What is the Internet of Things?

At its foundation, IoT enables the seamless integration of the digital and physical realms, resulting in a large web of interconnected devices and systems that collaborate in real-time IoT data collection, analysis and utilisation. This information sharing enables more automation, efficiency and intelligent decision-making across multiple domains.

The deployment of sensors, actuators, and communication technologies is the foundation of IoT. Device sensors monitor and collect data about their surroundings, such as temperature, humidity, motion or location, or any other parameter desired, as IoT measurements are completely customisable. This data is sent to other devices or central servers via wired or wireless networks. Actuators, on the other hand, allow machines to interact with the physical world by performing specified actions in response to data.

The data gathered by IoT devices is processed, analysed, and saved in cloud-based platforms or edge computing systems. Advanced analytics and machine learning techniques extract useful insights from the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices. These insights can then be utilised to improve operations, make better decisions, and develop new services and apps.

• RFID tags and stickers for cars and luggage
• Smart home system
• Home security system
• Automotive connectivity
• Performance system tracker in the fitness industry
• Enhanced inventory system
• Health and fitness wearables like smart bands and smartwatches
• Centralised and decentralised automotive systems
• Supply-chain management
• Identity and access management system

 

The main benefit of IoT is the insights it provides by harnessing data. Interpreting that data later delivers many other useful applications, such as enhanced efficiency and productivity through automation and real-time monitoring. For example, smart factories use IoT to optimise manufacturing processes, monitor equipment performance and predict maintenance needs, achieving less downtime and higher productivity. Cost efficiency is another benefit from IoT, as the use of applications can result in significant cost reductions. In the agricultural industry, for example, IoT-powered smart irrigation systems can modify water usage based on real-time weather data and soil moisture levels, thereby cutting water waste and operational costs.

IoT technology has the potential to revolutionise the health-care business by providing remote patient monitoring, individualised treatment regimens and efficient health-care delivery. Wearable gadgets and sensors can collect and communicate health data to health-care professionals, providing timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.

Also, IoT can help promote sustainable living by optimising resource usage and decreasing waste. For example, smart energy grids may manage energy supply and demand while integrating renewable energy sources and lowering greenhouse-gas emissions.

While IoT has many advantages, it also raises questions about privacy, security and data governance. Protecting data privacy and implementing strong security measures are critical to preventing unauthorised access and potential exploitation of sensitive information.

GHD’s digital transformation business is dedicated to helping our clients unlock innovative ways to succeed in their respective projects. We embrace the change, and we believe that IoT technology can solve the problems of the future. And with the help of our committed team of data scientists, design thinkers, and digital consultants, GHD can tap the potential of IoT to make positive changes to communities around the globe.

Knowing how to gather, store, manage, analyse and visualise operational, customer, and environmental data delivers useful insights from previous events and aids in future planning. We can assist you in transforming data into meaningful insights and forecasts, empowering you to make faster and better business decisions.

We will closely collaborate with you to understand your business requirements and develop your data strategy. We can digitally collect data from multiple sources and determine the optimum storage strategies for you.

To know more about how we can further utilise IoT using digital intelligence, and digital transformation, visit our GHD digital intelligence site, and to learn more about our digital expertise, visit our expertise site.

Together, let’s transform for good!

Articles referenced

^{Kenton, Will 2022, ‘What is the Internet of Things? How it works and benefits’, retrieved June 7, 2023, from https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/internet-things.asp}

^{Oracle n.d., ‘What is IoT?’ retrieved June 7, 2023, from https://www.oracle.com/ph/internet-of-things/what-is-iot/}

^{TechTarget 2022, ‘What is the Internet of Things’, retrieved June 7, 2023, from https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/Internet-of-Things-IoT}