- Introduction
- Chapter 1 What is the Internet of Things?: A Manager's Primer
- Chapter 2 Identifying the Business Value and ROI of IoT
- Chapter 3 The Core Components of an IoT Ecosystem
- Chapter 4 Understanding IoT Networks and Connectivity
- Chapter 5 Choosing the Right IoT Platform for Your Business
- Chapter 6 Developing a Strategic Roadmap for IoT Adoption
- Chapter 7 Building the Business Case for Your IoT Initiative
- Chapter 8 Leading and Managing IoT Projects Successfully
- Chapter 9 Assembling Your IoT Dream Team: Roles and Skills
- Chapter 10 Navigating the IoT Vendor and Partner Landscape
- Chapter 11 The IoT Data Deluge: Management and Governance
- Chapter 12 From Data to Insights: An Introduction to IoT Analytics
- Chapter 13 Cloud, Edge, and Fog Computing in IoT
- Chapter 14 The Critical Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Chapter 15 A Manager's Guide to IoT Security and Risk Management
- Chapter 16 Addressing Privacy and Ethical Considerations in IoT
- Chapter 17 Demystifying IoT Standards and Protocols
- Chapter 18 Scaling IoT Solutions: From Pilot to Enterprise-Wide Deployment
- Chapter 19 Industrial IoT (IIoT): Transforming Operations and Manufacturing
- Chapter 20 IoT Applications in Supply Chain and Logistics
- Chapter 21 Enhancing Customer Experience with IoT
- Chapter 22 Smart Cities: The Public Sector's Role in IoT
- Chapter 23 IoT in Healthcare: Opportunities and Hurdles
- Chapter 24 IoT in Retail and Smart Spaces
- Chapter 25 The Future of IoT: Trends and Predictions for Leaders
An Introduction To IoT For Managers
Table of Contents
Introduction
Welcome to the world of the Internet of Things, or IoT, a concept that has steadily moved from the realm of niche tech-speak to a fundamental force reshaping the business landscape. If you've picked up this book, chances are you're not just curious about the latest buzzword, but are looking to understand how this transformative technology can be harnessed to drive tangible results for your organization. You might be wondering what exactly IoT is, and more importantly, what it can do for your business. At its heart, the Internet of Things refers to the vast network of physical objects—"things"—that are embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies for the purpose of connecting and exchanging data with other devices and systems over the internet. Think of it as giving a digital voice to everyday objects, from the machinery on your factory floor to the shipping containers crossing the globe.
This book is designed specifically for you, the manager, the decision-maker, the individual tasked with navigating the complexities of modern business. We will cut through the hype and technical jargon to provide a clear, concise, and practical guide to understanding and implementing IoT. You don't need a degree in computer science to grasp the concepts within these pages. Our focus is on the "so what?"—the business implications, the strategic considerations, and the practical steps you can take to leverage IoT for a competitive advantage. We will explore how IoT is not just a technological trend but a paradigm shift that is redefining how industries operate, innovate, and create value.
The journey we are about to embark on will cover the full spectrum of IoT from a managerial perspective. We will start by demystifying the core concepts, ensuring you have a solid foundation to build upon. We'll then dive into the critical task of identifying the business value and calculating the return on investment (ROI) for IoT initiatives, a crucial step for gaining buy-in and securing resources. You'll learn about the essential components that make up an IoT ecosystem, from the sensors that gather data to the networks that transmit it and the platforms that make sense of it all. This knowledge will empower you to have more informed conversations with your technical teams and vendor partners.
But this book is not just about understanding the technology; it's about leading the change. We will guide you through the process of developing a strategic roadmap for IoT adoption, building a compelling business case, and managing IoT projects to a successful conclusion. Recognizing that people are at the heart of any transformation, we will dedicate chapters to assembling the right team with the necessary skills and navigating the often-complex landscape of IoT vendors and partners. Without a clear plan and the right people, even the most promising technology can fail to deliver on its potential.
The sheer volume of data generated by IoT devices can be both a massive opportunity and a significant challenge. We will tackle this "data deluge" head-on, discussing best practices for data management and governance. From there, we will explore the exciting world of IoT analytics, where raw data is transformed into actionable insights that can drive smarter business decisions. We'll also delve into the critical supporting technologies of cloud, edge, and fog computing, explaining their roles in a modern IoT architecture. Furthermore, no discussion of IoT would be complete without exploring the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), which are increasingly intertwined with IoT to unlock its full potential.
