By Anton Le Saux, Head of Connectivity and Partner Sales at O2 Telefónica UK: Three or so years ago we were talking about how the IoT would transform the relationship with products we buy and how it would drive business sustainability. These opportunities continue to be explored and developed, with some products like Nest making it into consumer consciousness.
But there are many more operating already throughout global supply chains, hidden from public view but helping businesses use less fuel and energy, improve the lifespan of their assets, reduce waste and improve security and safety of both assets and people.
The knock-on cost and time savings associated with this means that more time and money can be reinvested elsewhere in the business. There are also less tangible benefits to improving your sustainability, from improved customer perception to employee advocacy and loyalty, which bring positive impacts to both the top and bottom lines.
No matter what industry you're in there will be a M2M solution already on the market or in development which can help you operate in a more sustainable way. Whether you are a retailer looking to reduce the costs of transporting or holding stock, a farmer looking to track and manage livestock more efficiently, or a manufacturer looking for better ways to track pallets in order to use them again, the IoT brings a new perspective to solving these operational issues, and I would urge every business to start their M2M journey (if you haven't done so already).
The thought of implementing a new technology could be a daunting prospect, but it doesn't have to be difficult, time consuming or expensive to implement.
(anton.lesaux@telefonica.com – partnersdigital.telefonica.com)