I think we’ve all had that sinking feeling on the drive to work: did I turn off my coffee pot? Did I close the garage door? Did I leave the water running? And each time, we’re wishing there was an easy way to check without turning around – perhaps where our coffee pot talks with the front door, automatically turning itself off when we lock the deadbolt in the morning.
Today, these nagging thoughts are being answered by a myriad of technologies and devices called the Internet of Things. Much the same as when people just began hearing about the cloud four to five years ago, the Internet of Things can leave many people scratching their head. At its core, the Internet of Things is technology assets, devices and data working together to improve business intelligence, simplify processes, and make your life and work easier – such as protecting you from burning the house down if you leave a coffee pot on, or your refrigerator and scale communicating to help you best plan meals based on your health goals.
Although the term Internet of Things is just beginning to gain widespread use, its existence is nothing new. The security alarm at your house is a perfect example: a sensor at your door communicates with a nearby panel, which, based on the message from the sensor, may or may not send an alert to your alarm company’s monitoring station. While early Internet of Things devices are effective at helping to keep your home or office safe, new technologies and devices are changing the way in which you operate your business.
Supported by the power of mobile devices, ubiquitous internet access and improved network protocols, what is possible with the Internet of Things is only limited by your imagination. Manufacturers here in Chicago have the potential to automate plant operations all under a central data-management system. Plant managers can control tasks, including creating and running diagnostic programs (such as wear and tear), through one interface – providing new insights into factory operations allowing for smarter decisions and actions. And the City of Chicago itself is exploring how to leverage sensors to turn the city into one big test bed to measure climate, transport, foot traffic, air quality, etc.
We’ll continue to dive deeper into what this growing technology holds for businesses and how you can deploy it in future posts, but in the meantime, be sure to check out Microsoft’s Internet of Things website to learn more, including solutions your business can use today.
