In this episode, we shine a light on the part of IIoT that almost never gets attention — the slow, unglamorous job of connecting equipment. It’s the cables, drivers, protocols, missing manuals, and “why is this PLC from 1998 still here?” moments that quietly make every digital project possible. We talk about why this work matters so much, how it shapes everything that comes later, and why real progress often starts with fixing the small, stubborn things no one wants to touch. It’s a calm, honest reflection on the foundation of modern manufacturing — the work that isn’t flashy, but without it, nothing else runs. For deeper reading and more grounded insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we take an honest look at the gap between what IIoT vendors show in their demos and what actually happens once the system hits the shop floor. We talk about the polished features, perfect data, and “effortless” integrations that look great on screen — and the messy realities that follow in real projects. You’ll hear why certain problems never show up in demos, what to watch out for during evaluations, and how teams can make better decisions by asking the right questions early on. It’s a calm, practical conversation that helps cut through the shine and get closer to the truth of how these systems really behave. For deeper reading and more grounded insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we explore how storytelling can turn raw industrial data into something people actually understand and act on. Instead of drowning in charts and dashboards, we look at how simple narratives — a clear beginning, middle, and end — help teams see patterns, spot problems, and make better decisions. We talk about why context matters, how to avoid overloading people with details, and how a well-told story can bridge the gap between engineers, operators, and leaders. It’s a calm, thoughtful look at a skill that’s easy to overlook but essential for bringing IIoT data to life. For deeper reading and more practical insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we explore how Edge AI is starting to reshape Industrial IoT by moving intelligence closer to the machines themselves. Instead of sending everything to the cloud, factories are now making decisions right at the edge — faster, cheaper, and often more reliably. We walk through real examples of where this matters, like spotting issues before they become failures or adjusting processes in real time. We also touch on the challenges: data quality, hardware limits, and the simple truth that not every problem needs AI. It’s a calm, clear look at how edge computing and AI work together to make industrial systems smarter without overcomplicating them. For deeper reading and more hands-on insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we look at a part of IIoT work that rarely makes it into job descriptions: managing up, down, and sideways. Technical skill matters, of course, but the day-to-day reality often comes down to people — aligning leaders who want results fast, supporting teams on the shop floor, and keeping peers in sync so projects don’t drift. We talk about the quiet skills behind successful architects: clear communication, patience, and knowing when to push and when to step back. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at the human side of IIoT that often decides whether a project survives. For deeper reading and more grounded insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we explore the risks that quietly follow every Industrial IoT project — the ones manufacturers often don’t see until they’re already knee-deep in them. We talk about security gaps, unreliable data, legacy equipment that refuses to cooperate, and the very real challenge of keeping OT and IT aligned. The conversation stays practical: what actually goes wrong, why it happens, and how teams can avoid the usual pitfalls without slowing down progress. It’s a calm, honest look at the “less exciting” side of IIoT that matters far more than it gets credit for. For deeper reading and more thoughtful insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we unpack the key differences between IoT and Industrial IoT in a simple, down-to-earth way. We talk about why connecting a factory is nothing like connecting a smart home, and how reliability, safety, and long-lasting equipment change everything. The conversation also looks at why industrial systems move slowly by design, why “real-time” means something very different on a production line, and how context and consistency matter far more than flashy features. It’s a clear, thoughtful explanation for anyone trying to understand why IIoT deserves its own category — and why both worlds often get confused. For deeper reading and more practical insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we take a calm and honest look at what the data really says about the Industrial IoT market in 2025. Instead of sweeping predictions, we break down the numbers in a simple way: where growth is coming from, which sectors are moving fastest, and why investment keeps climbing even when budgets feel tight. We also touch on the gap between market reports and what teams actually see on the shop floor — a reminder that progress in IIoT is often steady, not dramatic. It’s a clear, grounded conversation for anyone trying to make sense of the market without the buzz. For deeper reading and more practical insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we dive into how industrial IoT and AI are quietly reshaping the world of maintenance and asset tracking. We’ll walk through how sensors, data, and machine learning are being used together to spot issues earlier, keep machines running longer, and track assets more accurately — not just with promises, but with real practice. We’ll also talk about what still holds things back: messy data, mixed systems, and the everyday challenges teams face when theory meets the shop floor. If you’ve ever wondered how IIoT and AI move from “pilot” to real-world value in asset-intensive operations, this is for you. For deeper reading and more field-stories, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we look at what it really takes to build a smart manufacturing consulting practice from the ground up — especially in those critical first 90 days. It’s not about fancy slides or buzzwords, but about earning trust, understanding the client’s reality, and balancing vision with delivery. We explore how to set priorities, choose the right first projects, and create early wins that build credibility without overpromising. It’s a grounded, behind-the-scenes view of how consulting in manufacturing actually starts — one conversation, one problem, and one lesson at a