Ek sensor ki keemat... (the value of a sensor)

I was watching this movie "Om Shanti Om" last week while on a flight. There is a very popular dialogue which goes like "Ek chutki sindoor ki keemat tum kya Janno Ramesh Babu...(You should be aware of the value of a pinch of Sindoor or vermilion Mr. Ramesh)" and that seemed to have stuck on to my thoughts.. The antagonist in this case is Ramesh Babu who sort of rubbishes the power of this pinch of vermilion ( seemingly rejecting the idea of any alliance with the leading lady). The leading lady further in the movie returns in her rebirth avatar and teams up with the protagonist to destroy Ramesh Babu.. A typical bollywood masala movie but very entertaining. 

I was left wondering how many businesses or CXOs behave like Ramesh Babu. They fail to sense changes and reject the idea of anything which can possibly disrupt their business in the future, only to realize later that some one has displaced them..

In today's digital world sensor technologies are throwing up immense possibilities. While sensors have been used for many decades now, the context of their usage is fast changing making them one of the hottest technology in the market. Today sensors along with other connected technologies are powering potentially one of the most disruptive technology we have ever seem in IT namely Internet of things or IOT as its popularly refered. IOT is fast moving from being buzz word to getting into productive use. Newer business models are emerging while the tradition models keep getting challenged by the power of digital IOT. We are already seeing Software companies disrupting traditional automobile manufacturing companies and this trend is going to extend to other spaces as well. The agricultural industry and logistic industry have been fast adopting IOT to make far more profitable business moves.

I guess the potential is huge where in sensors can be used on any object bringing it to life, may it be a wall, a road, ground, device, etc. I have tried to capture some of the thoughts which crossed my mind on possibilities in the future (maybe some are already happening)

What if your walls were only white /or just concrete boards and the sensors in them gave the wall various colours or patterns. Will this be disruptive for the Paints and coating business or is it an opportunity for the cement manufacturers ?

What if your garments had sensors and they kept changing your prints even day, play your favorite music based on your mood or even monitor your body condition. Will a technology company disrupt a garment company here.

What if your Water Closet (WC) becomes completely sensorised - which would mean virtually you do stool and urine test everyday - thereby providing enough data on your health, eating habits and hygiene. Will a pharma company disrupt the bathroom fitting company ?

What if your furniture comes alive. Your office chair would come to you automatically on a call out, or your dining chair kept telling you your weight or your study table turned into a flat monitor for storing images from your camera, make notes, browse, etc

So like it or not, one cannot ignore IOT and we are only going to see more and more disruptions. So as CXO, one needs to have a clear cut path on how IOT can be deployed for either improving efficiency, bringing in quantam changes or in shaping newer business models.

If you miss the bus, this dialogue is going to haunt you "Ek sensor ki keemat tum kya janoo..."

:)