Internet of Things

Internet of Things

What is the Internet of Things?

There is much talk these days about the Internet of Things, but what is it really? Network Products Inc. (NPI) provides customers a wide range of network solutions customized for their workflow and business needs. From data centers to smart building designs to the integration of the Internet of Things, we assist companies to optimize their workflow and reach their goals. Give us a call to arrange a free consultation with one of our specialists to learn how NPI can help you.

How does the Internet of Things work?

The Internet of Things is a network made of physical devices that are able to transmit digital information to a designated location or hub. The physical devices are considered “smart” devices because of their ability to collect and send certain information. The list of available smart devices grows by the day and currently includes industrial machines, kitchen appliances, televisions, automobiles, residential and commercial utility meters, and much more.

Smart devices rely on Internet protocols in order to communicate. This is the same method used by computers that are connected to the Internet. However, rather than visit websites and watch videos, the Internet of Things is intended to enable devices to digitally report certain types of information in real-time. The Internet of Things can be automated to be more efficient and reliable than humans. The concept began with the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags for retailers and their suppliers. RFID tags revolutionized price tag efficiency in that it makes the manual placement of price tags on goods unnecessary, saving time and money.

What are the benefits of the Internet of Things?

Across a wide range of fields and sectors, the Internet of Things can transform workflows. Here are but a few examples of how the Internet of Things can be leveraged for greater efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings:

• Enabling medical professionals to remotely monitor patients’ progress and diagnose conditions using body-worn devices or work stations at local clinics. This is essential for small, distant towns that cannot afford to have a full range of medical services available onsite.
• Traffic cameras that alert commuters about upcoming accidents or road delays.
• Trash cans equipped with smart devices notify the municipal trash collector that a pickup is necessary.
• Tracking energy usage in a building makes it possible for the building owner to optimize automated settings for lighting, air conditioning, and heating.

What are the concerns about the Internet of Things?

Because the Internet of Things is still in its infancy, there are some concerns. In particular, privacy is a concern among those who feel that the technology can all too easily be hijacked by nefarious parties. In theory, they could directly or indirectly access the personal and sensitive information of consumers and employees and use it for their own gain and destructive purposes.

Call NPI Connect for a Free Consultation

There is much talk these days about the Internet of Things, and many clients contact us at NPI Connect to find out more! Network Products Inc. (NPI) provides customers a wide range of network solutions customized for their workflow and business needs. From data centers to smart building designs, to the integration of the Internet of Things, we can assist companies in optimizing their workflow and reaching their goals. Give us a call to arrange a free consultation with one of our specialists to learn how NPI Connect can help you!

How Does The Internet of Things Work?

The Internet of Things is a network made of physical devices that are able to transmit digital information to a designated location or hub. The physical devices are considered “smart” devices because of their ability to collect and send certain information. The list of available smart devices grows by the day and currently includes industrial machines, kitchen appliances, televisions, automobiles, residential and commercial utility meters, and much more.

Smart devices rely on Internet protocols in order to communicate. This is the same method used by computers that are connected to the Internet. However, rather than visit websites and watch videos, the Internet of Things is intended to enable devices to digitally report certain types of information in real-time.

The Internet of Things can be automated to be more efficient and reliable than humans. The concept began with the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags for retailers and their suppliers. RFID tags revolutionized price tag efficiency in that it makes the manual placement of price tags on goods unnecessary, saving time and money.

What Are The Concerns About the Internet of Things?

Because the Internet of Things is still in its infancy, there are some concerns. In particular, privacy is a concern among those who feel that the technology can all too easily be hijacked by nefarious parties. In theory, they could directly or indirectly access the personal and sensitive information of consumers and employees and use it for their own gain and destructive purposes.

However, here at NPI Connect we understand that privacy is a priority for your business, and can tell you about all the ways that we can protect you from a hacker or other threats. 

What Are The Benefits of The Internet of Things?

As a representative at NPI Connect may tell clients, across a wide range of fields and sectors, the Internet of Things can transform workflows. Here are but a few examples of how the Internet of Things can be leveraged for greater efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings:

• Enabling medical professionals to remotely monitor patients’ progress and diagnose conditions using body-worn devices or work stations at local clinics. This is essential for small, distant towns that cannot afford to have a full range of medical services available onsite.
• Traffic cameras that alert commuters about upcoming accidents or road delays.
• Trash cans equipped with smart devices notify the municipal trash collector that a pickup is necessary.
• Tracking energy usage in a building makes it possible for the building owner to optimize automated settings for lighting, air conditioning, and heating.

