ABB Study shows gap between digitalisation and adoption of it

A new study, by global technology company ABB, has found that 96 percent of global decision-makers view digitalisation as “essential to sustainability,” but despite this number only 35 percent of the respondents have implemented Industrial IoT solutions at scale. 

ABB’s study “Billions of better decisions: industrial transformation’s new imperative,” found that “future competitiveness” is the single greatest factor according to 46 percent of the respondents within the industrial companies’ increased focus on sustainability. 

The gap, ABB wrote, shows that the gap illustrates the significance of adopting the relevant digital solutions to enable better decisions and achieve sustainability goals. 

“Sustainability goals more and more are a crucial driver of business value and company reputation, and Industrial IoT solutions are playing an increasingly important role in helping enterprises achieve safe, smart and sustainable operations,” said Peter Terwiesch, President of ABB’s Process Automation business area in a statement.  

 “Unlocking insights hidden in operational data holds the key to enabling literally billions of better decisions throughout industry and acting upon them, with significant gains in productivity, reduced energy consumption and lower environmental impact,” added Terwiesch.  

The study has looked at the current take-up of the Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and its potential for improving energy efficiency, while lowering greenhouse gas emissions and driving change.

According to ABB, 72 percent of the surveyed respondents said that they are somewhat or significantly increasing expenditure on Industrial IoT to increase sustainability. 

The study have surveyed 765 decision-makers within the industry, the company said.