IoT in transportation is changing the world we live in at an accelerated pace. The Internet of Things, also known as IoT, is helping the transportation industry develop new and interesting ways to connect devices. The resulting unprecedented level of connectivity allows transportation companies to collect and process data that can be used for numerous purposes.
Like in many other industries, IoT technology requires a deep technical understanding. However, you don’t need to be a tech wizard to develop innovative products that users love. Smart transportation is more about solving problems than anything else.
If you are in the transportation sector, this post is for you. Learn how IoT technology is transforming private and public transportation and how these innovations can benefit you.
IoT Technology
IoT stands for the Internet of Things. It is basically a network of interconnected devices that allows information to flow easily from one device to another. Using IoT systems enables companies to monitor, control, and optimize complex processes.
One of the most important qualities of the Internet of Things is that it is data intensive. IoT devices can collect important amounts of data that can be used for different purposes. IoT technology is very versatile, and it has many practical applications for pharmaceutical, medical, and industrial processes.
IoT devices can process data directly, or they can also use the Cloud. Depending on specific business requirements, an IoT system can process information directly, or it can send it to the Cloud and retrieve it back again. The latter is known as edge computing, and it tends to be used in processes where the latency of data is not an issue. Critical processes, however, tend to require immediate data processing, making the use of the Cloud problematic.
IoT for the Transportation Sector
When it comes to transportation systems, traditional IoT, as well as edge and fog computing, are great alternatives. Certain processes can afford increased latency, that is, higher delay times for the data to be processed. Others cannot allow this.
Driverless cars, for example, need to process information in real-time. A delay of seconds can mean a life or death decision. This is not the case of supply chains, where decisions do not need to be in real-time.
When it comes to IoT in transportation, it is best to understand it in terms of private and public transportation. In general, when it comes to the private sector, fleet management and supply chain management are among the most beneficial outcomes of using IoT technology in transportation.
IoT Technology in the Transportation Industry
IoT-enabled transportation systems are helping private businesses become more efficient. This isn’t just something occurring at certain levels of the industry. The different agents in the transportation sector are using IoT technology to collect, process, and distribute data to improve operations.
These are some of the benefits that the transportation industry has experienced thanks to IoT technology:
- Better communication: IoT technology has the power to increase communication between different information systems. Real-time communication allows system administrators to make decisions more efficiently and in a timely manner.
- Increased control: IoT-enabled systems help control critical processes from a distance. Thanks to specialized monitoring and control systems, processes become easier to manage.
- Improved logistics: smart transportation through IoT devices can help a supply chain reduce operational costs and times. Through better fleet management and tracking systems, it is possible to simulate and predict outcomes.
- Security: enhancing the security of transportation systems is one important benefit of using IoT. However, these systems need to be properly built in order to avoid any breaches that may compromise critical data.
These benefits can be achieved throughout the different layers of private transportation systems.
IoT Enabled Public Transportation
Most public transportation systems have one characteristic: they almost always need real-time information. Contrary to private systems, the life of passengers may be compromised in a public transportation system if there is a delay in data processing times.
Using IoT for public transportation systems has many advantages. These are some of them:
- Self-driving cars: thanks to the use of IoT technology and Artificial Intelligence, this technology will soon be available on a massive scale. It will help solve many transportation problems.
- User Experience: IoT devices can help enhance the overall experience of public transport. It will help system designers identify critical points thanks to easily available data.
- Reduce traffic congestion: having more data available through IoT technology means that urban planners will be able to better understand how traffic flows. This will help them design better and more efficient solutions.
IoT in Transportation: Final Thoughts
Using IoT has many benefits for both the private and public sector. IoT in transportation can help optimize systems, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. To achieve excellent results, it is best to find an experienced IoT development partner who knows the intricacies of data-intensive IoT devices.
