One of the most significant technological developments of the decade is the Internet of Things (IoT). With IoT devices and IoT trends in Canada on the rise, this technology is having a significant impact on a broad range of businesses. IoT is growing at a rapid pace and Canada is leveraging this to the fullest. With IoT, the connection goes beyond the local server and internet connection to appliances and complete cities that are connected using smart sensors and devices and communicate with each other. Data thus collected is then collected, organized and analyzed for further insights.

With the world adapting to smart cities, Canada is also on the forefront to implement and absorb the new technology. However a country which is as huge as Canada, with aging infrastructure, is not able to implement IoT trends in the same way as other smart cities. IoT in Canada is still laggard and though Canada faces challenges in the way the IoT trends in Canada are implemented, the physical landscape of Canada provides for various IoT opportunities.

63% of Canadians report that they will adopt connected devices within five years and 44% plan to use these devices in the next two. IoT in Canada can be used in slightly different methods as compared to the other smart cities:

• Remote monitoring of pipelines – With a huge landscape, it becomes practically impossible to monitor all places in person. IoT devices and sensors can be used to  monitor assets across the country from a central space. Sensors can be used to monitor the health of the pipelines, thereby providing from preventive maintenance and proactive measures to minimize financial losses and damages.
• Safe workplace for workers – IoT devices can also monitor the workplace of the employees to provide for a better and safer workplace. This helps track the potential hazards at the workplace, thereby improving productivity and efficiency, by keeping the workers safe and secure.
• Easy maintenance of fields – With improved technology like the Google Glasses, IoT in Canada, can help field workers transmit data to a central server. The data thus transmitted will enable experienced technicians to help remote workers resolve maintenance issues in case of help required.

As per a recent study, Canadians’ top answers to shift to connected devices is because of:

• Reduced stress due to improved efficiency of the IoT devices and sensors, which reduces their work
• Improved consumer satisfaction, enabling them to manage their home through automated systems
• Improved health using wearables, IoT sensors and devices to track their fitness levels, thereby taking proactive measures in terms of diet and exercise
• Improved productivity due to reduced errors and resources

The Internet of Things is everywhere and is already working on saving you your money. With the efficient use of IoT, US is expected to save about $4 billion over the next 10 years, if replicated, Canada too can save millions of dollars and growing as a smart country!