Smart connected devices can do an incredible amount for us in our personal and professional lives. Estimates are that 40 billion new devices will come online in the next 5 years.

Why the hype? Smart devices are becoming more affordable while providing nearly complete independence. What that means to you is that you can deploy a device and leave it to function for in some cases multiple years. It all works because smart devices are connected to the internet using ultra-lightweight internet connections and are designed using massively minimalistic purpose-built hardware. The device will serve a specific purpose and send its data into the cloud where it’s processed and turned into something useful.

Practically, since each smart device serves specific purposes their functionality can be used for hundreds of custom made solutions to fit specific business goals. A great example of that is a simple tracking device. It can be used to keep track of vehicles (which is a very common solution). It can also be used to track, pallets in a factory, agricultural equipment, and even pets and livestock. Since the device is tiny it can attach onto many different items. Although where the technology really starts adding value is that it is connected to the internet and can supply real-time “valuable” information specific to the purposes required. If the livestock hasn’t moved for a long period of time might indicate a problem, perhaps a vehicle begins moving at an odd time or perhaps a pallet exits the warehouse. The backend systems are really what makes these devices smart because they can be deployed for so many incredibly functional applications.

Perhaps said the simplest – smart devices can be deployed specifically for your requirements with your business in mind. Device cost is very low. Implementation costs are also low – more on save money

Improved management – Smart, connected devices are able to keep track of a high numbers of variables and accurately report on them. The biggest benefit is that you’re able to build structural reporting into your own business model and most importantly you’re able to do it autonomously. Reduces human errors while saving time and increasing cost efficiencies. Everything is stored allowing you to create more comprehensive reports than ever before. Monitor real time, identify problems and compare historical data.

The best part is the technology is cheap enough to place on anything you want. You can now literally track a wheelbarrow on a construction site and tell where it is, who is using it and how many times it moved from one end of the site to the other.