The Internet of Things: Our Bright Future or Inevitable Downfall

Post written by Blake W., Management Consultant at Ideaca. Read more on his blog: Blake Watson.

The Internet of Things (IoT), essentially a future-focused concept where everyday devices connect and communicate data in an intelligent fashion is a highly contested topic. Will it mark the beginning of a new era in our civilization or a catastrophic detriment to the world as we know it? Skipping over the possibility of our technology becoming self-aware and “terminating” us, these two polar opposites are often portrayed in the discussion of this topic. This post will broadly summarize the IoT and discuss the positives and negatives in relation to our daily lives.

So what is the IoT? It is a term that has been vaguely used since the 1990’s and has gained traction since its initial public proposal by Kevin Ashton in 1999. It is a term that suggests a heavy increase in device-to-device and device-to-Internet connectivity. By equipping these devices into a worldwide network of miniscule identification devices the IoT could transform our daily lives.

Is this interconnectivity even possible? Simply put, yes. Technology is growing at a rapid pace, confirming Moore’s Law, wherein Gordon E. Moore’s observed that the transistors, and thus the processing power of our devices, double approximately every two years. Although many have debated the staying power of this observation, the exponential potential of this theory is astounding. If the past few decades are any indication, the IoT is a highly probable (and sometimes frightening) reality.

As mentioned before, the IoT could transform life as we know it. A simple scenario: You get home from a busy day at work. Monitors in your home identify you and let you in. Immediately, the room taps into a wealth of your personal information and preferences…climate control, music, lighting, and digital décor. These sensors may even be able to determine what you want for dinner and start preparing it for you based off of what is in your refrigerator. Some of these devices are already available through “smart” technology. Within the next 20, the possibilities are endless.

THE GOOD:

For the individual, the IoT integration arguably increases our standards of living. No longer are we plagued by menial tasks that take up our days. The IoT essentially frees up time and energy that could be better spent productively or recreationally. It doesn’t necessarily mean that as a collective we will be healthier, happier individuals. However, we will have more opportunity to achieve this lifestyle.

From the business perspective, greater analytic capabilities are accessible to management and supervisors. Asset tracking, inventory controls, and financial drilldowns are far more accurate. Location services, automation, and device interconnectivity eliminate a great deal of the “guess-timation” involved in these operations. Sectors such as consulting, financial services, and even health could benefit greatly from these advancements.

Businesses also have access to a huge amount of data. Big Data will be a simple task compared to the vast amount of information that corporations will be able to collect from client usage and habits. We will have to start considering XXXL Data as opposed to Big Data. Billions and even trillions of source data will give business owners the tools to minutely tailor their products and marketing to individuals in the most literal sense of the word.

THE BAD:

The IoT has a dark side to it. Many people feel a sense of unease when they consider the privacy concerns the IoT imposes. If you are the slightest bit afraid of “Big Brother”, then the IoT is not for you. The amount of information that can be collected by governments and corporations through the billions of personal, business, and home devices is astounding. These devices sometimes know more about you than you do.

Another hot topic at the moment is job security; for low income earners, the IoT could make things especially tough. A number of unskilled tasks (and even some higher level analytics) might easily be replaced by a network of devices connected to the IoT.

Another concern is the effect that this new world order may have on our physical health. When all of our devices are communicating, making decisions, and essentially managing our lives for us, the opportunity to become complacent with that level of comfort is tempting. The World Health Organization estimates that over 65% of the world’s population currently lives in countries where obesity kills more people than being underweight. This upward trend isn’t expected to slow down anytime soon, especially with the continued introduction of technology that makes our lives even easier.

OVERALL:

Although there are many negatives that could affect reception of the IoT, it is my belief that reactions will be mostly positive. Although some aspects of these new technologies are to our detriment, there is a great deal of benefit that can come from an increased awareness of the IoT. As younger generations are brought up with modern day technologies, we may begin to see society move away from a privacy-centric culture. This shift would effectively reduce public outcry for greater privacy rights in this changing environment.

Although malicious Internet hackers and identity thieves may pry on the wealth of information available, we are facing no greater threat in the future than we are now. Security safeguards are in place and continue to develop. At the same time, data thieves are growing their methods for subverting such safeguards. This struggle for access and security will continue with no real definitive end in sight. Therefore, data security should not be considered within scope of this discussion.

The main problem moving towards our ideal vision of the IoT is that it will depend heavily upon data sharing and corporate cooperation. Think of all of the different products in your home… appliances, personal devices, clothing, and climate control. Seamless integration is necessary to ensure the IoT is able to function effectively in your daily life. If your devices cannot access the personal information it needs it will not function properly. It is hard to imagine companies (For example, Apple and Samsung) sharing customer data and integrating their products out of the box. Cooperation will be mandatory and it is something that companies will have to be overcome as we move forward with the IoT.

As briefly mentioned above, consulting firms such as Ideaca Knowledge Services will benefit greatly from the wealth of information available to them. The greater availability of information resources will allow their consultants to better assess client needs. Having clear needs from both the client and end consumer is essential. Better data means better solutions and ultimately better deliverables.

Whatever your take is on the IoT, there are a lot of variables to take into account. The changes that it will bring to our society are truly hard to imagine 20 years out. For good or for bad, the world is growing and developing towards the IoT. Will we try to hold on to our present state of technology or embrace these changes when they come?

Advice For Junior PMs – Do Not Be Afraid To Communicate Risks That Have Become Issues

Post written by Jason Z., Project Manager at Ideaca. Read more about project management on his blog: Unnatural Leadership.

You saw it coming. You captured it in the risk register, reviewed the mitigation plan with your team and had them alter some of the response strategy. It’s even part of your status report. And then the risk event occurred, but you didn’t know how to have the conversation with your project sponsor.

I understand. I’ve had some awkward conversations myself. It can be intimidating to walk into your sponsor’s office for a status update and having to try to (not so subtly) clearly say that you will need more money, time, or resources to properly respond to the risk event and keep the project on track.

So how should you handle it? What should you have done?

Before the project begins, provide your sponsor some context of the situation. Not all status meetings will be positive progress updates, but not all status meetings will require intervention. You are there to be honest and to steward the process, not sugar coat things. Besides, when it comes time for the risk event to occur, you have identified it and have a response plan.

If you are stuck, and feel like you need to save your skin during the project – don’t panic. If your sponsor has even one more grey hair then you, this is not the first time they have had to have this type of conversation. Be honest, be confident, and have your facts in order. You have identified the risk, and you have a response plan.

For both circumstances – ensure that at subsequent status meetings, you are reviewing risks that are relevant for your current project phase.

Have you ever had a really awkward conversation about risks with your sponsor? How did you handle it?