The Internet of Things (IoT) and its plethora of internet-enabled devices have been transforming the business world for years now, and there is still more to look forward to. This ongoing shift is accelerating how enterprises and their clients use VoIP communications.
While VoIP is still gaining popularity, IoT provides new and ample opportunities for VoIP users. The collaboration of the two will supercharge the development of smart homes, smart offices, and more ingenious communication solutions for both businesses and personal use.
What is IoT?
IoT strives to make every internet-enabled device connected to each other in some way to automate tasks without human interaction. The goal is to connect all of our devices daily, make mundane tasks more straightforward, and make our lives easier by utilizing AI technologies. When many devices are interconnected, they can transfer and share data over a network without human intervention. This concept doesn’t just include smartphones and tablets, but household appliances, industrial or commercial gadgets, voice sensors, and more. They can all be included on an IoT network.
Implementing IoT makes our lives easier and fills in gaps humans may miss by doing the same mundane tasks each day. These technologies can capture data about their surroundings 24/7, with precision and extraordinary accuracy. IoT builds a connection between devices and automatically exchanges and analyzes data.
VoIP Devices and IoT
Every VoIP device can perform far more tasks than just simply calling people or sending voice messages. Almost every SIP includes, at minimum, a speaker or camera (or endpoints that can communicate with other devices). These endpoints are where IoT and VoIP meet. Looking ahead, the future of VoIP very well could be based on IoT. Many manufacturers now see VoIP endpoints as a key to better, intelligent solutions for sharing information and improving clients’ lives.
VoIP and IoT will work together to maximize solutions and procure advancements. Below, we will present some examples of how the future of VoIP and IoT will look.
#1. Smart Home
Smart Home is one of the first places where VoIP and IoT, together, could make a massive difference in the lives of users. This collaboration connects VoIP devices and other household appliances and will facilitate the control of a home security system, smart thermostat, lighting, and so much more.
Below are a few examples of how IoT can work synchronously with a VoIP phone system to automate smart home solutions.
- Adjust the thermostat in your house directly from your internet-connected mobile device.
- Ever forgotten your list at the grocery store? An IoT-connected refrigerator takes inventory of all of the items currently inside and sends a list to your VoIP phone to inform them of what may be needed from the grocery store.
- Since contacts are already synced, smart cars can notify your selected mechanic about service when it is needed.
#2. Smart Office
Technology is transforming the way we conduct business, and it is also changing how we interact and communicate with our professional environment. Just how IoT-powered smart homes are on the rise, so are smart offices. They are beginning to operate around the world and are piloted by the necessity to amplify the comfort and functionality of the work environment.
VoIP enables businesses to allow work from any location, on any device. When connected to IoT, this ability is enhanced. By interconnecting IoT and VoIP, companies can create smart offices and significantly improve their overall efficiency, productivity, and performance.
An example of this could be your remote workers connecting their VoIP softphones with office equipment like printers, fax machines, and desk phones and utilizing office resources anywhere; thus, boosting productivity. Another typical example is integrating VoIP systems with business CRM platforms. With this collaboration, sales representatives can easily and quickly pull customer data and information as soon as the customer calls to begin the sales process.
Applications like this are vast. As IoT is becoming more popular for businesses and their everyday operations, the collaboration between VoIP and IoT is crucial for maximizing a business’s efficiency.
On-site IoT sensors can be an outstanding contribution to growing your smart office and streamlining your workflow. IoT sensors can be integrated into the work environment, and VoIP can then automate workflow-related tasks based on preset criteria. When all of the requirements are met, the IoT sensors alert the VoIP infrastructure to place a call that will then trigger a series of actions. The actions can be related to inventory management, component, product organization, or even the management of automated warehouse machinery, among many other applications.
#3. Access and Security
Security is a big concern for businesses worldwide, both online and offline, especially for those who have their foot in both realms. IoT solutions heighten security via communication channels like SMS and voice services and improve physical office locations’ on-site security.
VoIP endpoints are vital in keeping any business’s location safe and secure. This can begin with controlling access to the site. IoT utilizes imaging devices like IP security cameras and door access systems. These tools can be configured as VoIP endpoints and be contacted via any internet-enabled device to view a live feed.
These next-level security devices can also be preconfigured to call and alert IP phones when a possible security event occurs. For example, when visitors arrive, a door access system connected to the VoIP network can initiate a call to notify users to determine whether it will allow or restrict access to the said visitor.
#4. Data Collection
Lastly, it is important to touch upon the benefits of VoIP and IoT-powered data collection and processing. Modern VoIP systems are preconfigured to utilize call analytics and reporting software. IoT systems and devices are constantly collecting data from a variety of sources. All business departments can benefit from vast data availability if VoIP and IoT systems operate adequately and accurately, collecting data and managing it.
One of the most promising and exciting possibilities of IoT and VoIP connecting is the use of voice recognition technology to collect and analyze data automatically. IoT will enable the registering of frequently asked questions, regularly used “keywords,” and send the data for further analysis or processing. This feature will most likely benefit companies that actively use VoIP for customer communication, either as customer service, tech support, or a call center.
Alone, VoIP has made significant progress by providing businesses with cost-saving opportunities, increased productivity, and maximized mobility and flexibility. All of these advantages can be supercharged even more with the capabilities that IoT applications offer. Businesses will become more modern and technologically advanced as time goes on.
The future of IoT and VoIP is promising and full of possibilities. The collaborative potential between the two is forming naturally as technologies are becoming even more intelligent. They will undoubtedly be prominent in businesses and personal homes in the coming years. Whether in the office or the home, these technologies are working to make your life easier, simpler, and efficient.
