Internet of Things for Home - Case Study Example

INTRODUCTION

An internet of things is a network is where electronic devices can be able to connect with people through an information technology resource. It can be a home appliance, office lights, door locks or even street lights. They give the users valuable insights into the utilisation of the resource and better connect people systems and the general environment (Gubbi, 2013).

THE PRODUCT

The internet of things product for a home will be connected to all electronic appliances whose power can be put on and off. The system will enable devices exchange with a mobile phone. Data about the behaviour of an appliance connected to the network will be sent directly to the phone. The phone will in turn alert the user about the received signal and give a small narration of the issue (Kopetz, 2011).

The application will also have built in options that allow the user to manipulate in any way as long as it has the capabilities and is connected to the network. This product will utilise equipment installed with sensors and monitors, connectivity and software so that they can interact without any human interference. The alert system will be via real time SMS alerts (Weber, 2010).

A SMART HOME CASE

The idea of a smart home is where the owner orders an internet of things protocol be installed their homes. This is a network of connected products loaded wi6th options meant to make home living easier, more comfortable and convenient. For example, say, on a chilly winter afternoon you are feeling like a long warm bath. One won’t have to wait to hit the switches for warming the bath but can controls that process remotely on the way home so that the bath will be ready when they arrive. This can be done through an establishing a network connection between a mobile phone and the appliance (Worthmann, 2015).

STATEMENT OF NEED FOR THE PRODUCT

The internet of things protocol for a home gives the owner control over the environment of their houses. The bouquet may include security systems, lighting and sound, air conditioning and power management. These systems save the user time and money as it is convenient and delivers efficiency (Gubbi, 2013).

SIMILAR PRODUCT

There are a few other such programs in the market like the Amazon Echo which utilises voice instructions (Kopetz, 2011).

ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER PRODUCTS

This product is expected to give more utility than other competing applications because it will come with recording and storage devices. Such data will be stored in a form where it will be possible to retrieve it whenever need arises or for future references in case of a breakdown or accident (Weber, 2010).

POSSIBLE TARGET MARKET

A smart home application is a must have for the modern family where both parents are working outside the house. It is also suitable for use by people who do not have formal jobs but may be doing other things that get interrupted by normal house chores. The smart home product would never the less be more helpful middleclass who have to balance home, work and entertainment needs (Worthmann, 2015).

A smart home device can be defined as a stand-alone device that may be machines, sensors meters or any other electronic device that can be connected to a common server and be able to collect data from previously dormant devices, process it, generate a result and communicate it through a select output device (Gubbi, 2013).

Therefore, the majority middle class who are unable to spend their time at home can be able to manipulate their home environment to meet their convenience and comfort needs. They can be able to set the air conditioning from the office; they can be able or even monitor an initiate security protocols remotely (Kopetz, 2011).

As the smart home owner has no time to be home and check maintenance needs for their appliances, this internet of things product will be able to report repair requirements in real time. With a house installed with such a product, people can be able to divert their energies towards career development as the application saves them both time and money. This product is an ultimate adds a problem solved kind of elements as it removes the risks of having to hire a house keeper and it has come with other features that allow functions such as power saving (Weber, 2010).

INTERNET OF THINGS AND E - COMMERCE

The internet of things product supports electronic commerce popularly known as e – commerce. This is especially where real time data can be provided about goods’ profiles, that is, its availability and cost, and its physical location. It also offers ordering and payment option and an option where favourite items can be selected and held temporarily for purchase at a later date. The application also monitors the smart shelves and is able to alert the inventory manager when stock is running out (Worthmann, 2015).

This improves efficiency and saves the company time and resources such as money. It personalises interaction between customers and sellers as the network allows to and fro system of data flow. This enables the customer to navigate the e – commerce site while at the same time the seller’s logistics and marketing personnel is updating data in real time. The application provides ease of payment properties where orders can be made and payments be made. It is a very convenient and secure medium of doing business (Gubbi, 2013).

ADVANTAGES

DATA MANAGEMENT

It will be able to collect and process large data and at a wider scope so that chores like making a list for grocery is done by the system which saves the owner time and is convenient. The system can monitor and keep track of the behaviour of the appliances at home. It can be able to remind the owner when the expiration of things in the fringe is due. It also keeps track of electronic device and generate alerts for maintenance and repair. It saves the users hustle that comes with having to rush back home to make adjustments. It also helps prevent risks like fire where a gas leak can be detected and communicated to the user for action (Kopetz, 2011).

The internet of things program will also be able to keep track of the power consumption patterns and be able to initiate power saving protocol automatically whenever there is no one around; this function will also be embedded with an option that will allow the user to initiate this power saving protocol remotely. The application delivers to the client faster and accurate communication and allows real time interaction with the appliance at home which helps him improve his quality of life. As it generates large swaths of data, it is able to equip the user with adequate information for decision making (Weber, 2010).

DISADVANTAGES

There isn’t yet a standardized platform for working with devices like sensors and camera; it is using the basic Bluetooth and Universal Serial Bars communication concepts which are products from different service providers. The application has not yet been programed to filter information about who receives the alert therefore if husband and wife do not confirm with each other they may end up buying the same item. Because of its open-ended approach, it requires that data be encrypted so that it does not leak out to fellow workers and friends or anyone else who has the users’ mobile phone number. There is a chance that it can be hacked into and some confidential details stolen hence safety installation against malware and other malicious programs. Implementation of an internet of things application may lead to layoffs as unskilled labour providers such as maids are no longer required (Worthmann, 2015).

In case of failure, re installation time may be longer because this internet of products product is supported not a single but multiple service providers. The internet of things program may take a little more time to stabilise as service providers providing supporting platforms keep on changing and updating their standards. Given the four mentioned concerns about the internet of things application, it may be difficult to make people have installations in their homes which may impact negatively on product sales (Gubbi, 2013).

CONCLUSION

This product is built to make the life of the consumer easier, more comfortable and convenient. Careers these days are so demanding which create the need for unskilled labour to help with house chores. Even though the maids are under instructions they can decide to stray but an internet of things system gives the user total control over its command and utility (Kopetz, 2011).