The manufacturing industry has undergone significant transformation since the Industrial Revolution, shifting from a focus on manpower and machinery to a data-driven approach powered by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The integration of IoT technologies, Big Data analytics, and cloud computing has enabled factories to enhance efficiency and productivity through real-time data insights and automated processes. IIoT allows for predictive maintenance, real-time equipment monitoring, and energy optimization, resulting in reduced downtime and cost savings. A proposed reference architecture for IIoT highlights the use of components like Redpanda, a central data hub, to facilitate scalable real-time data ingestion and processing. Redpanda supports the seamless connectivity and communication between machines and IIoT devices, enabling effective data collection, analysis, and automation. With its lean and cost-efficient design, Redpanda is particularly suited for resource-constrained environments, offering manufacturers a robust foundation for implementing IIoT systems and driving continuous innovation in industrial operations.