The Internet of Things (IoT) may currently be used as a marketing jargon for many consumer products, but it is definitely much more than that. For those who are still new to this term, the broad term simply means having everyday objects powered by network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data on their own. These objects include everything from our cellphones to coffee makers to earphones and lamps, as well as back-end servers and manufacturing equipment.
While IT research company Gartner estimates that there will be over 20 billion connected devices by 2020, the IoT is already looking to make a wider impact across various industries.On a personal level, the boom of the IoT is definitely looking to become a huge productivity and reminder booster. For example: with access to your calendar, your car could send you a notification before an appointment, informing you that a planned route may have slow traffic, and suggesting an alternative course in its place.
Like it or not, the IoT is the future, and we’re about to see a huge wave of transformation in not just our lives, but in workspaces all around as well.
How will it be applicable to my offices?
Regardless of your industry, the IoT is bound to have the same widespread impact as computers and the World Wide Web did – both things offices can’t do without now.
The IoT isn’t so much about the types of devices you deploy in your offices, but rather the technology – in this case, the in-built sensors and data that they gather and eventually communicate.
The data and feedback can be gathered and collected from almost everything – this ranges from electricity usage, door access data, to malfunction detections. This capability also allows for greater intelligence, enabling your offices to be involved in more efficient real-time operations.
The IoT also has other benefits that are immediately observable. These may include, but are not limited to:
The implementation of relevant IoT devices is exciting yet requires careful planning from the get-go. Not sure where to start? Schedule a free consultation with us – we’d love to chat about how we can help boost your office’s tech capabilities and efficiency.