Top three ways Connected Solutions helps improve operational efficiency and well-being with IoT
By Rob Mesirow, Principal, Connected Solutions, PwC
The pandemic has made it clear that connectivity is essential to everyday work and life. With more remote workers and a fluctuating labor market, the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly necessary to keep up with digital transformation, cut costs and move business forward. IoT solutions can also help provide fundamental needs like well-being, while simultaneously benefitting the businesses who use this tech.
Staff well-being has always been essential in the world of hospitality, healthcare and more, but providing it today is both more necessary and more challenging than ever. At the same time, the pandemic has changed operating models within organizations in fundamental ways—some of which may raise risks to staff. Ultimately, companies must operate more efficiently while enhancing staff well-being at the same time.
The PwC Connected Solutions’ Indoor Geolocation Platform (IGP)—which includes rapid-response buttons—was designed in collaboration with leading brands with well-being and business efficiencies in mind.
Using proprietary and innovative IoT technology, IGP doesn’t need beacons or in-room infrastructure to provide accurate, reliable location services. And instead of using WiFi for connectivity, IGP deploys its own private IoT network with one small antenna for every three or four floors. No pairing to the network is required and the coverage area is controlled to confirm the network meets reliability requirements.
These innovations have made IGP one of the most reliable, trusted and approved solutions for deployment by some of the largest brands in the world. The power of the platform approach is helping our clients do more with less while better adapting to a pandemic-altered reality.
PwC Connected Solutions utilizes Low-powered wide area network (LPWAN) technology to deliver increased density and range. LPWAN uses open-source technology and transmits over unlicensed frequency bands. Designed for IoT, LPWAN technology provides a far longer range than WiFi or Bluetooth connections, works well indoors and is especially valuable for applications in remote areas where cellular networks have poor coverage. Here are some of the many ways we’re using IoT networks to intersect business success with the workforce that make that success possible:
- Improving energy conservation: With sensors to detect room occupancy, temperature and humidity, you can cut costs, receive custom climate control alerts, regulate energy consumption and identify inefficiencies across your facilities.
- Increasing well-being: IoT networks can be used with rapid-response buttons to locate staff quickly or door sensors so you can quickly identify open doors in vulnerable areas. You can also identify inappropriate access to restricted areas to improve the well-being of employees, clients and customers.
- Boosting business operations and efficiencies: IoT can help improve environments and locate assets more quickly. Whether that means tracking energy usage, lost items or a climate-controlled room, once you have your IoT network setup, the possibilities to improve operational efficiency are virtually limitless—and become less costly to stand up over time.
The Internet of Things has grown increasingly important in business—not only in safeguarding employees, but in tracking assets, boosting operational efficiencies and decreasing waste. As you scale your business, you should also scale your IoT solution to continue unlocking revenue streams and improving customer and employee experiences.