Of course, with great opportunity comes great responsibility. We will address the critical issues of security and risk management head-on, providing a manager's guide to navigating the potential vulnerabilities inherent in a connected world. Similarly, we will explore the often-overlooked but equally important ethical considerations and privacy concerns that must be addressed to build trust with customers and stakeholders. We will also demystify the world of IoT standards and protocols, helping you understand the importance of interoperability for creating scalable and future-proof solutions.
The latter part of this book will shift from foundational knowledge to practical application. We will explore how to take an IoT solution from a small-scale pilot to an enterprise-wide deployment, a journey fraught with its own unique set of challenges. We will then take a deep dive into specific industry applications, starting with the Industrial IoT (IIoT) and its transformative impact on manufacturing and operations. You will learn how IoT is revolutionizing supply chain and logistics, enhancing customer experiences, and shaping the future of smart cities. We will also examine the unique opportunities and hurdles of IoT in specialized sectors such as healthcare and retail.
Finally, we will look to the horizon, exploring the future trends and predictions that leaders need to be aware of to stay ahead of the curve. The world of IoT is constantly evolving, and this book will provide you with the enduring principles and frameworks needed to adapt and thrive in this dynamic environment. Our goal is to equip you not just with knowledge, but with the confidence to lead your organization into a more connected, efficient, and innovative future. So, let's begin this journey together.
The promise of IoT is not some far-off futuristic vision; it is happening now, and its impact is already being felt across a multitude of industries. Companies are leveraging IoT to achieve significant improvements in operational efficiency, leading to reduced costs and increased productivity. By connecting machinery and equipment, businesses can move from a reactive maintenance model to a predictive one, anticipating failures before they happen and minimizing costly downtime. This real-time monitoring and control extends beyond the factory floor to encompass the entire supply chain, providing unprecedented visibility into the location and condition of goods in transit.
The benefits of IoT extend far beyond internal operations. Companies are using this technology to create entirely new and enhanced customer experiences. Imagine a world where your products can communicate their status and needs, allowing for proactive service and support. Retailers are using IoT to personalize the in-store experience, offering targeted promotions and information based on a customer's location and past behavior. These are not just theoretical possibilities; they are real-world applications that are driving customer loyalty and creating new revenue streams.
The data generated by IoT devices is a valuable asset in its own right. By applying advanced analytics and machine learning, businesses can uncover insights that were previously hidden, leading to more informed, data-driven decision-making. This can range from optimizing delivery routes to save fuel and time, to understanding consumer behavior in a way that allows for the development of new and innovative products and services. The ability to collect and analyze this real-time data is fundamentally changing how businesses understand their markets and their customers.
Of course, the path to successful IoT implementation is not without its challenges. Significant upfront investment in hardware, software, and infrastructure is often required. There are also very real concerns around data security and privacy that must be addressed to protect both the company and its customers. Furthermore, integrating new IoT solutions with existing legacy systems can be a complex undertaking, and finding employees with the right skills to manage these new technologies can be a significant hurdle.
This book will not shy away from these challenges. Instead, it will provide you with the frameworks and strategies to navigate them effectively. We will explore how to build a robust business case that justifies the initial investment, how to design for security and privacy from the outset, and how to plan for a phased implementation that minimizes disruption. We will also discuss the importance of change management and training to ensure that your employees are equipped to embrace and leverage the new capabilities that IoT provides.
One of the most exciting aspects of IoT is its ability to enable entirely new business models. The traditional model of selling a product and then having a limited relationship with the customer is being replaced by "as-a-service" models, where ongoing services and subscriptions generate recurring revenue. For example, a manufacturer of industrial equipment can now sell "uptime-as-a-service," using IoT sensors to monitor the equipment's health and ensure it is always operational. This shift from a product-centric to a service-centric approach can create stronger customer relationships and more predictable revenue streams.
The "sharing economy" is another area being transformed by IoT. By embedding sensors in assets like heavy machinery or vehicles, companies can track their usage and offer them on a pay-per-use basis. This can make expensive assets more accessible to smaller businesses and create new revenue opportunities for the asset owners. The ability to monitor and manage assets remotely opens up a world of possibilities for more efficient and flexible business models.
