Civica: How connected devices can build the ‘internet of us’
Connected devices have a huge amount to offer the public sector. They’re already providing many benefits. However, we believe much of their potential remains untapped. So, how can we make the most of this technology?
What are connected devices?
Let’s start with a quick overview of what we mean by connected devices (also referred to as the Internet of Things, or IoT). In essence, any device with one or more sensors that can connect to the internet, and send and receive data, is a connected device. It may be a smartwatch keeping tabs on your fitness, a smart traffic light that prioritises cyclists and pedestrians, a monitor that tells maintenance teams a machine needs servicing, a smart thermostat in your home or of course our smartphone, the one we probably use the most.
Connected devices work in a simple, four-step process. First, the device collects data. It then transfers that data typically via mobile, Bluetooth or a network connection. At this point the data is processed, sometimes using artificial intelligence, before finally providing an insight, for example, a suggestion to take a break, let more cyclists through, or fix that train before the fault becomes expensive.
How they help us
Connected devices offer three important benefits. The first is that they simply provide the insights to help us make better decisions, like a wellness tracker signalling an intervention is needed. The second is to predict – for example, when bins will need emptying or when a bus is coming. And the third is to control and action, as with smart locks that can be remotely activated. But there is potential to go a lot further.
Building the internet of us
Like with any network, the value of connected devices increases with the number and variety of ‘things’ that are connected. We see the potential for what’s currently called the internet of things to become an ‘internet of us’, where data sharing across a huge range of devices can deliver new benefits to citizens and communities.
Many of us already carry IoT devices, connecting to multiple public services every day.
Yet, for this ‘internet of us’ to happen, we should take steps to not widen the digital divide. This may mean going beyond fixed-line broadband to using more cellular, satellite and radio-based networks to connect people.
We also need to build trust, so people clearly understand how their data is shared and have a choice about how and with whom to share it. But the biggest value will come from linking all this together – “joining the dots”. Finding ways to safely link data insights from wearables with data from our homes and wider communities, offers the potential for truly
personalised services as well as population-level insights that can enable targeted support for those who are most vulnerable.
Learn more at our webinar
In our 26 October techUK/Civica webinar, we’ll look in more depth at examples of how connected devices are being used in the public sector and explore how we can move closer to an ‘internet of us’.
Book your free place here.
This article was written by Harold de Neef, Group Director, Product and Innovation at Civica, as part of the techUK/Civica webinar – Perspectives* from Civica: Connected devices and how they’re transforming public sector services taking place on the 26 October. Harold has C-Level Executive with 20+ years of experience spanning PE-owned and publicly-traded B2B software (Civica, SAP), information services and publishing (LexisNexis - RELX), and top-tier consulting (Bain, PwC) and a proven track record of several business-wide transformations, innovation, strategic re-focus including hands-on turnaround, customer experience, lead generation and ROI-driven marketing. Learn more about this author here.
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