Internet of Things: 5 Ways It Will Change How You Work
Connecting your devices to the Internet is not a new thing, but Internet of Things (IoT) is set to completely transform how you do things by automating your life – connecting your smartphone to appliances. This is a shift that brings great improvement in efficiency like self-starting vehicles and talking refrigerators. For employees and employers, IoT will change how they work by saving resources and time, offering opportunities for innovation and growth.
More Data
IoT is a data machine that will require companies to rethink how they analyze the information they collect – decision-makers will have to learn and adapt to the amount, type and new forms of data intelligence produced. Internet of Things will also bring expanded or new roles for customer service, strategists and data analysts.
Businesses will have an enormous amount of data from connected devices. But, the data has to be analyzed to create a better picture of clients and industry trends. Businesses will need the data generated by IoT to stay competitive and create innovative products and services.
Travel Faster
In your daily commute, IoT is set to be the next big thing. Interconnecting cars, mobile devices and road routes will help in reducing travel time, enabling you to get to your office faster or run errands within a shorter time.
Today’s connected car is just a preview of what IoT can and will do. Various automotive manufacturers are adding LTE connectivity to their cars and creating better connected services like real-time car diagnostics and traffic information. Very soon, IoT is set to integrate everything from stoplights to streets.
Increased Device Management
As connected devices increase, so will the complexity of managing them. Workers using their smartphones for entertainment, productivity and communication will experience increased functionality – control of IoT-connected appliances and devices. Many devices with IoT connectivity will not have screens, but will be controlled via smartphones.
The complexity of devices is set to increase due to a new variety of operating systems, affecting even how browsers bring information to your screens. Thus, IT departments, employees and creators of Firefox developer extensions will have a greater variety of platforms to work with, not just iOS or Android. This will require employee training on how to control and manage the cross-platform, connected devices.
Save Time, Do More
Apart from controlling IoT devices, the smartphone will become a remote control for your everyday tasks. One of the greatest benefits of IoT is that your devices will finally “know” you and your preferences, helping save time getting in and out of places or conducting transactions using a mobile device. Already, Android and iPhone platforms are interacting with a host of hidden sensors that provide your phone with critical information and acting on your behalf via apps.
The sensors make it easier to even get your morning cup of coffee by eliminating the need to wait in line. Sensors, for example, detect whenever you walk into a Starbucks and alert a barista of your usual order based on your history. You can choose to confirm or change the order and pay for it using your smartphone.
Increased Business Opportunities
IoT offers numerous business opportunities and only time can dictate just how companies all over the world will seize them and reap benefits. However, the business world is just a single part of the IoT world. Internet of Things is set to make fundamental changes to utilities, transportation and healthcare sectors.
Small businesses are going to be the biggest adopters of IoT technology. This will create several benefits for companies that choose to adopt the technology wholeheartedly. Your company can improve its bottom line by reducing operating costs, increasing productivity and expanding to new markets or creating new products and services.