Internet of Things Infographic

What Building Managers Need to Know About Smart Building Technology

Smart living technologies like security cameras, speakers, doorbells, and thermostats have been popular items with homeowners for many years and are now catching on more and more in commercial buildings. Smart living technology is increasingly moving into healthcare facilities, office towers, and other institutional and commercial buildings. These technologies can advance building automation systems, and lower device costs to offer a more significant degree of individual control.

People who spend a substantial portion of their lives in workplaces want them to be more engaging and comfortable. They are seeking technology solutions to help them be more focused and productive in their job. Workers like these solutions because they give them the power to control their individual spaces and use those spaces to their advantage and more effectively.

Moreover, retrofitting smart living tech into an existing building doesn’t have to be a costly endeavor. Here are some ways that occupant-facing tech can be affordably incorporated into a structure.

Understanding Smart Building Technology

Technological advancements, such as the Internet of Things, are creating new opportunities to integrate smart living technology in spaces that may never have been considered before. Technologies such as HVAC controls and zoned lighting have been in use for some time, but those technologies that target individual comfort and convenience are rapidly upping the ante. Some of today’s smart building options include:

• Reserving desks, lab equipment, or meeting rooms
• Finding available parking spots
• Controlling lighting all the way down to the individual receptacles
• Opening or closing drapes and shades
• Adjusting speakers and audio systems
• Providing navigation routes through the facility
• Tracking and locating equipment
• Measuring satisfaction with specific services

Smart technologies are targeted at individual comfort. They are also very handy for building managers, who can get real-time feedback about occupant preferences and issues. Furthermore, building utilities like lighting and HVAC and lighting can be optimized through tenant-based usage. Facility managers can use smart building technologies to make workplaces more productive and comfortable while reducing energy costs and increasing sustainability.

Users become accustomed to the conveniences of voice-controlled services, in particular. Voice-controlled automation is currently being incorporated into healthcare facilities. Voice control can be tied into nurse call systems, and adjusting the shades or drapes, the temperature in the room, and the TV, offering patients the options to adapt their surroundings to their comfort level.

Mobile apps are also beginning to play a prominent role in smart living capabilities. People are becoming used to relying on apps to control many aspects of their daily lives. Tenant portal apps can provide users the ability to create temperature setpoints, adjust lighting levels, and make other changes that add to their convenience and comfort. Property managers are also embracing apps that make it simpler for tenants to request services and for property personnel to deliver them. 

Smart building technology and the Internet of Things evolves daily. However, it’s not a futuristic thing. There are ways to use what you already have to drive improvements in your business, your operation, and client and employee experience, as well. Find out what’s possible for connecting the technology in your smart buildings by contacting a company that provides intelligent infrastructure planning and design.

To learn how the Internet of Things may benefit your company, contact us at NPI Connect today! 

5 Benefits of the internet of things:

IoT is an essential piece of innovation that is set to improve significantly in time. There are many benefits of having actual things linked to each other. Here are a few of the advantages that we at NPI Connect have identified :

1) More information means better decisions

With added sensing units, these devices have the ability to gather a big quantity of data on many different locations.

In addition to the useful components of being able to understand which foods are going out of date in your wise refrigerator, this boosted home product will be able to provide you extra information on its power intake, temperature level, the average time of the door spent open and much more.

A greater circulation of details implies that business behind the device can evaluate large patterns in the information to much better improve the functions of the device.

Lots of businesses are understanding the power of this technology and it is resulting in a large boost in the market. The total market worth of the Internet of Things is set to grow to over $3 trillion every year by 2026 *.

2) Ability to track and keep track of things

In addition to tracking data for a company to utilize, it likewise greatly benefits the user.

These gadgets would have the ability to watch out on the present quality of items in your home. Knowing the state of your items will allow a homeowner to understand when they require to change a product, without them having to consistently examine the quality themselves.

3) Lighten the workload with automation

We at NPI Connect believe that having a gadget doing most of the work for you suggests that you can conserve more time and expense. Think of having your fridge order a new container of milk to be delivered when it reaches a specific level of expiry? Sounds great to me.

This greatly lowers human efforts. It likewise results in gadgets being created that need little to no human intervention, permitting them to run totally by themselves.

