In this episode, we take a practical look at how Sparkplug B compares to plain MQTT when it comes to real performance on the shop floor. No theory — just what actually happens when devices publish fast, when networks get noisy, and when systems need to stay in sync. We explore where Sparkplug B helps with structure and state awareness, and where plain MQTT stays simpler, lighter, and sometimes faster. The conversation also touches on the trade-offs: overhead, reliability, and how much complexity is worth introducing for a given project. It’s a calm, honest breakdown for anyone trying to pick the right messaging approach for industrial data. For deeper reading and more field insights, visit iiotblog.com.