Industrial parks are adopting Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to streamline operations, reduce inefficiencies, and deliver real-time visibility of assets.
According to Aik-Jin Tan, APAC Marketing Leader for Manufacturing and Singapore ZEC at Zebra Technologies, this momentum reflects how new digital tools are being applied to address long-standing operational challenges and create more connected environments.
"IoT adoption in industrial parks is driven by advanced technologies like RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), real-time location systems (RTLS), edge computing, and AI-powered automation, which collectively enhance real-time inventory visibility and operational efficiency," Tan said.
Real-time visibility through automation
Fixed industrial scanning has become an important part of IoT deployments. By automating the capture of barcodes or identifiers, fixed scanners allow production lines and warehouses to track inventory with accuracy and speed.
"Fixed industrial scanning also plays a critical role by automating barcode or identifier capture on items moving through production lines or warehouses. These scanners integrate with IoT systems to provide high-speed, accurate data capture, reducing manual errors and processing time," Tan explained. "For instance, fixed scanners, paired with RFID and edge computing, enable precise inventory tracking and seamless updates across systems."
These tools allow companies to scale operations while ensuring transparency across supply chains. A manufacturing facility can, for example, install scanners along conveyor belts to capture product data in real time. This helps identify bottlenecks and improve throughput.
Sensor-based monitoring solutions are also being used to track environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity. This ensures products remain within compliance thresholds. Cloud platforms then consolidate this data and allow remote monitoring by decision-makers.
"Zebra Technologies offer solutions combining RFID devices, edge platforms, and fixed scanning systems to streamline workflows and empower data-driven operations in industrial parks," Tan noted
Integration with existing infrastructure
For security system integrators, understanding how these IoT technologies fit into established infrastructure is increasingly important. Many industrial facilities already rely on enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, video management systems (VMS), and legacy devices.
According to Tan, Zebra designed its IoT ecosystem to integrate with these platforms.
"Zebra’s IoT systems are designed to seamlessly integrate with existing industrial infrastructure, including platforms like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and fixed industrial scanning systems. Through open APIs, middleware, and advanced orchestration tools, these solutions enable real-time data exchange between IoT devices and such platforms," he said.
The approach allows frontline devices such as handheld computers, RFID systems, and fixed scanners to connect directly with ERP databases. Asset and inventory records are updated automatically, reducing manual intervention and improving workflow.
"Fixed industrial scanners work in tandem with Zebra’s RFID readers and handheld computers to provide continuous asset visibility by automatically capturing and updating ERP systems with inventory and operational data. This ensures precise tracking of items as they move through production lines or warehouses," Tan said. "The integration supports intelligent automation by streamlining tasks such as order fulfilment, compliance checks, and predictive maintenance."
This integration extends beyond ERP. With cloud-enabled tools, data can also be linked to security and monitoring platforms, providing a more complete view of operational and security workflows. For system integrators, the opportunity lies in bridging operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) within industrial settings.
Addressing key pain points
The deployment of IoT systems in industrial parks is often driven by persistent challenges. Tan outlined several issues that clients frequently face.
"Industrial clients often face significant challenges that IoT deployments aim to address, particularly in achieving asset visibility and operational efficiency. The most common pain points include limited real-time visibility, disconnected workflows, asset mismanagement, and scaling limitations," he said.
Limited real-time visibility remains a problem in large facilities where inventory is spread across multiple locations. Without a central tracking system, delays and inefficiencies can occur.
Disconnected workflows are another challenge. Manual processes often lead to errors and downtime, reducing productivity. Misplaced inventory or equipment disrupts delivery timelines and create bottlenecks.
Traditional systems also have difficulty scaling with growing operations. As industrial parks expand, older technologies cannot always keep up with demand.
Tan emphasized that IoT technologies directly address these barriers. "Zebra’s IoT solutions address these issues by leveraging intelligent automation, enabling real-time asset visibility, and streamlining workflows to improve productivity and reduce costs," he said.
Deeper role for integrators
For physical security system integrators and consultants, the rise of IoT in industrial parks introduces new opportunities and responsibilities. Integrators are no longer limited to deploying surveillance cameras and access control devices. They are increasingly expected to design solutions that link operational efficiency with physical security.
For example, when IoT devices track the movement of raw materials or finished goods, integrators can connect this data to access control systems. If sensitive assets are moved outside designated zones, the access system can trigger alerts or lock down entry points. This integration helps reduce theft and ensures compliance with safety protocols.
Another area where integrators add value is in combining video management systems with IoT data streams. Video feeds enhanced with contextual data from RFID or RTLS devices provide security teams with actionable intelligence. Instead of passively monitoring cameras, operators can investigate alerts that combine movement of assets, environmental conditions, and video evidence.
Cybersecurity also becomes a central consideration. As industrial facilities connect thousands of IoT endpoints, the attack surface grows. Integrators are in a position to advise on best practices for device authentication, data encryption, and network segmentation. In this way, they serve as both system designers and trusted security advisors.
Practical applications in industrial parks
To illustrate how these technologies come together, consider an industrial park with multiple warehouses, production units, and logistics centers.
Fixed scanners capture barcode data as items move through conveyor belts. RFID tags track the location of pallets in real time. Sensor arrays monitor temperature in cold storage areas. All of this data is consolidated in cloud dashboards accessible by both operational managers and security staff.
If a pallet of high-value goods is misplaced, the system can quickly trace its last known location. If sensors detect a temperature spike that threatens product quality, alerts can be sent to both maintenance teams and security operators.
By linking IoT data with VMS, an operator can pull up relevant camera feeds to verify conditions on the ground.
For system integrators, deploying such a solution requires a mix of skills. Beyond installing hardware, they need to ensure interoperability between devices, maintain reliable connectivity, and configure analytics platforms. The ability to integrate these systems determines the overall effectiveness of the solution.
Long-term benefits for clients
The adoption of IoT in industrial parks offers long-term advantages that extend beyond immediate efficiency gains. Predictive maintenance is one example. By analyzing IoT data, facilities can predict when machines are likely to fail and schedule repairs before breakdowns occur. This reduces downtime and extends equipment life.
Another benefit is compliance management. Many industries face strict regulations on product handling, storage conditions, and documentation. IoT systems can automatically generate reports that demonstrate compliance, reducing the administrative burden on staff.
Operational safety is also enhanced. IoT-enabled tracking of personnel can ensure workers do not enter hazardous zones without authorization. If an incident occurs, real-time location data can help emergency responders locate staff quickly and accurately.
Outlook
The growth of IoT adoption in industrial parks reflects a wider shift toward intelligent and connected infrastructure in Asia. For security professionals, the opportunities lie not only in integrating traditional systems such as VMS and access control but also in connecting operational data with physical security.
As Tan summarized, the combination of RFID, fixed scanning, AI, and edge computing is reshaping industrial operations. "These technologies collectively enable scalability, transparency, and enhanced productivity in industrial environments," he said.
For security systems integrators, the challenge will be to align these technologies with client needs and deliver solutions that improve both operational efficiency and security resilience. The integrators who can bridge the gap between operations and security will be best positioned to lead in this evolving landscape.
Looking ahead, industrial parks are likely to expand IoT deployments further, creating ecosystems where every device, process, and asset is connected. For consultants and integrators, this presents an opportunity to move beyond point solutions and deliver integrated strategies that support digital transformation in physical security as well as industrial operations.