4) Increases effectiveness by conserving cash and resources

Along with conserving time for the gadget owner, it can likewise lead to expense savings. If lights immediately turn themselves off the minute you leave the room, you could conserve a lot of money on your electrical energy expenses.

As you can see, linked devices can offer numerous useful implementations. The IoT system encourages maker to machine (M2M) interaction resulting in increased long-term efficiency for both the company and user.

The rate of development for maker to machine interaction is high. The total variety of connections are set to grow from 5 billion in 2014 to 27 billion in 2024.

5) Better lifestyle

In the end, all the advantages lead to an increased lifestyle.

Having your gadgets track and order things for you, turn light switches off for you, and help manage essential tasks that you might not have the time to do yourself definitely takes away a great deal of stress.

There is no doubt that individuals are typically getting busier as the years go by. With many devices being developed and brand-new innovations being implemented, it’s tough to keep an eye on everything. It’s fantastic to be able to do the things you delight in and have a computer look after the mundane things you know require to be done.

Improvements to your lifestyle, health benefits, and improved health are likewise part of the IoT future.

Contact us at NPI Connect today to learn more about the internet of things.

Internet of Things Statistics

According to Statista, in 2024, the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is forecast to reach over 17 billion, surpassing the number of people on earth, showing how integrated technology is becoming. By 2030, IoT connections are forecasted to reach an estimated 8 billion in North America alone.

Smart Building Sensors and the Internet of Things

The internet of things can revolutionize a workplace, and an IOC specialist from NPI can help you turn your office into a more streamlined and efficient space. A key feature of a smart building is the application of a range of sensors and monitors to ensure you have the best and most up-to-date information about your workplace so you can make necessary adjustments to increase performance.

Read on to learn more about the most common sensors found in smart buildings, and see how an IoT specialist from NPI can help you determine which of these sensors would be best for your own office’s optimization.

Temperature Sensors:

These are some of the most commonly-encountered sensors in smart buildings. They relay important information about the ambient temperature so you can make changes or adjustments as you see fit. 

Temperature sensors operate with a variety of mechanisms: Some sensors are placed on integrated circuits, and some are basic thermocouples. With thermocouples, the wires from individual metal elements contact each other, and a temperature difference between the two metals registers as temperature changes.

Incorporating temperature sensors in your workplace isn’t just a matter of personal comfort and convenience. Temperature sensors are essential if you have to maintain a low temperature for certain IT components such as servers. As an added bonus, incorporating temperature sensors in your smart building also helps you leave a smaller environmental footprint. With the help of temperature sensors and motion sensors, you’ll be able to adjust climate control depending on which areas see the most use.

Motion Sensors:

Another common feature in smart buildings, motion sensors are another useful tool to ensure workplace efficiency with the internet of things. Motion sensors are used for lights, but they also have applications with plumbing, doors, and security cameras. They’re most often thought of as security measures, but motion sensors can also improve your workplace performance by showing you which areas of your workplace receive the most traffic, and which conference rooms are unoccupied.

Like temperature sensors, motion sensors rely on many different mechanisms. They commonly rely on infrared and radio waves, and when no motion is detected for a set duration of time, they can automatically switch off lights or other appliances to increase your savings and help you create a more sustainable work environment.

Gas and Air Quality Sensors

Motion and temperature sensors are more common, but gas and air quality sensors can provide just as much benefit to your workplace. Improper airflow can actually negatively impact your employees’ performance, so installing sensors that can relay information about your air quality can help you increase employee comfort.

Reach out to NPI Today

The internet of things is revolutionizing workplaces, and the right building sensors will allow you to do much more than just turn lights on or off or adjust the temperature. When you create a connected workspace, you’re incorporating new and up-to-date information about your office to increase productivity and employee comfort.

Smart buildings take proper planning and information, and NPI is ready to help. If you’re looking to add the benefits of the internet of things to your workplace, reach out to us for more information.

5 Myths About IoT

In our rapidly evolving technological landscape, the Internet of Things has become a buzzworthy term. However, like many emerging technologies, IoT is often surrounded by myths and misconceptions. At NPI Connect, we believe in debunking these myths to help you better understand the potential of IoT and its real-world applications. Let’s dive into the top five myths about IoT and set the record straight.

