A recent survey by data firm Equinix has found that only one third of Irish businesses currently use the 'Internet of Things' (IoT) in the workplace.
The 'Internet of Things' refers to everyday devices, such as kettles and TVs, which can connect to the Internet and send and receive data.
Although the technology has been reported to increase productivity by seven hours per employee per week, only 33% of Irish-based businesses currently use IoT, mainly in the retail, education and health-care sectors. Reasons given for not using the technology included a lack of knowledge, or a dearth of relevant applications in a particular industry.
The survey, carried out among 145 IT professionals in Ireland, found that 74% of respondents expected their business to use 'Internet of Things' (IoT) within the next five years. Forty per cent intended to increase their use of the technology over the next year.
"IoT allows companies to produce innovative, user-friendly products, while collecting and analysing invaluable business, process and operational data that will help them stay one step ahead of the competition. The evidence is clear, when we see that companies using IoT are reporting an average boost in productivity of seven hours per week per employee. Those who don’t act now will find that they are left behind," said Maurice Mortell, managing director of Ireland and emerging markets for Equinix.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Martha Sparrius. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
