Nowadays, it’s hard to keep up with so
many technology advancements, as digital solutions for business constantly
offer massive innovations. However, the corporate world wouldn’t be able to
survive on the market without them because the fast pace of the technological
revolution started to fundamentally change business process management. But
nothing caught organizations and customers off guard like the transformational
power of IoT.
What is IoT?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the new
way of interacting with the world via technology. To put it simply, IoT is a
unique concept which is supported by sensors, programs, hardware, etc. in order
to connect every device (with an active network infrastructure) to the
Internet. This includes more than mobile and laptop devices, as IoT is able to
connect almost anything, from coffee makers and wearable gadgets to the
individual machine parts.
According to Gartner projections, 8.4 billion connected “things” were
supposed to be used worldwide this year. Which means the connections we are
familiar with are slowly changing, hence, people and machines are beginning to
share an unbreakable bond.
How
IoT Impacts Project Management
Although IoT usage is still in the
development phase, Ericsson and Stringify expect to see 28 to 30 billion
connected IoT devices by 2020. Considering these changes are doomed to arrive,
let’s examine to what extent the IoT will impact current Project Management
operations.
Project Collaboration
Due to interconnected systems and people,
team collaboration will sense drastic changes. Though remote work is already an
option many companies adopted since the Internet allows them to manage talent
across the world, with IoT, the collaboration will become even easier than it
is today. All of the shared data will automatically reach all team members no
matter the location.
Big Data Will Become Easy to Handle
Given that this system operates
automatically, the IoT will instantly crunch big data to provide measurable analytics in real-time. In other words, project
management will get a chance to rapidly make smart decisions reinforced by
empirical data.
This implies that project managers will
have a significant role in both IoT and team management, considering they will
have to motivate and encourage employees to accept these changes. While
productivity is expected rise due to a fast exchange of information, IoT
projects differ from the traditional staff’s routine.
Project Timeline Lasts Longer
Contrary to existing project timeline
durations, IoT projects will not be finished so quickly. The project timeline
will not be considered as complete on its implementation because there must be
a plan in the case of a mechanic or other unexpected failure. Therefore,
managers have to accept the role of a supporting team leader throughout various
departments.
Integration of New Methods
The IoT will impact more than just the
employees’ work routine, it will also make changes in the business network,
database, and entire systems in use. Of course, networking will become
simplified, however, companies will have to integrate new methods (aka
standards) for making data from one establishment understandable to another. In
summation, managers will have to be willing to incorporate new analytic
standards that will enable them to transfer comprehensive data to other
organizations.
Conclusion
Changes are coming, and they are coming
fast. Although IoT is yet to become part of most businesses, all paths lead
toward massive IoT adoption. Meaning, in the near future, project management
will experience significant changes that can support business growth, but only
if prepared for IoT benefits.
