The Internet of Things (IoT) Explained
The term ‘IoT’ or the Internet of things, has become common place within the vocabulary of the ‘tech world’, but what exactly is the ‘Internet of Things’? What does it mean? How is it used?
The questions surrounding the Internet of Things are endless, but in simple terms, IoT is a network of connected devices, combined with a technology that facilitates communications between the devices and ‘the cloud’ without the need for human intervention. Chances are, you may actually have an IoT network already working within your own home. Some of the more well-known devices found under the blanket of ‘IoT’ that you may be more familiar with are digital assistants such as Alexa or Cortana.
At Invisible Systems, the term describes our unique smart monitoring devices, that send data to our cloud based software, in order to monitor conditions. The Internet of Things can be used and adapted to various business types, like factories, healthcare environments, transportation and distribution centres, in actual fact most businesses would benefit from a smart monitoring solution.
What conditions do we monitor? Well pretty much anything!
Depending on the smart devices installed, and of course the data monitored, IoT can be useful for the efficiency of machinery, energy usage and can even provide data that can be used to predict future outcomes as well as current trends, including the prediction of machine failure, the prediction of legionella growth or even the damage caused by mould and condensation. We can monitor various temperatures from a minus 80 freezer that contains COVID-19 vaccinations to a simple room temperature in one of your offices.
The network of IoT devices in operation globally is huge, and seemingly growing at a rapid rate, as more and more businesses turn to Internet of Things monitoring in order to save costs across the business and also meet the net zero targets outlined by UK government at COP26. As of 2020, there were upwards of 50 billion Internet of Things devices operating globally, and the market for IoT monitoring has inclined more so ever since.
So how does the Internet of Things work?
Simplified, IoT works with via a combination of three elements. The first element is made up of devices with hardware, such as sensors, that collect data. The second element is the collection of that data within the hardware that’s then shared via cloud integrated software. The data provided can then be used and analysed via users in various ways, creating the third element and completing the circle of IoT life.
The Internet of Things is something that spans across quite a wide range of industries and uses. Smaller elements of IoT can be found in smart watches, fitness trackers, even a smart lamp in your bedroom. However, this technology is also used in much more complex ways, such as remote asset monitoring and management or the automation of equipment and machinery.