As we will explore throughout this book, the applications of IoT are vast and varied. In manufacturing, smart factories are using IoT to automate and optimize production processes, leading to higher quality and greater output. In agriculture, farmers are using IoT sensors to monitor soil conditions and automate irrigation, resulting in higher crop yields and more sustainable farming practices. In transportation, fleet management systems use IoT to track vehicles, optimize routes, and monitor driver behavior, leading to improved safety and efficiency.
Smart cities are another area where IoT is having a profound impact. By connecting everything from streetlights to trash cans, cities can become more efficient, sustainable, and livable. Smart lighting systems can adjust their brightness based on traffic and pedestrian activity, saving energy and reducing costs. Smart parking solutions can help drivers find available parking spaces more quickly, reducing traffic congestion and frustration. These are just a few examples of how IoT is being used to improve the lives of citizens and the efficiency of public services.
Healthcare is another sector that is being revolutionized by IoT. Wearable devices can monitor patients' vital signs remotely, allowing for more proactive and personalized care. In hospitals, IoT can be used to track the location of medical equipment, ensuring that it is readily available when needed. These applications have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and make healthcare more accessible.
The retail industry is also being transformed by IoT. In addition to personalized in-store experiences, retailers are using IoT for inventory management and supply chain optimization. By tracking inventory levels in real-time, retailers can reduce the risk of stockouts and overstocking, leading to increased sales and reduced waste. IoT is also enabling new retail concepts like cashier-less stores, where customers can simply walk out with their items and be charged automatically.
As a manager, it is essential to understand that IoT is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The right approach for your organization will depend on your industry, your business goals, and your specific challenges. This book will provide you with the tools and frameworks to develop an IoT strategy that is tailored to your unique circumstances. We will guide you through the process of identifying the use cases that will deliver the most value for your business and creating a roadmap for implementation.
The journey to IoT adoption is a marathon, not a sprint. It often starts with a single, well-defined project that can demonstrate the value of the technology and build momentum within the organization. As you gain experience and see positive results, you can then scale your efforts to other parts of the business. This book will provide you with the guidance you need to navigate this journey successfully, from your first pilot project to a full-scale enterprise deployment.
The convergence of IoT with other transformative technologies like AI, machine learning, and 5G is creating even more exciting possibilities. AI and machine learning are enabling more sophisticated analysis of IoT data, leading to more accurate predictions and more intelligent automation. 5G technology is providing the high-speed, low-latency connectivity that is essential for real-time IoT applications like autonomous vehicles and remote surgery.
As a leader, it is important to have a basic understanding of these related technologies and how they can be leveraged in conjunction with IoT. This book will provide you with a high-level overview of these topics, without getting bogged down in technical details. The focus will always be on the business implications and how these technologies can be used to create value.
The successful implementation of IoT requires more than just technology; it requires a shift in mindset and culture. It requires breaking down silos between different departments and fostering a culture of collaboration and data-driven decision-making. It also requires a willingness to experiment, learn from failures, and adapt to a rapidly changing technological landscape.
This book will provide you with insights into the organizational and cultural changes that are necessary for IoT success. We will discuss the importance of executive sponsorship, cross-functional teams, and a clear communication strategy. We will also explore how to foster a culture of innovation that empowers employees to identify new opportunities for leveraging IoT.
The IoT journey is not without its risks. In addition to security and privacy concerns, there are also risks associated with vendor lock-in, technological obsolescence, and a failure to achieve the expected ROI. This book will help you to identify and mitigate these risks. We will discuss the importance of a thorough vendor selection process, a flexible and scalable architecture, and a robust methodology for measuring and tracking ROI.
Ultimately, the goal of this book is to empower you to become a more effective leader in the age of IoT. Whether you are just starting to explore the possibilities of IoT or you are already in the midst of a major implementation, this book will provide you with the knowledge, frameworks, and practical advice you need to succeed. The Internet of Things is not just about connecting devices; it is about connecting with customers, optimizing operations, and creating a more intelligent and efficient future.
The power of IoT lies in its ability to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds. For centuries, businesses have operated with limited visibility into the physical world. We have relied on manual processes, periodic inspections, and educated guesses to understand the state of our assets and operations. IoT changes all of that. By embedding sensors in the physical world and connecting them to the internet, we can now have a real-time, data-driven understanding of what is happening, where it is happening, and why it is happening.
