In this fast-moving world, the growth of any business is directly proportional to its time-saving processes and efficient utilization of resources. Digitalization has entered every aspect of our being and automation is key to every process of innovation. Even day-to-day tasks can be effectively done and monitored through specifically designed devices via an active internet connection. The Internet of things has penetrated everything right from health, fitness, security, production, management, operation, data collection, infrastructural monitoring, and control. In this era, the IoT is the driving force behind progress, growth, and even sustainability as it is making everything SMART.
Welcome to the Smart World!
Smart devices are electronic gadgets that use networks and other wireless protocols for interacting, connecting, and sharing information with other users or other connected devices. Innovations in smartphones, smart watches, smart TVs, smart cars, smart speakers, smart thermostats, smart refrigerators, phablets, tablets, smart security, smart offices, smart buildings, and smart cities, have been rapidly multiplying and evolving. They are not only adding efficiency but also incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning into our daily lives.
The Covid 19 affect
The smart way of living and working has been accelerated further during the pandemic. Covid 19 bought with it lockdowns, social distancing, and a remote working environment, which facilitated the use of smart technology. Businesses were forced to rethink their strategies to remain afloat and retain their profitability.
The adoption and integration of technology by businesses
As per a study, the global infrastructure as a service (IaaS) market grew by 40.7% in 2020 to reach a total of USD 64.3 billion, from $45.7 billion in 2019. By 2022 57% of organizations moved their workloads to the cloud, i.e., nearly 6 out of 10 businesses incorporated the cloud in their working environments. The use of the cloud and IoT has facilitated the incorporation of smart devices in businesses.
The benefits of smart devices in improving business efficiency
Smart devices have advanced capabilities which help enterprises run their businesses smoothly
- Better management- Smartphones improve communication and coordination
- Automation of processes- The use of AI and ML robotic technologies has enabled the automation of processes.
- Better security- Smart cameras and video surveillance have enhanced security and efficient monitoring of work processes.
- Infrastructure and inventory management- Connected sensors and devices collect data which is analyzed for inventory management and planning.
- Efficient data handling and processing- AI and ML tools leave no room for error and discrepancies, enabling better data management and processing.
- Improving consumer experience- Innovative devices enhance the consumer experience by providing them smooth and hassle-free environment.
- Reducing Costs by automating the menial, labor-intensive and repetitive tasks.
According to a report, the number of IoT-connected devices worldwide is expected to go up to USD 25.4 billion by the year 2030, so if any organization or any sector wants to grow its business, it’s high time they implement IoT in its system.
Smart Devices in manufacturing
The use of robots in production lines optimizes the manufacturing process, and sensors using AI and ML automatically collect and analyze data to make better-informed decisions. It also facilitates efficient remote monitoring and managing of processes and even changing production plans whenever required. Wired and wireless technology of IoT with an open, flatter, fully interconnected model that links R&D processes with supply chain management provides greater efficiency.
Smart video camera surveillance enables better management and security. Drones are also being used to automate the production process.
Smart thermostats can cut down on electricity wastage. By monitoring use and adjusting temperatures significant energy efficiency can be achieved.
Smart devices in retail
The growing importance of technologies such as robotic inventory management, smart checkout, and cashier-less stores are steadily becoming the new norm of retail shopping.
RFID and IoT have revolutionized the retail industry. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver, and a transmitter. It uses electromagnetic waves to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. The RFID smart labels are similar to barcodes and QR codes as data captured by the RFID reader from tags is stored in a database. The major difference is no physical contact between the reader/scanner and the tagged item is required for RFID.
Apart from that, smart cameras facilitate security and better monitoring and smart shelves enhance customer experience. Contactless kiosks and delivery drones are also being integrated for autonomous deliveries.
The use of smartphones and laptops has generated a booming online retail industry.
Smart devices in healthcare businesses
Wearable medical devices such as fitness trackers, smart watches, electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors, blood pressure monitors, and biosensors are attached to patients’ bodies for collecting health and fitness data. This data is used by doctors and health providers to initiate suitable treatment plans and monitor them continuously.
Smart devices for the food and beverages industry
Smart sensors are being used by restaurants to constantly monitor the temperature of refrigerated food items. The hi-tech features of smart fridges facilitate their detection of the type of item stored and also keep an account of its expiry date. Farms use sensors for the maintenance of environmental conditions like heat, water levels, and humidity to maintain the freshness of their output. Food delivery services use GPS tracking devices to see which areas have the most number of deliveries of a particular food item to identify the preference and later hyper-target them for initiating marketing strategies.
Smart devices in the business of entertainment and virtual gaming
Virtual reality gaming requires the use of headsets, VR glasses, data gloves, or suits with sensors attached to them for bio-sensing. It is done to enhance the gamer’s experience to make him a part of the three-dimensional entertainment environment.
VR and AR headsets and glasses are also used in museum and historical settings for interactive displays and exhibitions. Then there are other immersive 3D experiences used in musical shows, theatre, virtual theme parks, etc. which stimulate reality and achieve audience engagement.
Smart devices for businesses in general
State-of-the-art security systems, smart switches, LED lighting, door and window motion sensors, smart locks, smart assistants, and even smart coffee machines are gradually becoming a norm for modern businesses. Enterprises also use smart vacuums to get clean office space as and when required.
Limitations of Smart Devices
A few things have to be taken care of to achieve the maximum benefits of smart devices-
- For the proper functioning of smart devices, a powerful router is needed. Otherwise, you will have problems with slow connections.
- Investing in smart devices can be a costly procedure. It has to be taken into account depending on the smart device required if it is a hefty upfront cost or an important, painless investment.
- The people operating the smart devices and monitoring their performance need to learn the technical nuances involved.
- Technology is a growing and evolving field, so there are chances of the device getting obsolete in a few years, as such the prospect of replacements has to be kept in consideration.
Conclusion-
It can be hence concluded that smart devices are the call of the new-age industry. With the implementation of 5-G which provides greater connectivity, faster thorough put and minimum latency, smart devices can only get better and more advanced. The future holds endless possibilities for enterprises and their growing use of smart devices.
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