Internet + Things = Internet of Things
If you’ve been anywhere near online tech circles in the past few months, you’ve probably heard the term “Internet of Things” thrown around with some enthusiasm. But what is it really?
At its most simplified the “Internet of Things” is no more complicated than the sum of its parts. You know what the Internet is – you’re using it right now to read this blog article. You know what things are. The Internet of Things refers to the connection between items and machines which are connected through the Internet as we know it. “Things” is a fairly broad category and includes objects from heart monitoring implants to wifi-enabled crock pots.
The Internet of Things isn’t just a novelty notion. Tech experts know connected devices are here to stay. By 2020, Gartner predicts the number of devices connected to the Internet will exceed 25 billion.
We Have It, Now Track It
With more and more objects connected around the world, there is now more information to process. We can now track information that was nearly impossible to monitor just a few years ago. It follows then, that more information means more need for automation in the tracking and processing of that data.
Let’s say each employee of your business has a company car with a built-in monitor for things like speed, sudden braking and turns, etc. Case management can take that information and generate reports that will help your HR team assess the type of insurance you will need or whether or not you need to hold a meeting about safe driving. The same idea can be applied to info you gather from your office’s smart thermostat or parking garage monitor.
With automation, the looming 25 billion Internet-connected devices isn’t so much a new challenge as it is a new opportunity to better business.
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Courtney James is AINS’ Marketing & Graphic Design Associate. She has experience with social media, public relations, graphic design, event management, and many other marketing topics. Courtney loves to blog about topics dealing with technology in government, social media, and case management. She holds degrees in Communication and Art from the University of Maryland, College Park.
