Internet Of Things (IOT). It’s a bit of a strange name don’t you think? Well, at the very least it is accurate. This term is used to describe a network of many different things, a bit different from your conventional network, consisting of more than a few servers and connected computers.
An IOT (Internet Of Things) is a system of interconnected computers, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals and people that transfer data over a network without requiring human intervention. But what does this mean exactly? It means that everything that you interact with has the potential to be part of the network. It can be a car, an animal, a heart monitor or even a mountain. Anything can be assigned an IP address (an address that identifies something on the internet) and transfer data with all other devices on the IOT network.
How does IOT work? An IOT consists of web-enabled smart devices that use embedded systems – like processors, sensors and communication hardware – to collect, send and react to data procured from its environment. The large amount of data collected by IOT devices is shared with an IOT Gateway (a device that enables the IOT devices to connect to the internet) where data can be sent to the cloud to be analysed or analysed locally. Once data has been analysed, it is then acted on. This can be through the use of just one device, or many devices may act together to respond appropriately. Most work done by IOT devices is done independent of human intervention, however humans can interact with them.
The way IOT works may sound quite complicated and confusing, but it’s quite unlikely that you’ll need to know what goes on behind the scenes, just what it means for you. IOT has the potential to drastically improve your daily life. Having all your devices and environment interconnected would mean that your devices can make decisions automatically based on the changes that happen around them. For example, your fridge could alert your phone when you are running low on a certain item or turn your oven on depending on what you took out of your cupboard or fridge. Your desk chair could adjust its settings based on the way that you’re sat or depending if you have a pain in your back or not. The potential of IOT is endless.
In everyday life the IOT sounds pretty good, and altogether, a much more convenient lifestyle. But general life isn’t the only way IOT can be used to improve things, they can greatly improve businesses as well. IOT technology enables businesses to collect a vast amount of data about its customers, services and business processes. This will enable your business to be more efficient, better understand what is going on inside the company and enable your company to make better, more informed business decisions. In addition to this, businesses can get real-time information on what is happening throughout their organisation.
The use of IOT enables your business to automate more processes and reduce labour costs. Not only this, but it will enable your business to have less waste and improve service delivery and thus customer service. In addition to this, the efficiency provided and waste reduction helps to cut costs and raise profits for your business and improve workflow for your employees
Now that you know what IOT is, and how automation can improve your life and your business, we hope you won’t hesitate to get involved in this new and exciting technology, so you can see just how much it can benefit not just your life, but your business too.