Leveraging the most effective technologies can bring an enterprise up-to-date, increase productivity, and boost morale. If decisions are made wisely, digital transformation can do wonders for business. On the other hand, failing to keep up with innovations in a changing industry can be immensely damaging, as was the case for a certain Finnish mobile phone producer. Nokia went from being the world’s leader in mobile phones in the 1990s to owning just three percent of the global smartphone market. Despite being a market leader, Nokia was unable to adjust to innovations when smartphones first came about, and has since lost out to innovative newcomers.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an umbrella term that refers to internet-enabled devices that are to be found all around us. By integrating IoT technologies into a holistic business policy, the advantages will be quickly realized. In addition to this, an outsourced IT provider can benefit small businesses in various ways and used to implement a carefully considered IoT strategy. With its wide-ranging solutions, IoT has applications to disparate areas of everyday business operations.
Security
With the use of smart locks, there is no longer any need for staff to carry around physical keys that can pose a security risk when misplaced. Smart locks can provide access to authorized staff, record the timings that doors opened and closed, and the individual users that have entered and exited through each door. Smart locks can be used in conjunction with cameras so the entrances and business premises can be securely monitored. This can also remove the expense of a security team.
Assistants
In the twenty-first century, assistants are no longer human. This is simply unnecessary when everyday tasks can be more efficiently completed by an AI that doesn’t make mistakes or forget things. Whether it’s Google Assistant, Alexa for Business, or x.ai, your handy assistant can take messages, schedule meetings, provide weather reports, and transcribe emails or messages that you dictate. Digital assistants can maximize efficiency in the modern office.
Cleaners
Cleaning staff may vary in quality from company to company, but they can represent a security risk. They can also amount to a considerable expense for companies that are trying to economize. However, some cleaning duties can be taken on by smart vacuum cleaners, which may reduce the need for external cleaning services. Companies such as Neato and Eufy may be worth considering.
Printers
Printers are often connected by the internet, but new printers that are smarter with increased capabilities are making things even easier for the office manager. IoT printers can monitor paper and ink levels and notify the appropriate staff member when supplies are low. They are even able to make the necessary orders at the right time, without the need for any human involvement.
Transport
For many of us, the daily commute is an unavoidable aspect of modern life. But IoT can help to make things easier by connecting vehicles with mobile devices. By doing this, drivers can be kept informed of traffic and congestion, so the quickest routes can be taken. IoT also allows for schedules and meetings to be updated by potential lateness, so there is no longer need for anyone to be kept waiting for latecomers. This can save both time and money.
Lights
Smart light bulbs, such as Philips Hue White, can go beyond motion sensors to learn the individual schedules of users. Other more sophisticated smart bulbs, such as LIFX or Sengled, can adjust color balance and brightness throughout the day, in order to reduce discomfort, stress, or strain on the eyes. Smart bulbs can seem quite expensive at first, but they are long-lasting and come with effective warranties. Not to mention if you look at things like Kontakt.io’s website or other resources you will find that they have occupancy sensor technology that uses infrared to turn lights into motion sensors. This lowers energy costs as well as improving business efficiency.
Tracking
Real-time tracking is especially useful for businesses engaged with shipments and deliveries. Smart sensors and tags mean that deliveries can be tracked by location, which is incredibly useful for the purposes of stock and inventory management and organization. For managers, smart devices will soon mean that scanning individual items will not be necessary, and inventories will be kept automatically.
Thermostats
An early device in the world of IoT, smart thermostats can be used to dynamically adjust temperature control in offices to ensure the right conditions are found. They can also connect with the HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system of a building to control the most suitable levels in different areas. But if your cooling device has any malfunctioning, it can also affect its connectivity to the smart thermostat. So, if required, call an air conditioning Denver contractor to get them serviced or repair.
These days, it is relatively easy for repairmen to get hold of spare parts and whole appliances even, thanks to the latest technology. Case in point, Dealer Conference Software designed to assist HVAC servicepersons in contacting distributors faster. As a result, customer repair needs get resolved in quick time. That said, popular HVAC brands include Ecobee, Honeywell, and Nest.
Coffee
For many of us office workers, coffee is an absolute must. Whether it’s for alertness or just being sociable, coffee usually has an important place in the office. Smart coffee machines can eliminate the coffee duties of brewing, keeping the machine stocked or ordering coffee supplies. IoT can keep smart coffee machines organized and functional in a similar way as it does for smart printers.
Synchronicity
One of the greatest benefits of IoT is that it allows devices and technologies to be synchronized and easily managed throughout an organization. The connectivity, speed and accessibility of IoT help to provide a seamless user experience, while the technology improves efficiency, increases productivity and lowers costs.
While the areas that many of its functions apply to may not seem central to an organization, IoT strategies can make a considerable difference to the running of a business due to its overall and holistic impact. Making full use of IoT will benefit a business in various ways and increase productivity. As we have learned from Nokia, those that don’t stay up-to-date will be left behind.