The Internet of Things (IoT) and mobility are revamping the way businesses operate, creating brand-new opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and growth. As more devices connect to the internet and mobile workforces expand, sales partners are perfectly positioned to help clients tap into these technologies for long-term success.
Here, we summarize the key takeaways from the recent webinar from Intelisys on how sales partners can leverage IoT and mobility to uncover hidden opportunities for clients. We’ll also explore strategies to help you engage more clients and grow your business.
Let’s get started.
Understanding IoT and Mobility: The Basics
IoT refers to devices that connect to the internet and communicate with each other to perform tasks, collect data, or monitor environments. Examples of IoT include sensors, smart badges, and wearable technology. Mobility, on the other hand, focuses on allowing employees to work from anywhere, using mobile devices such as phones and tablets to stay connected and productive.
Both IoT and mobility are reshaping industries by providing better access to data, improving efficiency, and enhancing safety. However, these technologies depend on strong network infrastructure, making it necessary for businesses to invest in the right connectivity solutions.
Sales partners who understand the importance of these technologies can effectively guide their clients in adopting systems that bring the most value.
High-Impact IoT and Mobility Applications Across Key Industries
Several industries are already benefiting from IoT and mobility, offering sales partners clear opportunities to add value to their clients’ operations. Here are a few industries that have greatly benefited from these innovative technologies:
Hospitality
Wearable technology, like smart badges, is improving staff communication and safety. IoT sensors are also being deployed to monitor hotel environments, including carbon dioxide levels, to guarantee guest safety.
One case study from the webinar highlighted a hospital’s upgrade to a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network, which drastically improved the performance of connected devices. (LTE offers faster speeds and greater efficiency compared to older network technologies like 3G.)
Transportation and Logistics
Fleet management is transforming with IoT-enabled GPS and onboard cameras. These technologies help companies track vehicle locations, monitor maintenance needs, and ensure driver safety. For example, a small logistics fleet that adopted GPS-based management and cameras saw improvements in route efficiency and reduced insurance costs.
By using real-time GPS tracking, they were able to optimize delivery routes, minimize fuel consumption, and reduce delays. Meanwhile, the onboard cameras provided valuable data to prevent accidents and lower liability, resulting in fewer claims and lower premiums.
Retail
Mobile point-of-sale (POS) systems and IoT-powered inventory tracking tools are making retail operations smoother and more efficient. IoT solutions such as heat mapping and foot traffic analysis can help retailers optimize store layouts to enhance the customer experience and boost sales.
With customer traffic heat mapping, retailers can identify the best product placements, increasing sales of strategic items by positioning them in high-visibility areas, such as near the front entrance—similar to strategies used by Costco and Sam’s Club. This approach is especially beneficial for mid to large retailers, where prime locations are often sponsored by vendors or manufacturers.
One retailer featured in the webinar used IoT to better manage inventory and streamline operations, ultimately improving customer satisfaction. By integrating smart sensors and RFID technology, they monitored stock levels in real time, automated reordering processes, and reduced instances of out-of-stock items.
These industries are just a glimpse of how IoT and mobility applications are transforming industries. Similar impacts extend across healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond.
The Right Questions to Identify IoT Opportunities
To learn how IoT and mobility can benefit a client, sales partners need to ask the right questions. Start by identifying the client’s pain points and areas where connected devices could drive efficiency or reduce costs.
Here are some of the most effective questions:
- “What challenges are you currently facing with your mobile devices or network infrastructure?”
- “How are you managing your fleet/retail inventory?”
- “Are there any safety or efficiency concerns that IoT solutions could help address?”
- “Do you need better ways to monitor assets, staff, or customer behavior?”
These questions help start conversations that can reveal the client’s current systems and needs. With this information, sales partners can recommend IoT and mobility solutions that are custom-tailored to tackle their specific challenges.
For more tips on starting these conversations, Intelisys University offers resources and training on how to frame IoT discussions with your clients. You’ll also find question frameworks designed to help you uncover vital insights from your prospects.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Implementing IoT and Mobility Solutions
Once you’ve identified a potential opportunity, the next step is to implement a solution that aligns with your client’s business objectives.
Here’s a step-by-step approach to help you get started:
- Identify Potential Clients: Pinpoint industries and clients where IoT and mobility solutions could make a meaningful impact. Focus on sectors where safety, efficiency, or customer experience improvements are top priorities.
- Ask the Right Questions: Use the questions mentioned earlier to uncover client challenges and identify areas where IoT and mobility could drive value. Remember, identifying the right fit for your client starts with asking the right questions.
- Leverage Intelisys Resources: Intelisys provides access to a broad portfolio of suppliers specializing in IoT, mobility, and network infrastructure solutions. Use these resources to connect clients with the right technology providers.
- Start Small: Begin with scalable solutions that can grow alongside your client’s business. By starting with smaller, manageable products, you can deliver quick wins and build trust.
- Collaborate with Intelisys: Work with the Intelisys team to scope out projects and identify the best supplier recommendations. Our team is here to support you every step of the way, so your client’s implementation is seamless and successful.
Empowering Clients Through IoT and Mobility Strategies
IoT and mobility offer unmatched opportunities for businesses across industries to operate more efficiently, improve safety, and deliver better customer experiences. As a sales partner, you have the tools and resources to help your clients unlock these opportunities.
By asking the right questions, leveraging our network of suppliers, and offering scalable solutions, you can set your clients up for long-term success.
For more insights and actionable strategies on implementing IoT and mobility solutions, check out Intelisys University. There, you’ll find webinars, whitepapers, and other resources to help you continue growing your book of business.
Harness the Power of IoT and Mobility for Your Business Campaign