This newfound visibility is transforming industries in profound ways. In the oil and gas industry, for example, IoT sensors can be used to monitor pipelines for leaks, reducing the risk of environmental damage and costly cleanups. In the utility sector, smart grids with IoT sensors can monitor energy consumption in real-time, allowing for more efficient energy distribution and a more stable power grid. These are just a few examples of how IoT is being used to create safer, more efficient, and more sustainable operations.
As a manager, it is important to think creatively about how this newfound visibility could be applied to your own business. What are the key physical assets and processes that are critical to your success? What are the key sources of inefficiency or risk? How could real-time data from IoT sensors help you to address these challenges and create new opportunities? This book will provide you with a framework for answering these questions and identifying the most promising IoT use cases for your business.
The value of IoT is not just in the data it collects, but in the actions it enables. The real-time insights from IoT data can be used to trigger automated actions, such as shutting down a piece of equipment before it fails, or re-routing a delivery truck to avoid a traffic jam. This ability to automate and optimize processes in real-time is a key driver of the efficiency gains that IoT can deliver.
In some cases, the decision-making process can be fully automated, with algorithms making real-time adjustments based on the incoming data. In other cases, the data and insights from IoT are presented to human decision-makers, who can then take the appropriate action. This book will explore both of these scenarios and help you to determine the right balance between human and machine decision-making for your specific applications.
As we will discuss in more detail in the chapters on AI and machine learning, the ability to automate and optimize processes is being further enhanced by the integration of these technologies with IoT. By learning from historical data, machine learning algorithms can identify patterns and make predictions that would be impossible for a human to discern. This can lead to even more sophisticated and effective automation, such as predicting customer churn or identifying fraudulent transactions.
The journey to IoT adoption can be a complex one, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By breaking it down into manageable steps and following a structured approach, you can significantly increase your chances of success. This book is designed to be your guide on this journey, providing you with the practical advice and frameworks you need at each stage of the process.
We will start with the foundational elements of developing an IoT strategy and building a business case. We will then move on to the more technical aspects of choosing the right technologies and platforms. Finally, we will cover the critical aspects of implementation, including project management, change management, and security.
Throughout the book, we will use real-world case studies and examples to illustrate the concepts and bring them to life. You will hear from companies that have successfully implemented IoT and learn from their experiences, both good and bad. This will provide you with a practical and grounded understanding of what it takes to succeed with IoT.
The Internet of Things is more than just a technology; it is a fundamental shift in how we interact with the world around us. It is creating new opportunities for businesses to innovate, optimize, and create value. By reading this book, you are taking an important step towards understanding and harnessing the power of this transformative technology. The future is connected, and this book will help you to lead your organization into that future with confidence and clarity.
CHAPTER ONE: What is the Internet of Things?: A Manager's Primer
Let's start with a simple, almost laughably straightforward equation: Physical Things + The Internet = The Internet of Things. While this might seem like a gross oversimplification, and in many ways it is, it cuts to the very heart of the concept. For decades, the internet has been a realm for humans, a place where we create and consume information. The revolutionary shift of IoT is that it invites inanimate objects into that conversation. It gives a digital voice to the billions of physical items that make up our world, from the mundane to the mission-critical.
These "things" are the tangible assets of your business and your life. They can be as small as a medical sensor on a patient's wrist or as large as a jet engine. They are the shipping containers crossing the ocean, the tractors in a field, the HVAC units in your office building, the lightbulbs in a warehouse, and the individual products on a retail shelf. Historically, these objects have been silent and dumb, their status a mystery until a person physically inspected them. IoT changes that fundamental reality by embedding them with the ability to sense their surroundings and report back.
So, what does adding "The Internet" to these things actually accomplish? It transforms a passive object into an active participant in a digital ecosystem. It's the difference between a simple thermometer that merely displays the current temperature and a "smart" thermostat that not only knows the temperature but can also communicate it to a server in the cloud. That server can then analyze the data, compare it to your historical preferences, check the local weather forecast, and then send a command back to the thermostat to adjust the heating, all without any human intervention. Connectivity turns an object from a data point into a data source.
