Question 3: Digital Communication

Question 3: Digital Communication

The Internet of Things and how it will affect businesses in South Africa.

 The term Internet of Things generally refers to scenarios where network connectivity and computing capability extends to objects, sensors and everyday items not normally considered computers, allowing these devices to generate, exchange and consume data with minimal human intervention.

The Internet of Things has the potential to really shift the way we do things, think and learn (Module Manual, 2016, p.77). Is a system of interrelated computing devices, mechanical and digital machines, objects, animals or people that are provided with unique identities and the ability to transfer data over a network in one form or the another, receiving and processing information in real time and creating new ways of making decisions back-up by the availability of information.

 Internet of Things will affect businesses in South Africa with core areas such as production, advertising, sale, market research, and job market and enterprise resource management. Most of the advantages are not user targeted but with the introduction of Internet of Things, massive volume of information about the consumer lifestyle and interests can be collected. This data reveals that the hidden buying patterns of each user which provide the insight to advertisers to advertise to each and every consumer.

When coming to market research, all smart household devices are equipped with sensors, which will do the market research free of charge for the businesses. Internet of Things products will not only generate revenue for businesses but also provide insight to consumers after the sales. Internet of Things will also have an impact on the hiring processes.

This overview document is designed to help the Internet Society community to navigate the dialogue surrounding the Internet of Things in light of the competing predictions about its promises and perils. The Internet of Things engages a broad set of ideas that are complex and intertwined from different perspectives.

A sector in the industry and detail how it will be impacted

Productivity will increase.

As a general rule, your entire business will be able to operate more productively, with lower expenses. The cost of upgrading all your devices may be initially unreasonable, but end up paying less for staff, and should be capable of producing more products, thanks to the efficiency challenges of new technologies that will have be solved.

Some industries will disappear or radically change.

Many industries may fundamentally change when Internet of Things becomes mainstream. Some might even become completely disappear; for example, the delivery and logistics industry could possibly become almost completely automated. Others will start to be in higher demand, and still others will become more efficient, and allow for higher profitability and more entry to new entrepreneurs. Pay close attention to how your industry develops, and be prepared for some major changes.