How Everyday Ordinary ‘Things’ Are Using Cellular Gateways to Become Smart

Gathered Data from Connected Devices is Delivering Intelligent Decision-Making & Strategising Opportunities Across Industries

Internet of Things (IoT) deployments are expanding to a point where they are nearly becoming a requirement across industries. These “things” are defined as any device that can be connected to the Internet. Today, the term “smart” can be linked with an ever-growing number of things from phones, refrigerators, stores, restaurants, cars, to whole cities. The adoption of sensors, M2M technology, wireless connectivity, and data can advance the efficiency and productivity of things and systems that seemed commonplace just a few years ago.

With the innovation that wireless technology brings, city infrastructure can be configured to cut costs, improve communication, and strengthen public safety agencies. Retailers and restaurants can improve their customer experience while also collecting valuable sales data with beacon devices. Homes can become completely automated with smart products that offer convenience and security, and there are many more avenues that are leveraging automation and wireless technology.

Industry Improvements with IoT

Public Safety

Public safety agencies are finding new ways to utilise wireless technology to maximise productivity and minimise time spent on administrative duties that take officers away from the field, where they can serve the community.

Mobile reporting through devices like MDTs moves first responders away from paper-based systems and toward nearly real-time data communication — for example, from the EMT in the ambulance to the specialist at the hospital, for faster incident response times.

Additionally, body cameras can do much more than just take videos. They now send footage to the main office directly from the field, which helps improve officer safety and provides transparency to enhance the chain of command and public knowledge of law enforcement actions. Sensors in gun holsters and racks can also inform headquarters when a gun has been moved, alerting that the first responder may be in danger and in need of backup.

Utilities

Technologies that conserve resources for cities are quite valuable, and wireless connectivity is delivering possibilities such as interactive meters or sensors that monitor and identify leaks and other breakdowns at the time they happen, saving thousands of dollars.

Restaurants

In restaurants, plastic backlit boards are being replaced by full-motion digital signage. Point-of-Sale (POS) systems are becoming more than just simply a way to collect customer payments; today they can be a full-fledged solution for managing everything from inventory, ordering, and employee scheduling to budget projections. The changes have developed to the point where customers can self-order and pay by using ordering kiosks and tabletop devices.

Retail

In stores, Apple’s iBeacon technology allows customers to make payments in-store on their phones, and also receive targeted advertisements and information about sales and service offerings. In turn, retailers gain data about customers that can help them make informed decisions about staffing and store layout, influence buyer behaviour, and customise each buyer’s experience through real-time and predictive analytics.

Digital Signage

Even signage is becoming “smart.” Today digital signage is growing at a rate of almost 15 percent per year in North America, according to IDC. One particular use case is how digital signage is being paired with wireless networking on taxicab rooftops so that advertisers can change content on the fly. Advertising can be changed on a daily basis, remotely, whenever needed. Ads can be selected that are specific to the area it is in; for example, a cab driving past a Nike store can display ads that coincide with that demographic, allowing the advertising and signage to be much more targeted.

Smart Homes

With wireless networking, objects within a home can communicate with the homeowner’s smartphone, so regular activities like adjusting lights, appliances, thermostats, or surveillance — or even locking or unlocking the front door — can be done with the swipe of a finger.

The number of smart connected things in the world is on the rise, and IoT is already mainstream. Not only do the possibilities include improved business and city infrastructures but also improvements for our future. Many IoT deployments are focusing on initiatives to support the growth and health of our communities and safety of our citizens, such as cleaner air and water, smarter agriculture, reduced food waste, 24x7 connectivity for first responders, and more as we uncover the seemingly endless possibilities of IoT.

Cellular IoT Gateways

According to a report by Berg Insight, released in October of 2018, shipments of cellular IoT gateways are expected to reach 8.6 million by 2023. The report also states that Cradlepoint leads the market in annual IoT gateway revenues.

Cradlepoint’s COR Series IoT routers provide complete M2M/IoT network solutions with advanced security, multiple 4G LTE modem options, and secure remote cloud management. The semi-ruggedised 4G LTE router solution is ideal for an array of IoT and M2M use cases, including kiosks, ATMs, digital signage, remote monitoring, remote sensors and control systems, and smart city infrastructure automation. 

Contact me at [email protected] to learn more about how Cradlepoint can help you and your business to smooth embrace the this new world of device-centric interaction

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