via ECM TechNews // The Internet of Things (IoT) has become a real driver of development for many industries. According to Gartner, by 2020 there will be more than 20 billion terminals connected to IoT including eight billion terminals used in the field of business.
Even areas such as agriculture, which are apparently far removed from this trend, are concerned. In the dairy industry, for example, IoT collects essential information to improve activity through sensors in the neck of cows. Thus, it is possible to track and locate each adnimal in real time. This makes it easier to transport animals to the milking parlor, to examine them or to treat them more effectively.
The Internet of Things offers many applications, here is an overview. Each time the approach is innovative for an optimized added value.
The use of IoT to improve logistics management
According to IDC, 37% of organizations have already deployed IoT projects, making a breakthrough towards digitizing their businesses. Given the irreversible nature of technological progress, such a development is fundamental if they wish to avoid falling behind on competition.
Many companies in the logistics industry have understood this trend. They are aware that truck capacity is not fully exploited, which reduces the return on investment. With the installation of 3D cameras and the use of analysis software, these companies can collect and analyze the data generated during the loadings: density, method, speed of execution, or filling rate. If the system identifies a malfunction in the loading process, it is able to inform the manager who, based on the information collected, can intervene directly or complete the training of operators for the purpose of continuous improvement.
Real-time visibility to limit out-of-stock
Every year, businesses register a 4% shortfall caused by the shortage of some particularly requested products. This phenomenon especially affects clothing stores where items are often forgotten in the locker room or stored in the wrong place. Products equipped with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags could be located by employees anywhere, anytime. It would also be possible to know the status of stocks in real time and improve the availability of products on the sales area.
In addition, tagging parts helps prevent theft, since tagged products can trigger the alarm when they exit without being deactivated. This method of prevention is particularly useful in the luxury sector. By taking advantage of this technology, merchants could significantly reduce the loss of goods and revenues related to this negligence.
Reinforced patient follow-up with connected wristbands
In the health sector, the complexity of the network of stakeholders (doctors, nurses, hospitals and insurance) makes it difficult to consolidate, share and analyze medical data. IoT can help to improve the collection and processing of information in order to improve the offer of care offered to patients.
The Leiden University Hospital (LUMC) in the Netherlands used an IoT-based time tracking solution dedicated to its patients with severe myocardial infarction. The connected bracelets of the patients send the heart rate to the doctors who can thanks to this tool ensure a regular follow-up. Analysis of these data allows medical staff to accurately measure the effects of treatment on the patient and to modulate care procedures according to their health status.
These testimonials illustrate only a handful of opportunities offered by IoT to companies. The data collected and analyzed allows them to understand more clearly how to improve their strategic planning and make the most of their business opportunities.
In a nutshell, IoT solutions are true vectors of growth for companies. It gives them the opportunity to look forward to a bright, smart and connected future, of course.