A new research paper released by Vodafone discusses the global adoption of machine-to-machine (M2M) communications for operational efficiency and business agility, amongst other advantages. The paper, titled The M2M adoption barometer 2013, confirms the broad industry and global coverage of M2M technology and how the effects are transforming large and small scale businesses.
With responses from over 300 executives from across the world, the paper provides insight into how M2M communications is being used today and how it can benefit business, highlighting the opportunities it presents, as well as the barriers that can arise in the adoption process.
M2M technology allows fixed or mobile objects – such as security cameras, cars and industrial machinery – to be connected. This enables objects to send and receive information to each other and to central management systems, autonomously and often in real time, opening up a whole new world of opportunities for business agility and efficiency.
According to the research, 94% of businesses see some return from M2M, with 36% seeing significant return. The data shows that 78% of respondents see M2M adoption as crucial to business success and those that are in the process of implementing M2M, consider it a key priority. 50% of organisations will have adopted M2M by 2015. The sector currently leading the way in M2M implementation is automotive, which is then followed by energy and utilities, transport and logistics, manufacturing and consumer electronics, and consumer goods and retail.
With this in mind, Vodafone has also compiled mini reports for each industry sector. The research papers’ findings make one thing very clear: every organisation is treading its own path on the road to M2M, from initial strategy to final implementation. Some have already arrived; others are just starting out. But there are some clear trends in how the technology and its adoption are evolving.
To download and read the research papers in full and see how M2M can save businesses money, enhancing agility and increasing competitive advantage, visit m2m.vodafone.com/barometer.
