Setting out for this morning's Westminster eForum Keynote Seminar Next steps for the Internet of Things - infrastructure, commercial opportunities and service development (22nd May 2018), I consult my smart phone for the quickest cycle route.  I'm sure I wasn't alone in this and I wondered for a moment how I ever found my way without it.  The adoption of innovation and the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) is a slow process for a number of reasons, not least the concerns about the security of data and privacy. This post is my attempt to reach out to a wider audience to start a conversation on how best to move forward with developing smart tools for improving everyday life.

The seminar was not about the technology, but about how we use the tech tools to deliver better services, and the latest thinking on the business case for IoT.  The speakers presented a wide range of successful projects deploying IoT solutions from building construction, utility services, education, and health services, as being demonstrated by NHS Digital solutions, it puts power in the hands of the patients to manage their health.  Smart innovations are increasingly playing a bigger role in everyday life including smart homes (lighting, heating), smart cars, and smart devices.  With an anticipated 26 billion connected devices in use by 2020, smart technology is the future. 

Internet of Things (IoT) - Case Studies 

The Edge building in Amsterdam has been described as an iconic innovation and is recognised as the greenest building in the world by the British rating agency BREEAM, having achieved the highest sustainability score ever awarded at 98.4 percent.  The building works around a smartphone app, developed with consulting firm Deloitte who are the main tenant.  The app checks your schedule, will find you a desk and has the capability to tweak the lighting and heating according to your preference. The building will even recognise your car when you arrive and find you a parking space.  Read more here: https://bloom.bg/2j1iEbV However, it is not scalable.  This is a challenge for business developers, who have relatively inflexible business processes and supply chains, to cost-effectively adapt infrastructure to incorporate SMART innovations. With the number of connected devices on the rise, it is important to focus on long-term scalability, which will be required to accommodate the number of devices on networks.

Smart technology revolutionised productivity and quality of the service at a pest control company. The old way of working involved employees attending a premises to place a mouse trap, which would subsequently have to be checked at intervals and reset if required.  The company developed an IoT connected mouse trap.  This paved the way for new ways of working, which has allowed for a trap to be set and then monitored remotely.  Each trap has a battery life of six months and even facilitates the company to offer new services, such as Pay per Catch.  This new way of working has further benefits, such as the reduction of environmental footprints. With employees needing to spend less time driving, there is a reduction in CO2 emission.

The Principal Resource and Programmes Officer at Manchester City Council described the Town Hall of the Future and highlighted the long-standing interest in how technology can improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.  It also creates the potential for data sharing with other sectors, to enhance the quality of information for strategic planning of services, with data being collated from the transport system, health services, energy and the environment.  Having an IoT infrastructure could encourage schools, the NHS, and local and central government to revolutionise the way they work. The introduction of free WIFI on the Manchester City tram network has taken the pressure off call centres during service interruption, improving commuter experience.

The issue of security of data and privacy is an on-going concern.  Sean Gulliford, Head of Connected Devices at Gemserv highlighted the importance of the integrity of the data that is collected and the need for clarity on how smart devices will be maintained.  A recent study revealed that 70% of businesses have yet to include IoT in their business roadmap. A lack of clear understanding and confidence about how IoT can contribute to the growth of the business are some of the obstacles for the slow adoption of IoT tools.

"There is no privacy without security. Data is valuable and is worth protecting, regardless of whether it is personal or not.”

Sean Gulliford, Head of Connected Devices, Gemserv

Nigel Houlden, Head of Technology Policy at the Information Commissioner's Office emphasised the need for clear instructions which are easy to follow by the majority of the population so that consumers are not digitally vulnerable.

"The public must act to protect themselves and their families when they are using IoT equipment as they would when they go on the internet, we certainly don’t expect people to leave their houses unlocked when they go out, so I think we have to get to a mind-set of why should you leave your digital house unlocked when it’s not in use, or when it is in use, how can you protect it.”

Nigel Houlden, Head of Technology Policy, Information Commissioner’s Office

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) are working to improve the cyber security of consumers. DCMS produced Secure by Design, a recent report which sets out the Government's work to help ensure that consumer IoT is secure by design, with security built in from the start.  

Post Contributor:

Caitriona Fitzsimons Digital Reporter