Myth 1: IoT Is Only About Smart Home Devices

While smart home devices like thermostats, lights, and voice assistants are among the most visible IoT applications, IoT goes far beyond your home. It extends its reach into industries such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. IoT is transforming the way businesses operate by enabling data-driven decision-making, automation, and enhanced efficiency.

Myth 2: IoT Is All About Connectivity

It’s true that IoT devices rely on connectivity to exchange data, but it’s not just about being connected. IoT devices are equipped with sensors, processors, and software that enable them to collect, process, and act upon data locally. Connectivity is essential, but IoT devices can also function autonomously, making them valuable in remote or offline environments.

Myth 3: IoT Is Inherently Insecure

Security concerns often surround IoT, but it’s a myth to believe that IoT devices are inherently insecure. Like any technology, security depends on how devices are designed, implemented, and managed. Properly secured IoT devices and networks can offer robust protection against cyber threats. Our company specializes in secure IoT solutions, ensuring your data remains safe.

Myth 4: IoT Is Only for Large Enterprises

While some large enterprises have embraced IoT to enhance their operations, it’s a misconception to think that IoT is exclusively for big businesses. In reality, IoT solutions are scalable and adaptable, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. Small and medium-sized enterprises can benefit from IoT to streamline processes, improve customer experiences, and gain a competitive edge.

Myth 5: IoT Is A Passing Trend

Some skeptics view IoT as a fleeting trend, but the truth is that IoT is here to stay. Its applications continue to grow, and it plays a pivotal role in digital transformation across industries. As technology advances, IoT will evolve and become an even more integral part of our daily lives and business operations.

Explore The Power Of IoT 

Now that we’ve debunked these common myths about the Internet of Things, it’s time to explore the limitless possibilities that IoT offers. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to create a smart environment, a business owner seeking efficiency gains, or an innovator with a groundbreaking idea, we are here to help.

Our dedicated team specializes in designing and implementing custom IoT solutions tailored to your specific needs. We prioritize security, scalability, and innovation to ensure that your IoT journey is a success. Don’t let myths hold you back from embracing the future of technology.

Internet Of Things FAQs

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the concept and technology surrounding the internet of things (IoT) invariably pique the interest and curiosity of tech enthusiasts and enterprises alike. Whether exploring IoT for home automation, industrial applications, or intricate data management, myriad questions often bubble to the surface, necessitating clarity, understanding, and insightful answers.

What Is It About This Technology That Seamlessly Intertwines Our Digital And Physical Worlds?

The internet of things is an expansive network of interconnected devices, all of which gather and share data about the way they are used and the environments in which they are operated. This pervasive technology transcends the traditional internet connectivity from computers and smartphones to a vast array of devices and everyday objects. With embedded sensors, processors, and communication hardware, these devices collect, send, and receive data, facilitating enhanced automation, improved decision-making, and enriched user experiences.

How Does This Technology Address The Burgeoning Demand For Smart And Secure Cities?

In the arena of smart cities, the internet of things extends its capabilities to forge connectivity and data sharing between various city elements, such as transportation systems, energy grids, and emergency services. This interconnected web empowers city planners and administrators to garner real-time insights, optimize resource allocation, enhance service delivery, and establish robust security frameworks. The convergence of data from myriad sources fosters informed decision-making, facilitating safer, efficient, and more livable urban environments.

What Are The Potential Challenges And Solutions In Ensuring Robust Security In IoT Implementations?

Despite its myriad benefits, the internet of things isn’t devoid of challenges, especially pertaining to security. As devices exchange colossal volumes of data, concerns around data privacy, unauthorized access, and cybersecurity threats emerge starkly. Solutions revolve around implementing stringent security protocols, regular firmware updates, secure data storage and transmission, and ensuring compliance with global data protection regulations. Moreover, fostering a security-centric culture, wherein every stakeholder prioritizes and adheres to cybersecurity norms, becomes paramount.

How Does IoT Pave The Way For Innovations In Healthcare, And What Implications Does It Have?

Healthcare is one domain where IoT has significantly sculpted innovative pathways, enhancing patient care, facility management, and medical data handling. With connected medical devices, remote patient monitoring becomes seamless, ensuring timely medical intervention. Further, data from various sources facilitate predictive analytics, enhancing preventive care and resource management within healthcare facilities. The implications are vast, touching upon improved patient outcomes, optimized operational efficacy, and the creation of a more patient-centric healthcare ecosystem.

