The digital revolution is a one-way street. Nothing will ever be the same. The trend is that management will increasingly be influenced by technology to improve processes and optimize time. And this is where the Internet of Things – IoT comes in.
Starting from the concept that IoT is a device connected to the internet, we can consider it something old; and further, that just like GPS, cell phones may have been one of the first technological devices to start this "movement"...
What has caused great repercussions around the subject is the speed with which the evolution of IoT has occurred. Every day, a new connected product, piece of equipment, or device featuring artificial intelligence (AI) emerges. There are so many examples that it has already entered Brazilians' wish lists. Refrigerators, magic mirrors (already used in retail), bicycles. Watches, Fitbit wristbands, and many others are making the use of AI an ally for quality of life.
Supply Chain and the Internet of Things
And, after this brief introduction, within this scenario are industries, corporations, and within them, supply chains.
To manage this landscape, adapting to new technologies is essential. And to achieve this, it is necessary to broaden the concept of IoT a bit.
For Supply Chain, IoT establishes itself as a digitally interconnected AI. In other words, beyond transmitting and integrating data, it enables the connection among a web of physical objects that will yield great results by reducing waste, linking businesses, and optimizing the management of the entire chain of products and services. How?
Significantly improving data analysis
The supply chain generates thousands of data points. At certain times, it becomes humanly impossible to analyze and accurately cross-reference so much information. IoT is an AI that contributes in this regard, with a (human) brain required to get the machine/system up and running...
Promoting better supply and fleet management
IoT as AI works in a connected manner, forming a web of information. As such, it interconnects the logistics operations of the supply chain. Consequently, it promotes better management across the entire process and drives faster deliveries, creating an increasingly positive customer experience.
Boosting productivity with corporate mobility
The internet is part of everyone's life at all times. Mobile devices are too. Leveraging them in favor of business, internally, exchanging data for knowledge, from a corporate perspective, intrinsically leads employees to improve their productivity—while expanding mobility both inside and outside the company.
Developing manageable facilities with digital capabilities
This is perhaps the most common and tangible aspect of IoT in the corporate world. It is nothing other than smart buildings. Cameras, motion sensors to open doors, turn on lights, operate faucets, among others. Virtual or electronic answering services. (Buttonless) elevators connected to reception, among other means of access control, promote sustainability and security, among other benefits.
Establishing greater physical and digital security, both real and virtual
At this point, beyond physical security—provided by access control, for instance, as mentioned in the previous topic—we highlight platforms, software, and devices equipped to ensure data security and privacy, for both companies and users.
To conclude this article, without by any means exhausting the subject, we emphasize the importance of professionals across all areas staying alert to identify what they can do that machines cannot, thereby integrating their work with technology and remaining competitive in the market.
