How to make IoT work for you in 2020

It’s a new year and a new decade, but for many businesses, technology goals remain the same: find new ways to do more, to do it better, and to do it at scale without burning out their most talented employees.

In my 20-year career, I’ve been lucky enough to witness technology radically alter the way we look at certain industries. I’m referring to the convergence of internet-connected sensors, AI/machine learning, and cloud computing providing automation and real-time telemetric data gathering that make up the “Internet of Things.” also referred to as IoT.

IoT is growing exponentially across all industries, with field service, manufacturing, and retail supply chains being some of the better-known examples. Recently at a college bowl game, I was talking to a customer in the hospitality industry who told me that “smart” sensors in venue bathrooms were even helping the cleaning staff to prioritize tasks and eliminate unnecessary checks. That might sound like a small example, but the future is built on one small innovation at a time. 

1. We are not starting from scratch anymore

One of the biggest challenges to IoT utilization and adoption is the relevant integration of source information, and the ability to act on that information across multiple apps in a timely manner.

Many organizations have highly mature digital areas. For example, the high-end device manufacturer who uses laser technology and AI to create ever more precise iterations of a single component while their HR department relies on spreadsheets and emails to track their employees’ paid time off. These “islands of excellence” are often separated by department, function, or software license agreements. Even when these areas of excellence are on par with their digital maturity, siloed innovation can occur. As in, each little “island” advances itself toward its own goals, without necessarily looking at its neighbors’ efforts, investments, and applications─ and without considering the ramifications on other functions and departments.

Solving for this lack of interconnectivity can bring out the best of the applications and the smart devices being used, and even more importantly, it can bring out the best of the people using it.

2. Leave your silos alone

Business articles love to talk about “breaking down silos” to recognize efficiencies and ensure that employees are living up to their strengths. But the reality is far more nuanced, as seen in this article from Inc.com. Organizations that can create highly productive “clusters” that can flex and adapt as needed.

A single system of action can help facilitate these clusters without causing organizational disruption. Increased connectivity and communication can multiply the benefits of an organization’s existing technology landscape by connecting the right people to the right applications and data at the right time.

A system that allows for organic clusters to form, and continuously reform, helps people to access their full range of skills, experience, and intelligence as the business evolves.

3. A healthy example of IoT working for people

Recently, ServiceNow worked with Siemens, to help them reimagine their existing IT landscape of connected clinicians, customers, medical devices, and hospital administrators. They had to recognize what was working in the old systems and applications, and how to better integrate and consolidate that functionality to create cross-functional interfaces that are perfectly suited to every user.

The Siemens Healthineers chose the ServiceNow Platform to handle the remote and automated software updates for all of the company’s 600,000 systems.

Since implementing ServiceNow, Siemens Healthineers has been able to optimise its IT delivery across the global organisation. Combining the platform with a fully agile implementation methodology has slashed waste with faster resolution times and fewer issues.

The future is going to be highly productive, driving top line revenue as well as reducing bottom-line expenses. We will see a proliferation of net-new business models not even prevailing today.

In Summary,

Those who successfully connect their applications, people, and machines will discover a new level of insight and opportunity. But the smartest asset in this new future, enabled by the IoT and virtual networks, will still be people. 

So, now that you've had a chance to review my thoughts on the subject, I'd like to know from other IT specialists out there:

? What are your thoughts on IoT as it relates to your industry at the moment? Are you incubating net-new business models.

? Have you experienced the synergy of working in a connected system? 

? And finally, what are some of the challenges you’ve seen/ experienced with regards to IoT? 

Feel free to respond below, or to send me an InMail. I’d love to hear from you.