The Internet of Things (IoT) is a known term these days, and it would not be an exaggeration to claim that the term represents the next phase of the internet revolution. With this technology, it has become possible to bring the physical devices to the digital realm. Though IoT is a known thing today, many people do not have a clear conception of this idea. How can it be beneficial? Where can it be applied?
The Internet of Things (IoT) has brought a new wave of connectivity. Today, we are surrounded with many gadgets. Usage of desktops or laptops has become limited, as we have handheld devices. These handheld devices give you the comfort to access the internet from anywhere. Since a person uses different types of devices, it becomes a necessity to connect the devices. This is what the Internet of Things can do for you. With IoT, different devices can be interconnected. As a result, users shall have continuous access to the data.
To understand IoT, it is crucial to understand the real life application of this technology. In the following section, the applications of IoT have been discussed in detail.
1. IoT Sensors
IoT Sensors come with digital and manual sensors which have been connected to the circuit board. For measuring the range of data collected from a sensor device, the circuit boards have been programmed by the experts. The sensors can sense various things, including temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, motion, pressure, vibration, etc. Hence, these devices are manufactured to meet various purposes. Now, one may argue that simple sensors can be used for such devices. Why do people need IoT sensors at all?
In case of the IoT sensors, data can be collected from a location. This is quite similar to any other sensors. But, normal sensor devices cannot send the data to a server system or other connected devices. A person has to read the data manually, and then he has to send data to others through common communication methods. With IoT sensor devices, data can be collected and shared with connected devices with ease.
2. IoT-based Data Analysis
In today’s time, businesses consider data as assets. Collecting data and then analyzing data with perfection will help a business to make the right decisions at the right time. For advancement of the business, board of directors or owners should analyze data carefully. Based on the accuracy of data analysis, accuracy of the crucial business decisions has been determined. When the analysis process is flawed, decision-making would be futile. IoT data analysis gives convenience to the business owners. Various IoT data analytics applications are there. These apps can be customized as per suitability of the business owners or senior managers.
IoT data analysis applications offer structured and semi-structured data to the users. It becomes easier for the users to analyze data. As a result, decision-making based on data analytics will get more accurate. IoT applications can collect data from different sources. It can categorize and segregate data so that reading the data can become flawless experience. Efficiency in decision-making can be enhanced significantly with the use of the IoT based data analysis systems.
3. Connected cars
The global automobile sector is undergoing a tough time, as sales of vehicles have gone down significantly. There are many reasons behind this. Global economic crunch is a reason, though the automobile sector is also on the verge of a revolution. IoT can bring revolution for the automobile sector. Since the sector is adopting new technology, buyers have adopted wait and watch strategy. In order to enhance in-car experience, IoT can prove to be quite useful. Major car manufacturing brands have come with the concept of connected cars. A connected car is a vehicle which can efficiently optimize its maintenance, operations and comfort for the passengers. IoT based connected cars offer next level in-car experience to the passengers.
4. IoT tracking and monitoring systems
Tracking and monitoring systems are used for many purposes. Such systems can be used by the industrial plant owners to track production as well as performance of the workers. Such systems are also used by the defense or military ministries of various countries. IoT based tracking and monitoring systems are gaining popularity throughout the world. Tracking and monitoring will get more accurate and responsive with the internet of things. GPS and radio frequencies can easily be read with such monitoring systems. Nevertheless, collected data can be transmitted or sent easily to a server system. Sharing crucial information at the quickest time is crucial in many cases.
5. Connected factories
With IoT, various factory solutions are available for industrial plants. At industrial plants or manufacturing plants, various devices can be found. Devices that are connected through IoT can work in a synchronized manner so that maximum utilization of resources happens. When resources are managed and utilized properly, profitability of the businesses rises. Nevertheless, connected devices give more efficient production. Overall, productivity of a business can be observed to rise significantly with IoT.
6. Efficient Supply Chain management
Supply chain managers have to perform a complex task. They need technological assistance for bringing efficiency in the supply chain management process. IoT based supply chain management systems can provide the perfect technological support which supply chain managers require. IoT based systems offer smart routing solutions. Devices are connected to share data with each other. As a result, the managers can obtain all the data on a server computer or centralize platform. It gets easier to manage all the activities in a supply chain system through a single virtual platform.
7. Smart barcode readers
We have seen barcode reading devices, and such devices can be made smarter with the use of the Internet of Things. IoT barcode readers can read the barcodes and share the information with the connected devices. For managing retail stores or warehouses, IoT barcode readers are required. It makes it easier for employees or staff at the retail stores to manage, track and store the products with perfection.
8. Smart grids
Like smart barcode readers, you can also find the use of smart grids. Such grids provide facilities to monitor real-time data regarding supply and demand. Electricity supply will become more seamless. Nevertheless, wastage of resources can be stopped with the IoT based Smart grids. Power outage management will also be improved. Overall distribution system has become flawless with the advent of the smart grids.
9. Connected Healthcare systems
The Internet of Things has also revolutionized the healthcare industry. Managing vital data regarding the health of patients has become simpler and efficient with the IoT based healthcare systems. Various medical devices, diagnosis systems, and record keeping servers can be connected with perfection with the IoT based healthcare system.
10. Smart farming
Along with many other industries, the Internet of Things has an impact on the farming and agriculture industry. In a farm, data regarding livestock and inventory can be managed easily with connected devices. Having more control over farming data will eventually make farming tasks efficient and cost-effective.
In conclusion, it has to be stated that the Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized various industrial sectors. In the future, it will assist various industries in many other ways.
