How PLCs Are Powering the IIoT
Smart factories are transforming the way companies produce products. With an increasing push towards efficiency, safety, and speed, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is becoming one of the most important strategies today. To operate, this industry needs well-trained and educated professionals. For those looking for a new career path, the PLC Technician Certificate program at George Brown College could be the ideal path to consider.
What Is IIoT and What Is the Future?
When choosing a career path, especially as an adult learner, it helps to have a good understanding of where the industry is headed. IIoT is a component of Industry 4.0, a transformation of factories to incorporate more technology into operations to improve function and efficiency.
IIoT empowers the use of connected devices and machines. This creates a network that enables communication between each device and the whole network computer to provide a better understanding of conditions. Some aspects of IIoT that contribute to smart factories include:
- Data collection and analysis: Providing access to real-time data from numerous pieces of equipment and devices within the factory to understand machine performance, conditions, or other metrics
- Predictive maintenance: Providing insight into the current functional efficiency and health of factory systems, preventing breakdowns and downtime.
- Quality control measures: These methods work to ensure that final products meet expectations in quality and production processes, enabling faster recognition of concerns
- Sustainable manufacturing: The incorporation of strategies that reduce waste and minimize energy consumption
- Agility manufacturing: Incorporating strategies to respond faster to changing product demand and modifications
Energy monitoring, advanced data analytics, robotics, automation, and numerous other strategies help smart machines to support the modern factory, creating safer and more reliable products while streamlining objectives.
To work and be efficient, effective, and ever-advancing, IIoT and smart factories need skilled and experienced professionals.
The Role of a PLC Technician in IIoT
PLC technicians provide a critical level of support for this industry. PLCs work in smart, connected factories to provide a range of services, including the following:
Create Real-Time Data Capture
PLC technicians aid in the connection of sensors located throughout smart factories that collect valuable data to be used across a variety of processes. To be successful, this data collection must be in real-time, making it critical for teams to have proficient and highly specialized networks of sensors in place. PLC technicians make that possible.
Create and Build Cloud and Edge Computing Systems
PLC technicians work closely with organizations to build connected systems. They communicate with cloud and edge computing systems to establish and maintain lines. They must be able to understand the depth of this industry while also understanding how to problem-solve and troubleshoot. When systems communicate data effectively, smart factories operate at their most efficient level.
Create Predictive Maintenance Solutions
One of the core benefits of smart factories is that they have sensors that monitor conditions at various points. As a result, this creates an opportunity for the technician to monitor the condition of each piece of equipment over time. When any concerns arise, strategies can be employed to get the system back to the highest level of functionality. To achieve this, PLCs must be able to provide strategies for predictive maintenance and data-driven automation.
Support Efficiencies with Remote Monitoring
PLC technicians also support energy efficiency, quality control, and remote monitoring through the development of effective communication networks and ongoing monitoring of them. This is critical to building an effective IIoT system.
Training for a Career in PLCs and IIoT: Two Flexible Program Options
As the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) reshapes manufacturing, the need for skilled PLC technicians continues to grow. At George Brown College, we offer two specialized certificate programs to meet the needs of both beginners and those ready for more advanced training.
1. PLC Technician Certificate Program
This program provides a solid introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and focuses on their practical application in manufacturing and industrial settings. It’s designed for those with little or no prior experience and offers a safe, supportive way to build fundamental skills in PLC programming.
Students in this program use PLCLogix 500, a simulation tool based on the Rockwell Logix 500 series. It allows learners to design, run, test, and debug ladder logic programs while simulating real-world PLC operations—giving students essential hands-on experience.
2. PLC Technician II Certificate Program
For those looking to advance their understanding, the PLC Technician II Certificate Program offers a deeper dive into PLCs and their role in modern industrial systems. The program explores complex control systems like Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), as well as advanced PLC programming languages.
This course can be taken independently of the first program, though it’s more challenging, as it uses tag-based addressing—a key feature of many modern PLC systems.
Students train using PLCLogix 5000, a state-of-the-art simulator that emulates a ControlLogix controller and the Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000 environment. With this advanced simulator, learners can build, test, and troubleshoot ladder logic circuits in a highly realistic, tag-based programming environment—perfect preparation for working with IIoT-enabled smart factory systems.
How to Get Started with PLC Technician Training
George Brown College’s PLC Technician Training prepares students with the foundational skills needed to work in IIoT-enabled environments, making them valuable in today’s evolving industrial workforce.
Learn more about George Brown College and our programs, giving learners the tools they need to work in an in-demand industry. Contact us today to learn more or contact our Program Consultants toll free at 1-888-553-5333.