Page 21 - KZN BUSINESS SENSE Vol.2 NO.6

intErnEt of things

Vindosh Sewpaul of competing tools, organisations vehicle fleets to parts and
hoping to define how connected products, to health care
T he modern era. Open source and Wouldn’t it be great to wake
devices communicate in the
specimens and medicines.
open standards will become

which automatically signals your
Internet of increasingly important to ensure up in the morning to your alarm
that devices are able to properly
things is the interconnect, as well as for coffee machine to brew your
new buzz- the back end of processing the daily morning fix immediately?
phrase in the enormous volumes of big data The potential is infinite.
world of IT. that all of these devices will As overwhelming this all may
generate. be, with its vast benefits comes
what
is this what are some applications iot the fears of privacy and safety
internet of Things (iot)? devices? and security. As we embark into
this new era of IoT, we can only
It refers to the world of ■ Indoor and outdoor lighting and hope that our fears are allayed by
interconnected devices with electrical outlets, which can be the leaders in technology. 
embedded sensors, which are controlled by sensors, timers,
capable of providing data that and remote applications Mobile: +27 83 435 0469
can be controlled and monitored ■ Thermostats and other devices E-mail: vsewpaul@reinventit.co.za
across the Internet. to alter your indoor climate Website: www.reinventit.co.za
Is IoT something being based on knowing where
conceived by the technology you are, outside temperature
pundits for the distant future? conditions, and what your
Not at all, The IoT is happening energy savings goals are.
now, albeit at very subtle levels, ■ Cameras, motion sensors,
however it has been cited that automatic locks, and other
by 2020 - there will be over 26 access control devices which
billion connected devices. can be integrated into advanced
security and monitoring
Simply put, this is the concept systems for homes and offices.
of basically connecting any
You see a Chartered Accountantou see a Chartered Accountantou see a Chartered Accountant
device with an on and off switch ■ Water leak sensors, smoke Y Y
to the Internet (and/or to each alarms, and other devices
other) and providing digital designed to protect people and
WE SEE A BUSINESS
vitals to any physical object. We property from accidental WE SEE A BUSINESS
are currently familiar with the harm.
Apple watches and Jawbone that ■ Appliances like washers, dryers,
refrigerators, and more which
deliver us live time data about have special functions and can LeaderLeader
our workouts and our heart
rate. The IoT has many various alert you to their status
applications which can extend to remotely.
WITH THE HEART TO ACCEPTT TO ACCEPTT TO ACCEPTT TO ACCEPT
WITH THE HEAR
WITH THE HEAR
incorporate almost everything in ■ Motor vehicles are also WITH THE HEAR
ANY BUSINESS CHALLENGE
our lives. increasingly in many ways ANY BUSINESS CHALLENGE
themselves a sensor network,
how does the iot work? tracking dozens of types Nirakasha Sookraj C
Nirakasha Sookraj CA(SA)A(SA)
What is required is a “Thing”/ of information about their Financial Director of Bidvest SACD
Financial Director of Bidvest SACD
object: That you can give an performance and safety, as
identity to (IP address), it must well as providing new features
be able to communicate with the and entertainment options.
internet, give it senses (sight /
hear / taste / touch / smell), and For a government, company,
it can be reached and controlled or institution, IoT devices are a
using an embedded sensor in it little different, and generally
or on it. focus more on collecting data
which can be processed and
The IoT is a giant network visualised, often in real-time.
of connected “things” (which Some examples include:
also includes people). The
relationship will be between ■ Utility companies are able to
people-people, people-things, more accurately forecast
and things-things. energy and water demands,
reducing waste.
what is the practical knowledge ■ Advanced environmental
from the iot? sensors, include water, noise,
It allows us to connect with and air quality monitors, can
things in a new way and help understand pollution
enhances learning. It will help sources and effects before they
us to monitor and observe (e.g. negatively impact ecosystem
heart rate, temperature, baby and human health e.g. fuel
monitors) It can help to manage refineries.
systems like tracking of traffic, ■ Companies can develop
safety and security). We will more advanced early warning Being a successful CA(SA) requires a large percentage of knowledge,
be able to control many things systems for natural disasters leadership and business acumen, but there’s something to be said for ambition.
remotely (switching on/off like earthquakes and floods, Nirakasha Sookraj ascribes her success to striving tirelessly to achieve the
lights at home, activating alarm and have better data with best results, not only in business, but in herself as well. That’s why, when you
partner with a CA(SA), you’ll not only get a responsible business leader who has
systems) and also can enhance which to provide vital services the passion for success, but has the ability to accomplish it.
the gaming experiences of future like fighting fires. responsible leadership.
generations. ■ Companies and governments To read about this story and other stories, please visit
www.fi ndacasa.co.za today.
Because of the rapid growth in can keep track of the current
the IoT space, there are a number location of everything from

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