Author, speaker and futurist Jacob Morgan wrote in a Forbes article : "The Internet of Things (IoT) is becoming an ever-growing topic of conversation, both in the workplace and at play. It's a concept that has potential impact not only on how we live, but also on how we work."
At the same time, the Internet of Things has become one of those tech buzzwords that loses a bit of its true meaning every time a Silicon Valley wannabe carelessly throws it around.
What is the Internet of Things really and how does it relate to project management?
The Internet of Things and Project Management
The IoT is essentially the global network of devices that can communicate with each other and with end users over the Internet.
Only about two decades ago, this network consisted almost exclusively of qatar telegram data computers. But in the last decade, everything from smartphones, microwaves, refrigerators to toasters sharing data with each other and the environment has exploded, giving the Internet of Things an extreme growth spurt.
“Gartner, Inc. predicts that 8.4 billion connected things will be in use in 2017, 31 percent more than in 2016. In 2020, this number is expected to reach 20.4 billion.” – Gartner
That means almost three devices per person – and each of those devices will collect data and facilitate communication.
Many large technology companies are developing their own IoT platforms such as Amazon Web Services , Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud .
However, it is not only relevant for mega corporations to prepare for the Internet of Things. Project managers and managers of small companies should also be ready for the connected workplace.
IoT is connected to project management at every level, from team collaboration to data collection. Expect real-time status reporting via IoT to usher in a new era of dynamic planning and fundamentally change project delivery.
Data collection is seamless and non-stop, allowing managers to make more informed decisions. Inventory and resources are easily monitored at all times.