How IoT can be an example of technology leading disruption

Working in technology means that I get to see how it can impact just about every industry or space. As I work with customers to implement IoT into their organizations, I have a window into seeing how IoT will eventually be universal and not even be a second thought. I see IoT as an example of how technology, overall, can greatly impact all industries or processes.

For example, people in the IoT space have to have a certain mindset to accept and embrace the technology. However, for IoT, or any other technology, to revolutionize an industry or process, those leading need to be willing to adapt and enter projects not knowing what it’s going to look like at the end – they have to be willing to take the risk.

The automotive industry is a perfect example of this. Ten years ago the idea of the connected car seemed futuristic. Yet, now, the new normal is for all vehicles to be connected. We have cars that drive by themselves, and soon will be fully autonomous thanks to innovators like Elon Musk.

As you can tell, I love to witness industries, processes, or infrastructure be completely revolutionized by technology, and better yet be a part of the change. I recently read this piece in Smart Cities Dive that highlighted the use of IoT data in the future of smart cities. This piece in particular discusses that if smart cities are to effectively manage vast amounts of data from IoT devices, such as smart lighting and smart parking, cities need to take a holistic approach to break down silos.

To read the full piece, visit: http://bit.ly/2UHJ8lX Speakers at Smart Cities Connect conference highlighted how city leaders continue to think of IoT initiatives as isolated strategies, where they should instead use a “system of systems” in their IoT and data collection strategy. For example, a city should think how the introduction of smart parking fits into the wider goal of smart transportation, and not a singular strategy. A broader smart city and IoT strategy will better prepare city leaders for success.

Implementing these connected strategies proves that technology, in many cases, can put cities in a position to succeed and grow effectively. Technological shifts such as these are a huge movement that both industries and cities are going through at the moment. Leaders in their respective industries have to learn to embrace this change, and take risks to see results. As seen in smart cities, a simple change in strategy can go a long way.

It’s this very topic that my colleague, Lisa Uhrmacher, will be discussing at the TMT Forum USA 2019 conference in New York this afternoon. She’ll be discussing how IoT is impacting the future of smart cities as well as how 5G fits into the future. Let me know if you’ll be attending!