HCL Technologies has released the findings of an independent survey of senior business and technology decision–makers on the Internet of Things (IoT) in large global enterprises. This is a first-of-its-kind global CXO survey with early adopters of the technology. 50% of respondents said their organisations are already behind the curve on IoT, whilst 43% said their customers will suffer from their organisation’s failure to utilise IoT fully. Key findings include:
- Nearly half of respondents (49%) said an uncoordinated, siloed approach to IoT is holding them back from moving beyond pilots into revenue generating opportunities.
- 65% said the primary drivers for adopting IoT are improving business process efficiency and better customer satisfaction.
- Approximately four in ten (38%) organisations are using IoT and a further 57% plan to use it in the future.
- 82% agreed that organisations embracing IoT are likely to be in a stronger position in the marketplace.
These findings indicate that many businesses are still in the early stages of IoT adoption, where its use is limited to a single business function, rather than being committed to a formal business–wide program.
“Many companies have made inroads into the IoT, but when you peel away the layers, very few have embarked on truly transformative programs,” said Sukamal Banerjee, CVP & Global Head of IoT WoRKSTM, HCL Technologies. “Success depends on an enterprise-wide IoT strategy that centralises a significant portion of the data from connected assets onto a single platform, where it can be used to generate revenues and new opportunities. It is only by doing so that they will reach the ultimate goals of IoT: organisational efficiency, more profitable business models and competitive edge. For example, manufacturers can use sensor data to charge customers based on hours of equipment in operation, or lab equipment providers can detect and automatically replenish supplies.”
The research findings are unique and indicate that the solution to the challenges that are holding businesses back from committing more fully to the IoT, are dependent on selecting the right IoT platform. Perhaps in response to these challenges and to avoid falling behind, almost three-quarters (73%) of respondents said they plan to enlist the support of a specialist IoT service provider.
These findings and more are discussed further in a new whitepaper titled: “End-toEnd IoT Strategy: Insights From Early Adopters” published by HCL Technologies. To download the whitepaper, click here.
“With a lot of aggressive technology selling going on in the name of IoT, it’s extremely difficult for businesses to see a clear and rapid path to realise full value, but this is no time to sit on the side-lines,” continued Sukamal Banerjee. “In capital intensive industries, the digital economy will force the gap between innovators and followers to the ability to create intelligent insights from a full range of IoT assets. This process can be incredibly daunting, so next–generation service offerings will play a crucial role in guiding organisations and helping them discover new types of value and a new, more effective way to compete.”
