I enjoy reflection at this time of the year. Thinking of where we have been, where we are now, and the possibilities of what is ahead. And that is one of the most thrilling parts of working in IT – it’s almost like we have a sneak preview into the future, before the rest of the world is privy to how the way we do things will change just that little bit more.
But for every organisation grabbing IoT (Internet of Things) with both hands, there are almost twice as many sitting on their hands. Too afraid of the costs associated? Confused about how to make it work? Thinking it’s only for large operators? There are many reasons why it isn’t being embraced by more businesses, but hearsay doesn’t usually do anyone any favours.
There are very real risks of not understanding IoT and how it could enhance your business.
Certainly we have seen some significant advances in IoT, and the way New Zealand businesses are using its capabilities. We Kiwis love to innovate, and here at Microsoft we certainly love seeing what can come from collaboration, and thinking outside the square. Because the thing is with IoT – there is no ‘one size fits all’. There is no product to buy off the shelf. It’s up to businesses to imagine what could be possible, and then work with the right IT partner to make it happen.
Here’s a thought-provoking piece from Microsoft’s CEO Satya Nadella, which talks about the need for ‘tech intensity’. He says that every organisation needs to be a fast adopter of best-in-class technology, but equally as important, they also need to build their own unique digital capabilities – which starts with workers who are deeply knowledgeable about the latest technology.
The fact is, those who innovate will grow. Remember the early bird that catches the worm? It’s a simple analogy sure, but its message is clear – get in first, or you could miss out. And this is what we are trying to encourage amongst business leaders in New Zealand. Educating themselves on the subject of IoT needs to be a priority.
Basically, the risk is that if you don’t do it, your competitors will. They will be providing a service that is second-to-none, or developing a product that could be far superior to yours. Or they could also just be doing what they do in a much more effective way, meaning they can reduce costs to win clients.
And without looking to palm off any ‘snake oil’ – there wouldn’t be too many operators out there that would say ‘no’ to increased profitability in their organisation. The potential to monetise IoT can be considerable, if done the right way.
From being able to service a larger clientele, to greater efficiencies that reduce outgoings, the bottom line of your business is likely to benefit from IoT technology in a way that maybe you hadn’t thought possible until now.
Back to school – with free IOT training.
We understand that new technologies can be intimidating. But we also know that it is up to us to help business leaders understand what it takes to partake in this next generation of extended data capabilities, machine learning, AI and IoT.
So I am personally encouraging you to do your business a favour, and check out the IoT School to find out what training is available (which is free I might add). Also have a look at our Future Ready programme, it has a multitude of offerings from beginner to advanced, and aims to assist you with working out where IoT could fit into your organisation.
Celebrating successes made here at home.
I’d like to finish up by sharing a couple of fascinating and exciting ways Kiwi businesses have already seen great success through the use of IoT.
A collaboration between Microsoft and Schneider Electric resulted in SCADAfarm, an automated tool that assists farmers to better control water use on their farms. By monitoring rainfall, it is able to provide moisture levels in the ground, indicating to farmers when watering is or isn’t required – this then aids in using less water and electricity, reduces outgoings, and in the long run can increase yields from produce.
And for global kiwifruit giant Zespri, IoT is helping them in many different ways. But I personally like that in its most basic sense, they are using the capabilities to track every single kiwifruit picked, to ensure it never goes rotten waiting to be shipped.
How many organisations out there have time-sensitive products that need to be carefully transported? The potential for this kind of use is massive in New Zealand, where exporting to overseas countries is a business’s livelihood.
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Don’t forget to download our newest guide – Navigating the path to new IoT business opportunities through connected products.