Innovation in the business environment is not as difficult to achieve when it may seem. It requires a commitment and investigation of what is relevant, as well as internal organization in order to apply new ideas. It is also necessary to know in depth the technologies that are in vogue and understand their applications and the prospects for their future.
The Internet of Things is one of the main innovations of our times and promises to continue revolutionizing the productivity of companies. The goal is to ensure greater responsiveness, better communication, and fewer costs, which drives growth in the short and long term. In this article, we will learn about this concept and discuss how it works. Keep up!
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (Internet of Things or IoT) was a term coined by Kevin Ashton in 1999 to describe a series of wireless sensors connected via a network. That is, it is a set of integrated objects that allows a greater capacity for communication, monitoring, and intelligence.
Within an IoT architecture, there are three main fronts: devices, the network, and a control system. Devices are the components and can be any object in our world, such as a refrigerator or a watch.
The network is the means by which data transits, taking value from one point to another. In turn, the controller system is the one that analyzes the information and performs actions. These actions can be a direct intervention of the software in the scenario or simply the transmission of knowledge so that employees can analyze and reach conclusions.
Components can perceive variations where they are, through sensors. An example of this is moving someone in front of a system that detects presence.
The network allows sensor information to navigate and find other information from other systems, while the central system performs the main function — which in the case of the presence sensor, can be open a door.
The goal of this technology is to make the life of the human being more practical and intelligent, in all areas. With the ability to connect multiple devices, in a larger scope than common today, you can get relevant data on all life issues in a centralized dashboard, which makes decisions easier.
What are the applications?
Let’s then examine the practical applications of the Internet of Things and understand how this technology is applicable in various segments. We will analyze both examples of personal and professional life.
Industry
In the industry, we have one of the most common IoT applications. This paradigm is already used for monitoring manufacturing assets, which helps ensure their quality and consistency, in addition to avoiding productive breaks and inconveniences. Similarly, sensors help identify maintenance needs proactively, which helps streamline the process and prevent downtime.
Another common use is in energy efficiency. For this case, IoT is used to control the use of scarce resources, such as water, generating insights into usage and automatically shutting down equipment when there is no need.
Health
In health, technology directly impacts the quality of human life. The components serve as auxiliaries of physicians and nurses, monitoring patients’ blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose level levels at all times. Thus, it is possible to obtain more accurate diagnoses and a clearer understanding of the diseases, with correct medications and in optimal doses.
Agriculture
We also have to talk about agriculture: in this sector, the use of sensors and drones helps to identify planting regions that need nutrients, which generates knowledge for managers.
In some cases, irrigation systems can be triggered automatically as soon as there is a need. All this generates a broader view of production and contributes to the reduction of errors and costs.
Domestic
In-home life, IoT objects can be used to drive connectivity and generate knowledge for everyday life. The refrigerator, watch, smartphone, and even microwave can be integrated to work together, adding greater agility and efficiency to everyday processes.
Cars
Cars also already enjoy the power and capability of the Internet of Things sensors. It is possible to monitor energy use, control and optimizes fuel efficiency, adjust the climate, and better track the distance traveled.
With control and connection, drivers can know how long they arrive at the destination, even in the face of varying conditions, and if there is some parking space available and what it is, for example.
What are the main trends?
We have already outlined the function of IoT and its main applications, now we will understand what to expect from the future of this concept.
Sensor innovation
You can expect smarter, faster sensors in the near future. This will optimize data collection and generate a more accurate ability to perceive the world and identify movements and changes in a given scenario. In this way, the monitoring capability will become even more powerful.
IT Governance
Given the increased complexity of the components and the network, the need for structured governance will arise. This process will help ensure proper component behavior, with equipment auditing, updating, and constant monitoring. Thus, it can ensure optimized use, without problems and inconsistencies.
Edge Computing
Currently, IoT data has to travel to the center of the network in order to allow decisions. However, Edge Computing, or edge computing, will revolutionize this by enabling choices and actions to be made at the “edge” of the connection, that is, in locations closer to the objects themselves.
Thus, the technology will be even more efficient and faster, which will allow you to deal with the dynamic demands of day to day and respond in real-time.
Artificial intelligence
With the increase in the number of data processed by IoT and the need for real-time decisions, artificial intelligence will be a powerful ally. The area studies ways to make computers more autonomous and handles a massive amount of data, seeking to extract valuable insights from them by identifying patterns and trends.
Therefore, it will be crucial in order to optimize results with the Internet of Things systems. As a result, the sensors will become smarter and will be able to suggest better ideas for central management. In addition, if there is greater processing capacity, it is possible to cross several sources and generate a still complete and assertive view.
The Internet of Things is already a trend that has changed the reality of people’s and businesses lives. It is a paradigm focused on efficiency and generating knowledge for users, in an agile and unambiguous way.
One of the great advantages is the possibility of applying in various professional fields, ensuring positive results, such as lower costs and greater productivity and innovation in all of them.
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