The Internet of Things (IoT) is an architectural paradigm that combines physical devices (with embedded sensors and actuators along with the necessary implementation software), massive network connectivity, data accumulation and analysis, and operational control informed by analytics models that enhance and optimize cross-system interoperation.

In turn, a successful IoT deployment can be leveraged to improve the extended system’s performance. For example, integrated IoT analytics can help factories reduce or eliminate unscheduled downtime through predictive maintenance, enable manufacturers to improve production quality through continuous monitoring of assembly lines, and anticipate and consequently eliminate power outages across an energy utility’s regions by monitoring power usage across a broad network of smart meters. IoT analytics can even alert people to potential health risks by monitoring wearable fitness monitors.