What is IoT? And what does it mean for your industry?

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You’ve probably heard of IoT but do you know what it is or what it might mean for your industry?

What is IoT?

IoT, or the Internet of things, refers to the interconnected network of physical smart devices, vehicles, buildings, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity, allowing them to collect and exchange data.

Transforming these things into IoT devices enables them to communicate amongst the network and share information, allowing them to intelligently make informed decisions.

What is an Internet of Things device?

There’s hundreds of ways you can have IoT connected devices, with just a few examples listed below:

Smart thermostats

These won’t only be useful for controlling the temperature in your business premises, but you’ll probably find these useful in your home too! They can control the temperature based on the occupancy and they’ll learn your preferences so it can manage your heating intelligently.

Fitness trackers

Fitness watches have exploded over the last couple of years with everyone checking how many steps they’ve walked and how many calories they’ve burned but the technology behind these devices lies in IoT.

Industrial sensors

IoT in manufacturing can have some great benefits when it comes to optimising processes. Industrial sensors can monitor equipment and let you know when stock is low, replacement of parts is needed and much more!

Environmental monitoring devices

The agricultural industry is also one that combines smart devices with smart manufacturing, with devices available to measure air quality, soil moisture and even the water quality.

IoT Connected Devices

The proliferation of smart devices has contributed to the development of smart homes, cities and industries, offering improved efficiency, automation and convenience.

Our homes are now littered with IoT devices and most of us probably haven’t even realised it! Housing devices include motion sensor lights and cameras which communicate with each other and work in tandem as a home security system and smart home speakers are also an example of smart house IoT.

Internet of Things is also being embraced in the medical industry as smart devices and healthcare are seemingly a match made in heaven! Wearable technology helps hospitals monitor patients away from healthcare premises, helping them gather more accurate data on heart monitoring, lung capacity, diabetes levels and even whether someone has fallen.

Smart cities are gaining traction with IoT being utilised in urban landscapes to create cities of the future. Traffic and waste management can be controlled using smart devices making our cities easier to navigate and nicer to inhabit.

Industrial manufacturing is enhancing businesses across the globe as they begin utilising smart devices in manufacturing to enhance their process and streamline operations. IoT helps to manage predictive maintenance within manufacturing, allowing staff to focus on other tasks improving the overall efficiency as a result.

Now that you understand What IoT is, it will be clear that smart device management within your business could help you automate processes and streamline operations, speak to a trusted supplier today to ensure your business is making the most of today’s technology.

Make the most of today’s technology

It’s important to work with a supplier who can understand and support your specific requirements. If your current supplier is unwilling or unable to offer a solution that suits your business, there is help at hand…

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