The Internet of Things (IoT) has gained prominence in the 21st century, enabling communication among people, processes, and connected objects. It has become crucial thanks to technologies such as low-cost computing, cloud computing, big data, analytics, mobile technologies, and conversational artificial intelligence, all driving its utility and viability.
Such technological advancements have made a more tangible and accessible IoT practice possible, from the creation of low-cost sensors to cloud computing platforms and machine learning. The integration of these technologies into IoT allows for faster and more efficient data collection, increasing productivity and operational efficiency in business operations.
Industrial IoT (IIoT) applies IoT technology in industrial settings, enabling machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, which in turn leads to wireless automation and control. Common IIoT applications span smart manufacturing, preventive maintenance, smart grids, smart cities, connected logistics, and smart digital supply chains.
IoT applications are software as a service (SaaS) that analyze and present data from IoT sensors. These applications use machine learning algorithms to examine vast amounts of sensor data in the cloud, providing visibility into key performance indicators and detecting equipment anomalies.
IoT is implemented in various forms, from creating efficiencies in manufacturing and tracking physical assets to monitoring human health through wearable devices. Additionally, it facilitates efficiency and new possibilities in existing processes, such as fleet management in logistics, and can enable changes in business processes.
Industries set to benefit from IoT include manufacturing, automotive, transportation and logistics, retail, public sector, and healthcare. In all these areas, IoT can provide accurate, real-time monitoring, improve operational efficiency, and enhance overall worker safety. Ultimately, IoT is shaping the future of how we interact and communicate with the world around us.
