Experts estimate that the Internet of Things (IoT) will consist of almost 50 billion objects by 2020.

If you’ve been following the latest tech news for the past few years then you’ve probably heard a lot about the Internet of Things (IoT) and how it has been affecting consumers. IoT is a term for enabling everyday objects to have network connectivity and giving them the ability to send and receive data through the Internet. Connected devices like FitBit’s wearable fitness tracker or Nest’s smart thermostat are becoming more commonplace in our daily lives. 

Though internet connected devices are seen more and more as consumer products, we actually started seeing the same concept being applied in an industrial setting about 2 years ago. AT&T, Cisco, GE, IMB and Intel have been pushing new ideas through their Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC). The IIC is a non-profit group that whose mission is to coordinate the architectural foundation and structure for the Industrial Internet. Since then we’ve seen the emergence of connected sensors that collect data on anything and everything in an industrial setting. Some of the benefits and applications of remote asset monitoring include increased safety on smart grids through real-time alerting and more valuable data for OEMs for repair/maintenance decisions.

But what does this have to do with enterprise mobility?

Previously, most companies were utilizing enterprise mobility solely for messaging and collaboration- but as more capabilities are developed we are seeing increased demand for software that can support enterprise applications. The opportunities are nearly unlimited for app developers that are already well-positioned in industrial spaces. They can enable companies to unlock valuable sensor and asset data. At FrogSlayer, we’ve experienced the advent of creating custom Machine-to-Mobile (M2Mo) apps with our own company in various spaces like energy management, oil and gas, manufacturing, and healthcare.  For example, we developed a mobile data collection module that allowed oil field workers to collect and transmit data regarding well performance with a mobile device.  This allowed for off-site engineers to receive up-to-date reports, enabling them to make timely decisions regardless of their proximity to the site.

Connectedness -> Growth

Examples like the one above illustrate how the growth of the IoT era will allow businesses to take advantage of a more mobile workforce by staying connected to key systems and assets anywhere in the world.  Companies whose people, equipment and processes are interconnected via sensors and smart machinery will be able to decrease downtime, gain more insight into key activities and ultimately improve their products and services.  .

We understand that the demand for engineers  to create and maintain these connected systems will continue to increase in the coming years. If you have any questions on the IoT or how you can leverage enterprise mobile to your people more connected, please contact us to discuss more in detail.