What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (also known as IoT), is a description of a deeply connected network, whereby a “thing” (including technology, people, and devices), can access and transfer data to one another. The principle is relatively simple but the implications offer businesses and societies unprecedented opportunities for growth and development. Simply put, the Internet of Things is creating a next generation of communication that businesses can’t avoid to miss out on.
The Internet of Things, is showing signs as being a pivotal piece of the next technology revolution. It has been written about and discussed for several years, but is it about time businesses woke up to the potential of this concept?
The Internet of Things offers very exciting predictions of a futurist world, but it also offers very practical ways businesses can grow and develop right now. Business telecoms services have always been focused on connectivity and the benefits of this. IoT could allow businesses to create networks and infrastructures that take this advanced connectivity and leverage it to rapidly change business operations.
Examples of how Businesses can use IoT
The ability for computers and systems to pass and enter data into networks could not only save time, but create a more reliable, scalable and profitable business model. It presents a moment in history where certain businesses will be able to achieve things that previously simply weren’t possible.
For small businesses, time is often a defining element to what can be achieved. But with IoT, the ability to do jobs that previously would have taken too long, can be processed and completed without a human ever needing to input anything. Being able to leverage data and business processes on such a connected level, allows businesses to see patterns in data, raise issues early and embed a predictive element into their processes to drive innovation.
IoT isn’t about connecting devices, people and networks for the sake of it – it’s about identifying business aims and learning how this technology can help achieve these aims. The way one business can use IoT might be very different from another.
The Internet of Things has picked up a lot of press regarding household appliances and consumer facing products. But it’s applicable throughout every industry and every business venture in the world. It is the farmer who can access environmental data and move cattle into different locations long to avoid his animals getting hurt in flash flooding. It is the manufacturing firm who can now optimise their products in real-time and communicate this to new customers at scale. It is the local healthcare centre that can react to data from wearable technology in real-time. It is these businesses that may never have thought about IT and computer infrastructures, that could see the biggest shift in how they work.
All businesses will benefit from a more connected network of people, data and devices. It’s simply up to each business to figure out how they can use it to their advantage.
How to get Started with Business IoT
IoT is fundamentally built on connectivity and access to the internet. This means that any business that wants to take advantage of IoT needs to think about what kind of internet set up they currently have. Slow connections and limited access simply means the network can’t deliver the results you want. Therefore, the first step into launching your business into the world of IoT, is to secure an internet connection that is capable of handling such requests.
For advice and help on where to start, simply get in touch with our friendly team, who will be happy help translate the technical jargon into what that means for your business.
As well as connectivity, businesses need to think about where this data is going to be stored. Cloud based storage can be risky and businesses need to think about data security and data handling more seriously (especially with GDPR around the corner).
Once connectivity and data storage are sorted, it’s about identifying what things in a business process would benefit from being connected and seamlessly be able to communicate to each other (often without the assistant of a human).
From sales processes to customer service and everything in between, a more advanced connection between all parts of a business, will improve performance. But as businesses start to adopt early versions of IoT, there becomes challenges and issues that businesses will face. Notably, businesses that see the benefits of IoT are likely to become very dependent on such features. As a result, security and ensuring systems and networks are comprehensive enough to allow such technology to flourish will become an increasingly highlighted topic in boardrooms all around the world.
Cyber-security and the handling of data will be so integral for businesses and societies that the management of networks and data will need attention. This is where the recommendations and insights from telecom and IT consultants will help businesses thrive in this technology and avoid any unwanted breeches and downtime.
PureComms and Connectivity
If you think your business would benefit from more processes and systems being connected and automated, why not get in touch and talk to our expert team. We can guide you on the very best technology and equipment that your business can use to achieve your business aims. We take the time to understand your specific challenges and ensure we support your business operations through the best possible service available.
The Internet of Things is a term that reflects the future expectations of being connected to networks and the internet. Operating a business using old and outdated phone and internet solutions will only lead to growing problems and challenges. Not having sufficient infrastructure, equipment, and software in place will limit how your business can take advantage of this future state of communication.
Get your business ready for future opportunities and let us show you what’s possible.
