Internet of Things

While U.S. manufacturers are eagerly exploring opportunities and uses for the Internet of Things, German manufacturers are already far ahead of the game. A recent survey indicates that major European manufacturers are integrating IoT at a rate of nearly double that of American companies, and it’s time for American businesses to step up their IoT game.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is triggering a paradigm shift in manufacturing, facilitating the collection of data that can be used not only to improve production processes and minimize delays, but also to allow companies to enhance the value proposition they offer their customers.

The world is heating up over the “Internet of Things,” and everyone—including manufacturing CEOs, politicians, engineers and technologists—is trying to figure out how to maximize it for their company or geographic region. The folks in Pittsburgh already may have developed one of the best, and their success may serve as a good role model for others.

In our information age, virtually every company generates huge amounts of data on a daily basis. In theory, we know that data can be collected, analyzed and crunched in real-time to deliver intelligence that companies can use to boost productivity, gain a competitive edge and expand their businesses. Many companies use smart, connected devices to do just that—increasing efficiency, boosting revenue and creating new business models. However, many more are not, Colin Masson, global industry director, manufacturing at Microsoft Business Solutions told CEOs gathered for a Chief Executive roundtable discussion held in partnership with Microsoft.

At the 2015 Smart Manufacturing Summit in Indianapolis, attendees participated in an exchange of ideas and best practices on Exploring the Internet of Things: Strategies for Connecting Your Facilities Today. Their ideas and experiences are shared here.

Now that technology and digital media are pervasive, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas—which was once targeted at geeks and techies—has now become a pivotal place for companies of all shapes and sizes to find partners, expand their capabilities and get answers to their tech-related questions. Here are six takeaways from CES that every CEO should know.

Connected cars with wireless Internet access will soon become all the rage on the road—boosting business not just for auto manufacturers, but also for technology vendors, mobile operators and even retailers that use GPS to pitch targeted marketing messages when drivers come close to their stores.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is moving quickly to the factory floor, for both machines and people. The reason: More manufacturers are placing a new emphasis on “big data” to gain a competitive edge.