INTERNET OF THINGS
Getting connected The Internet of Things has begun to come of age, with businesses using more connected devices than ever as they seek greater automation, efficiency and data collection. Connected devices can make a real difference to businesses – including SMBs.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is part of many people’s daily lives today – everything from doorbells to coffee machines to controlling heating systems can be connected now – and the same is true in many businesses too. As businesses look to automate processes to help them to become more efficient and free up employees to do more productive tasks, IoT has been harnessed in various ways to help achieve this. It isn’t just larger businesses embracing IoT, small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are doing so too. Richard Eglon, CMO of Nebula Global Services, says there is increasing interest in IoT from SMBs. “It’s a trend we have been experiencing for some time now and that trend continues to grow,” he says. “The main driver seems to be due to the end client looking to achieve a specific outcome over adopting a specific technology. “This has been influenced primarily by our own personal lives, if you think of how many IoT devices we manage daily from our Ring doorbell through to our heating or washing machine. As a result, businesses are demanding the same customer experience in
their world of commerce.” Kristian Torode, director and co-founder of Crystaline, agrees that IoT is gaining in popularity for SMBs. “While IoT has already embedded into multiple large-scale industrial applications, SMBs are now finding that it can have a big impact on their operations too,” he says. “At its heart, IoT involves equipping physical objects – from vehicles to office equipment – with sensors that gather and transmit data. This data can be analysed in real time to help businesses improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and manage assets more effectively. “IoT technology can make day-to-day operations smoother and smarter, freeing up employees to focus on more valuable tasks. For instance, businesses in retail can use IoT-enabled digital signs to tailor content to current offers for customers, while logistics companies can benefit from vehicle tracking to optimise fleet management. “Additionally, IoT-powered security systems allow business owners to monitor premises remotely and receive real-time alerts, enhancing security without needing manned guards.”
Richard Eglon CMO
nebulaglobalservices.com
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At its heart, IoT involves equipping physical objects – from vehicles to office equipment – with sensors that gather and transmit data.
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