The internet of things is a phrase that you may or may not have heard of. Despite not instantly knowing what it means, the internet of things is something that many of us use on a daily basis, often in our own homes and in our spare time. That said, the internet of things is evolving and it is becoming an increasingly important component of the workplace. But what is it and why is it making an appearance in our workplaces?
What is the internet of things?
In its most basic terms, the Internet of Things is when everyday objects, something that we use on a daily basis, has internet connectivity and capability. This may mean that the item can be controlled remotely, it can communicate, or it can share or collect data. All without a human being involved in the process.
Does it have a place in the workplace?
In our homes these devices make things easier for us and the same seems to be true when you introduce the internet of things into the workplace too. It can make the workplace environment as intelligent as possible and it can also take huge steps towards ensuring that employees are happy and their work more effective too.
Another great use for the internet of things in the workplace is to collect and measure real-time data which can then be used when the time comes for you to improve and work on your business.
How does it fit in the workplace?
Gone are the days when just a basic intranet software was needed in the workplace. Now, even the simplest of facilities such as intranet software needs to be able to deliver a wide range of benefits for the end users; the employees within a business. This is where the internet of things can actually prove to be incredibly valuable and useful.
You can spread out the internet of things in the workplace into a few categories. Physical infrastructure connectivity, devices similar to what you use at home and devices that are only designed with business in mind.
Physical infrastructure connectivity
So, let’s start with infrastructure; how has that got smarter? Well, the changes and developments are much like what we have seen at home, such as being able to control heating and air-conditioning remotely. However, within a business these intelligent systems have also made their way into a variety of other systems too.
They are used to shut doors and lock them, promote office security, and to aid alarm systems too. They can even be put in place in equipment such as vending machines, sending an alert back to the supplier when things are starting to run low.
We have also seen systems that you think are already clever, such as heating controls, are becoming so much smarter too. With some even able to see how the weather is outside and then change the temperature within the building to suit.
Home devices used in the office
Whilst they may have had to have some tweaks, there are also devices being put into businesses that are pretty much the same as what we have at home. Take Alexa as an example for this. Many of us are now used to be able to shout at Alexa to do a variety of things for us whilst we are at home so it was only a matter of time before this came into our workplaces too.
The devices might not behave exactly the same, but they have the same voice recognition and search functionality, which really does help in the work environment. Such as being able to control aspects of your computer with your voice as well as dial in numbers on the phone system too.
Smart Devices for the Workplace
Some devices are designed entirely to work in the workplace setting and whilst they may have some similarities to other devices out there, their use is entirely focused on that particular business and of course their particular needs.
Robots in the workplace may be some way off (or at least having them as fully functional members of the team that is) but that doesn’t mean that tech isn’t making a march on our businesses and changing how business is done. It may be scary for some, but we can promise you that embracing the internet of things and other modern approaches is definitely going to improve your business and make running it that little bit easier.
If you do want to make the most of the internet of things in your workplace, then one thing that you absolutely need it to do is communicate with any existing intranet software that you may have in place. This means that you will have a way to assess the information that is gathered and also ensure that it works the best that it can for you as a business too.