Practicality of the Internet of Things

No one is talking about the practical implementation of the Internet of Things.

We all know about Moore’s law of technology as applied to the pace of increase in computing power. In a similar sense, we can apply the law to software and technology development, though the increase in capabilities and speed may not be as linear. But in the business world there are these disruptions we experience ever so often (e.g., the introduction of cloud computing or high performing tablets). The next big event is the explosion of the Internet of Things (IoT). Estimates are the number of Internet of Things devices will reach 75 billion worldwide by 2020.

The practical matter associated with IoT is the amount of information that is and will be generated by these devices. This information ultimately must be stored and made accessible. But more important, as the analytics providers will tell you, is that this information, if viewed in isolation, is not very helpful. It’s when all this data is viewed in the context of other related data such as specifications, designs and drawings, test results, compliance data, manuals, etc. that the information is not only instructive, but can provide insights well beyond our existing capabilities.

A recent article stated “if you don’t have a system in place… it will become impossible to effectively manage product complexity in the very near future. Excel spreadsheets can only take you so far.”* Much of the information and related files need to be managed in a product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. But many organizations have yet to implement even an engineering document management software. Without an automated document management system “the complexity of products seems poised to outpace our ability to manage that complexity.”*

Engineering document management systems (those extending beyond CAD vendor PDMs) provide the basic building blocks for organizing, securing, searching, viewing, distributing, and collaborating with technical documents and drawings.

Engineering document management software (those extending beyond CAD vendor PDMs) provide the basic building blocks for organizing, securing, searching, viewing, distributing, and collaborating with technical documents and drawings. Without these basics trying to interpret IoT information is like trying to drive a car without a steering wheel, we can go fast but without any real direction.

Having control over critical files is a necessary first step before thinking about how to integrate the volume of data associated with IoT devices. Control comes in various forms, including: knowing where files reside, what’s in them, how to find them (and their content) quickly, and ensure their integrity (minimizing corruption).

For example, a company started receiving data on refrigeration temperatures from a series of units they produce. The data, some real-time, was received and compared to operating range parameters. An issue arose when it was unclear the particular version of compressor being used (as each version has similar, but different, acceptable operating ranges). A simple process of connecting a device to its appropriate operating specifications became an unacceptable manual step in the process.

Engineering document management software, though the first step, leads to the need to expand into a product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. PLM systems are often characterized as robust, fully functional engineering document management systems. Additional functionality often includes versioning, synchronization, multi-location sharing, lifecycle management, and the addition of non-engineering type content. Being able to interconnect various product related files and manage them dynamically allows for a comprehensive analysis of all the data, including IoT data. In a sense, Internet of things device information becomes one more data point (though an important one) for the type of advanced analytics we just have not been able to accomplish in the past. Insights are gained not just from the device data but from using the device data in the context of all the related content. And this content must be managed, starting with an engineering document management software.

Scott Brandt, CEO, eQuorum

* Desktop Engineering, July 2015, The Difficulty with Simplicity, Jaime Gooch

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a demo today to learn more about how eQuorum can help manage your organization’s document & drawing management needs.

 

Our EDMS solutions

ImageSite and EngineBox are eQuorum’s robust workflow and document management solutions, created to help workers manage their essential workflows while maintaining complete control over their engineering files and documents.  Not only do they provide a secure collaboration site for workers, but they also help organizations manage document distribution with third parties like vendors, contractors, and customers. Both systems are offered at a competitive price, enabling organizations to get a quick return on their investment by providing the features and functionality needed to help organizations improve efficiency, productivity, and collaboration.  Companies can choose from concurrent user subscriptions or named user subscriptions, ensuring organizations have subscription options that make sense for their business.

Learn more why our solution is trusted by industry leaders.

ImageSite

ImageSite®

Our single source engineering workflow and document management system. Built in HTML5 so there is no software to deploy to client computers or mobile apps to download. Offered as an On-premise or Private Cloud system.

Explore ImageSite® 

 

Our EDMS solutions

 

ImageSite and EngineBox are eQuorum’s robust workflow and document management solutions, created to help workers manage their essential workflows while maintaining complete control over their engineering files and documents.  Not only do they provide a secure collaboration site for workers, but they also help organizations manage document distribution with third parties like vendors, contractors, and customers. Both systems are offered at a competitive price, enabling organizations to get a quick return on their investment by providing the features and functionality needed to help organizations improve efficiency, productivity, and collaboration.  Companies can choose from concurrent user subscriptions or named user subscriptions, ensuring organizations have subscription options that make sense for their business.

Learn more why our solution is trusted by industry leaders.

Engine-Box

EngineBox™

EngineBox is a cloud based workflow and document management version of ImageSite that resides outside the corporate network.

Explore EngineBox™

The eQuorum Customer Promise

 

In 2005, eQuorum developed the first all browser-based EDMS. The system, although for on-premise use, was still created to remove client software and JAVA from user computers and allow users to have a single viewer based on the simple navigation functionality of browsers. Today, eQuorum provides that same application in a private Cloud or a SaaS Cloud option.  We can do this because we are, and have always been, browser-based, understanding the enhanced speed, security, and usability of this technology.

With the abundance of document management systems on the market today, there’s no doubt that choosing the right Cloud document management software can be a difficult decision. eQuorum is here to provide a comprehensive, powerful, and most importantly – affordable Cloud document management solution. We believe in providing real value to our customers by eliminating unnecessary costs, providing industry-leading functionality, and equipping your team with the right tools using cutting edge technology to bring your products to market faster.

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Resources

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Using the Cloud for Drawing Distribution to Third Parties

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What Is Cloud Document Management and Why You Need It

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eQuorum®

We specialize in engineering workflow and document management. Our comprehensive, yet easy-to-use software provides the solution to manage data from design to manufacturing and production, to sales, support and administration.

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