The Vinod Gupta School of Management recently had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Arun Karna, Managing Director, AT&T Global Network Services India on the 2nd of March, 2017. Mr. Karna delivered a lecture on “How the Internet of Things is changing enterprise business”, which was held as part of the Vaarta, 17 series of guest lectures. The session started with a brief introduction to the world of IOT and its potential in changing the global landscape of business and information technology. Mr. Karna explained how the Internet of Things will eventually develop into a multi trillion dollar industry based on current data supporting IOT saving billions of dollars in costs incurred by a multitude of industries. It brings newer technologies and day to day utilities and objects within its fold every day. Those to ignore the rising prominence of this tool and deem it unworthy of their attention stand at the greatest risk of being negatively affected by this huge technological upheaval.
A traditional IOT system incorporates sensors and controls which are connected to a backend system which maintains control over the involved modules and devices. The backend system then collects and assimilates the data onto a reporting platform where the user can access it for further usage. One of the biggest hurdles within this system is the ability to switch seamlessly between the various networks of which the sensors are a part. An example of the AT&T Flight Safe® system was given by Mr. Karna wherein any valuable cargo which is sensitive to external agencies like moisture, temperature, shock, light etc. is carried in a box-like module fitted with sensors and devices that maintain the necessary conditions for transport. Real time data is provided before the flight takes off and after it lands, with data being collected for use while in flight as well. It is used for advanced analytical processes that determine the exact condition of the item being transported and maintain its integrity. Similar systems include container tracking and in-house autonomous car parking systems where a range of different sensors and computers work in sync with one another to accomplish a task. The famous heavy machinery giant Caterpillar Inc. uses IOT modules within its autonomous heavy machines used in mines and construction areas. These trucks provide geo-fencing alerts in case of theft and supply a continuous stream of data regarding live engine diagnostics to gauge the health of the vehicle. Further services like warranty and service are also provided by the manufacturer based on the data collected from the machines. Some of the other uses of this technology include remote tracking, Traffic data management, Emergency responses, fleet management, and newer avenues like healthcare diagnostics and patient monitoring coming up every day.
The lecture ended with Mr. Karna sharing with us his journey through the developed market of IT and its transition to an intelligent system where IOT is bound to play a significant role. A round of questions and answers followed where Mr. Karna answered numerous intriguing questions regarding the emergence of this technology, the risks attached and the new opportunities that it may bring in its wake.
