Today, we will explore a simple and practical framework for implementing IoT projects: the 3-Step Approach.

This method ensures a smooth and effective rollout by focusing on small steps, integration, and innovation. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Think Big, Start Small

The first step is to start with a clear vision (think big) but begin with a small, focused project to gain momentum.

Develop a Small Application: Identify one specific problem and build a targeted solution.

• Example: A smart thermostat to monitor energy usage in one building rather than an entire campus.

Deliver Immediate Impact: The solution should show quick results to build confidence in IoT’s value.

Mindset Transformation: This small success shifts how people perceive IoT and its potential.

Get Buy-In from Leadership: Demonstrating early results helps secure support from decision-makers like the C-suite executives for future projects.

Step 2: Integrate

Once the initial IoT solution proves its value, it is integrated into the broader system.

Connect to Legacy Systems: Ensure the new IoT solution works seamlessly with existing infrastructure, such as ERP systems or older databases.

• Example: Integrating smart sensors into a factory’s traditional production line.

Seamless Workflow: Avoid disrupting operations by designing smooth processes between old and new systems.

Break Silos: Encourage collaboration between departments to maximise the benefits of IoT across the organisation.

This step ensures that IoT doesn’t operate in isolation but becomes a part of the larger ecosystem.

Step 3: Innovate

The final step is to use IoT to drive innovation and create new opportunities.

Create New Workflows: Leverage IoT to optimise or redesign how work is done.

• Example: Using real-time data from IoT sensors to automate maintenance schedules.

Test New Business Models: Experiment with different ways to generate revenue using IoT solutions.

• Example: Offering predictive maintenance as a subscription service for customers.

Better Analytics and AI: Use advanced analytics and AI to unlock deeper insights from IoT data and automate decision-making.

This stage transforms IoT from a problem-solving tool into a driver for long-term growth and innovation.

Key Takeaway: Think Big, Start Small

The overall lesson is simple:

1. Start with a big vision, but focus on small, impactful projects to get started.
2. Build on early successes by integrating solutions into larger systems.
3. Use IoT to innovate and create new opportunities.

This approach minimises risk, builds momentum, and ensures sustainable growth.

Let’s discuss: What small IoT applications can you think of to start with? How would you scale and integrate them into a more extensive system? Let’s brainstorm together!

Today, we’ll discuss why the Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming essential in our daily lives.

The diagram simplifies this concept by focusing on assets, how we connect them, and why sensing the environment is so important. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. What Are Assets?

Let’s start with a question: What do you consider as assets?
We value and want to monitor, track, or protect assets. These could include:

Goods:

• We would like to know their location (e.g., where is my delivery?)
• Or their quality (e.g., is the food shipment fresh?)

Health:

• Monitoring our condition and ensuring safety are critical.
• Example: A health wearable that tracks your heart rate and connects to a mobile app.

Transport:

• Vehicles and public transportation must be tracked for location, routes, and utilisation.
• Example: A bus fleet monitored for efficient route planning.

House Security:

• Ensuring homes are safe by monitoring for intrusions or emergencies.
• Example: A motion sensor that alerts you if there’s unusual activity.

2. The Core Need: Connecting Assets and Sensing the Environment

Why do we need IoT for these assets?
The key lies in sensing and connecting the environment around these assets.

• In the past, we relied on manual monitoring and human input.
• Today, we use sensors and applications to gather real-time data and automate processes.

3. How IoT Works

Sensors: Devices attached to assets to sense environmental factors like temperature or humidity.

• Example: A sensor measuring the humidity in a storage facility for sensitive goods.

Communication: Sensors send this data to an IoT platform for processing and action.

• Example: A sensor alerts the homeowner if the temperature inside the house drops below a certain threshold.

4. Examples of Other Assets

IoT can be applied to monitor a wide variety of assets, such as:

• Machines: For predictive maintenance in factories.
• Plants: To ensure optimal growth conditions in agriculture.
• Water and Rivers: These are used to monitor pollution or water levels.
• Environment: For tracking air quality and weather changes.
• Buildings and Tunnels: For structural safety and efficiency.

