What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects – vehicles, machines, home appliances, and more – to connect and exchange data over the Internet.
(See also here https://www.sap.com/trends/internet-of-things.html)
Shortly said it is to connect people, things, and business.
How does IoT work in general?
In general, IoT is that a “Thing” (physical object) sends information via a sensor (or API). Many objects have one or multiple sensors included. Let’s take e.g. a smartphone. This small object has multiple sensors included, such as a GPS sensor, sensor to detect needed light, sensor for screens rotation, temperature and more.
Alternative sensors can be added to objects, e.g. machines, doors, tools, and so on.
The sent information which comes from a specific object can be used to initiate e.g. an action, a process, or can be used for analysis.
It’s all about what to do with the created/sent information/data?
This opens a new spectrum of combining or linking involved objects and parties.
What can be used for IoT-scenarios when using SAP Business One?
As described in the section before IoT is bringing objects together or let say integrate the different objects with each other.
When using SAP Business One the integration framework is the tool for integration to exchange data between different systems - across system boundaries. The integration framework is an integral part of SAP Business One and can be used in every customer installation (on premise or in the cloud).
Get more information on the integration framework for SAP Business One in this blog.
How does IoT work in detail and can be realized when using SAP Business One?
A sensor sends data to the integration framework. Possible is also that the integration framework retrieves data from the sensor.
In the integration framework, define what you want to do with the data:
- Use an integration scenario which includes all relevant information, mapping etc. for further processing
- Or go even further and use the Business Process Management Modeler to design, model, and automatize business processes. A business process orchestrates integration scenarios.
Data processing could be:
- That a person gets an alert and related information e.g. to check the machine
- That a posting is triggered in SAP Business One, e.g. move of an item from one warehouse into another
- That a purchase order is automatically created
- That data is collected and used for analysis
- That data is used for predictions
- …
What is the benefit of connecting “Things”?
Things are talking to each other and providing insights, continuously. This help to
- Simplify processes
- Automate processes
- Connecting areas and departments
- Prevent before behaviors or errors can happen
- Support employees in their daily life
You want to see an example?
Just have a look at these YouTube clips about the Cold Storage story. Get an overview in this clip and more technical details here.
This story in the clips shows how sensors aid monitoring of cold storages. Via the connection of theses sensors with the system processes are automatically triggered and supporting the involved employees in their daily work.
The Internet of Things is probably one important step on the way to become an Intelligent Enterprise (read this blog).
Take the advantage
Miriam Rieger
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