You've probably heard references to it for years but, just what is the current trajectory of mobile app integration with the Internet of Things (IoT)?
Technology is an ever-changing and ever-evolving thing. What may be the latest and most advanced trend at the moment can get succeeded by something better in a matter of days. What's great is that it only truly applies to devices and hardware, meaning that trends regarding how we use technology and how it can benefit us will remain for as long as they're viable.
For now, the trends we're looking at involve the IoT and mobile app integration. Mobile apps are important because they can help a business thrive, and the IoT will only help by increasing their effectiveness in improving business offerings and solutions.
What else can IoT do for you? Read these predictions to see how the IoT works with mobile apps to get an idea on how it could apply to your industry.
Automotive Apps Will Become Prominent
The Internet of Things already helps companies like Tesla by providing them with automotive apps. These apps help users and manufacturers by providing them with convenience in doing small everyday tasks. This means that you can use this as a way to market your brand to your customers or to make your tasks easier as a company.
A good example of this is how Tesla uses the IoT for mobile app integration with their products. They've optimized their systems to be compatible with Android and iOS users. Their cars allow users to use apps to lock their doors, open and close windows, and even run diagnostics on itself.
You can use this to help the workplace progress through the workday. You can develop apps that allow for the automation of certain tasks, like establishing and logging secure entry in work sites or monitoring tasks and productivity. These are easy ways to introduce the IoT into your business.
Improved Shopping Experience Online Stores
Online retailers stand to make the most out of the IoT. Their online stores allow for easier integration of the IoT. The experience they have with coding also helps with the process.
You can already see some of the influences of the IoT on online shopping stores. QR scanners are such examples. They use the IoT to help integrate the customer's devices in their experience. It's a great way to increase engagement as most people find it convenient to have a code to scan. This often means that the store has a bonus for them. If they happen upon one, it can help convince them to buy something from that store.
Even physical stores can enjoy the IoT to have a better shopping experience. Again, QR codes are a good example of this. Customers can come in to scan the code before they can get a big discount on their shopping spree.
The IoT can also make the payment process a breeze. In some stores, they allow customers to use their digital wallets to pay for their goods. They only need to scan a barcode-type element into an IoT sensor to pay for what they bought. Incorporating this into a retail store means there's a more streamlined payment process making long lines a thing of the past.
Better Manufacturing Process
IoT will also change how manufacturers will handle their processes and the overall workflow. Streamlining task assignments and tool tracking will have a significant positive impact on the bottom line.
Mobile devices will integrate the IoT into their systems through apps. These apps will then track the movements of the employees as soon as they enter the premises. It's a great way to tell where an employee is in the area. This is important if you have restricted areas around the building. You can even set a notification trigger to go off whenever someone does enter it.
You can also use the IoT to track the shift performance of individual employees. Once you see that an employee finishes a task, you can immediately assign another one. It's a great way to use the IIoT to improve the efficiency of the business.
Improved File and Data Management
The IoT changes the game when it comes to managing data and files. This all starts by having devices installed that will track files, data, and inventory in warehouses and such. These devices will then run the data through an automated system and keep track of them.
This system improves on current, traditional file management systems. This is because it won't have any chance of human error. The IoT will keep everything in a neat system to make accessing the data easier.
This is important in the health or finance industries. Employees need all the data to make informed decisions. With the appropriate coded restrictions in place, IoT apps will ensure that all the data they need is in securely protected yet easy-to-access places.
Machine Synchronization
In the manufacturing industry, it's common to see machines take the place of people on the line. The only human intervention that takes place is when they need to input code into the machines. This makes it so that the machine moves in time with the others.
When one machine is too fast or too late, though, it can put the entire production to a halt. Production needs to stop to reset the machine. With the IoT, though, machines will always be in sync with each other. They would ensure that the actions of each machine won't compromise the others. What's great is that, if a machine goes down, a signal will go off to alert you. It will tell you that the machine needs service or another input of an action.
Need help putting together a mobile/IoT plan for your business? Contact us here, our team of tech savvy experts would be glad to help.
Tagged as: Mobile App Development, Industry Trends, IoT
About the Author:
Julie joined Envative in September of 2014 as a Primary Project Team Leader and Account Tactical Manager of both client and internal engineering teams. She manages Software development projects for Mobile Apps, Web applications, Websites and Hardware Device integrations.
Julie's knowledge, follow-through and genuine concern for client satisfaction have garnered her numerous accolades from clients, managers and peers.