If you have been watching the growth of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and wondered how you might apply it to your business model, take a look at how Disney Parks is using it to their advantage. In a partnership with Hitachi, the goal is to help advance the innovations at Disney’s global theme parks. Charged with developing data-driven solutions to “enhance the operational efficiency of show and attractions,” one can only imagine how the Internet of Things (IoT) software and technology could be used when combined with Disney magic.
Real-Time Data-Drive Solutions
One of the ways that the companies have revealed that they will be using Industrial Internet of Things is to ensure collaborative data management to better use all of the data and analytics that they are collecting to improve operations in real-time. Better data means more informed decisions, which could be a real advantage to Disney Parks in many ways. The Hitachi program that will be used collects and analyzes the data that is collected to provide administrators with direct insights into park operations, including predictive capabilities and virtual software models that are designed to represent physical objects. The goal is to help the operations management departments to have the knowledge necessary to optimize the experience for guests.
This is not the first time that Disney Parks has partnered with Hitachi. Their previous dealings together have been quite successful. The new Toy Story Land at Walt Disney World Resort was designed to feature attractions that were created using data-driven solutions, including the popular Slinky Dog Dash and Toy Story Mania rides. Annual pass holders and guests can expect big things now that Disney and Hitachi have partnered together to use the Internet of Things software and technology to refine and improve operations. Any IoT security risks associated with using Industrial Internet of Things technology at Disney Parks has likely been thought through and successfully navigated, or they would not be making this announcement at this time.
What is Internet of Things?
For those who are not familiar with IoT or Industrial Internet of Things technology, it is a fascinating frontier for today’s tech-driven industries. The term “Internet of Things” refers to all of the billions of physical devices that are connected to the internet, all of which effectively collect and share data between them. It is possible to connect just about anything to the internet with Internet of Things software. We now have refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, and many other home appliances that are linked through IoT technology, as well as voice-activated personal assistants and automobiles that offer direct information, shopping, and navigation by connecting to the internet. Real-time data is communicated from these devices without the need for a human to be involved, offering unique data-driven solutions that otherwise would not be possible.
Some examples of Internet of Things (IoT) devices include:
- smart thermostats
- driverless passenger vehicles and delivery trucks
- lightbulbs and appliances that can be turned on via a smartphone app
- motion sensors that turn on lights or appliances
Some examples of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) implementations include:
- precision machining and assembly equipment
- robotic assembly line for manufacturing
- predictive maintenance and services for machinery
- supply chain applications to ensure retail or production stock
Potential IoT Security Risks
One of the reasons why some business owners are holding back and delaying their entry into Industrial Internet of Things and Internet of Things software for data-driven solutions are the potential IoT security risks. The sensors that are used to collect data that is used to improve and refine operations often collect extremely sensitive data about consumers and their habits. That data needs to be kept safe and secure in order to ensure consumer trust. Many personal devices that are used with IoT solutions have a terrible track record when it comes to security, so business owners assume that it is the same case with industrial-based technology.
The truth is that Industrial Internet of Things technology has the potential to be much more secure than consumer-based solutions. The problem with consumer devices is that they are notoriously difficult to patch when a security vulnerability is discovered. Studies show that some internet-connected devices allow hackers to listen in on conversations, track the location of the user, and even communicate directly with them. For businesses, where things like security are a real priority, the IoT security risks are often significantly minimized, as long as the commitment to making security patches and updates is clear.
Innovative Technology Solutions
At Synivate, we take pride in our ability to work with each client as an individual to create custom security and data-driven solutions designed to best meet their unique needs and requirements. Internet of Things software and solutions for Industrial Internet of Things may be on your radar. If you are considering making a move in this direction or would like to upgrade your network security, communications, and other tech-based solutions, contact our team to learn more about what we can do for you. Give us a call at 617-517-0704 to speak with one of our team members about ways to minimize IoT security risks and provide a much more comprehensive managed solution in the Greater Boston area.