MK
What is M2M and how is related to the ‘Internet of Things’?
Machine-to-machine communication (M2M) refers to the automated transfer of data among machines, devices, sensors and central servers with the purpose of remotely monitoring and controlling them, with or without human interaction. And the Internet of Things refers to the mentioned machines and devices and the way we interact with them. So basically the internet of things is a broader concept: it stands for the environment where the physical world meets the digital world and m2m is a way of connecting these two worlds.
How can M2M improve efficiency?
From Fleet management and Asset Tracking to Smart Metering – There are hundreds of various use cases that show the potential of m2m applications and how they can help improve efficiency and cut costs. However it all comes down to one simple concept: When you have the right information at the right time you are able to improve productivity, maximize utilization and increase profitability. In the last couple of years M2M communication has evolved from merely connecting devices and enabling the collection of remote data, to sophisticated end-to-end solutions capable of gathering large amounts of data, processing data to identify valuable information and sharing that information with the appropriate parties in real-time, across multiple platforms—seamlessly, and at the end take measurable and automated actions, which can among all result in efficiency regarding time and cost saving.
How is M2M currently being used in Macedonia and what is being planned for the future by VIP Macedonia?
M2M is currently widely used in many different verticals in Macedonia. Probably the biggest usage is in fiscal cash registers, which are all now connected to tax authority in Macedonia. Secondly, there is wide usage in fleet management and asset tracking, where numerous service providers are already established in the market. We also do see developing trends in agriculture and first use-cases when it comes to connected vending machines. Also lately there has been many initiative as on the state as well as on the municipality level when it comes to smart cities, moreover connected and smart public lighting.
What will M2M devices look like in 2025?
It is not the question how the devices in Internet of things or M2M domain will look like, except for wearables, but more of what will it`s capabilities be. Of course, the look will be designed according to the need of the end user or target market, as well as the size would need to fit priory set installations. Now and over the last years, we see a huge trend in the development of different purpose-oriented sensors when it comes to hardware itself, where they collect different parameters, ranging from temperature, height, weight, humidity, etc. So, in general besides devices itself, future of M2M or Internet of Things depends a lot on sensors.
How can local and national governments use M2M to improve their services?
For example in Austria municipalities are obliged to provide and document winter services for their inhabitants. Municipalities are challenged with the manual documentation of all snow plows and salt scatter activities and therefore solution for winter services with integrated sensors can provide this data effectively and in real-time, and at the end inform end-customers promptly. Other use cases vary from border controls, to smart cities, including smart roads, automated traffic light and traffic itself, public transport control, waste management, etc.