Saft Groupe SA
Saft Groupe SA
10/18/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Reframing IoT: A closer look at Automation
At Saft, we don't see IoT as a homogenous idea. There is great value in developing products that support the diverse requirements of different sectors and so, broadly speaking, we filter IoT applications into one of four areas: tracking, sensing, automation and industrial.
The third of those areas, automation, has been transformed by IoT. By connecting everyday objects, machines, and technologies to the internet, IoT devices facilitate real-time data collection, analysis, and decision-making that can be implemented immediately. That means streamlined operations, superior efficiency, and a raft of opportunities for improved safety, customer service, and more.
Here, we explore how IoT devices are revolutionizing automation in various sectors.
IoT applications play a critical role in automating production processes in manufacturing and industrial environments. Take large warehouses for example, where IoT-enabled supply chain management systems can track inventory levels and automate the reordering processes, meaning suppliers can retain optimal stock levels and reduce operational costs.
Much of this industrial automation centres on being able to turn real-time data into insight. Sensors can also be used to monitor equipment performance and predict maintenance needs before failures occur, helping to keep workers safe, minimizing downtime and extending the lifespan of machinery.
We touched on the benefits of IoT applications for agriculture in our earlier article in this series. They are particularly useful for cropfarming, with IoT sensors placed in fields to monitor soil moisture, temperature, and nutrient levels, providing farmers with data to make informed decisions about irrigation and fertilization.
The benefits of that data can also be seen in automated irrigation systems that can, for example, adjust water delivery based on realtime soil data, conserving resources and optimizing crop yields.
In the healthcare sector, IoT devices are automating various processes to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Wearable health monitors can track vital signs and send data to healthcare providers in real time and this continuous monitoring can lead to early detection of health issues. Additionally, IoT-enabled applications can streamline hospital workflows by automating patient check-ins and medication dispensing, meaning healthcare professionals can focus more of their time on patient care.
Smart cities rely on networks and services that are made more efficient through the use of digital solutions and automated, connected systems.
Automated traffic management systems can use real-time data to optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and lowering emissions. Waste management systems equipped with sensors monitor bin levels and instruct drivers on optimized collection routes - much like with our client Sensoneo. Smart public transportation systems can provide real-time updates to passengers, improving the commuting experience and helping to keep the city moving.
In residential settings, IoT devices can automate routine tasks, enhancing comfort and security. Smart thermostats learn user preferences and adjust temperatures accordingly and automated lighting systems can be programmed to switch on or off based on occupancy, optimizing energy use. Additionally, security cameras and smart locks allow homeowners to monitor and control access to their homes remotely, giving greater peace of mind.
Smart grids use IoT technology to balance energy supply and demand in real time, integrating renewable energy sources more effectively. On the smaller scale, home energy management systems can monitor a household's usage patterns and automate appliances based on energy rates, helping with energy conservation and cost savings.
Choosing the right battery
These are just some of the sectors that area already benefitted from IoT-enabled automation and as technology continues to advance, the potential for IoT in automation will only grow and pave the way for more intelligent and connected environments.
These devices, and their components, need to be highly reliable. As more of our critical infrastructure becomes reliant on IoT and automated processes, each link in the chain needs to be robust and dependable.
IoT devices sending near real-time data need batteries that can support regular pulses over a long lifespan (and one that aligns with the manufacturer's datasheet).
So, if you're developing an IoT application for use in an automated setting, contact one of our expert team to find out more about the range of battery options available to you.