Are you collecting data because you have to, or because it enhances your business? To run an efficient, profitable business, data collection is key. But manual data collection takes time and actually using them to your benefit requires even more time and effort. In order to win the race, you’ll need to get smart. The Internet of Things (IoT) may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s why it’s worth giving it a try.
If you look up the Internet of Things, or IoT, you soon get tangled in a web of complicated technical information. But the basis is actually quite easy: sensors you use can be connected to your administrative systems via a long range, low power wireless network (LoRaWAN). And you can let them send you data as often as you need.
IoT gives you an easy way to continuously measure and monitor such variables as location, temperatures, humidity, liquid or solids levels, door status, water leaks and even the weather. You can access the measured data in a personalised dashboard, or even import them into your own systems for further (automated or manual) processing.
Applying IoT has many benefits for your business. Below we have listed the most important ones. Can you think of any more?
The Internet of Things equips you with smart sensors to automatically provide you with the data you need, the moment you need them. This enables more efficient, cost-effective operations. This has several benefits:
Smart IoT sensors can be set up to collect data around the clock, as often as needed, without any extra manual effort. Companies will, for example, equip their vehicles and other valuable assets with GPS trackers to monitor locations, but also to make the planning process more efficient. Locations can be tracked to prevent theft, but also to easily calculate costs and optimise asset usage. In addition, driving behaviour can be monitored to help enhance energy-efficient driving.
IoT gives you an easy and affordable way to constantly measure and monitor critical variables like temperature, location, humidity and door status.
An electrical installation company has 15 mechanics on the road, who attend to outages around the region every day. When a new call comes in during the day, the planner can easily find out which mechanic is closest to the location and quickly send them to fix the problem. This saves fuel and optimises work processes. And should the company find that van number 13 always consumes far more fuel than the other work vans, it is easy to check whether the vehicle is habitually driven at higher speeds. You can instruct the mechanic in question about economical driving, which will hopefully benefit your bottom line.
Machine outages cause downtime, which will result in production backlog and cost increases. IoT sensors can monitor operating conditions in your production environment in real time. This may result in maintenance and repairs before things become problematic.
At the same time, close monitoring of solids or fluids can be important for your continuity. Think of raw materials, feedstocks or fuel levels in holding tanks. You don’t want to have to check levels all the time, but need to prevent falling short. Distance sensors or liquid level sensors automate inventory management by accurately tracking stock levels in silos or tanks and signalling when to reorder.
Manual measurement not only costs a lot of time, but easily leads to mistakes. An employee who has to check temperatures in a freezer or refrigerated cabinet twice a day, can easily misread the values or forget to do their round when they’re busy. Not only can this lead to non-compliance with HACCP regulations, it may also be the reason why a full supply of dairy products spoils and has to be disposed of. By automating such routine work, you can make sure you get the necessary data at the right moment. You can even set alerts in case temperatures exceed certain (safe) levels, so that you can take appropriate action before temperature sensitive products go to waste, even when this happens outside business hours.
Your connected sensors send their data through the LoRaWAN network. Data packages are very small and therefore the sensor uses only limited energy. As a result, their batteries last long. The long range, low-power network used for data transmission does not require expensive subscriptions. GPS trackers on the LoRaWAN network do not require sim cards, leading to a considerable cost saving.
IoT sensors offer 24/7 insight into various aspects of your business. Even outside business hours or on multiple locations you can keep an eye on your valuable assets and product conditions. If data exceed the levels you have specified, you will be alerted and can take immediate action.
By collecting data at fixed intervals and 24/7/365 if needed, you gain valuable insights in the variables that are important for your business. This means you’re always aware of the status of your machines, the location of your vehicles, and the conditions in your storage areas. If something goes wrong, you’ll know immediately and can take action straight away.
The safety of your premises, employees, and assets is paramount. Door sensors can detect unauthorised access or doors remaining open and trigger alarms, while water leak sensors help prevent water damage.
In some sectors, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, there are strict regulations for storage conditions. Humidity and temperature sensors help continuously monitor these environmental parameters. This makes it easy for you to comply with regulations and always be audit-ready.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly eco-conscious, sustainability is a key word. IoT solutions can help your business operate more sustainably and environmentally friendly.
If you’re in agriculture or horticulture, soil moisture and air humidity sensors are valuable tools that help optimise irrigation systems and prevent water waste. They support in optimising crop yields, as crops receive just the right amount of water.
By using temperature sensors and humidity sensors, you can optimise your energy usage. HVAC systems, for example, can be adjusted based on real-time data, leading to more efficient energy consumption and lower energy costs.
Many businesses aim to reduce their ecological footprint. IoT solutions help monitor and manage environmental factors, enabling you to achieve your sustainability goals. This is not only good for the environment but also for your corporate image.
The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, or CSRD, requires companies to report on their sustainability. It deals with both qualitative and quantitative information regarding environmental, economic, social and governance issues. Consistent automated data gathering and analysis can help underpin environmental efforts and your company’s development in this area.
Knowing you’d like to make use of smart IoT sensors to advance your business is one thing. Actually getting started with them is another. Are you getting overwhelmed by the possibilities and complicated information? You don’t need to.
Connect IoT is your partner for smart sensors, connecting you via LoRaWAN, the worldwide Long Range Wide Area Network. All your data are collected in a single, easy-to-understand dashboard and can be exported for reporting, analysis or for use in your other business software systems. You can optimise your processes, save costs, enhance security and make a positive impact on the environment.
Contact us today for more information. We’ll be happy to support you.
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