As Africa continues to record significant improvement on internet usage, Vodacom a business solutions provider says that the Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to transform business operations and maximize effectiveness across all sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Data shows that by 2020, more than seven billion people and businesses, and over 30 billion devices, will be connected to the internet.
Tony Smallwood, Executive Head of IoT, Vodacom revealed this during his keynote address on “Understanding IoT Applications in Strengthening Digital Business in Nigeria at the recently concluded NigeriaCom ICT Leaders Forum.
According to Smallwood, “IoT drives digital transformation, helping businesses to remain relevant in today’s digital world. Overall, 63% of adopters say they have seen ‘significant’ ROI from adopting IoT”. He argued that the issue is no longer about the adoption of IoT but rather its application to drive business success.
“There is no doubt that we have an ecosystem of partners who specialize in specific aspects of IoT integration, who have in-depth knowledge in their respective industries. In collaboration with our partners we can easily integrate an entire value chain for our customers, small or big”, Smallwood explained.
He said no industry had not been impacted by the potential of the Internet of Things, ranging from consumer goods, to finance, energy and utilities, Manufacturing, Agriculture, and Health. “IoT solutions securely provide a view of critical systems, keeping businesses in control and reducing costs across all operations,” Smallwood added.
