3 Key Benefits From the Industrial Internet of Things

It's easy for most of us to think of the Internet as something that we tap into to read news articles, watch videos, or connect through social media. But for companies looking to lead the next wave of industrial advancements, the Internet offers much more.
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) adds sensors to machinery like airplane turbines, tractors, conveyor belts, and more, and connects them to automation services, predictive maintenance tracking software, and other analytics services. By its most simple definition, the Industrial Internet of Things allows companies to automate systems, analyze data, and use sensors to improve efficiencies and increase revenue.
To help understand exactly how the IIOT works, let's take a look at three key benefits of implementing Industrial Internet technologies.
Predictive maintenance efficiencies
Right now, most industrial companies have a reactionary approach to equipment failures: When something breaks, they go out and fix it. But putting sensors in manufacturing equipment and pairing those sensors with software allows companies to predict when equipment will fail, and it gives them the opportunity to fix small problems before they become bigger ones.
For example, companies can use General Electric's (NYSE:GE) SmartSignal predictive analytics software to find anomalies in their equipment.