This idea isn't entirely new. For many years, we've had machine-to-machine (M2M) communication. You might think of it as IoT's older, less social cousin. M2M typically involved two or more machines communicating directly with each other over a private, point-to-point connection. Think of a vending machine sending a simple "I'm empty" signal over a cellular connection to a central server. It was functional, but limited in scope and scale. The communication was bespoke, often using proprietary technology, and didn't easily integrate with other systems.
IoT, in contrast, is the evolution of M2M. It takes that core idea of machine communication and blows it wide open by leveraging the internet and cloud computing. Instead of a simple point-to-point conversation, IoT creates a vast network where data from countless devices can be collected, aggregated, and analyzed in a central cloud platform. This network effect is what makes IoT so powerful. It’s the difference between a single vending machine reporting its status and an entire city's worth of vending machines, traffic lights, and parking meters all feeding data into a single platform for holistic urban management.
The term "Internet of Things" itself has a surprisingly pragmatic origin story. It was coined in 1999 by a technologist named Kevin Ashton while he was working at Procter & Gamble. He wasn't trying to invent a futuristic buzzword; he was trying to solve a very real business problem: a particular shade of lipstick was consistently out of stock in stores, even though the warehouse showed it was available. The supply chain data was inaccurate because it relied on humans scanning barcodes, a process prone to error and delay.
Ashton's insight was to use Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags—a simple form of sensor—on the lipstick cases. By having these tags communicate their presence to a network, the system could track inventory automatically and accurately, without human help. In a presentation to management to get funding for this project, he titled it "Internet of Things" to capture the attention of executives who were, at the time, captivated by the dot-com boom. He saw a future where computers could know everything there was to know about "things" by gathering data on their own, dramatically reducing waste, loss, and cost.
For a long time, Ashton's vision was more concept than reality. The technology was too expensive and clunky for widespread adoption. So, what changed? Why are we talking about IoT now? A perfect storm of technological advancements and economic shifts converged to make the IoT not just possible, but inevitable. These key enablers are the reason IoT has moved from a PowerPoint slide to a global phenomenon.
First and foremost is the plummeting cost and size of sensors. The tiny accelerometers, gyroscopes, temperature sensors, and GPS chips that are now commonplace in every smartphone have become incredibly cheap and powerful. This economic reality means it's now feasible to embed sensors in almost anything, from a running shoe to a concrete piling, opening up monitoring possibilities that were once the stuff of science fiction.
Second is the near-ubiquity of wireless connectivity. The proliferation of Wi-Fi, along with robust and widespread cellular networks (3G, 4G, and now 5G) and specialized low-power networks, means that there are very few places left where a device cannot connect to the internet. This constant connectivity is the essential nervous system for IoT, allowing the data from sensors to flow freely to where it can be processed.
The third critical enabler is the rise of cloud computing. Before the cloud, if a company wanted to collect and analyze massive amounts of data from thousands of devices, it would have had to build and maintain its own colossal and expensive data centers. Today, companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud offer virtually unlimited, on-demand computing power and storage for a fraction of the cost. This has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for businesses of all sizes.
Fourth is the advent of Big Data analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Simply collecting trillions of data points is useless. The real value comes from making sense of that data. The development of sophisticated software platforms and AI algorithms allows businesses to sift through massive datasets, identify patterns, make predictions, and uncover insights that would be impossible for a human to find. This is where raw data is transformed into actionable business intelligence.
Finally, a more technical but crucial enabler is the transition to IPv6. The old internet protocol, IPv4, had a limit of about 4.3 billion unique addresses, which sounds like a lot until you consider connecting every lightbulb, car, and factory machine to the internet. IPv6 provides a mind-bogglingly vast number of new addresses—enough to assign a unique IP address to every atom on the surface of the Earth. This expansion ensures we won't run out of digital "real estate" for our newly connected things.
To bring this all together, it's helpful for a manager to have a simple mental model of how a typical IoT system works. While the specifics will vary, most IoT solutions can be broken down into a four-stage process. This provides a clear framework for understanding the flow of information and value, from the physical world to a business decision.
Stage one is the deployment of sensors and devices. These are the front-line soldiers of your IoT army. A sensor’s job is to capture a physical measurement—temperature, motion, pressure, light, location, etc.—and convert it into a digital signal. This "thing" could be a standalone sensor or a more complex device with embedded sensors, like a connected vehicle or a piece of smart manufacturing equipment.
