FAQ’s

A number of questions we’ve been asked

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The Internet of Things – Industry 4.0 – Smart Devices – RFID – AI – Wireless Technology? What does it all mean, and please make it simple!

In simple terms it’s about compatibility, connecting all devices, wearables, implements and machinery so they can network whilst talking amongst one another.

So what is The IoT (The Internet of Things)?

In short, it’s a network of Internet connected objects/devices able to collect and exchange data.

Why call it The Internet of Things?

The IoT was first coined in 1999 as the internet was relatively still in its infancy so seemed like an ideal phrase at the time but focused on RFID. It’s worth noting that the apparent first phrasing of the words ‘Internet of Things’ was in the 1970’s, however, the idea of IoT was more of a pipedream back then. Arguably it’s around 2008 that The IoT was born when there were more connected devices than people living on the earth (6.7 billion)

Connected Devices, what do you mean?

Connected devices are electronic products that connect to other devices or networks. These networks can be M2M (Machine to Machine) but more commonly they connect to one another via the internet wirelessly i.e. Bluetooth, 3G, 4G, 5G networks. For example, if you were on your way to work and opened an app on your phone to turn your heating at home on/off or checked your home security camera this would be classed as IoT, other examples include listening to Spotify via your cars media system from your smart device connected via Bluetooth or wirelessly – clever hey!

So, what is a smart device? Is it different from a connected device?

A smart device is one that connects, shares and interacts with both its user and other smart devices. Connected devices are on a similar par although usually have less functionality. For example:

  • A connected refrigerator can let you if you’re running out of milk via an app
  • A smart refrigerator will order it for you

What is industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 is not just a temporary phase it’s here to stay! Industry 4.0 is new phase in the Industrial Revolution that focuses heavily on interconnectivity, automation, smart machinery and real-time data.

Industry 4.0 and IoT are very closely related, in fact they go hand in hand. There’s more to IoT than just smart wearables, phones, automotive or home applications which are changing the way we interact with our surroundings – now we’re entering the world of AI (Artificial intelligence) Manufacturing or Smart Factories which is changing the way we all work both now and in the future.

Ok, so why the 4.0? Why not called it IoM (Internet of Manufacturing)?

The 4.0 refers to the industrial revolution. Starting at Industry 1.0 Mechanisation, 2.0 Mass production, 3.0 Automation, 4.0 The Internet of Things

Jargon Buster

Our solutions
  • IoT – The Internet of Things
  • RFID – Radio Frequency Identification
  • AI – Artificial Intelligence
  • 4.0 – 4th Industrial Revolution
  • Network – A group or system of interconnected people or things
  • Data – Existing information/knowledge suitable for processing
  • Device – Something made or adapted for a particular purpose, mainly electronic
  • M2M – Machine to Machine
Industrial Revolution

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