The Internet of Things (IoT) means everyday devices, such as sensors, meters, cameras and trackers, connected to the internet so they can send data and be controlled remotely. It is already practical for many Zimbabwean businesses.
Practical uses
- Agriculture: soil moisture sensors, weather stations and smart irrigation.
- Energy: monitoring solar systems, batteries and generators remotely.
- Security: connected cameras, alarms and access control.
- Fleet and logistics: GPS tracking, fuel monitoring and cold-chain temperature sensors.
- Water: tank level and borehole pump monitoring.
- Retail and hospitality: stock and equipment monitoring.
Challenges to plan for
- Connectivity and power outside cities.
- Security: default passwords and unpatched devices can be hacked.
- Data privacy, especially with cameras.
- Cost and maintenance of devices and subscriptions.
- Making sense of data: dashboards and alerts must be useful.
Getting started
- Pick one problem where data would save money or prevent losses.
- Pilot a small number of devices.
- Change default passwords and keep firmware updated.
- Use a clear dashboard, often a web application, to view data and alerts.
Need help with this in Zimbabwe?
Web Entangled has been helping Zimbabwean businesses grow online since 2002. Explore our web application development, or request a free quotation and we will get back to you with a clear, itemised proposal.