It might sound incredibly complex: the Internet of Things. However, the Internet of Things is very commonplace in daily life nowadays and we all encounter it. In this blog, you will find IoT examples, the best way to apply IoT and the IoT trends of 2023 and 2024 after we’ve explained the essence of the Internet of Things.
What is the Internet of Things and why is it so important?
The Internet of Things involves smart solutions in the form of a network of wirelessly connected devices (and other objects). These devices are equipped with sensors, software and other technologies that can transmit and receive data. This means that data can be exchanged between different devices and systems through the applied technology or sensor. You can understand how the Internet of Things can increase efficiency, prevent problems rather than cure them and share valuable data. For these reasons, the Internet of Things is particularly used in the industry to optimize production processes. By enabling machines to communicate with each other, technical functions can be monitored, fault reports can be generated and maintenance notifications can be made on time. For example, prevent production line downtime due to an empty vat of necessary gas, thanks to the notification sent timely via the Internet of Things for replacing the vat. Thus, the Internet of Things can be found in industrial machines but perhaps also in your car or household appliance! The Internet of Things (abbreviated as IoT) is around more than you realize!
Examples of IoT and the sectors using it
Examples of IoT and the sectors using itSome examples of IoT in the manufacturing industry have been mentioned above. IoT plays a significant role here in production processes and factory optimization nowadays. Still, it is also used for monitoring health and safety in the industry. Besides the manufacturing industry, we see IoT being used in many other sectors. Examples include apps that monitor livestock and crops in the agriculture sector, earthquake warning systems used by environmental protection and heating systems for homes that can be remotely controlled thanks to IoT in the energy sector. Additionally, IoT is of significant value in healthcare as well as infrastructure management.
What are IoT applications and how are they implemented?
IoT applications are SaaS (Software as a Service) applications that can analyse sensor data to offer the data through a dashboard. These real-time dashboards, like the EZ-GO platform from EZ Factory, provide insight into KPIs, statistics and any downtime. IoT applications for the manufacturing industry can be traced back to collecting and analysing operational data to achieve a production process that is as fast and efficient as possible. Once this production process is established, it can be automated via a central system to standardize the process from there and immediately detect deviations. The customer also benefits from the implementation of IoT applications. Consider how the customer can track the order through live updates, from shipment to delivery. It’s all part of the Internet of Things!
What are the key IoT trends in 2023/2024?
IoT in 2023 has only grown and this trend is expected to continue in 2024. With the global growth of 5G, connectivity will become even faster and data sharing will make a huge leap. Also AI contributes to the growth of IoT by humanizing and personalizing interaction with devices. So, the IoT trends of 2023 and 2024 look very promising! IoT will be and remain of great value within the manufacturing industry, aiming for efficient production, a safe working environment and higher profitability. Additionally, the effect of IoT on customer relationships will increase in 2023/2024. Customer service processes and facilities are increasingly supported by IoT to provide useful and reliable information to the customer.
How can EZ Factory support IoT applications?
We have previously mentioned the use of real-time dashboards and standardizing an optimal production process. And guess what? The EZ-GO platform developed at EZ Factory is specifically designed for this purpose! EZ-GO provides production employees with a visual step-by-step plan to implement standardization, quickly detect deviations and collect and analyse data, for instance, for use in audits. But EZ-GO can do even more to keep production running smoothly and optimize the team. Have you heard about the digital skills matrix, for example? With this, you have a clear overview of all your employees’ skills, making scheduling and training much easier. Curious about the support of IoT applications (and all other possibilities) of the EZ-GO platform? Make sure to have a conversation with one of our implementation experts.