digitization

What Is the Internet of Things and How Is It Entering the Daily Lives of B2B Companies and Customers?

The Internet of Things refers to a network of physical devices embedded with sensors, software, and network connectivity. These devices collect and share data, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. From smart home devices to large‑scale applications like disaster monitoring, IoT has become an integral part of our society. In this article, we explore how IoT impacts B2B companies and customers, driving innovation and operational efficiency.

IoT, or Internet of Things, is a term that refers to a network of interconnected devices and technology that facilitates communication between the devices themselves, as well as the devices and the cloud. Although the term is not yet widely known, equipment operating under this concept has been surrounding us not since today. Temperature control or plant irrigation systems, smartwatches, household goods, or smart parking systems are just a few examples in this category. IoT has applications in a wide range of industries, providing numerous, diverse benefits.

What is the Internet of Things? The basics of the IoT concept

The Internet of Things describes a system of intercommunicating devices. By embedding sensors, software, and other IoT technologies into everyday objects, we enable them to collect and exchange data without human intervention. This interconnected network allows various processes to be monitored, controlled, and automated in real-time, increasing efficiency and facilitating decision-making.

 To make communication between devices possible, three conditions must be fulfilled¹:
1️⃣ There must be an object equipped with a sensor that collects the relevant data and passes it on. 2️⃣ There must be a computer network to transmit the data.
3️⃣ There must be a device that is able to receive the information and process it.

The final stage in the operation of systems in the IoT concept concerns their recipient. For the use of the Internet of Things infrastructure to be justifiable, there must be a company that will draw conclusions from the information provided that directly translate into business benefits or an individual user who will benefit from the given infrastructure.   Some of the most popular means of communication between devices and the server include: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, Z-Wave, and Zigbee².  

What are Internet of Things solutions used for? Applications of the IoT

As mentioned in the introduction, Internet of Things solutions are not reserved exclusively for a chosen industry. It is a way in which the systems that can be found in most areas of daily life operate. Let's take a look at the sectors where the use of this concept is most common.

🌐 Construction 🌐

The building industry is the first sector where IoT systems are finding numerous applications. Smart homes are equipped with fire, smoke, or flood protection. They include smart thermostats, refrigerators, and washing machines. Functions for heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting that turns on after dark, and access control are often already designed as one common system. With IoT devices, homeowners can remotely control their home environment, and building managers can monitor events or structural changes in buildings. Such sensors have applications not only in public buildings but also in bridge structures and other infrastructure whose failures can compromise safety.  

🌐 Public sector 🌐

In addition to smart homes, smart cities are also benefiting from IoT systems. Used to supervise and manage traffic, modern systems facilitate the daily life of city residents. Smooth traffic flow encourages the choice of environmentally friendly modes of transportation, including public transport, which translates into a favorable impact on the environment. Also related to the issue of mobility are smart parking systems, which save drivers time spent searching for an available parking space, reduce emissions, and enable parking lot managers to efficiently manage available space. Parking and transportation payment systems, as well as passenger information systems also operate on the basis of the Internet of Things concept. What is more, smart cities can help residents reduce waste and energy consumption. They can cut energy costs in office buildings with sensors that, for example, lower the temperature if no one is in the room.  

🌐 Security🌐

Environmental issues also fit in with the use of the Internet of Things in the security sector. Preventing natural disasters with sensors that monitor earthquakes, water levels, or salinity levels is already becoming an increasingly common solution. Disaster management distinguishes between mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery phases. In terms of the usefulness of IoT systems, the mitigation and response phases are of particular importance³. The former includes tasks aimed at eliminating or reducing the likelihood of a threat, while the response phase involves immediate action, processing dynamically changing information, updating it, and making available the results of analysis of the considered or made decision. Security in the broad sense is also enhanced by intelligent monitoring systems with the function of recognizing vehicle license plates or, more and more often, faces. This finds its application in the search for perpetrators of crimes or missing persons. Examples of IoT devices used in the security sector (public, internal, or external) also include fingerprint readers, smart gates at airports, and military drones.  

🌐 Agriculture 🌐

IoT sensors can collect general data on weather conditions, rainfall, temperature, or the lay of the land. They are also used for more detailed measurements, such as to determine soil moisture levels, CO₂ concentration, and light intensity. Such efforts help automate agricultural processes and thus reduce costs. For example, the right amount of fertilizer applied or the use of autonomous tractors are aspects that can directly contribute to streamlining agricultural operations, saving time, and creating opportunities to keep product prices stable. Among the benefits of using precision agriculture, Witkowska (2022)⁴, based on a 2021 report by the Polish Space Industry Foundation, cites more efficient and rational crop planning, savings in the amount of pesticides used, reduced fuel consumption, and time savings.  

