According to a study by the IDC firm , by 2020 the number of connected objects will reach 32 billion, a figure that represents 10% of the world’s data . Precisely, according to the architect and urban planner William Mitchell , these connected objects and their sensors make things have “eyes and ears”, so that they are aware of the environment around them and interact with people and other objects. This trend is better known as the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) .
At this point many will ask themselves, what kind of opportunities can this trend offer to small businesses? Well, the Internet of Things should be at the top of the agenda for SMEs, especially because of the business opportunity and the revolution it represents.
The IoT can even make a business more efficient, especially in production processes, and it is a way to differentiate itself from the competition.
To get an idea of the positive impact that this trend has on small businesses, a report by the consulting firm Gartner indicates that startups will be the ones driving the acceptance, use and growth of the Internet of Things by creating a multitude of applications of niche
In short, the great opportunity for SMEs with the Internet of Things lies in developing their own products, and even entrepreneurs can go a long way by establishing alliances with robust providers of this type of solution.
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Application of the IoT in different industries
Of course, there are industries and businesses that will be able to take much more advantage of the growing trend of the Internet of Things:
Agricultural
The Internet of Things is highly important in the agricultural sector, since, for example, with the help of remote sensors installed in crops , farmers can receive emails or text messages with the favorable conditions that are presenting themselves for the proliferation of pests and diseases. Even preventive actions can be carried out manually or automatically thanks to the digital solutions of new technologies.
Mobility
Cities can also benefit significantly from the IoT. For example, by analyzing the state of traffic during peak hours on weekdays or holidays, it is possible to know how to redirect traffic in order to avoid congestion.
Health
Some medical institutions are taking advantage of the IoT to reduce costs , facilitate the work of medical staff and raise the quality of care for patients.
Currently, for example, there is software and an application that provide real-time information on medication administration, sleep measurement, physical activity or even determining if the heart has abnormal beats.
Retail stores
IoT can also be very useful in this field. For example, by sending personalized offers to the cell phone or anticipating the products that need to be replenished through sensors that alert about the lack of certain foods and supplies.
