The Enabling Technology of the Internet of Things

One of the many realities of the digital era is the possibility of a network of devices that are embedded with sensors, software, and Internet connectivity for easy collection and sharing of data with other devices and the cloud for seamless achievements. This possibility is known as the “Internet of Things” (IoT). Simply put, IoT is the connecting bridge between the digital and physical ecosystems.  IoT enables the establishment of a vast network of interconnected devices that can connect and communicate with each other and with other internet- enabled devices as well as facilitate data exchange and the performance of various tasks autonomously (IBM, 2023). The devices enabled by this process known as IoT devices or “smart objects” include wearables like smartwatches and RFID-enabled clothing, to “smart home” devices such as smart TVs, smart speakers, smart locks, and to complex industrial machinery and transportation systems.  The impacts of IoT are extending to different spheres of life and industrial sectors, transforming the way we live, work, connect and communicate with each other beyond the human-to-human or computer-to-human interactions (Awati and Wigmore, 2023).
The historical context of the term “Internet of Things” dates back to 1999. The term was first used by Kevin Ashton, co-founder of the Auto-ID Center at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He referred to the “Internet of Things” in a presentation he made at Procter & Gamble (P&G). MIT’s Professor Neil Gershenfeld provided a clear vision of where IoT was headed in his book, “When Things Start to Think”, also in 1999.

The Technologies that make IoT Function

The IoT ecosystem is typically embedded with technologies that come together to make it function.

Sensors and Actuators: These devices are the core of IoT, they enable interaction between machines and devices for the automation of processes without human intervention. Sensors are internet-enabled devices that can detect changes in the environment, and actuators are devices that can cause physical changes in the environment (IBM, 2023).

Security and Privacy Technologies: Just as it is with other technological innovations, IoT devices and the data that they generate risk cyber threats which demands for efficient privacy and security measures. Security techniques such as access control, intrusion detection systems, and encryption should be deployed to protect IoT devices and data. Despite the challenges of cyber threats however, the total value potential for the IoT ecosystem is estimated to reach $12.6 trillion by 2030 (McKinsey, 2024).

Internet-connectivity: Internet connection makes it possible for connected devices to share data and transmit the same to the cloud. Connectivity technologies that enable IoT include Bluetooth, WiFi, and LoRaWAN.

Graphical User Interface (UI): This is used to register and manage IoT devices.

Data Analytics: IoT- generated data is analyzed to identify relevant data which is used to identify patterns, offer recommendations and resolve potential issues before they escalate. This reduces the volume of data sent to the cloud, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption. Analytics tools such as machine learning algorithms, data visualization tools and predictive analytics models can be used to analyze the large data collected by IoT devices.

Cloud Computing: IoT succeeds because the data generated by devices are processed and saved in the cloud. Cloud computing technology provides the infrastructure and tools that are required to store and analyze this data, as well as to build and deploy IoT applications (IBM, 2023).

Artificial Intelligence: The developments in neural networks make it possible for IoT devices to feature natural language processing, which makes them appealing and useful for a wide range of uses, such as conversational AI assistants and digital personal assistants.

Advantages of Internet of Things

Smart Living: IoT helps people live and work smart. IoT devices are able to connect with each other to deliver automated services at a reduced time and with almost no effort exerted. Homeowners can also remotely control and automate their home environment by using IoT devices, including smart thermostats, lighting systems, security cameras and voice assistants such as Alexa and Siri for increased comfort and energy efficiency (Yasar and Gillis, 2024).

Efficient Operations: Businesses can effortlessly achieve more with IoT enabled devices for optimized operations, reduced downtime and improved productivity. IoT provides real-time insights into an organization’s system operations; effective monitoring of equipment performance supply chain and logistics. IoT sensors can also be used to detect and resolve technical malfunctions, thereby adding value to business. 

Improved Communication Outputs: IoT enables efficient collection and exchange of information between connected devices with corresponding outputs void of errors. By enabling efficient data exchange which extends beyond network reach, energy is conserved and critical communication prioritized. 
 
Reduced Expenditures: IoT devices literally make for a great work-life ease. They replace manual tasks with automated processes resulting in reduced costs and enhanced outcomes.

Informed Decision-making: Access to accurate information and requisite data are pivotal to making decisions and building relevant data models. IoT devices, on account of their connection to the Internet and the Cloud, generate a vast amount of timely data that provide insights into such indices like market trends and customer behavior which guide business owners to make informed strategic decisions for business expansion and growth.

