The Challenges of Traditional IoT
The Internet of Things (IoT) has long promised a future where every device, from factory machinery to warehouse inventory, is connected and communicating. Yet, for many businesses, the dream of a fully integrated IoT ecosystem remains out of reach.
Proprietary sensor-to-cloud IoT solutions often fall short. They lack the flexibility to adapt to unique industrial environments, and their subscriptions can be expensive to scale. On the other hand, custom-built industrial IoT solutions are typically time-consuming and costly to develop.
Enter Just In Time (JIT) IoT. This emerging paradigm is poised to revolutionize the way businesses approach IoT, offering a powerful and accessible path to custom-built IoT solutions.
What is Just In Time IoT?
Just In Time (JIT) IoT is a new approach to building commercial and industrial IoT solutions that combines the flexibility of custom development with the speed and affordability of turnkey solutions. It leverages three key technologies:
Advanced, Low-Cost Sensors: Advancements in microelectronics and nanotechnology are enabling the creation of smaller, more integrated sensors. This reduces manufacturing costs while improving performance and adding functionality.
Configurable Turnkey Software: The availability of open, cost-effective software applications such as Machinechat JEDI and Machinechat Vision provide the "brains" of the IoT system — handling data collection, visualization, analyzing, and monitoring.
3D Printing or Additive Manufacturing: Modern techniques like Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) allow for rapid prototyping and customized production of sensor and system enclosures. This enables low-cost, off-the-shelf sensors to be used in industrial and commercial environments.
Together, these technologies enable engineers to create tailor-made IoT solutions that perfectly match their unique business needs and environments.
The Benefits of Just In Time IoT
JIT IoT offers a number of significant advantages over traditional IoT approaches:
Flexibility: Business can easily adapt their IoT systems to changing requirements, adding or removing sensors as needed.
Affordability: 3D printing significantly reduces the cost of developing custom sensors and gateways.
Speed: Solutions can be deployed rapidly, accelerating time-to-value.
Openess: JIT IoT ecosystems typically embrace open standards, allowing for seamless integration with a wide range of hardware and software, while eliminating vendor lock-in.
How Just In Time IoT Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
Design: Engineers can choose from a broad range of low-cost, off-the-shelf sensors, communication modules, and single-board computers such as Raspberry Pi and BeaglePlay and create custom sensing solutions for their specific environment. For example, SparkFun Electronics provides a broad range of low-cost sensors in a easy-to-use form factor: SparkFun Indoor Air Quality Sensor - ENS160 (Qwiic)
SparkFun Photoacoustic Spectroscopy CO2 Sensor - PASCO2V01 (Qwiic)
SparkFun Human Presence and Motion Sensor - STHS34PF80 (Qwiic)
SparkFun Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Sensor - MAX30101 & MAX32664 (Qwiic)
SparkFun Environmental Combo Breakout - CCS811/BME280 (Qwiic)
SparkFun 6DoF IMU Breakout - ISM330DHCX (Qwiic) and on-board SPI 9DOF
SparkFun Qwiic Thermocouple Amplifier - MCP9600 (PCC Connector)
SparkFun Qwiic Thermocouple Amplifier - MCP9600 (Screw Terminals)
SparkFun Micro Magnetometer - MMC5983MA (Qwiic) and on-board SPI 9DOF
SparkFun Distance Sensor Breakout - 4 Meter, VL53L1X (Qwiic)
3D Print: 3D printers or online 3D printing services are used to rapidly prototype and product the required enclosures and mounting accessories. As an example, here are some custom enclosures for SparkFun DataLogger IoT (an all-in-one sensor gateway) and SparkFun temperature sensor printed using low-cost consumer-grade printer (JIT IoT sensors are beautiful and fun to create!).
Integrate: Configurable software platforms, such as Machinechat JEDI and Machinechat Vision, are used to connect the sensors, collect data, and provide actionable insights. Ready to try it yourself? Read this article to learn how you can build a complete IoT-based monitoring solution using SparkFun's DataLogger IoT, SparkFun sensors, and Machinechat JEDI in under 30 minutes. No coding experience needed. No cloud dependencies or subscription fees. You can download the STL files for the enclosures from here: SparkFun DataLogger IoT enclosure, SparkFun 1"x1" sensor board enclosure.
Real-World Applications of Just In Time IoT
JIT IoT is applicable to a variety of industries:
Manufacturing: Monitoring equipment health, optimizing energy usage, and improving safety.
Agriculture: Monitoring crop conditions, optimizing irrigation, and predicting yields.
Logistics: Tracking assets, optimizing routes, and improving supply chain efficiency.
The Future of Just In Time IoT
The future of JIT IoT is bright. As advanced, low-cost sensors, 3D printing, and configurable, turnkey software platforms continue to evolve, JIT IoT will become more accessible and powerful. This will enable businesses of all sizes to harness the benefits of Industrial IoT, leading to a new era of innovation and efficiency.
The Dawn of a New Era
Just In Time IoT is a game-changer for the industrial sector. It democratizes the power of IoT, making it possible for any business to create custom-built solutions that were once only within the reach of large corporations. This revolution is just beginning and its impact on the future of industry is sure to be profound.
Have you tried Machinechat JEDI yet?
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