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nnovative technologies such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and analytics allow decision markers to combine data in novel ways,


transforming energy monitoring processes. Nevertheless, a challenge arises when outdated machinery on the factory floor lacks the necessary components for data collection. For example, it may lack the required connectivity, data interfaces, and data points to support modern data-gathering scenarios. To overcome this obstacle, retrofitting emerges as a solution because it breathes new life into ageing machines or lighting, air conditioning and heating infrastructure in buildings, equipping them with intelligent capabilities by enhancing their connectivity. In a rapidly evolving world where new solutions


are generated on a daily basis, how can companies adapt their buildings to stay current and operate with maximum efficiency? Here are five of the myths around retrofitting and how to get started.


Myth #1: Costs are too high Tip: The cost-saving benefits behind retrofitting: the practice of making expensive legacy equipment compatible with machines that use modern IT is where the beauty of retrofitting comes into play. By equipping the machines with additional sensors to gather data for IIoT applications like condition monitoring or predictive maintenance, companies can harness data intelligence to improve and optimise processes without breaking the bank.


Myth #2: It’s too tricky to implement


Tip: Examine, process and analyse your infrastructure: when undertaking a retrofitting project, it entails the integration of new machinery, sensors, gateways, and other communication devices into the existing industrial network. To simplify the whole process, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the capabilities of your current network infrastructure. This involves assessing the performance and capacity of your industrial networking hardware, such as routers and switches, and considering any bandwidth limitations that may exist to iron out any potential problems before they arise.


Myth #3: There is a lack of data


Tip: Take inventory of the data you actually need: the best way to start is to work backwards and write down all the data you need to track, and then analyse the equipment in place to know where the gaps are when it comes to data monitoring. Quite often IT and facilities managers are surprised by how much data is at their fingertips, it’s just a question of joining up the dots before and during the retrofit process. There is a wealth of different data types that require collection and analysis in IT and OT infrastructure. Managers need a monitoring tool that brings together data from IIoT


14 September 2023


Debunking myths about retrofitting


Predictive and preventative monitoring for the built environment is becoming far easier as IT and OT continue to merge at a rapid pace, thanks to the digitalisation and automation of processes. Here Martin Hodgson, regional sales manager, Northern Europe, at Paessler AG unpicks some of the myths


Left: Martin Hodgson, regional sales manager, Northern Europe, at Paessler AG


Ensuring effective data protection requires implementing digital safeguards to create a protective barrier that deters hackers from manipulating the data.


Myth #5: There are far too many software options to choose from


sensors, OT systems, and traditional IT components.


Myth #4: Monitoring isn’t a priority Tip: Environmental monitoring isn’t just necessary – it’s essential: in order to future-proof a building, its hardware and machinery are important aspects of the retrofit process to monitor the environment such as humidity, temperature and air conditioning. This is an essential practice to protect data centres, servers, hardware and prevent downtime, fire hazards or unexpected and costly repairs. It’s also necessary to monitor the data centre


environment because of potential security risks including unauthorised intrusions by individuals.


Tip: Implementing holistic network monitoring should be seen as part of an overall business strategy: while the addition of sensors to machines during a retrofit is undoubtedly crucial, it represents just one aspect of the broader picture. To derive meaningful insights and make informed decisions, it is equally essential to effectively analyse the data collected by these sensors and convert it into actionable information. To capitalise on the value of their networking monitoring, IT managers can consider using state-of- the-art software tools to better optimise the heating and cooling of the company buildings. Utilising such technology will allow IT managers to identify potential issues proactively rather than reactively and importantly, optimise overall performance.


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