Mexico. Technological solutions have become systems that integrate countless electronic components, sensors, storage systems and microprocessors, software and IP connectivity tools. This connectivity gives an organization's ecosystems greater utilization of their capabilities that can transcend traditional product boundaries.
The constant and firm way that these products adopt technology and that manages to change their model of use, has begun to transform the value chain, forcing companies to rethink and redesign their business strategies.
The term Internet of Things (IoT) describes the growing number of smart products connected to the Internet and generically highlights the new opportunities they may represent. According to recent studies, the impact IoT will have on society will be five to ten times greater than that of the internet, with an estimated 25 billion connected 'things' in use by 2020, according to Gartner.
It is a reality that the term 'Internet of Things' is extremely exciting for companies, although at present, their technological ecosystem does not allow them to take advantage of this new revolution to exponentiate their business. A survey by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that 96% of executives expect their businesses to use IoT in some respect by 2017. In addition, 29% believe that IoT will inspire new work practices among their employees and 23% say that IoT will eventually change their business models and make them disruptive.
Faced with this panorama, Ricoh Mexicana, a global technology company specialized in IT, points out that this new paradigm will further boost the use of the cloud, big data, simulation, analytics, autonomous robots hand in hand with the Internet of Things to create an integrated, automated, fast and highly customizable production system. Gradually, companies follow a path towards the automation of their activities and driving them to be at the forefront of technology.
In the face of this trend, a study conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), sponsored by Ricoh, identifies nine basic areas that define the parameters of the new technological era and that companies will undoubtedly want to adopt within their businesses:
- Big Data and Analytics – Thanks to Big Data and Analytics, it will be possible to easily access tons of data on specifications, product development and production and make quick modifications.
- The Cloud – Of course, companies are already using cloud-based software, but the 4.0 philosophy will allow the exchange of information across internal and external sites in milliseconds, including systems that monitor and control industrial processes.
- Autonomous Robots - They will interact with each other, play very well with humans, and be able to do more things. It will even significantly reduce business costs.
- 3D Simulation – Sophisticated simulation systems will use real-time data for modeling, which will speed up the process and have greater innovation.
- Integrated Systems – Companies and departments will be linked through data networks to consult any type of information.
- Internet of Things - Assembly line products will give information to the machines indicating the steps to follow to finish the products.
- Augmented Reality - Workers will receive instructions in real time, using augmented reality simulators to receive information.
- Additive Manufacturing – 3D printing will allow manufacturers to produce small batches of bespoke products, which will help reduce shipping costs and inventory stocks.
- Cybersecurity – With all systems connected, threats will increase dramatically, creating the need to develop more sophisticated security systems.
In addition, IoT is improving productivity in the workplace, allowing employees to easily move information from the physical to digital environment, and vice versa. One way the IoT bridges the gap between physical and digital is through visual search technologies (VSR).
Using fingerprint-like recognition capabilities, VSR allows smartphones to read codes embedded in paper documents and digital signage, triggering access to more information and new applications. The VSR also allows employees to take pictures with a mobile device and attach audio and text files to it, group all the associated information and thus make it much more accessible and useful.
