The Internet of Things (IoT) can completely revolutionise businesses through the use of smart technology. There are many applications in every sector – construction, agriculture, transport, healthcare and more.

This post will discuss how the IoT can help your business stay on track with the so-called ‘fourth industrial revolution’. Although internet connectivity has been around for a while, the scope of possibility offered by this technology is still under development.

The IoT can be defined as devices which are connected, either to each other or the internet. Devices with sensors can receive and transmit data, monitor tasks and even control embedded devices using the internet. Applications of this technology include a scanner realising that a production line is empty, so it communicates with the machine and instructs it to power off in order to save wasted electricity.

1 in 3 businesses are now using IoT in their processes in order to make them more efficient, have a wider reach and perform better. It would be frivolous to connect each and every device to the internet, but those that have specific purposes can be used to benefit a customer or even the wider community.

The IoT can help customers understand more about a company’s processes – ranging from production to delivery. Additionally, the origin of products can be better understood, meaning that customers can have a more open relationship with a company. Products can be more efficient when they are interconnected, giving the customer a better overall experience.

User-connected technology can make for a better sales experience, streamline the manufacturing process and even save energy, in the case of smart lighting or heating in the home. There are also benefits in terms of safety- with monitoring software, repair and maintenance can be immediate.

Internet connectivity is vital in this day and age – with devices connected, communication between them becomes a lot simpler. Although the issue of security is raised, there are many pieces of software available – such as Cloudflare, which uses strict schema-based validation – to help secure IoT devices.

The IoT makes it easier than ever to make systems much more efficient. For example, logistics vehicles can be tracked in terms of speed, arrival/departure times, logs and reports. In warehouses, similar control can be held over inventory, as well as the ability to track vehicle locations for safety.

In parking garages, the IoT can communicate information like whether fees have been paid, or if there are any vacant spots. Offices can benefit from the IoT to allow for access restrictions like electronic locks or temperature control to lessen a business’s carbon footprint.

There are many use cases of the IoT being beneficial for small businesses – Particle makes IoT software and hardware (along with connectivity) work together seamlessly, removing security, scalability or connectivity issues. Blynk offers a unified platform with a fully-integrated suite of IoT software.

EcoEnergy Insights allows businesses to use the IoT in order to monitor their energy usage, in tandem with AI, machine learning and data analytics. Similarly, Pelion offers cellular connectivity for devices, detailing their low cost and high security in comparison to WiFi connectivity.

The IoT is the way of the future, making many more processes easy and efficient to implement, use and upkeep. Small to medium-sized businesses can benefit, despite the belief that such technology is out of reach – there are solutions everywhere.

The Lincoln Be Smarter scheme can help you implement changes in your business, by offering grants of up to £50,000. Additionally, we can facilitate contact with an academic from the University of Lincoln’s school of computer science, meaning you are well-equipped to decide what’s best for your business.