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CONNECTED MACHINES, OPINION, SILICON VALLEY

Are we headed toward a future where our insurance premiums are determined by how we drive? Probably.

At the center of the next information revolution is machine-to-machine (M2M) communications.

M2M is transforming business models and opening up a range of new services. Europe in particular is seeing some very interesting applications emerging in this area and its  nascent stage means this is a sector in which the US can learn from overseas counterparts (and vice versa).

So what should businesses be thinking about if they want to capitalize on this market? Here are three scenarios where business challenges were solved by one of Telefonica Digital’s M2M capabilities:

Case Study 1: A security company has the responsibility to provide surveillance operations to its clients 24 hours a day to make sure immediate action is taken against any threats.

Challenge: How does the company make sure the response is instant and that the security is monitored in the most efficient and safest way?

Solution: With Telefonica’s M2M connectivity solution, live data can be downloaded for reporting, systems can dispatch help immediately instead of relying on a human monitor and fixed sensors can be used in high risk or sensitive areas.

Outcome: The security company can provide surveillance reports and immediate responses, to provide the most effective monitoring system. The use of this M2M approach removes the need for staff in high risk situations, making it a safer work environment without compromising security.

Case Study 2: A local authority has the duty to keep roads clean and clear all year round.

Challenge: How can this entity keep roads swept, drains clear and winter roads free of snow in the most efficient way?

Solution: With the “Drive” solution, the local authority has live reporting on each vehicle. It can see what the vehicles have done and where they are, giving a complete picture of road conditions.

Outcome: The local authority can show where and when work was needed. They can also see how long it will take to get to an area and send another vehicle if there’s a delay, making the procedure more efficient and responsive.

Case Study 3: A snack company has to effectively manage its fleet of delivery trailers used by contractors to deliver its goods.

Challenge: How can the company track its trailers, not the contractors’ vehicles being used to pull the trailers and ultimately help improve the speed and accuracy of the deliveries?

Solution: With the “Drive” solution being installed in all the trailers, it’s automatically activated as soon as the trailer is connected to a vehicle. The company now has access to real-time feedback on every single trailer and therefore every single deliver.

Outcome: The snack company is now able to provide better staff training based on data gathered from past deliveries, create more efficient delivery routes and directions and cut costs on fuel.

So the next time you’re faced with a business challenge, take the time to think about whether there might just be a M2M solution for it.