other wearable healthcare devices can keep an eye on chronic conditions for patients. It can save lives by instantly alerting caregivers when help is required. Additionally, robots assisting in surgery must be able to quickly analyze data in order to assist safely, quickly, and accurately. If these devices rely on transmitting data to the cloud before making decisions, the results could be fatal.

Security Solutions: Because it’s necessary to respond to threats within seconds, security surveillance systems can also benefit from edge computing technology. Security systems can identify potential threats and alert users to unusual activity in real-time.

Retail Advertising: Targeted ads and information for retail organizations are based on key parameters, such as demographic information, set on field devices. In this use case, edge computing can help protect user privacy. It can encrypt the data and keep the source rather than sending unprotected information to the cloud.

Smart Speakers: Smart speakers can gain the ability to interpret voice instructions locally in order to run basic commands. Turning lights on or off, or adjusting thermostat settings, even if internet connectivity fails would be possible.

Video Conferencing: Poor video quality, voice delays, frozen screens— a slow link to the cloud can cause many video conferencing frustrations. By placing the server-side of video conferencing software closer to participants, quality problems can be reduced.

Further Enhanced Security

Although edge computing is a sensible alternative to cloud computing in many instances, there’s always room for improvement. According to “Reconfigurable Security: Edge Computing-Based Framework for IoT”, a paper published by IEEE Network, existing IoT security protocols need improvement.

A possible solution to better secure IoT-generated data is an IoT management element called the Security Agent. This new piece would use routers and other near-edge boxes to manage the computing the IoT device could not take on. In addition to being more secure, it’ll simplify the management of keys. The Security Agent box has the capability of running copious sensors that are difficult to access. The researchers’ state that if the needed authentification is not completed quickly, IoT applications will fail.

Getting Up to Speed

Designed for organizations investing heavily in this critical technology, IEEE Introduction to Edge Computing is a five-course program designed to train your entire team to support edge computing. The online, on-demand courses included in this program are:

• Overview of Edge Computing
• Practical Applications of Edge Computing
• Research Challenges in Edge Computing
• Designing Security Solutions for Edge, Cloud, and IoT
• Tools and Software for Edge Computing Applications

To learn more about getting access to these courses for your organization, connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today.

 

Resources

Aleksandrova, Mary. (1 Feb 2019). The Impact of Edge Computing on IoT: The Main Benefits and Real-Life Use Cases. Eastern Peak.

Nelson, Patrick. (10 Jan 2019). How edge computing can help secure the IoT. Network World.

Caulfield, Matt. (23 Oct 2018). Edge Computing: 9 Killer Use Cases for Now & the Future. Medium.

Talluri, Raj. (24 Oct 2017). Why edge computing is critical for the IoT. Network World.