Stage two is data acquisition and transmission. Once the sensor has its data, it needs to send it somewhere. This is the connectivity piece of the puzzle. The data is transmitted, typically wirelessly, through various communication networks like Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, or specialized low-power networks, to a central location. Often, this involves an IoT gateway, a physical device that aggregates data from multiple sensors and relays it to the cloud.
Stage three is data processing. This is where the magic happens, usually in the cloud. The raw data streams from thousands of sensors arrive at a cloud-based platform. Here, the data is stored, organized, and analyzed. Software applications apply rules and algorithms to this data. It might be as simple as checking if a temperature reading is outside a safe range or as complex as using a machine learning model to predict when a piece of equipment is likely to fail.
Stage four is the user interface and action. The processed information is finally delivered to the end-user in a usable format, such as an alert on a phone, a dashboard with charts and graphs, or a detailed report. Crucially, this stage also includes automated actions. Based on the data analysis, the system can automatically trigger a response, like shutting down an overheating machine, dispatching a service technician, or placing an order to restock inventory. This closes the loop, turning insight into action.
It's useful to categorize the vast world of IoT into two broad domains: Consumer IoT and Enterprise IoT. While they share the same underlying technology, their goals and applications are distinctly different. Understanding this distinction is key to focusing on what matters for your business.
Consumer IoT is likely the category you are most familiar with. It includes the universe of smart home devices like connected thermostats, security cameras, smart speakers, and lighting systems. It also encompasses wearable technology like fitness trackers and smartwatches that monitor personal health metrics, as well as connected vehicles that provide navigation and infotainment services. The primary drivers for consumer IoT are convenience, user experience, entertainment, and personal well-being.
Enterprise IoT, on the other hand, is focused on business outcomes. It is often referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) when applied in manufacturing and industrial settings. Here, the goals are operational efficiency, cost reduction, increased productivity, enhanced safety, and the creation of new revenue streams. The applications are vast and span nearly every industry imaginable.
In manufacturing, IIoT is the backbone of the "smart factory," where sensors on machinery predict maintenance needs to prevent costly downtime. In logistics, IoT trackers monitor the location and condition (like temperature) of shipments in real-time across the entire supply chain. In agriculture, sensors in fields measure soil moisture and nutrient levels, enabling precision irrigation and fertilization that boosts crop yields while conserving resources.
In the energy sector, smart grids use IoT to monitor electricity consumption and distribution, improving efficiency and preventing outages. In retail, beacons and sensors can track customer foot traffic to optimize store layouts, while smart shelves automatically report when they need restocking. In healthcare, remote patient monitoring via wearable sensors can provide doctors with continuous data, enabling better management of chronic diseases.
One helpful way to think about the role of IoT within your organization is to use the analogy of the human nervous system. The sensors are like the nerve endings in your skin, constantly gathering information about the world—touch, temperature, pressure. The communication network is the spinal cord, transmitting these signals rapidly and reliably. The cloud platform is the brain, processing the incoming signals, making sense of them, and deciding what to do. The automated alerts and actions are the body's reflexes and conscious responses.
Before IoT, managing the physical assets of a business was like trying to function with a very limited sense of touch and no reflexes. You only knew something was wrong—a machine breaking, a shipment getting lost, a cold storage unit failing—long after it happened. This forced businesses into a constant state of reactive firefighting. IoT provides the senses and the reflexes. It gives you real-time visibility into the health and status of your entire physical operation.
As a manager, you don't need to be an expert in sensor physics or network protocols. However, understanding this foundational framework—what IoT is, why it's happening now, and how it generally works—is crucial. It empowers you to move beyond the buzzwords and start thinking strategically. It enables you to ask the right questions of your technical teams and potential vendors.
The core takeaway is that IoT is not fundamentally about "things" or the "internet." It's about data. It is a powerful new tool for capturing real-world data that was previously inaccessible. This data provides the raw material for improving processes, reducing risks, creating better customer experiences, and ultimately, making smarter, faster, and more informed business decisions. It’s about shifting your organization from a culture of guesswork and reaction to one of data-driven proaction.
This is a sample preview. The complete book contains 27 sections.