September 20, 2018
By: John Tomblin, Senior Solutions Architect
PhoenixBizz, a division of Sofvue, LLC
Printed with permission of Data Titan, Sofvue LLC, and the author
The term Internet of Things (IoT) was first coined by Kevin Ashton, co-founder and executive director of Auto-ID Center at MIT. He mentioned this buzzword while delivering a presentation at Procter & Gamble in 1999. But what does it mean and what impact does it have on society?
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The term Internet of Things (IoT) has become popular in recent years, and its long-term impact in the marketplace is just now being realized. It can and will be the next “big thing” in the coming decade.
Broadly defined, Internet of Things (IoT) is the increased and advanced communication between physical devices, digital or mechanical machines, vehicles, and infrastructures. When physical devices are given an exclusive identifier, it allows them to transmit data over a network, an effort that can be performed without the help of human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction.
The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) works with any device that can be connected over the internet, including smartphones, laptops, RFID chips, credit cards, wearable devices, or any other conceptualized connectivity object. IoT can also connect certain mechanical components such as the jet engine of an airplane, or containers traveling across the ocean, and its implementation is growing through the Android app, iPhone app, and iBeacon.
The Impact of Internet of Things (IoT)
1. Marketing
Internet of Things (IoT) can be very advantageous to marketing because it can be customized a push notification to consumers standing in close proximity to a consumable. Imagine walking into Macy’s, standing next to a pair of slacks and receiving a message on your mobile device telling you that if you buy the pants in the next minutes, you’ll receive a 10% discount. iBeacon, a hardware that communicates and facilitates mobile marketing with low-energy Bluetooth (BLE) can additionally boost a consumer’s experience through the connection.
2. Workforce Optimization
Aside from its marketing potential, another important aspect IoT is realized through its workforce optimization. This enterprise mobility technology can be very helpful, particularly with workers who work in hazardous conditions, and who could be notified when they are approaching a dangerous area. The device connected to a specific network could relay an alert to the site officer and a trigger a safety alert that an employee is in a hazardous area. This is just one example of how the technology might be used as a workforce solution.
It can also boost workforce productivity and performance by controlling and supervising the events happening in the field. This consolidation of technology can expand productivity, cut down operational overhead, maximize efficiency, and lessen costs through the tracking and targeting of specific tasks, and how they can be advanced.
3. Field Service
Internet of Things (IoT) can also be a crucial component for field services and improving workflow efficiency. As an example, IoT can be used to connect customers, a service or call center, and a technician in real-time. A future example will include an air-conditioning repair-man whose in route to a service call for a customer. Along with M2M and IoT, it is conceivable that a more dedicated approach to customer service might also be used.
Internet of Things (IoT) is not just a passing fad, but a growing trend that will see exponential growth in the coming decade. IoT will change the way we live and play with technology, and the ways in which we will use IoT is just now beginning to be realized.
