Internet of things (IoT) has become a key to altering business. Due to its existing production processes and logistics become more efficient. IoT contributes to intensification of work with customers and ensures growth of profits optimizing expenses and saving efforts.
What is Internet of Things? This is a network of devices that connect to the Internet and are controlled by it. There is data exchange between the devices, which improves the quality of users' life. We are accustomed to the functioning of "smart" technology at home, so most likely, you already use things like that: it might be a thermostat, a smart watch, or a smart speaker.
The Gartner survey says that in 2017 there were already 6.4 billion devices in the world, which is equivalent to $ 170 billion. Experts predict that by the end of 2022, the total value of IoT devices will more than double to reach $560 billion.
Working with data is aimed at strengthening knowledge about business operations, technology, marketing, production, etc. IoT is responsible for this function, thanks to which it is possible to improve the business. Internet of Things discovers new flows of information about all areas of entrepreneurial activity.
The knowledge gained becomes the basis for creating new roles, ability to analyze large amounts of data even better. Thus, companies will be able to get to know their audience better, to delineate upcoming trends in their field more clearly. The information received through IoT sensors will not be used only for developing a business strategy, but also for optimization of work and increase of efficiency.
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The impact of Internet of Things on business is multidimensional. The key areas where IoT works positively are depicted below:
A clear work plan might increase the cost of business processes by several times, forcing the staff to expand and, accordingly, to increase expenses on paying them. IoT allows to elimination this effect. For example, IoT device sensors can be used to alert when hardware breaks. Thus, the time allocated for troubleshooting is reduced to a minimum, which means that the downtime also tends to zero.
The extended concept of IoT provides even more benefits. Integrating digital twins into a network of a particular piece of equipment serves several purposes. With the help of a digital model of equipment, fault monitoring is carried out; specialists are trained, etc. The adjustable fail-safety of "twins" makes it possible to predict the failure of individual elements and warn maintenance personnel about this.
By creating smart consumer devices, engineers provide a basis for their improved interaction both on the network and with each other. For example, a thermostat regulates house temperature when the temperature indicators outside the house change. The lighting system can be programmed for a specific turn-on time, or it can be connected to motion sensors.
Logistics is an area where IoT is almost totally used. For example, a bar code in manufacturing and inventory management makes sense only in case the location of the item is known. Whereas using IoT sensors, one can track the object with no loss. This applies to both manufacturing and the end customer of the goods.
"Smart" consumer devices can assist users in everyday life, doing routine tasks for them. At an enterprise Internet of Things is applied both for automated coffee making, and for more complicated tasks. Thus, according to survey, the implementation of digital transformation projects contributed to:
Saved costs, efficiency optimization, and improved inventory control are advantages of IoT in business.
In this context, the user experience of interacting with a business is very important as a tool to increase loyalty. IoT reduces the number of failures and eliminates downtime as a result of such failures. Another thing to mention is inventory and overall supply chain management: IoT is applicable to create personalized experiences based on location and activity data.
Internet of Things is a catalyst for business change, setting the pace for these transformations. Together with artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and blockchain technology, Internet of Things is altering the way the user lives and works.
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