Value of the Internet of Things for the Industry – An Overview

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a concept according to which uniquely identifiable things can indirectly or directly collect, process or exchange data via Wide Area Network – the Internet. Recently this concept has become a hot topic in science and resulted in multiple new technology developments. There is however also a lot of ambiguity surrounding the topic, which leads to questions if the IoT is a fad or a profound phenomenon. This article aims at answering the question about the value of the IoT idea for the industry. Academic definition of the concept is presented, global standardization initiatives reviewed, and a short survey of key technologies made. Then several existing and prospective applications involving the Internet of Things technologies are analyzed to determine values of this phenomenon from the point of view of the Industry understood as production of goods and services. Business models enabled or supported by the Internet of Things are also briefly described. It is concluded that there is substance in the IoT idea and the Industry can benefit from its adoption.