time. For more thoughtful takes and real-world lessons, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we reflect on the end of an era for SAP MII — a platform that quietly powered countless factories for nearly two decades. It’s about more than software retirement; it’s about what comes next for teams who built their operations around it. We explore how organizations are approaching modernization, what lessons this transition offers, and why it’s both nostalgic and exciting to move forward. It’s a calm, honest look at change in the industrial world — letting go of something that worked well, while building the foundation for what’s next. For more thoughtful reflections and practical insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we break down one of MQTT’s most misunderstood features — Quality of Service, or QoS. We explain what each level (0, 1, and 2) really means in plain language, how they affect message delivery, and why choosing the right one can make or break your industrial data flow. You’ll hear how QoS plays out in real scenarios — from high-speed sensor updates to critical production alerts — and what trade-offs come with reliability versus performance. It’s a simple, clear explanation for anyone working with MQTT in IIoT environments who wants to finally understand how these settings actually work. For more straightforward insights and hands-on lessons, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we explore how artificial intelligence is quietly transforming the Industrial Internet of Things — not through flashy promises, but through practical, everyday improvements. From predictive maintenance to smarter analytics and faster decision-making, AI is helping industrial systems become more efficient and adaptive. We also touch on what’s still hard: data quality, integration headaches, and the trust gap between humans and algorithms. It’s a calm, realistic look at how AI is shaping IIoT today — where it’s adding real value, and where it still has a long way to go. For more thoughtful insights and real-world examples, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we take a grounded look at TPG’s acquisition of Kepware and ThingWorx from PTC — and what it could mean for the industrial software world. Beyond the headlines, it’s a story about the shifting landscape of IIoT platforms, edge connectivity, and the growing pressure for vendors to simplify their ecosystems. We discuss why this move matters, how it could affect existing users, and what it signals about the future of industrial data integration. It’s a thoughtful take — less speculation, more context — for anyone curious about how ownership changes like this can reshape the tools that factories rely on every day. For more detailed insights and field reflections, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we take a step back to look at what more than fifty SAP Digital Manufacturing projects taught — the wins, the surprises, and the lessons that only come from real experience. It’s a calm reflection on what works in large industrial rollouts and what often goes sideways, from integration challenges to the human side of adoption. The conversation also touches on how simplicity, collaboration, and clear ownership consistently make the difference between success and another “pilot that never scaled.” It’s not about best practices in theory — it’s about what actually happens when technology meets the shop floor. For more thoughtful stories and hands-on insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we unpack what the Model Context Protocol (MCP) actually is, and why it might quietly change how industrial systems connect to AI and data tools. It’s a simple idea with big potential: letting intelligent systems understand the context behind industrial data instead of just reading it. We explore how this could make factories more flexible, help engineers get better insights faster, and reduce the endless “glue code” that ties systems together today. It’s a thoughtful, plain-spoken look at a complex topic — one that might shape how the next generation of IIoT platforms works behind the scenes. For more grounded explanations and real-world stories, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we explore five simple but essential questions every IIoT architect needs to answer before building anything. These aren’t about technology choices — they’re about clarity, purpose, and how systems actually deliver value. The conversation walks through what makes an architecture scalable, secure, and understandable to both IT and OT teams. It’s a calm, practical guide for anyone designing industrial data systems, reminding us that good architecture starts with good questions — not just good tools. For deeper insights and more lessons from the field, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we look at the human side of Industry 5.0 — a stage where operators, not dashboards, take the spotlight again. It’s about how real progress in smart manufacturing depends less on adding more screens and more on empowering the people who make things work. We explore what happens when technology supports judgment instead of replacing it, and how collaboration, trust, and simple tools can often outperform complex systems. It’s a thoughtful reminder that the smartest factories are still run by humans — just ones better equipped to make quick, confident decisions. For more reflections and real-world insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we dig into one of the most common — and quietly painful — issues in industrial settings: the disconnect between OT and IT teams. It’s not just about networks or firewalls; it’s about different priorities, vocabularies, and views of what “good” looks like. We talk about why these tensions exist, how they show up in daily work, and what can actually help bridge the gap. From practical tips on collaboration to small mindset shifts that build trust, this is a grounded, relatable conversation for anyone trying to make technology work across both worlds. For deeper stories and thoughtful insights, visit iiotblog.com.
In this episode, we explore what happens when large language models (LLMs) meet Industrial IoT in real factory environments. It’s not science fiction — it’s the slow, practical process of teaching AI to understand messy, real-time data from machines and sensors. We talk about where it helps, like simplifying data analysis or spotting anomalies, and where it still struggles, especially with context and reliability. It’s a calm, honest take on what this new wave of “industrial intelligence” actually looks like in practice — equal parts exciting and humbling. For more grounded insights and real stories from the field, visit iiotblog.com.