Machine to Machine (M2M) - The Connectivity Opportunity

As businesses have realised the value of M2M, it has taken on a new name: the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT and M2M have similar promises and that is to fundamentally change the way the world operates and connects.

Constantly evolving technologies are the key solutions for the ever changing business challenges faced by industries all over the world. Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication is one of the futuristic technologies that is having an impact on a global scale and is playing an important role in improving the quality of human life.

What is M2M?

Machine-to-Machine communication, or M2M, is exactly as it sounds: two machines “communicating,” or exchanging data, without human interfacing or interaction. 

M2M is the technology in which devices or machines exchange information/communicate through wireless and wired systems and perform actions without having the need for manual assistance. In Machine-to-machine communications, a remote sensor which is attached to a machine or a device, gathers data and transmits it through a network to a central point which will often be a computer. However in this context it means how a connected device (a “thing” in the “Internet of Things”) talks with a server to send information it has collected. It also includes how that “thing” is managed. At this stage the collected data is analysed and utilised according to specific needs.

Traditionally, M2M focused on “industrial telematics,” which is a fancy way of explaining data transfer for some commercial benefit. But many original uses of M2M like smart meters still stand today.

Wireless M2M has been dominated by cellular/mobile telecom since it came out in the mid-2000’s with 2G cell networks.

Due to this, the telecom market has tried to brand M2M as an inherently Telecom thing by offering M2M data plans. But telecom M2M is only one subsection of the market, and it shouldn’t be thought of as a telecom-only area.

M2M is not new in the sense that we are all used to one device talking to another device. File transfers over Bluetooth, app updates over Wi-Fi, even emails are examples of how one machine talks to another to achieve a task. However, the special thing about M2M in terms of IoT is that these connected devices a) have a low-power usage, b) aren’t always “on” and c) are limited in terms of resources e.g. processing power, memory, etc.

What is the difference between Telemetry and M2M?

The concept of M2M is similar to telemetry which is now considered to be the forefather of this advanced concept. M2M is born from the original telemetry technology and can be done either by cable or radio.

Both M2M and Telemetry transmit data through sensors but the main difference between them is that M2M communications use existing networks, such as wireless networks (even wired networks and hybrid) while telemetry uses random radio signals.

Technically, Machine to Machine communication addresses or refers to the communication between computers, mobiles, sensors, actuators and mobile devices with or without human intervention.

How M2M Works

As earlier stated, machine-to-machine communication makes the Internet of Things very possible. According to Forbes, M2M is among the fastest-growing types of connected device technologies in the market right now, largely because M2M technologies can connect millions of devices within a single network. The range of connected devices includes anything from vending machines to medical equipment to vehicles to buildings. Virtually anything that houses sensors or control technology can be connected to some sort of wireless network.

This sounds complicated, but the driving thought behind the idea is quite simple. Essentially, M2M networks are very similar to LAN or WAN networks, but are exclusively used to allow machines, sensors, and controls to communicate. These devices feed information they collect back to other devices in the network. This process allows a human or an intelligent control unit to assess what is going on across the whole network and issue appropriate instructions to member devices.

What is the Internet of things(IoT)? What is the difference between IOT and M2M?

Internet of things (IOT) is a mechanism in which information of a person (or any living thing) or a man-made device is collected and transferred over a network without requiring a manual effort. In IOT, the ‘Thing’ refers to a person or a device tagged with a unique identifying system.

A tracking device tagged on animals for tracking their movements, built-in sensors of a car which alerts the driver when he/she falls asleep are some examples that can describe the IOT concept.

A summary of the differences between M2M and IoT:

In simplified terms, M2M connects machines and establishes communication between them over networks, whilst IOT can go a step further to connect the physical world to the digital world.

Benefits:

• Saves time and reduces human effort:

M2M communication automates a monitoring process thereby limiting the need for a manual effort. You can monitor your assets (devices) from a remote location without making a personal visit to the site where it is located. This helps you in saving a lot of money, effort and time.

• Scalability and Security:

Machine-to-machine communication systems offer high standards of security by providing industry standard encryption on both ends. Any number of M2M communications can be established inside a network or cross-networks and there is no confinement of sorts.

• Going mobile:

The support of wireless networks provides more freedom in placing the sensor in much more remote places thereby contributing for a wider reach. The improvements made on sensing devices produce highly accurate and reliable inputs of the machines which they are connected to. Any fixed or mobile assets can be monitored and controlled easily.

M2M Applications

The realm of possibilities of M2M can be seen in four major use cases;

1. Manufacturing

Every manufacturing environment—whether it’s food processing or general product manufacturing—relies on technology to ensure costs are managed properly and processes are executed efficiently. Automating manufacturing processes within such a fast-paced environment is expected to improve processes even more. In the manufacturing world, this could involve highly automated equipment maintenance and safety procedures.

For example, M2M tools allow business owners to be alerted on their smartphones when an important piece of equipment needs servicing, so they can address issues as quickly as they arise. Sophisticated networks of sensors connected to the Internet could even order replacement parts automatically.

2. Home Appliances

IoT already affects home appliance connectivity through platforms like Nest. However, M2M is expected to take home-based IoT to the next level. Manufacturers like LG and Samsung are already slowly unveiling smart home appliances to help ensure a higher quality of life for occupants.

