Australian food and beverage manufacturers are being encouraged to take incremental steps to adopt Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology, with Beckhoff technical sales engineer, Rakitha De Alwis, saying uptake in Australia continues to lag behind international markets.
De Alwis says concerns about cybersecurity remain a key barrier. He notes that opening factory systems to external networks raises the risk of cyber-attacks, but adds that these risks can be managed and should not prevent manufacturers from progressing with IIoT.
Cost perceptions are another obstacle. According to De Alwis, IIoT can be deployed in small stages, with hardware becoming more competitively priced. “A pilot project is not costly, especially for companies who have an internal IT team,” he says, adding that manufacturers can trial free and open-source software, as well as free trials from enterprise providers.
As awareness grows, De Alwis expects adoption to accelerate. He points to global forecasts that place the value of IIoT at more than US$40 billion by 2033, and says the technology supports monitoring of cold chains and stock levels, predictive maintenance, and on-demand manufacturing. He says this can lead to more efficient use of raw materials, reduced wastage and improved energy efficiency.
De Alwis says IIoT’s network of connected devices and sensors can provide real-time data that informs production decisions, addresses labour shortages and supports compliance with food safety regulations. “Instead of relying on yesterday’s data, manufacturers using IIoT tech have access to real-time data, allowing them to rectify or optimise processes on the go,” he says. “The cost saving and quality improvement benefits are experienced not only by manufacturing businesses, but by their end consumers too.”
He sets out three considerations for manufacturers starting their IIoT journey, understanding existing processes to identify genuine needs; choosing one area of the business for a pilot project; and engaging experienced partners to support implementation.
A shortage of IoT specialists in Australia continues to slow progress, De Alwis says. He notes the need for universities and Tafe colleges to train technicians and engineers to meet future demand. He expects broader adoption across the sector, saying many large manufacturers have already implemented aspects of IIoT. He adds that maintaining competitiveness in food and beverage exports will require the industry to stay aligned with global developments.
