Effective Ways to Use the Internet of Things for Small Businesses

Explore how the Internet of things for small businesses can change the way of doing business 

More and more industrial manufacturers from many countries are using the possibilities of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications to improve the efficiency of their products. The Internet of Things (IoT) for business is a powerful, innovative technology that enables companies to move forward, expand existing and discover new opportunities, maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace, and improve operational efficiency. Internet of Things (IoT) technologies hold promise, and it's going to become one of the key benefits for the owners of small businesses. In this article, we will figure out how IoT for small businesses can change the way of doing business and provide you with some great ideas to start a new business in the IoT industry. 

IoT helps Small Businesses Bear Fruits

As a small business owner, you may not have enough vacant hours in a day to realize how breakthrough technologies can save you time and money. Lucky for you, we do! There are many use cases for the Internet of Things outside the home, and your small business can benefit enormously if it is enhanced. Some of the main benefits of using IoT devices include:

• savings on reduced electricity consumption;
• security improvements;
• automation of monotonous tasks;
• climate control optimization;
• tracking business metrics.

If you're not familiar with the Internet of Things, it might sound like it's meant for big and successful companies with sky-high revenues. But it's not as it seems at first glance. If you think about IoT technologies as smart solutions, you will understand that you can implement solutions throughout any business and get lucrative rewards. All you need to get started is your computer and the Internet. 2Smart Cloud platform is an easy-to-use tool to bring great ideas to life.

Smart Lock

Smart locks offer many benefits for SMBs and deserve to be ranked first due to their advantages and popularity. The more employees the company has and the larger its premises, the more likely someone can lose keys. This is very inconvenient and poses a significant security risk. IoT functions allow issuing virtual codes instead of physical keys or swipe cards. The smart lock also helps keep track of coming and going workers from work. Thus, the employer will receive a notification each time the main door opens or closes. There is one more benefit for a company. Regardless of the nature of your business idea, use the Internet of Things to make the life of customers easier, safer, and much more convenient.

Video Doorbell

When entering your small business, there is more you can do to streamline procedures. If you have a video intercom at home, you'll appreciate the added levels of security and convenience it provides. Why not offer such a solution to companies? While video intercoms can be useful in all areas, an appointment-only business is a great use case. The video intercom will record the footage for storage in the cloud, so customers will have proof against any security breach. This is very important, considering a lot of threats. If someone is running a small business from home, a video intercom ensures he doesn't miss a single prospective customer. There is just one requirement – to turn on the video and two-way audio, even when he is not at home.

Connected Cameras

If you don't have great confidence in locks and doorbells, it's time to turn your attention to wired or wireless security cameras. While some devices provide customers with special subscription offers, including cloud storage, the prices are still moderate. If you compare the fees of smart CCTV cameras with traditional CCTV systems, you will get huge savings with excellent results. Wireless solutions are even more in vogue, as it makes the process of installation as easy as it's possible. Whether your prospective customer has a lot of buildings and warehouses or just a small office at his own house, he can keep an eye on everything remotely while using CCTV cameras. As with all IoT devices, success depends on a platform for creating IoT solutions. 2Smart Cloud platform is a reliable tool to develop IoT solutions and bring them to market. 

Smart Security System

Those who have a business, have investments that need to be protected, so don't lose the opportunity to develop a great security solution. You can set a course for sensors to monitor doors and windows, as well as motion sensors to detect unexpected presence. Some security systems also include heat and leak sensors, security cameras along with an alarm system. 

Smart Lighting

If you are interested in home automation, you will be well aware of the benefits of smart lighting. Take advantage of all these benefits and develop an IoT solution to improve lighting. By using energy-efficient LEDs, remote control, and motion sensors, your customers can significantly reduce their current energy costs. You can also explain to your customers that remote lighting control gives more freedom to control brightness levels. Proper use of lighting can help improve efficiency and productivity.

You can also pay attention to the following ideas while choosing the best way of entering the IoT market: 

• devices for temperature control;
• smoke and carbon monoxide detectors;
• water leak detectors;
• chatbots and online assistants;
• RFID tags for inventory;
• solutions for data monitoring in logistics;
• presence sensors.

2Smart Cloud Platform Helps Small Businesses to Enter the IoT Market

2Smart Cloud platform allows you to convert your DIY device into a commercial product. You are welcome to use ready-made solutions to develop firmware and mobile apps without any difficulty. 

With the 2Smart Cloud platform your customers will get:

• a reliable IoT solution with regular updates;
• a user-friendly mobile application to control connected products;
• a possibility to control devices through voice commands using Siri or Google Assistant;
• a Telegram bot to manage devices and get notifications about their work;
• a possibility to turn on and off devices through phone calls;
• an ability to allow other users to control devices by special link or email.

Conclusion

The Internet of Things is the next level of development of devices that can be networked via the Internet or using wireless technologies. The IoT allows the digital world to penetrate even deeper and take root in the physical world. 2Smart Cloud platform provides small businesses with an opportunity to create innovative and useful solutions to run a successful business.