For example, an M2M-capable washing machine could send alerts to the owners’ smart devices once it finishes washing or drying, and a smart refrigerator could automatically order groceries from Amazon once its inventory is depleted. There are many more examples of home automation that can potentially improve quality of life for residents, including systems that allow members of the household to remotely control Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems using their mobile devices. In situations where a homeowner decides to leave work early, he or she could contact the home heating system before leaving work to make sure the temperature at home will be comfortable upon arrival.

3. Smart Utility Management

In the new age of energy efficiency, automation is becoming the new normal. As energy companies look for new ways to automate the metering process, M2M comes to the rescue, helping energy companies automatically gather energy consumption data, so they can accurately bill customers. Smart meters can track how much energy a household or business uses and automatically alert the energy company, which supplants sending out an employee to read the meter or requiring the customer to provide a reading. This is even more important as utilities move toward more dynamic pricing models, charging consumers more for energy usage during peak times.

4. Healthcare Device Management

One of the biggest opportunities for M2M technology is in the realm of healthcare. With M2M technology, hospitals can automate processes to ensure the highest levels of treatment. Using devices that can react faster than a human healthcare professional in an emergency situation make this possible. For instance, when a patient’s vital signs drop below normal, an M2M-connected life support device could automatically administer oxygen and additional care until a healthcare professional arrives on the scene. M2M also allows patients to be monitored in their own homes instead of in hospitals or care centers. For example, devices that track a frail or elderly person’s normal movements can detect when he or she has had a fall and alert a healthcare worker to the situation.

Sectors where M2M has been successful:

Security:

Safe guarding valuable goods, assets and buildings is a tough task for any business owner as the set up of alarm systems and alerting mechanisms including, CCTV cameras, fire alarms, access door alarms and trespasser alarms consume a chunk of money and take much time to install. M2M which revolves on the wireless technology limits the usage of wired connections so that criminals do not have the advantage of breaking down the security system easily. Cameras and alarms connected to wireless monitoring systems can be fed to a central monitoring station so that immediate action can be taken if a theft attempt is made or a mobile asset is taking a wrong direction.

Transport and logistics:

The logistics and transportation industry is one among those services which operate 24/7. Transportations can be inter-city, inter-state, within a country or across the globe through air, sea or road medium. So keeping a track of all these mobile carriers is a tough challenge faced by fleet management and logistics companies. Time of delivery, theft threats and physical damages are the other tough challenges which make tracking of these carriers an essential one.

Here, M2M solutions can be used to maintain a track of the physical location of the carriers (vehicles) and the goods it carries. Details about the location can be known at any point of time and alerts can be received in case if any damages happen or an unauthorized access is made.

Based on the constant updates of the fleet movement, fleet management companies can allot tasks effectively. Moreover driver behavior can also be monitored.

Public services:

Urbanisation of towns and villages has given rise to the need of deploying interconnected and automated systems into public and private sectors which are the key responsible factors for improving the quality of life of its inhabitants. For instance M2M technology can be made use in public transportation systems which will help in optimizing bus schedules based on the demands of passengers. Moreover, real-time updates on the bus locations can also be provided for passengers, which will help them to plan their trip accordingly.

Agriculture:

The agriculture industry in the developing world is facing numerous challenges since most of its systems are still manual. M2M communication can effectively reduce the human effort thereby saving time and money. M2M communication will prove helpful in getting instant feeds on livestock, warehouse management of agricultural goods, automated irrigation methods, monitoring barn and poultry house.

M2M offers a huge market opportunity

Mobile networks are being used to connect all sorts of devices; automated reading of utility meters, intelligent connectivity of cars and commercial vehicles to enable drivers to access navigation, infotainment or breakdown services, traffic lights, home security and assisted living.

Mobile M2M market:

Industries such as transportation, logistics, consumer electronics, health care, energy and automotive industries will drive M2M wireless technology which will in turn create a large opportunity for wireless service providers i.e. telecom companies.

IDATE, a European research firm reported that M2M communications market could generate $53 billion globally which is $20 billion more than the figure in 2013 while the M2M module deployment is expected to skyrocket from 175 million to 470 million.

Evolution of the next-generation communication 5G technology is also a promising sign for the future of M2M communications. 5G promises improved speeds, increased coverage range and greater throughput which will make M2M communications much more effective for industries which need to deploy this technology on a large scale.

Mobile operators are trying to make this Machine to Machine communication mobile for users. But data loss and recovery is a great challenge.

A networked machine is more valuable than an isolated machine. When there is a group of machines instead of a single machine, then a lot of work can be done using the data and the information which are contained in the machines.

It can be said that the new era of communication will be machine to machine communication and you will not be there to take the decision(s). The machine will take the decision(s) for you. The onset of IoT is here.

Soon, every object or device will need to be able to connect to the cloud. As more consumers, users, and business owners demand deeper connectivity, technology will need to be continually equipped to meet the needs and challenges of tomorrow. This will empower a wide range of highly automated processes, from equipment repairs and firmware upgrades to system diagnostics, data retrieval, and analysis. Information will be delivered to users, engineers, data scientists, and key decision-makers in real time, and it will eliminate the need for guesswork.

Telecom and hardware manufacturers, for example are beginning to look into full-stack offerings that enable M2M and IoT product development. Any company considering a move into the IoT space needs to understand what its business model is, how it will monetise the process and how it will provide value for customers or internal processes as the cost of M2M communication continues to decrease.