The Internet of Things connects machines, products and computers. This communication provides for more efficient production in factories. The problem is that the machines do not speak a standardized language.
Communication is the basis of networked factories. Machines and products exchange information via the IT infrastructure. This produces data that can be extremely helpful: They enable the further development of goods with the help of a digital twin. Predictive maintenance of machines is also possible. However, completely networked factories remain a rarity. Why is that the case?
The reason is simple. Two people have to speak the same language in order to understand each other. It's no different with machines. They also need a common language. Only in that way can they exchange information. And that is the crucial point. There are still no uniform standards for the communication between machines and computers. Machines from different manufacturers use different IoT platforms to exchange data. However, companies rarely purchase their machines from the same manufacturer. That makes it more difficult to network all factory elements.
Central "translators" solve the dilemma: so-called multi-IoT platforms collect data from sensors and translate them into a uniform format. That means that the translators represent the entire value added of a company in one language. Deutsche Telekom also offers its customers such a solution. The "Multi IoT Service Platform" brings together IoT approaches from various providers. This makes it possible to use IoT solutions across the board. In this way, customers can leverage the full potential of networking.