Introduction
In the new era of Industry 4.0, the concept of the connected worker has emerged, reshaping industries and redefining workforce productivity. At the heart of this revolution lies the Internet of Things (IoT), which is creating a cohesive and efficient work environment for the connected worker.
We caught up with Varun Shankarnarayan, Practus’ resident IoT expert, to dive into how this technology is helping workers deliver better results by working harder, not smarter.
Q: First of all, let’s get this out of the way: what is IoT, and how does it work?
Varun: So, IoT stands for the ‘Internet of Things’: a network of interconnected physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to collect, exchange, and act on data via the internet. These devices can be home appliances, personal devices, industrial machines, vehicles, or other objects. The main goal is to create a network of smart objects that can communicate with each other and with humans in real time: sharing data, insights, and even taking action if required.
Q: Got it. So how are IoT platforms impacting the worker ecosystem? What are the best use cases, in your opinion?
Varun: IoT platforms serve as the backbone of the connected worker ecosystem. These platforms enable the integration of various IoT devices, such as sensors, loggers, and smart tools, into a unified system. By collecting and analyzing real-time data, IoT platforms empower workers with actionable insights, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency.
I’ve seen a lot of application in manufacturing and logistics: for instance, IoT platforms can monitor equipment performance, predict maintenance needs, and optimize production schedules. This not only reduces downtime but also ensures that workers can focus on high-value tasks. Similarly, in logistics, you can have IoT-enabled tracking systems providing real-time updates on shipments, allowing workers to respond quickly to disruptions, delays, or any other issues.
Q: So how does an organization implement IoT? Obviously, they’ll need a digital strategy, right?
Varun: Definitely. If you’re going to try and implement IoT at the workplace, you need a robust digital strategy. Businesses have to align the technological initiatives with the organizational goals: so that means identifying key areas where IoT can drive value, such as process automation, resource optimization, and employee engagement, training and upskilling… you need to foster a culture of continuous learning at work, like we do with Gurukool, and even for our clients… you have to ensure that your workforce remains agile and capable of leveraging IoT to its full potential.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that digital strategy development extends beyond just technology adoption. You have to have – to inculcate in your team – a digital-first mindset, where data-driven decision-making becomes the norm. This is a key point, because this shift not only enhances productivity within the organization, but also positions you as a leader in your industry.
Q: There’s a lot of talk about cybersecurity, data security – and rightly so. Everything is data nowadays, and businesses have huge repositories of data: theirs, their clients’, their partners’ data, compliance data… it goes on. In this scenario, a network of seemingly sentient, almost autonomous devices… it gives a lot of people pause. How do you tackle this fear or skepticism?
Varun: It’s completely understandable – many of us have lived through the transformation of our entire way of working, thanks to technology. 30 years ago, we used fax machines and dial-up internet. Fast-forward 10 years: 3G was the story of the time. Now we’re on 5G, governments are working on 6G, digital banking, digital currency, everyone has multiple devices, and now even my fridge has Wi-Fi! (laughs) So given the amount of data moving around these days, especially with businesses, cybersecurity has become a critical concern.
We have to understand and accept that the interconnected nature of IoT systems does create potential vulnerabilities, and organizations have no choice but to prioritize cybersecurity as an integral part of their IoT strategy. So, this means implementing robust encryption protocols, conducting regular vulnerability assessments, and establishing incident response plans. Additionally, organizations should adopt a layered security approach, where each individual component of the IoT ecosystem is protected against potential threats.
But IoT cybersecurity also extends beyond protecting data and devices. It also involves ensuring the safety and well-being of workers who rely on IoT technologies. For example, in industries such as healthcare and construction, IoT devices play a crucial role in monitoring worker health and safety. Any compromise in these systems could have severe consequences.
Q: So what’s the future of IoT-connected workers, according to you?
Varun: I think the rise of the connected worker is more than a technological shift; it’s a fundamental change in the nature of work. As IoT continues to evolve, its impact on workforce productivity will only grow. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and machine learning (ML) are set to further enhance the capabilities of IoT platforms, creating new opportunities for innovation and efficiency.
For businesses, the journey towards a connected, secure workforce requires an integrated approach. This includes investing in IoT infrastructure, developing comprehensive digital strategies, and prioritizing cybersecurity. This way, they can unlock the full potential of IoT and empower their workers to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Conclusion
The rise of the connected worker is a testament to the transformative power of IoT. By leveraging IoT platforms, embracing digital strategy development, and addressing cybersecurity challenges, organizations can enhance workforce productivity and drive sustainable growth. The future of work is connected, and the possibilities are limitless.
By Varun Shankarnarayan