Blog

4 Ways IoT Can Affect Project Management

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the latest buzzword in the corporate world. The hype behind the technological innovation is not just relevant to electronic devices. The connected internet enabled-devices will have far-reaching consequences, changing the way a lot of things are done, including project management.

In this article, you will know how project management will be affected by technologies that are spread over multiple machines that work in unison. While the interest in devices may have waned among consumers, they are still a relevant topic of interest among corporate professionals.

1. Security

Increased adoption of IoT devices such as remote collaboration devices poses a security threat. The Dyn DDoS attack that happened in 2016 on IoT devices is a stark reminder of how they can compromise business operations. Project managers need to be aware of the security risk of these devices. One report by Gartner predicts that this year companies will spend around $550 million for increased security of IoT devices.

As a project manager, you need to ensure that property security measures are put in place to avoid any security breaches. A security audit needs to be carried out to reduce the risk of an attack. The PMs will be responsible to ensure that security policies are implemented for IoT devices that are used in project management and collaboration.  This should be a key component project planning, and not an afterthought.

2. Implementation

Project managers will be required to play an increasingly important role in the implementation of IoT devices. Their role will include knowing about the ins and outs of each IoT device that is relevant for the business.

The project managers need to be on the front line and ensure streamlined adoption of IoT technologies that are relevant to a business. They will need to take a keen interest in ensuring successful implementation of IoT devices. They will also need to guide project team in using the internet connected devices for collaboration and teamwork.

3. Collaboration

IoT devices will change the way project team collaborate. While the online project management software will continue to be used to schedule tasks, IoT devices will be used for communicating with remote employees. Using IoT conferencing devices, PMs can answer technical queries relating to the task. They can use the technology to collaborate both with the team and the stakeholder.

The devices will allow increased interconnection collecting data and making them available to others. It will ensure constant connectivity and availably that will lead to enhanced collaboration and communication.  

4. A New Standard

Lastly, the proliferation of IoT devices among consumers and corporations will necessitate the need for stands. This means that PMs need to be on the lookout for new standards. They need to ensure compliance with standard usage to reduce security risks and ensure enhanced collaboration.

IoT will revolutionize the corporate sector in the years ahead. A report by McKinsey Global Institute expects that the economic impact of internet-connected devices will be $2.7 to $6.2 per year by 2025. The devices will impact distribution, communication, and other critical sectors of the corporate sector.