The Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT)
- tass peters
- Nov 23, 2025
- 3 min read
The Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) are transforming how industries operate by connecting devices and systems for smarter decision-making. Brad Walters, Founder and CEO of Monnit, shares valuable insights in his article published in the May 2025 issue of Tech Briefs magazine, highlighting how smart sensing technology is evolving rapidly and reshaping industries worldwide.
This post explores key points from Walters’ article, focusing on how smart sensors, advanced connectivity, and secure data management are driving efficiency and innovation across sectors. If you want to understand how IoT and IIoT platforms like Monnit’s are changing the game, keep reading.
How Smart Sensors Are Expanding Industry Capabilities
Sensors have become the backbone of IoT and IIoT systems, capable of monitoring a wide range of conditions. Walters emphasizes that today’s sensors are more versatile than ever. They can track temperature, humidity, vibration, air quality, and other critical factors in real time.
For example, in manufacturing plants, temperature sensors help maintain optimal conditions for machinery and products, preventing costly downtime. In agriculture, wireless sensors monitor soil moisture and climate, enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions that improve crop yields.
Monnit’s smart sensors stand out because they are easy to deploy and adapt to many applications. Their wireless design reduces installation complexity and costs, making it feasible to monitor remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Connectivity Options That Support Real-Time Monitoring
The ability to collect and transmit data quickly is essential for effective IoT and IIoT solutions. Walters discusses how integrating multiple connectivity options enhances system flexibility and reliability.
Wireless networks, Wi-Fi, Power over Ethernet (PoE), and cellular connections each have strengths suited to different environments. For instance:
Wireless offers easy installation and mobility.
Wi-Fi supports high data throughput in facilities with existing networks.
PoE provides power and data over a single cable, reducing wiring needs.
Cellular enables remote monitoring where other networks are unavailable.
By combining these options, Monnit’s platform ensures continuous data flow, allowing managers to monitor conditions like temperature and equipment status from anywhere.
Security and Edge Computing for Smarter Data Handling
As IoT systems grow, protecting data becomes critical. Walters highlights the importance of strong security measures to prevent unauthorised access and data breaches. Encryption, secure authentication, and regular updates are key components of a secure IoT platform.
Edge computing also plays a vital role by processing data locally on or near the sensor devices. This reduces latency and bandwidth use, enabling faster responses to changing conditions. For example, if a temperature sensor detects overheating, edge computing can trigger an immediate alert without waiting for cloud processing.
These technologies help industries improve operational efficiency and reduce risks by enabling timely, informed decisions.
Real-World Examples of Smart Sensing Impact
Walters provides several examples showing how smart sensing drives value across industries:
Manufacturing: Sensors monitor machine vibration and temperature to predict failures before they happen, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Healthcare: Wireless sensors track environmental conditions in hospitals to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations.
Energy: IoT devices monitor power usage and equipment health in real time, helping utilities optimise performance and reduce outages.
Agriculture: Soil and climate sensors enable precision farming, improving resource use and crop quality.
These cases demonstrate how smart sensing supports predictive maintenance, operational efficiency, and better resource management.
What This Means for the Future of IoT and IIoT
Technologies once seen as futuristic are now mainstream tools that industries rely on daily. Walters points out that as sensors become more capable, affordable, and easier to use, their adoption will continue to grow.
The combination of versatile sensors, diverse connectivity, secure data handling, and edge computing creates a strong foundation for the next generation of IoT and IIoT solutions. This foundation will support smarter factories, safer healthcare facilities, more efficient energy grids, and sustainable agriculture.
For anyone interested in the future of connected technology, understanding these trends is essential. Monnit’s approach to smart sensing offers a clear example of how these innovations come together to solve real-world problems.
Smart sensing technology is no longer just an idea for the future. It is actively improving how industries monitor conditions, manage assets, and make decisions. By embracing versatile sensors, reliable wireless connectivity, and secure data processing, businesses can unlock new levels of efficiency and insight.