Reaping the rewards of the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things (IoT) is here. It can encompass so much and has limitless possibilities. But beyond turning on your lights via your smartphone, how can it be used in small businesses?

By Martin West, head of IT services, Unified World

IoT is a technology which connects devices with actions. These actions can provide improvements in business processes, along with customer experience.

For example, retail and manufacturing businesses could benefit from connecting their devices involved in the supply chain. IoT-enabled shelves connected to inventory records could mean your purchasing becomes tighter, reducing waste and saving valuable time.

By IoT enabling public transport, real-time information relating to a bus’s progress can be transmitted, not just to digital signage at the pick-up point, but also to users’ handsets enabling then to shop, work, or any other activity knowing confidently they wouldn’t miss the bus.

And for those who prefer to travel by private vehicles, by equipping the vehicles with both IoT connected trackers and cameras, companies can see how the employees are driving, as well as know where they are and how fast they are going.

As your business grows, adding more devices and users to your network, you’ll inevitably lose sight of every touchpoint. Having IoT connected devices will help keep track of everything and allows for a level of automation that stops things from slipping through the cracks.

IoT is about to become a reality for many SMEs, becoming one of the biggest drivers of change in the world. Embracing IoT brings benefits to every aspect of our lives. Companies utilising IoT will be the ones who stand out and reap the biggest rewards.