Introduction
This article steers us into a technology-centric era, navigating the complicated terrain of IoT applications that retail behemoths Walmart and Starbucks have explored in various ways by implementing QR code payments. Outside of the retail business, the study focuses on the potential disruptive power of IoT in Smart Homes and the Industrial Internet. It envisions a cosmos in which connectivity and intelligence transform everyday living and industrial operations. The examination progresses to making strategic judgments about IoT network technologies for organizations, comparing the advantages of Broadband Cellular, Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA), and Satellite services. As technology becomes more ingrained in our lives, this thesis argues that the careful selection of IoT networks can establish itself as a critical factor for organizations, influencing their ability to capitalize on the full range of potentials afforded by connected innovation in this era.
Question 1
The study will compare Walmart and Starbucks, two companies incorporating QR code payments yet offering distinct offerings. The nation’s most significant store has accepted QR code payments through its Walmart Pay app. Shoppers use the app to scan and bag their products at self-checkout registers, and they pay using a QR code on their cellphones. For price matching, Walmart uses QR codes on receipts and integrates with the Capital One™ Walmart Rewards™ card (Aailatech, n.d). This technology has simplified transactions and aligns with Walmart’s omnichannel strategy, resulting in a smoother consumer experience.
Meanwhile, Starbucks employs QR codes to accept mobile purchases through its app. Starbucks customers can quickly preload their cards, pay via the app, and earn Stars for free drinks. The Starbucks app has been widely used, accounting for most retailer purchases. This strategy improves the consumer experience by simplifying the ordering and payment processes while considering the brand’s loyalty program (Aailatech, n.d).
As a consumer, I enjoy these QR code payment apps. Through loyalty programs, they bring convenience, quickness, and added perks to Starbucks. Smartphone payments are consistent with today’s technology-driven lifestyle. During the pandemic, contactless QR code payments were increasingly popular, and these apps proved to be both user-friendly and sanitary. In general, I would use such apps because they make it easy to buy various things while also providing additional perks like awards and discounts.
Question 2
Report on IoT Applications in Smart Homes and Industrial Internet
When investigating the many uses of the Internet of Things (IoT), two key industries stand out for their disruptive potential: smart homes and industrial internet. The videos associated with these applications show what the future will look like as connectivity and intelligence revolutionize how we live and conduct our daily jobs.
Smart Home
As seen in the video, the Smart Home concept offers more than just automation. It envisions a lifestyle characterized by the seamless integration of daily activities into IoT devices, resulting in convenience, energy savings, and increased security. The movie depicted future possibilities in which people can manage their home environment remotely, such as changing the temperature and lighting or allowing temporary guests into their homes (Analytics Vindya, n.d). Some of the biggest brands, including Nest, Ecobee, Ring, and August, are working hard to make these ideas more mainstream.
The most surprising thing for me was how much Smart Homes can simplify our lives. This concept of machines communicating with one another and adapting to our requirements exemplifies the amount of technology that has the potential to revolutionize living environments. The idea that Smart Homes will become as common as smartphones was novel and intriguing. The movie depicted IoT gadgets seamlessly integrating into a household environment, transforming them into an appealing future potential.
Industrial Internet (IIoT)
The video explores the world of intelligent machines, data analytics, and their impact on industrial engineering. IIoT aims to increase industry efficiency, productivity, and sustainability by making machines more dependable in data communication than people. The video provided insights into how the IIoT can improve quality control and supply chain efficiency and generate significant GDP globally (Analytics Vindya, n.d).
The economic potential astounded me the most, with GE Electric’s CEO forecasting a significant contribution to global GDP in the coming 15 years. It is both remarkable and illustrative of the ability of IoT to transform traditional businesses that intelligent machines may beat people in spotting inefficiencies or anomalies in industrial operations. Furthermore, these movies show how IoT might transform numerous businesses (Analytics Vindya, n.d). The ease of IoT deployment in Smart Homes offers a future in which our homes become intelligent and respond to our desires. On the manufacturing spectrum, IIoT emerges as a new paradigm for machine-to-machine communication and process optimization. The fact that new information is revealed in these films highlights the considerable impact of the Internet of Things on our world. In the age of an increasingly linked future, these cases of IoT applications are attractive to individuals and industries.
Question 3
Choosing the Right IoT Network for Business: A Strategic Decision
In terms of IoT, enterprises must carefully consider their network technology choices. There are three main options: Broadband Cellular, LPWA services, and Satellite platforms, each with advantages depending on the business’s needs.
Broadband Cellular:
3G and 4G LTE-based Broadband Cellular provides worldwide coverage, scalability, and high bandwidth capabilities. This is ideal for large enterprises with complicated operations requiring reliable communication connectivity across regions (You need to know about IoT-wide area networks, n.d). The cost-effectiveness of current 4G LTE modules increases their attractiveness, making them a viable solution for applications that demand various types of data transfer.
Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA)
Low-power wide-area (LPWA) networks like LTE-M and NB-IoT prioritize low power consumption and extended battery life. These networks expand coverage, allowing connectivity even in the most challenging terrain (You need to know about IoT-wide area networks, n.d). Their architecture is well-suited to applications that require long-term device operation on a single battery, making them perfect for some IoT deployments.
Satellite Services
Satellite services offer unparalleled connectivity, reaching even the world’s most remote areas. This approach is precious for businesses working with deployments in remote places where standard networks may fail. Satellite services are critical in the Internet of Things because they enable continuous coverage from any location.
Our multinational firm has made a strategic decision to use Broadband Cellular technology. The worldwide reach, scalability, and cost-effectiveness are ideal for our diverse IoT application demands. Although LPWA networks are highly advantageous, Broadband Cellular’s excellent range and flexibility make it the best option for sustaining connectivity across our extensive operations. In an era of critical connectivity, this decision positions our organization to embrace IoT transparently and effectively, with technology supporting our goals.
References
Aailatech (n.d) https://www.ailatech.com/
Analytics Vindya (n d) 10 Real World Applications of Internet of Things (IoT) – Explained in Videoshttps://www.analyticsvidhya.com/blog/2016/08/10-youtube-videos-explaining-the-real-world-applications-of-internet-of-things-iot/
It would help if you had to know about IoT-wide area networks (n d). How to choose the right WAN technology for the Internet of Things https://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-r/md/16/rsg1sg5iot16/inf/R16-RSG1SG5IOT16-INF-0011!N2!PDF-E.pdf
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