Nowadays,
the Internet of Things allows us to control everything from our heating to our
TV recording devices via the internet. The Internet of Things (IoT), quite
literally, means connecting everything and anything to the internet. But how
can this connectivity help small businesses?
Well,
as the possibilities are almost endless, there are multiple ways that small
businesses can take advantage of the IoT. Here are just a few examples of how
it can help your brand.
Boost your Energy Efficiency
If
you work in a physical office or premises, using the IoT can help you to keep
track of your utility bills. The use of sensors and trackers (such as Hive,
Nest and Tado, or a more advanced automation system) can be used to control
your heating and lighting remotely and only use your electricity and heating
when you need to.
Ensure Quality Control
Where
small businesses have multiple production sites, the IoT can be used across sites
to ensure that quality is of a consistent standard no matter where it is
produced. Sensore readings can tell a business owner what is happening at any
given site to aid this.
For
example, if you work in the agricultural sector, the sensors can tell you what
the light levels or moisture levels are like at any particular site.
Furthermore, you can also control irrigation systems or UV lamps at the touch
of a button when off site.
Keeping Stock
The
retail sector has always been ahead of the came when it comes to smart
technology, having used the IoT to keep track of stock and tell the end user
which store it is in stock in.
Similarly,
it can be used for transportation, to make decisions about peak shipping times
and when is best to transport goods by road, rail or sea. The IoT basically
makes the use of telematics as used by large companies available to SMEs.
Track your Staffing Levels
Not
only can you keep track of your stock levels, but you can also use the IoT to
make smart choices about when to bring in extra staff if they are expecting a
busy period. Similarly, this will also help small to medium businesses to avoid
being overstaffed during quiet times.
No
matter what extent you use the Internet of Things, embracing it will surely
help productivity and increase revenue. Having the technology at the touch of a
button will help to put you in control of emerging trends and ensure less
waste.
