How are Different Sectors Utilizing IoT Applications?

There’s so much buzz around the IoT but do you know how connected technology can be beneficial to your sector? We’ve looked at some of the industries which are leveraging the power of the IoT to improve services, increase profits and drive efficiencies.

Of course, the potential applications for the IoT are far broader than what’s mentioned here. If you take a look at our case studies page you will find organizations utilizing IoT technology in all kinds of incredible ways, from monitoring beehives to connecting weather stations across Africa. The potential applications for IoT devices are increasing every day. This is just a taste of how some industries are using connected technology. We hope that it will inspire you to think about how your business could expand and improve with the help of the IoT.

1. GPS Asset Tracking and Fleet Management

A reduction in costs has led to a proliferation of connected asset tracking devices. The introduction of low-cost GPS trackers has revolutionized fleet managers jobs. New technology gives them access to detailed reporting on their drivers’ location, speed, and a wealth of other information.

It is now possible for fleet managers to have a view of where their entire fleet and cargo is at any time. However, device tampering, either by staff or by external criminal elements, can be an issue.

Anytrek have created an ingenious solution to this problem. Anytrek’s Tracklight functions exactly like a standard 4” LED tail light, however, it also includes a GPS tracking module and a 3G modem. By installing these lights fleet managers can maintain an overview of the vehicles in their fleet at all times. Anytrek’s devices provide an effective countermeasure to unwanted interference.

Multi-Network IoT SIM cards have made this type of innovation in GPS asset tracking possible. Moving from one area of coverage to another is part and parcel of delivery and transport logistics. Any GPS asset tracking system needs to work continually, no matter where it is.

Multi-Network IoT SIMs work on multiple networks across continents. This ensures that devices like Anytrek’s are able to stay connected, regardless of where in the world they are.

2. Connected Healthcare

IoT applications have the potential to revolutionize healthcare. Innovations such as ingestible sensors, connected pacemakers, inhalers, and glucose monitors are already in use. Transmitting readings and data directly from connected devices removes the burden from patients and reduces the opportunity of human error. For patients with memory problems it can be lifesaving.

ForaCare is improving the lives of people with chronic diseases. They help patients manage their medication and scheduling.

Their systems also allow medical professionals access to a patient’s vital signs, including blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, ear temperature, and blood glucose levels. Data is transmitted to the Hospital’s EMR (Electronic Medical Record) via a Bluetooth, GPRS, or WiFi connection. Submitting data this way rather than on paper has increased recording accuracy from 75% to 97%.

IoT is improving the lives of those with chronic diseases. Many countries face the struggles of coping with an aging population. As they strive to ensure citizens have a high quality of life and can live independently IoT applications like these ones will prove themselves invaluable.

3. IoT Application for Manufacturing

We are on the cusp of the fourth industrial revolution. The Industrial IoT (IIoT) will revolutionize the way manufacturing and industry function. Although the IoT will touch all sectors manufacturing is one of the industries with the greatest potential to be truly revolutionized by IoT applications and M2M communication.

Machine to machine communication will allow for rapid, seamless exchange of information. It will also eliminate the possibility for human errors.

Industrial IoT applications enable companies to monitor sites remotely, improve the safety and efficiency of their factories, organize planned maintenance of equipment, and to automate dangerous tasks.

4. Environmental Applications of the IoT

IoT applications allow for granular and frequent collection of data. Sensors can be used to monitor a number of things, for example, water quality. The smallest of changes in its chemical composition triggers the system to alert a qualified person to examine the situation further.

Environmental monitoring is already being used in many cities to measure the levels of air pollution. This information allows cities to act when pollutants reach unacceptable levels. In December 2016 Paris made all public transport free for several days in an attempt to battle the highest levels of air pollution in ten years.

It will also allow scientists to study changes in air pollution levels and to identify trends. The more information they have and the more detailed this information is, the better any modeling or analyses will be.

IoT sensors have the potential to save lives.

They can be used to alert people to changes which may indicate that an avalanche is about to occur, or that a forest fire has begun. Sensors can detect far more sensitive changes than a human and can be deployed to constantly monitor an area. These sensors could work unnoticed for years until the moment when something is awry and an alert is triggered.

These are just a few of the ways in which a selection of industries are revolutionizing their working practices by using the IoT.

Are you interested in learning more about the innovative ways people are applying the IoT to their industry?

Read our case studies.