The Internet of Things, commonly abbreviated as the IoT, is still an evolving concept. The general idea of different devices connecting to one another to share information and optimize task management and data collection is fairly well understood at this point. But the specifics of how this functionality can be applied to everyday life are changing constantly.

In business, however, some reliable IoT functions have already begun to impact companies in major ways. By improving store experiences, bettering shipping practices, and even changing office spaces, the IoT is transforming how a lot of work is done behind the scenes.

Improving Store Experiences

Many believe that beacon technology is the next big thing in retail, and indeed we’ve already seen some of the biggest businesses and store chains in America experimenting with it. Basically, the technology consists of small sensors that can be equipped with Bluetooth and stashed throughout stores in order to locate and reach out to customers automatically. The beacon sensors automatically connect customers to stores in a way that can enhance the shopping experience through helping to locate products, notification of special deals or coupon offerings, and so on.

As was outlined here, Target is one of the major retailers looking to take advantage of beacon technology, and is doing so to “infuse its massive retail stores with the perks of online shopping.” Basically, they’re seeking to bring people’s favorite elements of online shopping – convenience, tailored offerings, and general simplicity – to brick-and-mortar stores. And it’s all being made possible by tiny IoT devices.

Bettering Shipping Practices

While beacons in retail are meant to specifically reach out to customers through mobile technology, there are other ways in which the IoT is impacting businesses in a more unseen manner. Many of the most exciting aspects of the IoT are those that we can easily see in day-to-day life, but the truth in business is that a lot of the biggest innovations will be more or less invisible to consumers. One such innovation is the use of WiFi-enabled fleet vehicles and tracking systems to improve shipping efficiency and safety.

It’s explained on this page about Verizon’s involvement in implementing IoT technologies in shipping division that taking advantage of these ideas can have numerous benefits for a business. By setting up systems that automatically track vehicle activity, share vehicle diagnostics, and work to determine efficient routes, companies can now make more informed decisions (directing drivers, monitoring traffic issues), maintain vehicles more effectively, manage fuel economy, and keep drivers safe. In the long run, these benefits added together can amount to significant savings for a major company with a large shipping operation.

Changing Office Spaces

The changes that are occurring in some office environments are among the most fascinating business IoT-related changes we’re seeing these days. We tend to hear a lot about how the IoT has the potential to make our homes “smart,” by managing temperatures, cutting energy costs, and generally learning and catering to our preferences. But it now appears that the smart home concept is being applied in ways to offices as well.

Specifically, this site addressed the ways in which businesses are using movement-tracking technologies to optimize work environments (and save money). A company called Enlighted has begun arming lights in offices with motion sensors, which gather data about employee movement that can be used in many ways. The clearest benefit is that the sensors can automatically turn off lights and other utilities in areas no one happens to be using at a given moment. But the sensors can also be used to collect data that a business can use to restructure and improve the office, such as which areas may not be used, which departments may need to be closer together (based on traffic between them) and more.

Consider all of the above and a pretty clear picture of the IoT’s place in business quickly emerges. It’s all about tracking activity for the purpose of data-based adjustments. And the fact that the involved technologies are still in their earliest phases of development and availability is very exciting for the business world.