Are You Prepared for the Internet of Things?

Business-to-business transactions are projected to generate upwards of $5 trillion in global GDP as manufacturing, agriculture, energy and real estate industries incorporate IoT advancements. The IoT can optimize operations as electronically tagged and interconnected sensors are embedded into equipment and products throughout the manufacturing, inventory and supply chain. These smart networks can track the production, performance and location of physical goods. New business lines emerge as hard asset providers integrate hardware, software and services.  Industrial machinery suppliers move into providing services as well by applying in depth knowledge of how assets function across an industry. They can assist consumers to operate more efficiently than they could by themselves. Product development incorporates service development as value is co-created with consumers.

In healthcare, interconnected monitors, devices, computers and other equipment will help to inform medical choices and business decisions. The full cycle of the patient experience will be tracked ever more meticulously, from pre-intake through care provision and thorough analysis of patient outcomes. Ultimately, such integration should dramatically reduce the tremendous downside risk in wrong treatments, medicines or even advice.