The Internet of Things (IoT) now presents the global economy with a myriad of opportunities associated with functionality, productivity and more.
While manufacturing has been the chief benefactor of these changes, it is important to consider the wider implications of this advancement across wider industry. Below, we outline three more markets that are going through major beneficial changes thanks to IoT integration:
Health
Connectivity is key to the health industry. Cloud-based technologies, for example, are being used to allow physicians to quickly access data about medical history, and prescribe accordingly. These operational networks can extend to hospital machinery as well. By linking up an MRI Scanner to the internet, medical staff are able to get alerts whenever something needs replacing or repairing, reducing machine down-time and resultant impacts to patient schedules.
Benefits from IoT system integration are ultimately also cost-saving methods, and therefore have the potential to reduce government expenditure and individual costs for healthcare. The industry is increasingly investing more time and energy into finding smart-solutions that will improve patient welfare, operational efficiencies and reduce expenditures.
Transport
IoT solutions have huge potential in the transport industry. Current forecasts predict that connected vehicles will soon be able to work in tandem with connected infrastructure, reducing traffic and helping prevent accidents.
Current IoT technology, such as sensors and smart software are able to monitor how safely a driver is driving, and when a fleet of vehicles may need repairing. Supply chain logistics can also be improved by the use of smart monitors that notify suppliers when their products are overheating in transit, protecting the quality of the goods.
As with the healthcare industry, IoT has the potential to improve machine monitoring practices, reduce production times, and create a more communicative and interconnected supply-chain.
Construction
Perhaps one of the most important uses of IoT within construction is pre-emptive repair. Many buildings, and the systems that make them up, depreciate at a speed that is faster than we can fix them. By fixing an issue before it becomes a hazard, stakeholders can save hundreds of dollars for homeowners and contractors. Current technologies available on the market, when combined with appropriate IoT networks, can support this service.
IoT-based solutions are also beneficial in terms of building energy usage – a characteristic that is recognized as highly erratic. While we may suffer in cold winters for not having an efficient energy heating system, the buildings themselves actually account for 40% of all U.S. GHG emissions. The truth is, standard buildings are highly energy inefficient and limited in their ability to adapt their operational systems.
Technology such as energy valves with built-in web servers offer a level of analytics with more than 50 measures. Using these to modify building systems as relevant can have any number of positive effects for occupants, building firms and the environment in terms of energy reductions and operational optimization.
How We Are Driving This Revolution
Industry 4.0 will create substantial efficiencies for companies all over the world. However, a lack of device security and standardized data exchange makes implementation difficult. The Augmate Connect Infrastructure Platform plus IOTA’s blockchain-less tangle and micropayment approach unifies the tools and processes for the fourth industrial revolution. This is accomplished through secure transactions that aggregate and create accessible (yet tamper-proof) records.
Click the link here to read more about our unique platform, and how it can help your company engage with the fourth industrial revolution.
