The Internet of things (IoT) is defined as the network of physical objects or “things”—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the Internet. Simply put, this is the concept of connecting any device, with an on and off switch, to the Internet (and/or to each other).
IoT has emerged from the merging of multiple technologies, real-time analytics, machine learning, commodity sensors, and embedded systems. Traditional fields of embedded systems, wireless sensor networks, control systems, automation and others, have all contributed to the boom of the Internet of things.
In the consumer environment, IoT technology is most synonymous with products pertaining to the concept of a “Smart Home”, including devices and appliances (such as lighting fixtures, thermostats, home security systems and cameras, and other home appliances) that support one or more common ecosystem, and can be controlled via devices associated with that ecosystem, such as smartphones and smart speakers.
In the business environment, this technology allows businesses to leverage data to protect assets, thus saving time and money. Here are some examples of how multi-sensors can be applied in our work environments – all monitoring remotely and wirelessly:
- Machinery and Equipment: Keeping track of machine health and fixing a problem before it becomes a mechanical failure.
- Protecting Assets: Enhancing security by tracking movement in open spaces and walkways. Being alerted if a door, window or locker is opened or left open.
- Tracking Utilities: Monitoring power consumption or water leak detection to avoid costly electricity and water bills. Even light monitoring in museums and art galleries where light can cause damage, can be tracked.
- Protecting Workers: Through the monitoring of air quality and CO2 levels.
Smart, multi-sensing certainly looks to be the way of the future, where anything that can be connected will be connected. While the upside is the massive opportunities that IoT creates, it also comes with serious downsides, which are worth considering:
- Security – With billions of devices being connected together, what can people do to make sure that their information stays secure? Will someone be able to hack into your toaster and thereby get access to your entire network? Imagine the additional security threats this will create for businesses?
- Privacy and Data Sharing – A hot topic indeed. So, one can only imagine how the conversation and concerns will escalate when we are talking about many billions of devices being connected?
- Another issue that many companies are going to be faced with is the ‘big data’ that will be produced by all these devices. Businesses need to develop a way to store, track, analyse and make sense of the vast amounts of data that will be generated from all these connected sensors.
While IoT technology might raise some concern, it also allows for improved productivity and efficiency. You will need to decide if the pros outweigh the cons in your circumstance. At Temperature Monitor Solutions Africa, we offer real-time temperature monitoring, which includes devices to monitor temperature, humidity, location and door opening with real-time notifications via SMS and email. Have a look to see if any of our products items that can support your business here.