The Internet of Things (IoT) is a system of interconnected devices that transmit data over a digital network. At the foundation of IoT technology is radio frequency (RF) communication, in which data is transmitted from wireless sensors through the air to a database or online storage hub. Here's a look at how IoT is rapidly improving business efficiency.
How IoT Functions
The main elements that IoT technology is built upon are sensors, network connectivity, data processing and a user interface. The sensors in IoT devices collect data that is delivered to cloud servers so it can be accessed remotely anytime from any device. Today, a wide range of products have embedded RF chips, making them easy to track through IoT devices.
The data generated from IoT devices can be accessed by analysts in real-time, which helps identify and correct problems quickly. Large complexes such as factories and warehouses can maximize this technology using machine learning software that scans vast amounts of data in seconds. The software can survey historical data to answer immediate questions about patterns in the data.
How a Smart Car Works with IoT
A smart car is embedded with many sensors that track data about the vehicle, such as overall performance and fuel efficiency. Safety features included in smart cars are collision sensors, environmental control, and alert services. One of the major advantages of a smart car is that GPS provides routing directions to desired destinations.
Another advantage of smart car technology is it provides automated alerts that tell you when auto parts are not functioning properly or when it's time for a tune-up. Smart cars can monitor technical details about themselves, making troubleshooting much easier for technicians. The car also senses movement in the environment, which is the foundation to self-driving vehicles.
While there is increasing talk about autonomous vehicles, they have mainly been used for industrial purposes so far. Robots and autonomous machines have been used by manufacturers for decades, but in the past decade have they become integrated with IoT sensors to improve self-driving capabilities. It's now possible to remotely control a smart vehicle through the cloud.
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IoT in Agriculture
Farmers are steadily integrating IoT into their systems for analyzing crop development and maximizing natural resources. During a drought, farmers need to conserve and optimize water usage as much as possible. Smart technology helps farmers monitor temperature, humidity, water levels and soil conditions. This data can help farmers cut costs.
Thanks to IoT, drones and GPS, farmers can take aerial photography of their properties to evaluate which areas yield the most efficient crop output. IoT devices can also help farmers measure pesticide levels, as well as the health of livestock. Sensors can be embedded in fences surrounding livestock and crops for control options.
Warehouse IoT
Warehousing is becoming much more streamlined through digital transformation, which includes IoT. Due to the complexity of a warehouse that stores hundreds or thousands of inventory products, it only makes sense these days to invest in a warehouse management system embedded with IoT sensors. The combination of IoT and bar scanning devices makes it easy for warehouse workers to rapidly locate any inventory item.
The key for a warehouse to maximize IoT is to share data throughout the supply chain. IoT data can be sent to the warehouse's cloud servers from multiple sources. Not only can IoT accurately track inventory, but it's also useful for tracking logistics operations such as transportation for arrival and departure times. IoT sensors are what make it possible to check real-time delivery status.
Real-time data makes IoT very valuable to a warehouse when it comes to moving inventory in and out. Managers have real-time data at their fingertips to help gauge which supplies to order. In the past, it was much more difficult to conduct accurate inventory counts, but IoT makes it simple. When suppliers throughout a supply chain share their IoT data, it helps speed up ordering and avoid supply shortages.
The most ideal scenario for warehouse technology is investing in an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that collects data from IoT sensors. The different business modules that feed into this system can facilitate data collection on product purchasing, accounting and distribution. It can also provide direct contact links with customers to get their feedback on order fulfillment. Ultimately, integrating ERP with IoT devices helps a warehouse manager predict supply and demand trends, which is essential to profitability.
Conclusion
The IoT revolution is steadily gaining attention in the business world for its streamlining qualities, especially with agricultural, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution outlets. Learn more about what IoT technology can do to streamline your business by joining Summit of Things. Find more info and get your ticket here: https://iotmktg.com/summit-of-things/