We all use smartphones, laptops, and the Internet every day. Let’s consider several simple examples from our daily life. Need to check the route not to get stuck in traffic? We check it on our device connected to the Internet. Want to turn off the light at home but don’t want to enter each room and hit light switches? No problem, with the Smart Home technology we can easily do it using our phone and application installed on ot. Various technologies have now become very widely used, so now we don’t even notice that when we want to do or check something, our hands reach our devices unintentionally.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and how it works
IoT – is a new stage of the Internet development, when there are more things connected to the Internet than people. It unites devices into a computer network and allows them to collect, analyze, process and transfer data to other objects via software, applications or technical devices. So in general we can call IoT a network of networks, where people may interact with devices, and devices may interact one with another, respond to changes of the environment, and make decisions without human intervention. Although humans may configure or provide access to data, IoT devices operate independently. IoT systems operate in a real-time mode and normally consist of the network of smart devices and cloud platforms, to which they are connected via WiFi, Bluetooth or other connection type.
Why is IoT beneficial for business and in which spheres it’s applied
The Internet of Things is nowadays used in various spheres of business for several pretty significant reasons. Implementation of IoT facilitates processes automation and efforts reduction, which lead to productivity increase with reduced expenses. Here we can list some spheres, where the technology is used, and provide examples of IoT implementation to prove it efficiency:
IoT in Logistics & Transportation
The technology is widely used in this sphere. With the implementation of IoT, the branch gained a great number of new tools and solutions that facilitate smooth work for companies, and better experience for its customers. Here are some points that prove the efficiency of IoT in the sphere:
- Monitoring the quality of provided services
Using IoT technology allows to control the processes of separation, delivery and shipment of goods to customers, since companies which provide the service of tracking the goods’ location deserve more trust. - Managing transport units
Data received from the connected vehicle fleets may be analyzed, and on its grounds there can be made forecasts, which help to automatically arrange preventive works, regulate the workload and prevent accidents. - “Smart” inventory
The system is able to make reports of the goods available in the warehouses. The process wouldn’t take more than a day, when manually it could take approximately a month.
Read Also How IoT Empowers the Supply Chain
IoT in Education
IoT performs a key role in a transformation of the traditional education system. Basically, the education process is closely related to various organizational processes, which is very time-consuming. To make life easier for all stakeholders, there is a set of technologies that have been developed. Here is a brief description of advantages, which IoT may provide:
- Improved efficiency
As it was already mentioned, organizational questions are an inseparable part of the education process. Various paperwork, keeping track of supply management — all it takes time and efforts. IoT solutions speed up and simplify these tasks completion significantly, which makes the process more efficient. - Data collection in real-time mode
With access to various applications for schools and colleges, IoT is able to process loads of data simultaneously, including students’ progress monitoring, control over teaching specialists training and many more. These data provide the whole picture of the education process, so supervisors can use them for further improvement. - Increased security
There are hundreds of students of various age groups in each educational establishment every day. And some time ago it was impossible to ensure their security. But now, with the implementation of such security applications as video monitoring tools, smoke sensors it has become possible to make the education process as safe as possible.
IoT in Agriculture
IoT is not that widely used in the agricultural sector, but still in the latest decades there have been a number of technical transformations. Thankfully various “smart” agricultural devices, farmers may gain full control over cattle-breeding and crop production. Here are main goals IoT may help to reach in the sphere:
- Real-time data collection
Loads of data that can be collected via various sensors: information of the weather conditions, soil quality, cattle health condition. All the data can be used to get an overview of how your business is going. - Processes automation
It’s possible to improve business efficiency with automation of various processes in the sphere (for example, production cycle), keep strict control over them and maintain the high quality of the crop - Control over internal processes and monitoring the expenses
It facilitates reduction of production risks, due to the possibility to forecast the output, which allows a farmer to plan the product distribution more efficiently.
IoT in Real Estate
Contemporary solutions, for instance, IoT monitoring system, are also implemented in the Real Estate sphere.
And here it’s not just about the convenience – it’s about sustainable use of resources, which is the main feature of IoT. Let’s discuss the key benefits below:
- Efficient energy consumption
The solution helps to use electricity much more efficiently, especially in commercial real estate. The system turns on the light only in rooms where people stay at the current moment, and turns it off when there is nobody inside, which allows to prevent energy waste and reduce its costs - HVAC efficiency
IoT fundamentally changes the way we approach heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). All the devices are smart and capable of making decisions on their own, for instance, adjusting temperature or ventilation room by room instead of unifying the entire system. - Security
We all strive to make our home as safe as possible, and IoT may ease the task significantly. Fire safety, risk of leakage, break-ins — all it can be controlled via the use of various sensors.
Read Also: PropTech. How Technologies Have Changed the Real Estate Domain
IoT in Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most prospective branches for implementation of IoT solutions. In this sphere technologies allow taking medical services to a completely new level. Let’s point out the main benefits IoT is able to introduce in healthcare:
- Real-time monitoring
Data collection in real-time mode allows us to gain the data considering patients’ physical condition, which helps to prevent various risks and react promptly in case of any deterioration. - Accelerated processing of patients’ data
Loads of paperwork – is also a reason for a doctor’s headache. With an IoT solution, processing the data will take several minutes instead of several hours, which helps to reduce the burden on medical staff. - Reduced risk of error
The human factor in the sphere of healthcare can lead to serious consequences. But still, we are human, we are not able to keep every single thing in mind. But the machines can. And implementation of IoT solutions will be able to minimize risks due to human mistakes.
IoT Weak Points
1) Security
Security is the main problem of IoT development. Nowadays, a completely secure IoT system doesn’t even exist, and cyber attacks are a frequent occurrence. That is why security issues are still a priority for developers.
2) Total processes automation
Yes, this point is described mostly as an advantage but at the same time it’s a disadvantage too. It concerns the employees you may already not be in need of if you implement such a system, so the unemployment rate will rise.
Conclusions
The technologies are constantly developing and each sphere is being modernized by implementing new solutions in accordance with business needs. Businesses introduce something new to become different from others and gain their own particular feature that would help them succeed. If you are interested in making your business more technology-based, please contact us.