Apr 15, 2018The coming years will be decisive for the area of information technology. The process of digital transformation has increasingly led companies to invest in solutions that guarantee the automation of processes and, consequently, add value to organizations, increasing productivity and providing a better experience for clients. In order to keep pace with this evolution, new technologies will be deployed, including the use of interconnected devices such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) systems.
IoT solutions will be used in a wide variety of business models. Studies indicate that by 2020, such technologies will be incorporated into more than half of all processes and systems of new businesses, and there will be billions of connected devices across the planet. In retail, connected devices will be present to control inventory and shelves, as well as consumption habits and even payments. In factories, they will contribute to a new concept known as Industry 4.0.
Thousands of connected devices are already being used by automakers in connected-car solutions. State-of-the-art technology within vehicles allows data to be sent for control, monitoring and technical assistance, among other functions. In addition to comfort, connected cars offer greater driver safety, with the possibility of fleet monitoring, including routes considered more dangerous, and sending aid in case of sudden stops.
The adoption of IoT solutions to increase productivity and, consequently, quality of life is not exclusive to the corporate world. Public managers already develop projects aimed at the use of connected devices for more precise management of energy resources, transportation and public safety, for example. Studies show that the energy savings of a city can reach 30 percent with the use of monitoring sensors, which detect possible failures such as the maintenance of lamps on public roads.
What would be the first step for a company to build this great network of connection between systems, devices, machines and applications? The implementation and management of IoT solutions will be coordinated by CIOs, from an appropriate planning of needs and mapping of business objectives.
As with any project, before action can be taken, it is vital to perform tests to identify any possible transformations that may occur. The successful use of these applications needs to be supported by a robust telecommunications infrastructure, integrated with IT and mobility-enabled features, as all handsets communicate with each other for the exchange of information. Another important step is the commitment of employees to the correct usage of devices, which should be directed to operational and continuous functions, with a strategic view of specialists to maximize their benefits.
In addition, the success of an IoT deployment is proportional to the security of the connected devices and applications involved. We see growth in the use of protection systems. Studies note that approximately 20 percent of companies' annual budgets for IT security, operational technology and security requirements will be geared toward IoT solutions by 2020. By way of comparison, only 2 percent is expected to be allocated for IoT security.
Predictive solutions—which investigate and anticipate potential threats, creating a logical protection barrier against different types of attacks—will increasingly be used by companies seeking security for their IoT systems. With these offers, a client is immediately advised in the event of attacks and oriented toward applying the best defense strategy.
People, machines, devices, sensors and applications can exchange an enormous amount of information, optimizing procedures, generating better use of organizations' own assets, and guaranteeing a better experience and quality of life for consumers. The fully connected world is no longer a trend. The so-called fourth industrial revolution, a result of the convergence of technologies, is already under way. Prepare your business for the next level.
Ney Acyr Rodrigues is the executive director of IoT business at Embratel.