How Can Businesses Leverage IoT For Improving Customer Experiences And Driving Growth?

In the business realm, IoT fosters a profound impact on customer experiences and organizational growth by weaving together data from diverse customer touchpoints and operational processes. By harnessing and analyzing this data, businesses can tailor customer experiences, predict trends, and forge personalized engagement strategies. Moreover, IoT enables real-time inventory management, predictive maintenance of equipment, and optimized resource utilization, ensuring operational efficiency and consequently driving growth.

Navigating through the digital tapestry of IoT can be a labyrinthine endeavor. And that’s where NPI Connect steps in, as your trusted partner in unraveling the nuances, strategies, and impactful implementations of IoT solutions, ensuring your digital journey is seamless, secure, and symbiotically aligned with your strategic objectives.

If you find yourself mired in queries or embarking upon your IoT journey, allow NPI Connect to be your guide, ensuring every step you take is fortified with expertise, strategic alignment, and a steadfast focus on securing and elevating your digital future. Engage with us, and let’s sculpt a future where technology and your strategic objectives converge into a harmonious symphony of progress, innovation, and digital excellence.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has rapidly emerged as a transformative technological paradigm, interconnecting devices, systems, and even everyday objects in a seamless digital fabric. It refers to the network of physical objects embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect and exchange data over the internet. This interconnected ecosystem brings forth a plethora of services and benefits that revolutionize various aspects of our lives.

One of the key services that the Internet of Things offers is enhanced convenience and automation. Through IoT-enabled devices, individuals can remotely monitor and control various aspects of their environment. For instance, smart thermostats can learn and adapt to occupants’ preferences, adjusting the temperature accordingly. This not only optimizes energy usage but also ensures a comfortable living space upon returning home. Similarly, IoT-enabled security systems can provide real-time alerts and allow homeowners to monitor their property from anywhere, promoting a sense of security and peace of mind.

Customers stand to gain substantial advantages from integrating the Internet of Things into their lives. One of the most prominent benefits is improved efficiency. Businesses, for instance, can utilize IoT devices to track their supply chains, monitor equipment health, and predict maintenance needs, reducing downtime and optimizing operations. Individuals can also benefit from IoT-driven efficiency, as wearable devices can track their health metrics and provide insights into lifestyle adjustments, fostering healthier habits.

Furthermore, the Internet of Things contributes to data-driven decision-making. With an abundance of data collected from various sources, businesses can gain valuable insights into customer behavior, market trends, and product performance. This information empowers them to refine their strategies and offerings, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction. Similarly, individuals can leverage IoT-generated data to make informed choices about their daily routines, health regimens, and even energy consumption patterns.

So, how does the Internet of Things actually work? At its core, the IoT ecosystem revolves around interconnected devices that communicate through the internet. These devices are equipped with sensors that capture data from their environment, which is then transmitted to a central system or cloud platform. This data can include anything from temperature and humidity readings to motion detection and even more complex information like sound and image data. Once the data is gathered, it can be analyzed, processed, and used to trigger specific actions or generate insights.

The communication between IoT devices is typically facilitated by protocols such as MQTT or HTTP, ensuring seamless data transfer across different devices and platforms. Cloud computing plays a vital role in IoT, as it enables scalable storage and processing of the massive volumes of data generated by connected devices. Machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms are often employed to extract meaningful patterns and insights from this data, enhancing the overall functionality of IoT systems.

The Internet of Things has ushered in a new era of connectivity and innovation. Its services extend from convenience and efficiency to data-driven decision-making, offering tangible benefits to both businesses and individuals. Customers can harness the power of IoT to optimize their routines, make more informed choices, and enjoy heightened levels of control and security. The underlying mechanism of IoT involves interconnected devices collecting and transmitting data over the internet, which is then processed and analyzed to yield valuable insights and enable automated actions. As IoT continues to evolve, its impact on various sectors of society is poised to grow, shaping a future where connectivity and intelligence are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of everyday life.

Ready To Embrace IoT? Contact Us Connect Today!

If you’re ready to harness the potential of IoT for your home or business, reach out to NPI Connect today. We’ll work closely with you to develop IoT solutions that drive efficiency, productivity, and innovation. Say goodbye to the myths and hello to the real-world benefits of the Internet of Things. Contact us now, and let’s make IoT work for you.

NPI Connect, Internet of Things

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