🌐 Energy sector 🌐

Energy efficiency is an aspect not infrequently considered in other sectors as well, but primarily it is a key reason in its own right for the application of IoT solutions. The Smart Grid, an intelligent energy network that is able to make some decisions on its own based on changing external or internal factors, is an example of the drive to optimize the process of using and delivering electricity¹. Smart meters allow remote reading of power consumption, sensors enable also monitoring of malfunctions and selecting the alternative energy source to be used depending on the weather (wind strength or sunshine level). The use of such solutions means tangible benefits not only for electric utilities but also for energy consumers.

🌐 Health care 🌐

A prime example of the use of intercommunicating devices in the context of health is the monitoring of basic health parameters via a smartphone. The devices we carry with us every day give us the ability to measure our heart rate or blood oxygenation. Other wearable sensors allow us to measure glucose levels and specially designed wristbands monitor vital functions. Such data can be sent to the doctor in the form of electronic medical records. In addition, IoT systems make it possible to monitor the body's response to administered medications, and hospitals often also use them to manage stockpiles of drugs and medical instruments⁵.

🌐 Retail sector 🌐

The Internet of Things is also improving trade by providing retailers with valuable insight into customer traffic and buying patterns. By using sensors and smart shelves in stores, retailers can monitor traffic, analyze customer behavior, and optimize the arrangement of goods to increase sales. In addition, IoT devices enable real-time collection of online store customer data, allowing retailers to send personalized promotions and notifications to customers, improving their shopping experience. The technology helps develop targeted marketing strategies and improve inventory management, ultimately leading to optimized store operations, increased sales, and satisfied customers.  

🌐 Transportation and logistics 🌐

In transportation, IoT devices such as sensors and GPS systems provide real-time data on road conditions, enabling dynamic route optimization to avoid delays and reduce fuel consumption. This leads to faster delivery times and lower operating costs. IoT systems can also monitor the condition of cargo and the level of assurance of required conditions (e.g., in the case of transporting pharmaceuticals) to ensure it arrives intact. In logistics, IoT plays a key role in optimizing warehouse space management. Smart sensors and RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags track inventory levels and locations, enabling automated and precise merchandise management. This technology helps maximize warehouse space utilization, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency.   

What can we list among the perks of the Internet of Things? The benefits of using IoT systems

The integration of IoT systems in a variety of industries brings about numerous benefits, varying from sector to sector. Nevertheless, their common advantages of use can be distinguished:
➡️ The Internet of Things enables process automation and productivity enhancement, as automated devices and systems can perform tasks quickly and accurately without human intervention.

➡️ The use of IoT devices not only saves time and resources for individual customers but also reduces operating costs for businesses.

➡️ Analysis of the data provided by IoT systems enables more accurate business decisions. Meanwhile, the scalability of the solutions according to the changing needs of the company provides businesses with great flexibility.

➡️ The ability to personalize services and communicate effectively with customers is an overall improvement in customer service.

➡️ Energy savings and optimization of urban infrastructure have a direct bearing on environmental sustainability.

➡️ Safety and protection against natural disasters, crime, and sudden deterioration of health.

➡️ Easy access to information undeniably means greater comfort and convenience for the user.
The Internet of Things is a revolution on both a personal and professional level, involving the seamless integration of technology into routine processes and everyday objects. For B2B companies, IoT offers opportunities to increase operational efficiency, innovate products, and provide superior customer service. Individuals, on the other hand, benefit from the convenience and ease of access that IoT devices bring to their daily lives, from smart homes to wearable health monitoring devices. As IoT continues to evolve, its potential to transform industries and improve lives remains limitless, foreshadowing a future where the digital and physical worlds are more connected than ever.
¹ Smejda, P. (2016). Internet rzeczy (IoT) we współczesnej gospodarce. Rola, zadania i bariery rozwoju. Zeszyty Naukowe. Organizacja i Zarządzanie/Politechnika Łódzka, 64, 43-55.
² Kądziela, J. (2023). Naczynia połączone w sieci, czyli czym jest Internet Rzeczy. Sii Polska. https://sii.pl/blog/naczynia-polaczone‑w-sieci-czyli-czym-jest-internet-rzeczy/
³ Ogórek, M., & Zaskórski, P. (2018). Internet rzeczy w integracji procesów zarządzania kryzysowego. Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Poznańskiej. Organizacja i Zarządzanie, (76), 199-215.
⁴ Witkowska, E. A. (2022). Systemy informatyczne a internet rzeczy w kontekście zarządzania gospodarstwem rolnym. Zeszyty Naukowe Politechniki Częstochowskiej. Zarządzanie, (46), 101-116.
⁵ Yasar, K., Gillis A. S. (n.d.). What is IoT (Internet of Things)? | Definition from TechTarget. TechTarget. https://www.techtarget.com/iotagenda/definition/Internet-of-Things-IoT
IoT, Internet of Things, digitization, B2B companies
Joanna Nowak
Junior Content Writer
Junior Content Writer

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