What is the practical significance of the Internet of Things for SMEs?
The Internet of Things has been developing faster and faster in the past few years,and it has had a particularly far-reaching impact on small and medium-sized enterprises. In the next few years,we will welcome the arrival of an increasingly developed world of communication networks, accompanied by more business opportunities about the Internet of Things.
Increasing Internet devices and sensor networks have begun to change the way small and medium-sized enterprises conduct business.IoT-based applications can bring huge benefits to your SME customers,including real-time tracking,remote access and complete automation.With the emergence of new low-cost technologies and equipment,the possibilities of IoT applications will become greater and greater.
1. Real-time data tracking and management
For the Internet of Things for small and medium-sized enterprises,real-time data tracking and management may be the biggest selling point.A network of connected devices makes it easier for small business owners to track their inventory, workflow and financial transactions. To date, most companies have relied on barcode systems to track inventory, requiring manual intervention at some point.However,since the Internet of Things will integrate the entire production, packaging and distribution system,it will not generate any human interference and errors. Just like smart homes, there will be smart offices,warehouses and production workshops in the future.
2. Fast and reliable business process
The Internet of Things will facilitate the automation of most processes and eliminate possible errors and delays. For example, smart cards (the link is external) and remote banking systems will speed up financial transactions. From raw material procurement to customer service, all aspects of SMEs will become faster and more reliable. Hope that your customers' customers will also have an office management system based on the Internet of Things, which will further speed up daily work. It is possible that the Internet of Things will be able to automate most routine reminders and tasks. It will not only make internal communication faster, but also more accurate. In addition, it will save employees from repetitive manual tasks.They can use their free time to manage tighter tasks.
3. Improve efficiency and productivity
As IoT companies can fine-tune daily operations at all levels, this will translate into increased efficiency and productivity.On the other hand, real-time tracking will reduce over and under sequencing, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity. The data collected from various IoT-enabled devices can also help your small and medium business customers manage the heating, air conditioning and lighting in the office. This will not only increase the efficiency of these utilities, but also reduce management costs. For small businesses, these small cost savings will definitely accumulate within a few years.
Another significant advantage of the Internet of Things lies in the field of human resources.Most small businesses must work hard to find the right talent and manage the existing workforce.The combination of HR software and IoT-enabled devices can help improve employee efficiency and productivity without disrupting the bank.
4. Optimize the production process
The application of the Internet of Things technology has improved the ability and level of production line process detection, real-time parameter collection, production equipment monitoring, and material consumption monitoring. Product equipment monitoring and management The integration of various sensing technologies and manufacturing technologies realizes remote monitoring, environmental protection monitoring and energy management of product equipment operation and use records, equipment fault diagnosis. The Internet of Things technology also helps manufacturers conduct predictive data analysis to identify possible equipment or component failures, so as to develop preventive maintenance plans, reduce equipment downtime, and achieve smooth operations.
5. Transportation
In the circulation link, the storage, packaging, and transportation of products have special requirements, and it is urgent to explore the development of intelligent logistics. Product distribution has long faced problems such as high costs and difficult quality assurance. Using the Internet of Things technology, it is possible to monitor the status of goods in transit in real time, and ensure the utilization of resources through the real-time deployment of vehicles.
6. Security
IoT not only speeds up business processes,improves productivity and real-time monitoring,it also has some disadvantages.The biggest concern for small and medium-sized customers is the increase in security risks.Just like a few years ago,personal computers often face various virus threats,and similarly,they also face the risk of company data being stolen.
The impact of the Internet of Things and related technologies (such as big data,artificial intelligence,and machine learning) is profound. We must be aware of the potential consequences of these technologies.Small and medium-sized business customers will need the same qualified infrastructure to build interconnected devices that communicate with each other in real time.It is difficult to predict the timetable for how fast IoT technology will take off.However,this technology will play a vital role and may even fundamentally change some small businesses.