The Internet of Things, commonly abbreviated as IoT, is a term used to describe the vast network of internet-enabled devices and sensors that are revolutionizing the way we do business in the 21st century. The term was coined in 1999 in reference to RFID chips, but in recent years the state of IoT has advanced exponentially beyond to achieve greater and greater possibilities.
The smartphone is one early example of an IoT device, especially as it becomes more and more ubiquitous in society. There are also a whole host of new technologies in development that allow small, low cost devices to perform a range of automated, context sensitive tasks over WiFi Internet.
IoT is being quickly being capitalized on by large businesses, but it is certainly not out of reach of the average small business. In fact, small businesses can increase their chance of success by a large margin when they delve into the world of IoT. Discover the many ways that this new paradigm can improve daily operations with the following relevant applications.
Smart Labeling
Imagine a food label that alerts the consumer when milk has soured or meat has been left out of the fridge for too long. It’s just one of the many uses planned for printed electronic sensors, an innovative technology that takes product packaging to new heights.
For the small business, smart labeling can be used for supply chain tracking, allowing a business owner to analyze transport routes and improve efficiency of shipments. Another exciting possibility is catchy dynamic advertising that changes when the consumer interacts with the product. The creation of memorable brand experiences utilizing vision and sound makes a product stand out and improves conversion. Because printed electronics can store far more data than barcodes, they can even aid in anti counterfeiting measures and warranty monitoring.
Effortless Restocking
One way to increase the revenue of a small business is to reduce the amount of time that the owner must spend on day to day tasks such as restocking supplies for the office. Enter Amazon Dash. The Dash Button is well known for allowing consumers to reorder a specific product with a single press, perfect for when you run out of staples.
There’s also the Dash Replenishment Services for businesses that wish to integrate the capabilities of the Dash Button into any physical product that would benefit from automatic reordering. Entrepreneurs everywhere are taking notice of Dash, judging by the proliferation of products in recent months. For example, powered devices like smart locks can reorder batteries when theirs run low, and smart dog bowls can place an order for kibble after a certain amount of food has been eaten.
HR Software Solutions
Owners, managers and employees of small businesses can directly benefit from IoT advances in the field of human resources. One of the first advances has been collaboration HR software in the form of smartphone apps that team members can use to work together remotely and receive up to date work schedules.
Wearable devices have a lot of potential when it comes to worker performance analytics and gathering of location data. They can provide instruction on the fly for a worker based on the surrounding context, and they can even be used to encourage mobility via personal fitness monitors.
Remote Security
Security systems are expensive and cumbersome to set up and maintain. IoT brings into existence a more affordable, flexible solution to business security needs. These devices are easy to install and can be applied in a variety of settings.
Rather than a loud alarm unheeded into the urban soundscape, the new smart security devices send an email or text message straight to your phone. No more worry over accidentally tripping the alarm; the user chooses whether or not to alert the police.
Environmental Sensors
Smart sensors are not just for detecting intrusion. There are many different environmental sensors out there for any situation where temperature, humidity and the like must be closely monitored.
A smart fire detector can be a life and property saving investment, especially for remote locations. For flood prone areas, rainfall and water level monitors give advanced warning, allowing you to act before flooding damages equipment and assets.
Thinking beyond natural disasters, environmental sensors are ideal for monitoring conditions for temperature and humidity sensitive contexts. Smart thermostats are much more advanced than their ‘dumb’ counterparts and are widely used to protect and ensure the reliability of server rooms, walk in freezers, greenhouses and more.
IoT is poised to change the entire world of business for the big dogs and the small fry alike, it’s uses only limited by the imagination. A small business that can effectively adopt IoT will improve efficiency and position itself as a relevant establishment in touch with the contemporary zeitgeist of constant connectivity and instant fulfilment.
