What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of a network of devices that communicate and exchange data with each other over communications mediums such as the internet and other cloud services.
The IoT is one of the biggest growing advancements in technology over the past decade. It has paved the way for seamless connections between different devices and platforms.
From smartphones to smart homes the Internet of Things has completely changed how we interact with technology.
We live in a world where we are always connected with technology.
Technology has been built around us to make our lives easier. From getting recommendations for products to buy eliminating the need for lengthy search processes to having an application that tracks our sleep and provides feedback, we’re increasingly finding new ways to make technology work for us.
As the IoT has benefitted us a lot in our personal lives, it has also been invaluable to a lot of industries and companies. As more and more companies are taking their work online, IoT services and platforms such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure are becoming more and more popular in enabling companies to perform their work online from anywhere around the world.
The IoT has become a staple part of many businesses’ strategies and influences how a lot of work gets done due to the convenience that it brings.
Here are some of the benefits that the Internet of Things (IoT) can bring to your workplace:
- Increased Productivity
With the Internet of Things (IoT), we can automate tasks, freeing up people to work on tasks that require more skill.
More time can be spent on higher-quality, more productive tasks and less time can be spent on monotonous manual tasks that require a lot of repetition.
Automating processes allow people to spend their time on more important tasks that focus on driving revenue. Removing the long and tedious parts of tasks with automation helps lower a company’s cost of labor as well as helps employees stay more focused and engaged with their work.
With the IoT allowing companies to have access to data in real-time, customer relationships can be built very quickly. Businesses can respond to their customers’ needs on a faster basis and adapt their strategies and processes on the fly.
This in turn provides many other benefits such as increased customer satisfaction.
- Better Management of Facilities
The Internet of Things (IoT) helps companies to manage their facilities by saving them time and money.
Sensors that monitor office conditions can be used to inform if there is wasted light, heat, and water expenses. Building intelligence systems that keep track of heating and cooling and lighting data can use these sensors to maintain an environment that saves energy.
Equipment and facilities booking systems can be used to help inform management which equipment is used more than others and whether they need more or less of a certain piece of equipment.
Management can see facility use to see if workstations or rooms need to be sanitized and cleaned which is important for employee health and wellness.
In this post-pandemic environment we live in now, it has become very important for employees to work in a space where they feel safe and comfortable.
- Increased Business Opportunities
The Internet of Things (IoT) allows businesses to have access to more data and combined with analytics software, artificial intelligence, and machine learning tools businesses can see how they can better serve their customers.
Smart devices such as smartphones and smartwatches provide data on customers’ habits, wants, and interests. Companies can look at this data to see how customers’ needs and desires match with their offerings to provide them with products and services that are more attractive to them specifically.
Businesses can use this data to refine their products and services so that they can better meet customers’ needs.
Companies are also able to track their performance and metrics over time to see what’s working and what isn’t working so they can optimize their work processes and strategies.
- More Optimized Workspaces
Based on a report from Grandview Research, the smart office market is expected to be worth $57.05 billion by 2025.
This is because of the many benefits that companies gain by upgrading their workplaces to be ‘smarter’.
Sensors to monitor lighting and heating amongst other things can be used to create an ideal atmosphere for employees.
Creating an ideal atmosphere for employees is important for them to stay engaged with their work and be more productive and less distracted.
Companies can optimize their office space to save money on wasted real estate, as well as make the most of the space they have available. Facility booking systems can inform companies of their employees’ working habits, as well as help employees work in a space that helps them to be more productive.
To learn more about the Internet of Things and how we can use IoT to upgrade your company and workplace, click here to contact us!
