Automating business processes has never been more necessary than today.
With so many businesses streamlining their workflows and systems, it’s essential to do the same for your company if you want to achieve growth and be future-ready.
skillME offers an Internet of Things short course that equips you with the skills to automate processes and implement technology for more efficiency, better communication, and happier customers.
From monitoring equipment in real-time to streamlining supply chains, IoT is changing how organisations operate.
In this article, we will discuss IoT, its benefits to businesses, and how you can learn to implement it in your business for continuous growth.
What is the Internet of Things and IoT technology?
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to a growing network of physical devices embedded with sensors, business automation software, and connectivity features.
These devices can collect, share, and act on data without human intervention. Here is how IoT works in different environments.
- A network of connected devices: IoT is a system where devices like home appliances, vehicles, and sensors are interconnected via the Internet. This results in efficient data exchange and seamless communication. The best part is that IoT is scalable, meaning it can easily connect thousands of devices based on company needs.
- Smart home integration: IoT has changed how households function. With smart home technology, homeowners can control their lighting, security, and appliances remotely. A few examples include:
- Smart thermostats: Automatically adjust temperature settings based on weather predictions or your patterns.
- Virtual assistants: Devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Home allow you to control connected gadgets with voice commands.
- Security systems: IoT-enabled cameras and alarms send real-time alerts directly to your phone, keeping your home secure.
Industrial IoT applications
IoT technology in the industrial setting is called the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). It revolutionises industries with predictive maintenance, supply chain optimisation, and enhanced production efficiency.
By integrating IoT technology, industries can save money, improve worker safety, and optimise operations more effectively than ever.
Data-driven insights
IoT devices collect vast amounts of data, which organisations can analyse for real-time insights and decision-making.
For example, retail stores can track foot traffic to help the business improve their layout. Furthermore, agriculture companies can use smart sensors to monitor soil conditions and ensure they give their crops enough water and nutrients.
Enhanced healthcare solutions
IoT is also improving the healthcare industry. Wearable IoT devices monitor patient health, allowing for early diagnosis, remote monitoring, and improved patient care outcomes. This makes healthcare more streamlined, accessible, and patient-focused.
5 Key ways IoT technology supports business automation
IoT is used to automate various business tasks and processes. Let’s explore five ways IoT helps businesses automate their processes and be more efficient.
1. Streamlining operations with real-time data
IoT devices collect and transmit real-time data, enabling businesses to monitor processes and identify inefficiencies for immediate correction.
For example, sensors in manufacturing facilities can monitor equipment to ensure it’s working correctly. This way, they can identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks that prevent processes from running as smoothly as possible. Fixing these issues could save time and money.
2. Enhancing inventory management
Managing inventory manually often leads to errors, delays, and waste. IoT automates this process, making it much more efficient. Smart sensors and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags can track inventory levels in warehouses and retail locations.
When supplies run low, IoT devices inform systems to reorder supplies automatically — no human oversight is required. For example, a grocery store could use IoT-enabled shelves to monitor stock and reduce spoilage by prioritising shorter shelf-life items.
3. Optimising energy consumption
IoT-powered energy management systems monitor and control energy use in buildings, reducing costs and promoting sustainability.
For example, imagine an office building where IoT sensors detect occupancy in real time. Lights, heating, or air conditioning could automatically power down in empty rooms or during off-hours.
On a larger scale, factories can use IoT to monitor electricity usage across machines, identifying the most energy-efficient operating schedules. This kind of automation saves money and supports sustainability goals.
4. Automating predictive maintenance
One of the most powerful applications of IoT is predictive maintenance. Rather than waiting for equipment to fail, IoT sensors collect data on performance and detect early warning signs of potential issues.
For example, sensors on industrial machines can monitor temperature, vibration, or operating speed. If these parameters change, the machine can automatically schedule maintenance.
5. Improving customer experiences
IoT solutions personalise customer interactions, such as smart devices providing tailored recommendations or automating support responses. This applies to smart checkout systems in retail, hotels in the hospitality industry, and more.
For example, in the hospitality industry, guests can adjust their room settings, like lighting, via a smartphone app before arriving.
These small conveniences create a big impression. When businesses use IoT to remove friction points, they build stronger customer relationships and foster loyalty.
The benefits of studying IoT for business automation
As you can see, IoT is changing industries for the better. A strong understanding of its potential can give your business a competitive edge. In fact, the IoT industry in South Africa is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
By understanding the impact of IoT, you’ll understand how connected devices can work together to collect data, automate processes, and improve customer experience.
Studying IoT teaches you how to solve real-world problems using connected systems. You’ll learn how to install and configure IoT devices, interpret data collected by sensors, and integrate IoT solutions into existing workflows.
For example, predictive maintenance powered by IoT can drastically reduce business downtime.
As part of your learning, you’ll see how sensor data can predict equipment failures and trigger repairs before minor issues become major breakdowns. These skills make you invaluable in manufacturing, supply chain management, or retail.
The skillME IoT short course
One excellent way to study IoT is through the skillME IoT short course. This programme provides a deep dive into IoT concepts and shows you how to use the technology effectively in the workplace.
Key benefits of the course include:
- A hands-on focus: Learn through real-world examples that show IoT’s impact on logistics, retail, and healthcare industries.
- Flexibility: The course is delivered online so that you can learn quickly.
- Practical knowledge: You’ll be confident installing, managing, and optimising these systems in any work environment.
Employers also have the option to purchase this course for their teams, enabling staff to gain the skills needed to drive automation and digital transformation. IoT training for employees doesn’t just upskill individuals — it positions entire businesses to achieve better outcomes.
You could also take many other courses to improve processes and efficiency within your organisation. Here are some of them:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Business Leaders: Learn how to implement AI and machine learning into business processes for more efficiency.
- Big Data and Analysis for Managers and Leaders: Teaches you how to implement big data systems and interpret data for better decision-making (that drives business growth).
Register for Internet of Things online short courses with skillME
As technology grows, streamlining processes and business systems is becoming increasingly important to ensure your business maintains a competitive advantage.
Investing in short online courses is a great way to upskill yourself or your employees with the skills needed for continuous growth.
If you’re ready to learn how to implement IoT into your business for more streamlined processes, better communication, and happier customers, have a look at the IoT short course.