Getting Started With the Internet of Things

The Internet of Things is the concept of everyday objects – from industrial machines to wearable devices – using built-in sensors to gather data and take action on that data across a network. So it’s a building that uses sensors to automatically adjust heating and lighting. Or production equipment alerting maintenance personnel to an impending failure. Simply put, the Internet of Things is the future of technology that can make our lives more efficient.

Who's using it?

The IoT is more than just a convenience for consumers. It offers new sources of data and business operating models that can boost productivity in a variety of industries.

Health Care
Many people have already adopted wearable devices to help monitor exercise, sleep and other health habits – and these items are only scratching the surface of how IoT impacts health care. Patient monitoring devices, electronic records and other smart accessories can help save lives.

Manufacturing
This is one of the industries that benefits from IoT the most. Data-collecting sensors embedded in factory machinery or warehouse shelves can communicate problems or track resources in real time, making it easy to work more efficiently and keep costs down.

Retail
Both consumers and stores can benefit from IoT. Stores, for example, might use IoT for inventory tracking or security purposes. Consumers may end up with personalized shopping experiences through data collected by sensors or cameras.

Telecommunications
The telecommunications industry will be significantly impacted by the IoT since it will be charged with keeping all the data the IoT uses. Smart phones and other personal devices must be able to maintain a reliable connection to the Internet for the IoT to work effectively.

Automotive
From predictive maintenance to multimodal transportation and shared mobility services, bring valuable services to market by combining analytics with IoT data. The IoT also impacts transportation on a larger scale: delivery companies can track their fleet using GPS solutions. And roadways can be monitored via sensors to keep them as safe as possible.

Utilities
Smart meters not only collect data automatically, they make it possible to apply analytics that can track and manage energy use. Likewise, sensors in devices such as windmills can track data and use predictive modeling to schedule downtime for more efficient energy use.