You can’t look at a business or technology site without hitting at least a dozen articles on the Internet of Things (IoT). It’s a hot topic.
Global analyst firm IDC projects that by the year 2020, there will be 30 billion connected devices and that the IoT market will reach $1.7 trillion.
While there appear to be clear benefits to be gained from connecting people, devices, and businesses, IoT still needs a clearer business case or proof-of-concept development before many companies are willing to invest.
So, is it too early to move IoT from “hype” to “happening?”
We don’t think so—at least not where meeting rooms are concerned. The level of connectivity between physical spaces, the equipment within them, and the people who use them are all quite advanced.
Today it’s possible to build smart meeting rooms that turn on the lights, adjust the temperature, and turn on the collaboration system when you enter the room. When the sun makes the room too bright, shades can be set to automatically close. You can even schedule a room from an app on your phone or have the meeting rescheduled to a closer room based on your current location.
All thanks to the IoT.
30 billion connected devices by 2020
Beyond these conveniences, IoT enables IT staff to monitor room technologies and address issues before they become problems that would take a room offline. And, the data collected and sent back from these connected rooms help IT, facilities managers, and space planners make better decisions about users needs, meeting spaces, and technology purchases.
The bottom line is that IoT will continue to gain momentum as we move into the era of the digitally-enabled business.
Analysts project that the following markets that will see the greatest revenue impact by 2018:
- Banking
- Manufacturing
- Retail
- Health care
- Transportation
- Utilities
- Government
Only time will tell how involved and intertwined IoT devices become in meeting rooms, around the office, and at home as well. But, one thing is for sure, the Internet of Things is making everyday tasks easier by promoting efficiency at every turn.
