Trends in Technology

Internet of Things: 10 Ways IoT Devices Can Improve Your Workplace

December 7, 2020 by Bobby J Davidson
Read similar articles in: IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) a rapidly growing infrastructure set to revolutionalize how we interact with technology. IoT devices are already here, and by 2030, their population could reach 125 billion. This explosion of internet-connect machines sounds like something straight out of the terminator, but we’re hoping for the best. The Internet of Things is affecting how we live, work, and socialize, and from a business point of view, its benefits are exciting.

Bringing IoT Devices to Your Workplace

IoT devices have already infiltrated our homes, automating everything from our security systems to our air conditioning. Technology is becoming more widespread, as evident from the fact that we spend approximately 10 hours at work every day. It won’t be wrong to say that the Internet of Things will follow this trend soon and make our workplace smart like our homes. Irrespective of your industry, smart offices are rapidly becoming popular, and the smart office market is set to reach nearly $46 billion by 2023. There are many applications of IoT at work, including network security, IT solutions, access control, and analytics, etc. As the technology keeps evolving, IoT devices will address more complex problems to make your offices better. Here are 10ways IoT devices can improve your workplace:

1.  Automate Tasks

With the IoT, organizations can potentially automate all office tasks and manufacturing operations. Using IoT devices, built-in sensors, and web integrations can reduce operation costs and save time. For example, leading chocolate manufacturing company Hershey’s is adding IoT devices to its manufacturing facilities to improve production efficiency and adjust their product sizes. As a result, they saved $500,000 on every 14,000-gallon batch. This is just one example out of hundreds of  IoT success stories.

2. Conduct Remote Meetings

Executives and managers can communicate face-to-face with workers using a telepresence robot to navigate around the workplace. Think of this as Marshpillow 2.0 from How I Met Your Mother, but hopefully without the lag. Whether employees are working remotely or on-site, managers can visually check in on them almost the same way they would if they were physically there. Plus, with IoT technology rapidly evolving, you can find different teleconference robots for your workplace.  

3. Supply Chain Management

Using IoT sensors track and reorder office supplies and inventory can improve your supply chain network. By triggering alerts via text, email, alarm, or call, these sensors can inform managers when stock is nearing a predefined quantity. This will save time and will boost efficiency in other demanding tasks. With improved supply chain management, companies can optimize distribution and logistics to save operational costs and support the green initiative.

4. Monitor Equipment

Sensors can reduce equipment or software downtime by accurately predicting maintenance needs before it becomes a critical issue. For example, most AI-powered vehicles come with a learning infotainment system connected to the vehicle’s AI sensors and Big Data. With IoT implementation, you can receive a text, voice, or email notification via the internet when immediate repairs are required. Based on your daily route and frequently visited places, the IoT enhanced car could also suggest nearby repair places.

5. Boost Network Security

Network security is one of the most important aspects of any modern workplace. IoT devices such as smart CCTV systems can be installed anywhere on your business provide 24/7 live feed to your device. An additional benefit the Internet of Things offers is the cost-reduction of business liability insurance, which is something you should consider taking advantage of.

6. Energy Conservation and Efficiency Enhancement

Using GreenIoT devices, you can conserve energy and enhance efficiency at the workplace by controlling how different equipment runs. For instance, you can use intelligent lighting solutions like smart bulbs to learn user schedules in place of motion sensors. You can also use power-saving switches that allow you to remotely turn off any device such as an AC or lighting. The switch connects to WiFi, and you can operate it using a smartphone application. Although these devices are expensive on launch, they pay off in the long-term in bill savings.

7. Interactive Product Experience

Businesses can use IoT devices to create an interactive and personalized product experience. For example, Google Home and Amazon Echo are smart IoT Devices that allow users to personalize features, such as media, lights, thermostats, and sound volume, manage tasks, and provide information using voice.

8. Understanding Consumer Behavior

IoT devices can collect more data to improve marketing strategies and customer experience. They can help devise market segments based on preference, usage history, age, gender, and other relevant factors. Customer service can also quickly resolve complaints or queries, while the marketing team can use real-time information to design new campaigns.

9. Customer Engagement

More than 60 percent of millennials use their smartphones to research products before making a decision. With IoT implementation, companies can send discounts and other relevant messages to customers nearby or on their premises. However, companies need to acquire recipients’ consent to send them messages, a legal requirement similar to the one placed on text marketing.

10. Boost Human Productivity

We’ve seen the internet of things boost manufacturing processes with smart automation. But what about human productivity? No workplace is complete without coffee. Employees often share brewing duties to keep the machine stocked and running. Connected smart coffee machines are hitting the business world by storm, ensuring that as long as it’s plugged in, workers always have a hot cup of joe on the ready.

Get IoT Devices for Your Workplace Today

It is important to look for opportunities to improve efficiencies across the organization. The idea is to start small with the Internet of Things and get familiar with IoT devices to improve your operations.


Contact Us

Percento is a Professional IT Consulting, Implementation and Management firm.  To find out how we can help your organization, please contact one of our friendly sales representatives for a review of your system and a comprehensive (No Obligation) proposal of services. Call today toll-free at 800.614-7886 [Austin | Dallas | Houston | League City | Sugar Land | The Woodlands  | San Antonio] or email us at sales@percentotech.com