By Chris Hale, Stratix Corporation
The lines have blurred between two massive technology forces driving changes for retailers everywhere: Internet of Things (IoT) and Mobility.
For example, what’s considered a device? In the realm of enterprise mobility, we think of devices mainly as smartphones and tablets equipped with apps and Internet connectivity. Smartphones are packed with sensors that collect data on location, orientation, acceleration, proximity, magnetism, light, altitude and more.
Advertisement
Now, add all the sensor-embedded devices that IoT brings to the table, and suddenly the term “device” expands radically, to include anything that connects to a network for monitoring, transmitting or collecting data. These devices can include RFID tokens, digital gauges, meters, cameras, microchips and a host of wearables, such as smart wristbands, headsets, glasses and even clothing. The applications are vast for retailers, from smart shelves that alert you when it’s time to stock up to personalized coupons sent to customers as they walk into your stores.
IoT’s endless possibilities aren’t fantasy. IoT-enabled systems, including robotics, feature a huge variety of sensors and chips that combine to power new capabilities. Jupiter Research estimates that by 2020, there will be about 38 billion Internet-connected devices, almost triple the number in use today. Cisco predicts 50 billion.
By multiplying the diversity of devices, IoT takes enterprise mobility to new levels. Together, IoT and mobility open doors to virtually unlimited opportunities for retailers with the creativity to harness their power. Managed ecosystems can connect multiple smart devices that bring vital data from any location to mission-critical applications. As a result, employees, customers and other stakeholders gain the critical business information they need, when and where they need it.
Regardless of where you are today in your business’ digital transformation, start thinking about how IoT can fit in with your strategic goals. Used imaginatively, coupling IoT with mobility can slash downtime, improve safety, increase productivity and improve quality for retailers.
According to a study by Research and Markets, managed services providers will play a major role in the explosive growth projected for the IoT market. A report summary states, “The IoT consists of devices, connectivity, security, [and] applications, and a properly managed service is required to manage these in an effective way.”
You’ll need expertise in designing, selecting hardware and deploying an IoT/mobility ecosystem. On the back end, you’ll need help in operations, administration and device management. A managed services approach can address all these issues with a solution that encompasses IoT as well as mobile devices.
“Managing IoT devices is no different than managing ten, a thousand or ten thousand smartphones,” says Tony Rizzo of Blue Hill Research. “Third-party mobile services management options translate directly to IoT services management.”
The advantages of using a managed services provider include:
- Scalability: You pay only for the level and the volume of service provided;
- Objectivity: You gain the expertise of a provider that manages IoT/mobility as its core business and stays current with rapid changes in technology;
- Agility and control: You have a single point of contact for your entire mobile infrastructure;
- Cost: You’ll replace capital expenditures with dollars from the current operating budget; and
- Staffing: You’ll need fewer IT staff with highly specialized skills.
Managing myriad connected devices is a challenge, and IoT adds a new level of complexity. By partnering with an experienced provider, retailers can embrace the possibilities of IoT and drive value for their businesses and customers.
Chris Hale, Vice President of Marketing for Stratix, has developed and led growth and innovation strategies for more than 23 years, primarily in enterprise software and services.
