Modern technologies have changed our reality. They have changed the way we perceive the world, the way we do things, even the way we think. Luckily, there are far more benefits and advantages than disadvantages and downsides of modern technologies, although they have brought certain problems into the world such as being addicted to constantly spending time online, for example.
However, generally speaking, everything that is normal for us now and that is making our lives significantly easier, was once upon a time only an idea, a concept or a future that people used to look forward to.
That being said, one of the technologies that have changed almost every step of the process when it comes to many industries, is still quite unknown to people. Have you ever heard about IoT technology? Or maybe a better question would be, have you ever checked the fuel consumption symbol on your car or have you ever seen any error signs on the dashboard of your car? Since this is an easy question that everyone will have the same answer to (and that is yes), it means that in your lifetime, you have experienced what this technology offers. And you’ve most certainly experienced it more than once.
But what is IoT technology anyway? According to Webxr, simply put, this technology uses sensors and the Internet, combines them together and finds innumerable applications both in our everyday lives, jobs, and almost every business out there.
Some of the devices such as refrigerators or other kitchen appliances, cars (as we’ve already mentioned) or almost any device or vehicle that you are currently using, uses (or will start using) this technology. It also makes cities or even countries smarter in many ways, by improving their infrastructure, and creating an environment that is more modern, convenient and sustainable.
This then results in a better quality of life for all its residents, since the way cities operate has been changed, upgraded and improved. What do we mean by this? By using modern technologies, generally speaking, the amount of energy consumption tends to decrease, the efficiency when it comes to certain business processes increases, or at the other hand – simple things such as public transportation functions more efficiently, as well as the maintenance of all the devices, machines and vehicles we are surrounded with.
Finally, the way that services are being provided is far more improved, compared to what we had 5, 10 or even 20 years ago. When it comes to implementing new technologies, we can spot the difference even in the last 2 or 3 years. And it will only continue evolving.
Still, two industries have been improved so much (or it tends to improve, or it can potentially be improved) with the usage of the Internet of Things, that it has to be mentioned specifically. By improved, we mean digitally transformed. These industries are transportation and logistics.
What are the ways the IoT solutions could change these two fields for the better (or are already in process of doing that)?
1. Monitoring and Diagnosing
We all know that monitoring how things work is one of the most important factors when it comes to preventing certain issues, problems and of course – in solving them. However, not every monitoring process is equally effective. What do we mean by this? IoT technology innovations and solutions allow the best way to monitor things and processes, and that is – real time monitoring.
This provides both businesses and regular people with useful information about their home and work devices, vehicles and everything they use on a daily basis. As a result, this saves money, saves time and increases efficiency. Just imagine that you have to fix your car after the accident, when you could have done that with preventative measures! This is where sensors and this technology kicks in and can help tremendously.
2. Boosting Productivity
When it comes to delivery, we all want our products as soon as we order them – we want them now. Now imagine a huge warehouse with thousands or even millions of products that need to be found, packed and delivered. Although this process is not new, it has certainly been improved so far, and with the use of IoT, it can be taken to a new level.
This means that if you choose to install smart sensors and therefore implement new solutions to your business, this will boost the productivity and the efficiency in your workplace, by making the process of delivering orders easier, more simple and most certainly more convenient for both the employees and the customers.
Creating orders automatically, managing space or simply – connecting different parts of the same company and allowing better merge of information is what helps improve every business process, no matter the field, but inventory, delivery and warehouse management and shipment processes especially.
3.Improving Employees Behavior
Sensors that are implemented in certain vehicles help keep track of the employees, especially the ones that drive these vehicles. This helps prevent accidents and failures, helps determine what are the timelines when it comes to arrivals and this is a much simpler way to get these info, without having to constantly communicate with the employees themselves. When something doesn’t meet the standards that are set, these sensors help alarm the employer, which can then work on fixing the issue accordingly.
4. Reduce Time and Energy Waste
Although public transportation is extremely useful, having to wait for a bus or a train is oftentimes time consuming and energy draining. Especially if there are no ways to track these things. This is exactly where the IoT technology innovations help create better data analytics.
In reality, this means that instead of waiting for your bus or missing it, with installing certain sensors and connecting them to apps that provide you with the info about the vehicle of your choice, you will be able to organize better, and save both your time and energy. This is not only the case with vehicles, but with street lights that can turn on and off or in other words get activated by your movement, or simply providing info about a street light that doesn’t work and needs to be fixed. In many countries, this has already been implemented, while in others, this is something to look forward to in the near future!
