In the beginning, Kevin Ashton pioneer of British technology invented the term IoT- Internet of Things. The term IoT defines the transfer/exchange of data through the internet via a ubiquitous device connected to a system. IoT evolved from 1994 radio frequency identification ( RFID ) to 2019 Cloud platforms. Well, for a start, IoT devices are getting smarter. They’re able to monitor, collect data, and change things themselves, all without us having to lift a finger. The next evolution in IoT devices we just set to run and they do their own thing, making life a whole lot easier for us.
If we talk about the Internet of things contribution in workplace is just magnificent through IoT device a company can track the health details of any employee as it gives information about fatigue level, stress/depression level of employee. IoT devices are basically differentiated among two part’s wearable and not wearable.
Example of wearable IoT device
- A smart software app and wristband for office employees, which can be used to analyze the health status such as a discreet panic button or check-in tool.
- An ID badge for office employees, which can send a discreet audio call to a dedicated call center in case of an emergency.
- A virtual glasses system that allows employees and; employers to have a video conferencing facility.
Example of not wearable IoT device
- Gesture controller software and device through which worker can control the brightness, temperature and phone calls.
- Smart doorbells outside a cabin, office so the staff can have look on an outsider without moving.
- Li-Fi feature which enables high-speed internet in comparison to Wi-Fi.
- Wireless charging table and so on.
In today’s scenario wearable IoT device has great implication on Workplace environment as it gives advantages to both employee and employer. In fact, the international market of wearable IoT devices has increased by 16.9% in 2017 year, it is predicted by Gartner, Inc. forecasted that 2 million employees would be required to the wearable device in the workplace. But the main concern in IoT devices is security – According to the Association of British Insurers that ‘denial of service’ and ‘hardcore attacks’ are the two main security risks to IoT devices. The term Denial of service means an interruption in access to a computer network by an authorized user, mainly caused by malicious intent. but hardcore attacks could threaten users’ safety as they are targeted infrastructure disruptions. Employers and employees must ensure about their safety concern that they fully understand the risks associated with IoT devices, say ABI researchers.
By following steps, more employers can minimize the risks posed by wearable and mobile tech :-
- Don’t use 3rd party app.
- secure your data with bio-metric access ( such as face impression, thumbprint and etc ) as it can’t be duplicated/hacked like a PIN or password can.
- Set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) security for important data so users will be notified if any suspicious activity happens on their devices.
- Store sensitive information offline to minimize the risks.
There is also a great wearable innovation for the working environment is E-HAT. The innovation of a smart E-Hat also known as hardhat that can gather data from both its wearer & from the outside environment (temperature, humidity) as the gadget is embedded with sensors in the sweatband which helps to gather the data. The E-Hat analyzes the temperature and heart rate of its wearer in order to have the conclusion of health status. It also provides the GPS facility in the hat and an accelerometer for the determination of orientation and the impact of vibration or shock. As if gadget analyzes any type of threat it will just alert the individual through sound and vibration, the site supervisor will also notify about the danger.
The market of IoT devices is changing rapidly, with smart offices and mobile technologies giving the opportunity to advance the technology. The wearable IoT device has the potential to make the workplace healthy and wealthy to have a great outcome.
Most of the Coworking space providers are also adopting IoT devices in their workspace to build a working environment.
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