In recent years, companies have had to adapt to changes in the work environment. Emerging technologies such as cloud computing, edge computing, 5G, artificial intelligence and machine learning were developed to help businesses implement and adopt work-from-anywhere practices. In addition, these technologies have allowed businesses to realize their Internet of Things (IoT) ambitions. However, to achieve these ambitions, businesses need the appropriate data insights and the ability to act on them. IoT doesn’t have to be confusing or hard to implement with REACH as a trusted guide and partner. REACH can help you plan, build and launch IoT solutions.
What is IoT?
Simply stated, it is the process by which all physical places and things are connected to the internet, hence the internet of things. Companies of all sizes can improve their systems and processes, increases efficiencies and introduce new products, services and business models. Listed below are the three areas of IoT with example scenarios:
- Collecting and sending of information – sensors that detect or “collect” changes in environmental conditions then send those changes or data.
- Receiving and acting on information – information that was collected and sent comes can come to this area where data is monitored and analyzed by personnel to make any needed adjustments.
- Collecting, sending, receiving and acting on the information – the most comprehensive of the three areas of IoT combines the two areas above and requires little to no human intervention…the system automatically adjusts based on the data received.
Benefits of IoT
The value of IoT is being seen in many different industries. Some of the major benefits include:
- Operational efficiency – companies can track key metrics to avoid disruptions in service.
- Improved safety – data detected by sensors can alert you when something is amiss from environmental conditions to intrusions or unauthorized access.
- Cost savings – data monitoring can help reduce energy costs and reducing or eliminating human intervention can reduce labor costs.
Examples of IoT in the Real World
Almost every industry is seeing the positive impact IoT is having. Below are just a few examples of how IoT has been adopted into vary aspects of work life.
- Smart locks – no more lost keys and better access and security. Smart locks gives an individual the ability to control locks from phones or other devices with unique access codes so you know who is entering your building.
- Connected cameras – security cameras connected to Wi-Fi allow businesses to remotely monitor offices, warehouses, entrances and other areas and saves the footage to the cloud, eliminating servers and other storage devices. Plus their ease of installation contributes to their affordability.
- Mobile card readers – mobile point of sale devices meets the increase in card payments, which then leads to increased convenience, reduced accounting errors and reduced risk of theft since less cash is kept on the premises.
- Inventory and stock control – RFID tags combined with IoT devices have created smart stores that along with sensors and cameras allow remote and centralized inventory management and automated restocking.
- Shipping trackers – connected tracking devices allows for visibility of a package’s journey from store or warehouse to it’s end destination.
- Supply chain data monitoring – IoT offers deeper insights about the condition of products like perishables allowing businesses to verify the quality of the deliveries and also monitor security to reduce crime, loss and damage.
- Temperature and climate monitoring – live data and predictive monitoring can help farmers better manage crops by tracking rainfall, wind, air pressure and humidity. Storage facilities can also use this technology to monitor perishable items.
- Voice assistance – the list of functions continues to grow from taking notes, setting reminders and delivering alerts to voice recognition software used to do certain tasks to chatbots used to increase customer service.
- Smart lights – help businesses monitor various premises and their environments, increase safety and can deliver location-based services all controlled through mobile phones or other devices.
- Smart thermostats and HVAC – manage environments across large premised remotely.
The Internet of Things technology is here to stay. Don’t be left behind. Take stock of what areas of your business could be improved in efficiency, safety and productivity by researching IoT options.
As your telecom and IT solutions expert, REACH takes pride in keeping you connected. Learn more about how REACH can guide your business through IoT discussions and installations, as you consider the build your own IoT initiatives. Connect with us today by calling Valerie at 715-330-4200 or filling out our contact form.