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16 April 2020

Examples of IoT Solutions for Your Business

Business

The Internet of Things is in many ways, an exciting new frontier for enterprises.

Many of us are already aware of the consumer-side of the market. From smart homes, to smart lighting, the IoT connects objects, and empowers lives.

I speak at great lengths of the power this brings to users – and the potential it brings to business. And I’m not alone!

The world is taking great notice of the opportunities. It is predicted, according to the WEF, that by 2025, the number of IoT devices will number 40 billion.

What is the IoT?

When we consider the IoT, we think of a network. This network contains many connection points. These range from IoT sensors, to mobiles, and larger hardware. You may have even heard the phrase ‘connected car’. The IoT opens the possibility to connecting any piece of hardware to a wider shared network.

And with this insight, businesses can undergo a wide variety of developments. Businesses can optimise production processes, organise workplaces, and provide new levels of comfort. Everything is measurable. Everything is fixable.

What does it entail?

We’ve heard the phrase and understand the enthusiasm for this novel technology.

The IoT is a key component of Industry 4.0. We know this as an umbrella term encompassing increased connectivity and big data. It is also characterised by cyber-physical systems, with autonomous IoT-connected components.

Publications and industry advocates alike tend to paint a picture of autonomous factories. This may have inadvertently attributed an exclusively ‘industrial’ connotation to the IoT. On the contrary, the IoT has a place in almost any sector, particularly the commercial field.

Breakthrough Solutions

To reaffirm the universal role of the IoT, this technology exists in multiple markets. It is for this reason that I’d like to take you through some leading examples. These are currently industry pioneers in their fields, offering breakthrough solutions.

Let’s explore these examples to better-comprehend the role of IoT. We’ll also learn how it succeeds in delivering solutions to enterprise.

Smart Office Management System

Zonifero brings unprecedented value to Commercial Real Estate. Its arsenal of functions completely transform how we interact with our office spaces. This mobile, and web-based tool offers cost and space optimisation in office spaces. This ranges from meeting rooms and hot desks, to reception areas and car parking.

How it works is through complete connectivity to IoT sensors throughout the office property. Using these connections, this digital solution can gain access to useful metrics. Such a sophisticated system would be otherwise impossible without IoT connectivity.

LIMS Implementation

More important than ever is the need for laboratory digitisation. Through Industry 4.0 technologies, lab managers can boost the facilities’ functioning. These technologies are otherwise known as labtech.

One such tech spearheading lab optimisation, is the Laboratory Information Management System. This digital solution helps organise and digitise a variety of manual laboratory functions. LIMS helps automate daily tasks, whilst also minimising error in the process. Such a system refers to specialised IT teams, engaged with laboratory systems.

By enabling IoT connectivity, workers can integrate systems and instruments to advance productivity. IoT is an ‘open solution’, meaning it integrates with future prospective equipment. The result is an efficient, accountable, and compliant lab facility.

Quality Control Process Automation

Product integrity is a traditionally laborious task. It entails a tedious amount of hands on labour, consisting of physical inspections. But a series of revolutionary technologies provides automation and relief to this process.

Using image recognition cameras, production facilities can autonomously detect product defects. The notification is the submitted, and the specimen is then removed from the production process. This in turn, prompts an update to the database, notifying management of the defect. The link between all these functions, is the IoT. Using the network, all production processes can relay functions to each other autonomously.

In a traditional setting, the repetitive nature of these responsibilities renders them prone to error. The result of IoT implementation is full automation of tasks and reports. This in turn enables complete human resources optimisation.

Property Security Management Systems

IoT solutions can positively affect the nominally manual nature of security. IoT-based surveillance and closed-circuit monitoring are just some of the possible solutions. Large commercial assets can benefit from autonomous devices such as cameras, alarm systems, and virtual entry and exit points.

Such technology benefits a variety of sectors, from security of commercial spaces, to loss prevention in retail, or law enforcement. The potential is endless.

GPS Fleet Monitoring Systems

Fleet monitoring is instrumental to ensuring transport, logistics, or sales fleets remain efficient, and on budget. Enterprises can collect data regarding travel and journeys, as well as machinery diagnostics. Information collected can then be compiled into reports for effective decision-making in this regard.

This can pertain to potentially thousands of connected devices within company cars, vans, and trucks. The result is an accountable, and potentially effective management. Management can rely on instantaneous communication in a highly accessible and scalable system.

Agricultural Forecasts and Process Optimisations

With expert insights of seasoned analysts and consultants, a company can build a system dedicated to optimising production processes in farms. Using a series of IoT sensors, farmers can build on their lifelong expertise, to widen their frame of insight into their harvest yields.

Such technologies use data analysis, scientific knowhow, and advanced AI. Our consultants even helped carry out the necessary preparations for a company seeking to implement such technology. As a result, that organisation can continue their work with both government and non-governmental organisations to achieve their goal.

Summary

As you can see, the potential for applications is substantial. The IoT is a wide-ranging system with the ability to connect any digital device or component. With the right strategy and recognition of business needs, any organisation can reap the benefits of this technology.

It takes knowhow, from a technical standpoint, to make a correct implementation. Therefore, it is important for companies to consider the expertise of an external company. Many organisations can help apply their knowledge to IoT implementation, while also addressing business requirements.

Of course, these examples are only the tip of the iceberg. The range and potential the functionalities offer can turn your business around. All you must do is imagine a process. Then imagine cutting out the intermediary or making them faster. The result is a smoother, more accountable, and profitable future. It’s all possible, with the Internet of Things.

Connect digital solutions with the physical world. Build scalable IoT devices.


Author
Andrzej Senator
International Sales Director

A successful, experienced senior manager and business professional with a track record of growing both revenues and margins. He has over 30 years of managerial experience in the fields of strategic, operational and sales in leading local and international companies operating in Sweden and Poland. Specialties: Business Development, Sales management, Start-ups.