Internet of Things (IoTs) has can transform business operations and maximise efficiency across all sectors of Nigeria’s economy, Vodacom has said.
Executive Head of Department, IoT, Vodacom Business Africa, Tony Smallwood, who spoke in Lagos at the weekend during the NigeriaCom ICT Leaders Forum, said IoTs transforms the way businesses operate and increase returns on investment (RoI) because of the efficiency that comes with it.
He said: “IoTs drives digital transformation, helping businesses to remain relevant in today’s digital world. Overall, 63 per cent of adopters say they have seen significant RoI from adopting IoTs.”
Smallwood, whose keynote address was on understanding IoTs applications in strengthening digital business in Nigeria, said by 2020, more than seven billion people and businesses, and over 30 billion devices, will be connected to the internet.
He said the question was no longer about the adoption of IoTs but rather its application to drive business success. “We have an ecosystem of partners who specialise in specific aspects of IoT integration, who have deep knowledge in their respective industries. In collaboration with our partners we are able to easily integrate an entire value chain for our customers, small or big,” Smallwood said.
From fast moving consumer goods (FMCG), to finance, energy and utilities, manufacturing, agriculture and health, there is no industry that has not been impacted by the potential of the IoTs, he added.
IoT solutions securely provide a view of critical systems, keeping businesses in control and reducing costs across all operations. Linking almost any type of remote machine or devices to critical information systems and collating real-time data can help to increase visibility throughout the supply chain, Smallwood said, adding that Vodacom’s IoT solutions support wireless payment devices and e-readers, energy usage and smart metering, chilling cabinets, goods and remote asset monitoring systems and community health management solutions.