When I first became aware of the “Internet of Things” I pictured the walls of a TGI Fridays restaurant lined with numerous hodge-podge like kayaks, tricycles, talking bears, and others. Some space where several arbitrary items are organized with no apparent reason.

 

Most people, IT or not, are aware of the Cloud and Software as a Service (SaaS), but there is less clarity on what the Internet of Things signifies and what it means for their business.

 

So in this article, we're going to address what the Internet of Things is and how your business can profit off it.

 

Internet of Things: a Definition

 

Essentially, it's the internet connection of machines via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Some Internet of Things devices are obvious, like cell phones, laptops, and wearables.

 

Additional IoT devices include Smart Home systems, washing machines, lamps, and alarms. This aggregates a giant organization of connectivity with Artificial Intelligence devices that communicate and send content without requiring human intervention. Juniper Research predicted that the number of IoT connected devices would surpass 38 billion in 2020.

 

Many industries have built their own IoT solutions as they innovate their business models and make the journey to digital transformation. These include Healthcare, Cybersecurity, and Big Data to name a few.

 

How still IoT Devices help my organization?

 

Here are some use cases utilizing IoT:

 

Interconnected staffers –

Just imagine the easiness of collaborationg with a remote team through an IoT ecosystem. Smart Devices like cell phones empower staff to accept and transfer data while working remotely.

 

Data –

Collect and centralize statistics from IoT applications and use the functionality to get real-time clarity on buyers arriving and exiting stores and from POS devices.

 

Device Inventory –

Improve the supply chain by getting notifications and real-time counts of all your devices. For instance, a printer that is out of ink so materials can be re-ordered, or a battery-operated device showing low-power can be recharged.

 

Facility Supervision and IoT Security –

Set up alarm systems, set thermostats, manage wireless networks, lock doors, and arrange predictive maintenance workflows for the swapping of light bulbs or AC and ventilation issues.

 

As more tools are distributed, innovative methods are being created to enhance protocols and sharing data. Even connected cars and Smart Cities are being envisioned.

 

As a Cloud-embracing company, Wave endeavors to keep our pulse on this industry and the innovative ability to improve productivity through machine learning, automation, and new technology.