Disadvantages of Internet of Things

Notwithstanding the opportunities that IoT presents, it also has certain disadvantages such as the following:

Security and Privacy Loopholes: Given the vast amount of data generated and shared between the billions of IoT devices connected to the Internet, there is an increased risk of hackers intercepting and stealing confidential information. Similarly, there is the challenge of IoT devices being corrupted by viruses that attack the system.

Device Management Complexity: As the number of IoT devices increases, so does the challenge of managing them alongside the data collected from the devices.

Compatibility Challenge: IoT vendors develop proprietary platforms and protocols that are tailored to their specific products and ecosystems, with different compatibility technologies. This often results in a lack of standardization and interoperability, as there is no international standard of compatibility for IoT. IoT increases compatibility issues between devices, which causes platform fragmentation. Platform fragmentation is the proliferation of diverse and incompatible IoT platforms, protocols and standards, which can hinder interoperability and integration between different devices and systems (Yasar and Gillis, 2024). 

Job Loss: Since IoT devices’ function are automated with almost no human intervention required, there is reduced workforce strength and job insecurity.

Regulatory Compliance Challenge: Laws and regulatory standards are established to guide the deployment of technological innovations. IoT devices may be challenged by the non-compliance of established laws and the absence of an international standard of compatibility for IoT. Businesses need to comply with various data protection, privacy and cybersecurity regulations, which can vary from country to country.

Application of Internet of Things Devices

Healthcare Industry
Physicians and care providers can consult with their patients remotely, leveraging IoT devices to monitor patients,  collect real-time data on their vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, and also monitor their medication compliance. In the healthcare industry, IoT devices can also be used to track and provide insights on medical equipment and their operations and manage inventory.

Manufacturing Industry  
Industrial IoT is such an expansive new technology space that it is sometimes referred to by its own abbreviation: IIoT (Industrial IoT) (IBM, 2023). Manufacturing equipment is now produced with sensors that are IP-enabled, such that they can collect and share data with each other in real-time. For instance, industrial robots are deployed in some manufacturing plants. Industrial IoT devices can also be used to monitor machine performance, detect equipment failures, optimize production processes, track inventory, manage supply chains and monitor the quality of production.
 
Retail Industry                             
In the retail industry, IoT devices are deployed to track and analyze customer behavior, as well as improve customer experience, monitor inventory and optimize store layouts. IoT devices can also be used to monitor supply chains, track shipments and manage inventories.

Agricultural Industry                           
IoT devices can be deployed in agricultural activities to monitor soil conditions such as the moisture content of soil, assess weather patterns and crop growth. IoT devices can also be used to monitor livestock health.

Conclusion

Leveraging business dynamics is, without a doubt, one of the best decisions any business owner can make in this digital century. IoT devices present a plethora of advantages for businesses to transform their mode of operation; become efficient and productive. Deploying this technology however demands that businesses must develop a holistic approach to IoT management, including IoT security, to ensure that IoT is both an enabler and secure (Hughes and Cole, 2017).
At Telliswall Inc., we strategically position your organization to experience the transformation that comes with incorporating IoT into your business operations to manage the complexities of large and diverse data, stay ahead of the curve, reduce operational failures and ensure productivity. Our expert team provides professional consultation that helps you rethink how you approach your business and improve their business strategies for optimal returns.

References

Awati, R. and Wigmore, I. (2023). Thing (in the Internet of Things)
https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/thing-in-the-Internet-of-Things

Alsen, D., Patel, M., and Shangkuan, J. (2017). The Future of Connectivity: Enabling the Internet of Things
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/internet-of-things/our-insights/the-future-of-connectivity-enabling-the-internet-of-things

Forgan, B. (2023). The Future of IoT Connectivity
https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/04/17/the-future-of-iot-connectivity/

Hughes, B. and Cole, K. (2017). The Internet of Things: An Overview
https://www.computerweekly.com/opinion/The-internet-of-things-an-
overview

IBM (2023). What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
https://www.ibm.com/topics/internet-of-things

McKinsey and Company (2024) What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-explainers/what-is-the-internet-of-things

Yasar, K. and Gillis, A.S. (2024). Definition: Internet of things (IoT)
https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/Internet-of-Things-IoT