DIGITAL LANDSCAPE
Viranga Seneviratne
THE CONNECTED ADVANTAGE
Industrial IoT is shaping productivity and competitiveness across sectors
State of industrial internet of things (IoT) in Sri Lanka
The country is transitioning from early exploration to ROI driven industrial IoT adoption with great untapped potential for scalable cloud connected solutions that improve efficiency and reduce waste.
Industries that are ready for industrial IoT adoption
Manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and energy are best positioned, where real-time monitoring and data driven insights can notably improve efficiency, quality and sustainability.
Role of 5G in accelerating deployments
5G provides the ultra reliable low latency connectivity needed for real-time industrial IoT, enabling autonomous robotics, edge computing, massive machine communication and new opportunities that are only beginning to be explored.
Importance of digital platforms in scaling IoT ecosystems
Digital platforms are essential to scaling IoT, enabling seamless device management, data integration and the development of intelligent data driven applications.
Hallmarks of successful projects
Successful IoT projects solve clear business problems with measurable outcomes and scalable designs while unsuccessful programmes are driven by technology rather than business needs.
IoT use cases offering swift business value
Predictive maintenance and smart energy management deliver the fastest returns by reducing downtime, improving efficiency and lowering operating costs.
Manufacturers benefitting from connected operations
Connected operations enable manufacturers to shift from reactive to predictive operations, improving equipment performance, reducing waste and optimising production through real-time supply chain insights.
Impact on local export competitiveness
IoT strengthens Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness by enabling traceability, sustainability and operational transparency, helping local exporters meet global standards and compete as trusted high value partners.
Sri Lankan businesses investing in industrial digitisation
While leading enterprises are investing in industrial digitisation, many SMEs still underinvest, viewing it as a cost rather than a long-term investment in efficiency and competitiveness.
Local barriers to industrial IoT adoption
Outdated mindsets, cost concerns and the misconception that legacy systems cannot be modernised.
Significance of data as an asset in the industrial IoT era
Data is a strategic asset that drives predictive insights, smarter decisions and new business opportunities.
Role of mobile applications in industrial transformation
Mobile applications enable real-time monitoring, faster decision making and remote management of industrial operations.
How IoT improves operational efficiency
By providing real-time visibility, automating data collection, optimising asset and resource utilisation, and reducing waste and downtime across industries.
Balancing innovation with security
Organisations should adopt a security by design approach, embedding strong authentication, encryption and zero trust principles into every stage of innovation.
Cybersecurity risks in connected environments
The main cybersecurity risks are expanded attack surfaces, vulnerable legacy systems and ransomware attacks on critical connected infrastructure.
Addressing Sri Lanka’s productivity challenges
Industrial IoT can help overcome labour and resource constraints by improving asset performance, reducing waste, and boosting productivity through automation and AI driven decision making.
In demand skills in an IoT driven economy
Demand will grow for multidisciplinary professionals skilled in cloud computing, AI, data engineering, embedded systems and industrial cybersecurity.
Edge computing in industrial IoT deployments
It is critical to industrial IoT, enabling real-time AI driven decisions at the source, reducing latency and bandwidth costs, and ensuring reliable operations even during network disruptions.
Data is a strategic asset that drives predictive insights, smarter decisions and new business opportunities
Opportunities in smart logistics and supply chains
By integrating cold chain monitoring, fleet telematics and smart warehousing, logistics can improve supply chain visibility, reduce losses, optimise fleet and warehouse operations, and enhance Sri Lanka’s trade competitiveness.
IoT contribution to smarter energy management
It enables smarter energy management by providing real-time monitoring, optimising energy use, reducing waste and supporting the integration of renewable energy sources.
Lessons for Sri Lanka from global IoT leaders
Sri Lanka must embrace open standards, scalable platforms and ecosystem collaboration, to accelerate industrial IoT adoption and innovation.
Importance of interoperability between platforms and devices
It’s essential for scaling industrial IoT, enabling seamless integration, avoiding vendor lock-ins, and maximising the value of existing and new technologies.
– Compiled by Indrajit Lankeshwara
Viranga Seneviratne is the Vice President/Head of Innovation and Platforms Business of Dialog Axiata.