5. Why IoT Is Essential

IoT provides us with the ability to:

• Monitor assets in real time without human intervention.
• Ensure safety and quality by automating alerts and responses.
• Improve efficiency by making data-driven decisions.

Final Thoughts

The most straightforward reason we need IoT is to connect our assets and sense the environment effectively.

By doing so, we make life easier and ensure safety, efficiency, and better decision-making.

Let’s discuss: What assets in your life or work could benefit from IoT? How would you use sensors to improve them? Share your thoughts!

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Today, we’ll explore how the Internet of Things (IoT) transforms the 7 M’s of business — key elements that drive an organisation’s operations and strategy.

These 7 M’s are Manpower, Material, Method, Machine, Market, Money, and Management. Let’s break down each one and see how IoT impacts them.

1. Manpower

IoT helps businesses optimise human resources by reducing costs, improving safety, and increasing productivity.

Impact of IoT:

• Cost Reduction: Automating repetitive tasks reduces the need for manual labour.
• Worker Safety: IoT devices, such as wearables, can monitor health and alert workers to potential hazards.
• Productivity: By enabling remote work and real-time communication, IoT allows employees to focus on high-value tasks.

Example: A construction company using wearables to monitor worker fatigue and ensure safety.

2. Material

IoT ensures better management of materials, improving supply chain efficiency and reducing waste.

Impact of IoT:

• Just-In-Time Delivery: Sensors track inventory levels and automatically reorder materials when needed.
• Asset Condition Monitoring: IoT devices monitor the condition of materials, ensuring quality and preventing spoilage.

Example: A warehouse using IoT sensors to track stock levels and ensure optimal storage conditions.

3. Method

IoT makes business processes more agile and efficient by simplifying methods.

Impact of IoT:

• Reduce Red Tape: Automating workflows eliminates unnecessary administrative steps.
• Agility: IoT enables businesses to respond quickly to changing conditions.
• Efficiency: Processes become faster and more streamlined with IoT integration.

Example: A manufacturing plant automating quality checks with IoT sensors to speed up production.

4. Machine

IoT maximises the performance of machines, ensuring reliability and reducing downtime.

Impact of IoT:

• Uptime: Predictive maintenance ensures machines are operational when needed.
• Predictive Maintenance: IoT sensors detect issues before they become critical, preventing failures.
• Error Reduction: Machines can self-correct or alert operators when errors occur.

Example: A factory using IoT-enabled machinery to monitor performance and schedule maintenance.

5. Market

IoT helps businesses expand into new markets and improve their customer reach.

Impact of IoT:

• New Market Segments: IoT enables innovative products and services, opening new revenue streams.
• Global Reach: Businesses can monitor and manage operations worldwide through IoT platforms.

Example: An IoT-enabled home security company entering international markets with smart security systems.

6. Money

IoT creates new revenue opportunities and reduces costs.

Impact of IoT:

• New Revenue Streams: IoT drives innovation, leading to new services and products.
• Cost Savings: Automating processes and improving efficiency reduces expenses.

Example: A logistics company saving fuel costs by using IoT to optimise delivery routes.

7. Management

IoT improves decision-making through data-driven insights.

• Impact of IoT:
• Data-Driven Decisions: Real-time data helps managers make informed choices.
• Transparency: IoT provides visibility into all areas of the business.
• Better Decision-Making: Analytics from IoT systems offer actionable insights.

Example: A retail chain using IoT to monitor sales trends and optimise inventory.

Key Takeaways

IoT has a transformative impact on the 7 M’s of business:

1. Manpower: Reduces costs and improves safety.
2. Material: Ensures quality and efficiency.
3. Method: Simplifies workflows and increases agility.
4. Machine: Enhances reliability and performance.
5. Market: Expands opportunities globally.
6. Money: Generates new revenue and reduces costs.
7. Management: Improves decisions with real-time insights.

Discussion Question: Which of the 7 M’s most benefits from IoT in your industry? Let’s share ideas and examples!

{You can download the FREE eBook IoT Notes by Mazlan Abbas]