The Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer just a hobbyist’s dream – businesses of all sizes are taking full advantage of the power of IoT to enhance their commercial settings. From lighting to sound, security to energy efficiency – the applications of this technology are limitless and the opportunities for businesses are boundless.
Here are four examples of how businesses could use the internet of things to their advantage. With the right technology, you can ensure your customers are always in the best possible environment.
Example 1: Adjusting Lighting in Office & Shopping Environments
Technology is making it easier for us to take advantage of the benefits of light to enhance our lives. By using light meters that are connected via a wireless network to a central control system, businesses can have their buildings automatically adjust the lighting levels and hues, allowing people’s circadian levels to continue undisturbed even when there is no access to natural light. This is ideal for office buildings or large-scale shopping malls that don’t benefit from a lot of natural light.
High-end light systems can even be tied in to sound, to change the mood of the space if more/less activity is required. The best part is, these systems can be completely automated, ensuring that your customers always experience best possible environment.
Example 2: Occupancy Meters & Noise Level Monitors
Occupancy meters and noise level meters can be installed in a way that allows you to adjust sound emission from a series of speakers. This way, the busiest areas can have adjusted sound to either overcome chatter, or ensure the background music doesn't become too overwhelming.
These occupancy meters can also be used to record activity in certain areas. Linking motion detectors, heat sensors, or facial recognition softwares can allow the front desk to monitor restricted areas like spas and backstage areas for businesses with a level of detail CCTV isn’t built to deliver. This can also help identify misuse of specific equipment in manufacturing circumstances, high-traffic areas and other situations.
For example, if toilet block A is getting a lot of use, it will need to be cleaned more regularly, and can therefore be automatically scheduled in the cleaner’s agenda multiple times that day. Elsewhere, activity has been noted around a set of turnstiles, but the turnstiles themselves haven’t been activated with a valid card. This can be logged to front desk to investigate.
Example 3: Moisture & Temperature Monitoring Devices
Moisture and temperature monitoring devices can be connected to a dashboard and linked to an IT ticketing system. This way, every time a fault is logged, the environmental factors are logged simultaneously. This can be used to spot warranty breaches if an environmental factor is involved.
These devices can also be used to identify problem areas before faults develop, highlighting potential hazardous humidity levels for electronic equipment and alerting site staff of this so that they can act on it. This is particularly helpful for places like factories, wellness centres, and mini golf venues where electronics need to keep functioning in high-moisture environments.
Example 4: Smart Meters Control Energy Usage
Smart meters that are connected to a building’s IoT can do more than just measure electrical and gas usage. They can adjust settings to ensure that no lights are left on unnecessarily, lower shutters for better insulation, turn on/off ventilation systems, and adjust heating depending on occupancy. All of these actions can be taken to improve overall energy efficiency.
These can also be used to create real-time reports on the use and efficiency of various areas within the building, so you know where your business needs to invest in more lights, better insulation, faster heating, etc based on real user-data.
Example 5: Stock Management & Order Fulfilment
Inventory and order management can get a boost from the Internet of Things (IoT). Connecting sensors to products allows businesses to keep a close eye on their stock levels in real-time, so they never have too much or too little on hand. No more manual stock tracking, and accuracy is improved. This can be particularly useful in warehouses dealing with small, individual parts that could be easily lost or miscounted during hectic delivery slots.
IoT can also connect Point-of-Sale (PoS) systems to warehouses and suppliers, so orders are processed and sent out quickly. This helps avoid backorders and make sure orders are filled on time. Automating the ordering process also saves time and money, while reducing the risk of human error.
If you're looking to set up an efficient and safe IoT system for your business, get in touch with our team and see how we can help. We have decades of experience designing and integrating bespoke automation systems for businesses of all types and sizes, and we love a new challenge!
Additional Reading
What is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical devices, such as sensors or controllers, that are connected to the internet and can collect and exchange data. These devices are connected via wired or wireless networks, enabling them to communicate with each other and with other internet-enabled devices and systems.
IoT is used in a variety of applications, from home automation to industrial operations. It is used to monitor, control and automate systems and processes, making them more efficient, secure and cost effective. IoT can also be used to gather data and insights into customer behaviours, enabling businesses to better respond to customer needs and preferences.
To find out more about the Internet of Things, check out our comprehensive blog "What is the internet of Things?"