Ever wondered how sophisticated machines like industrial units coordinate their different functions without the direct control of an operator? Or how the various systems of a plane are seamlessly coordinated to ensure nothing goes wrong along the way?
Industrial systems, engines and sophisticated machines are increasingly wired by technology that can facilitate activities flawlessly without any additional human input. Such technology is capable of diagnosing system operations and detect problems way before they occur – welcome to the world of M2M.
M2M or Machine to machine is a concept used to describe technologies that enable networked devices to exchange data or information and perform the right actions without the manual human assistance.
Machine to machine communication is used in remote monitoring of machine operations and system processes. It has become an important aspect of warehouse management, robotics, remote control, traffic control, fleet management, supply chain management, logistic services and telemedicine.
M2M is a subset of the Internet of Things (IoT)
While some people, including professionals within the industry view that M2M and IoT are interchangeable, the two have different meanings.
M2M depends on a network – with cellular, satellite, public networks – coming into play as for the machines to send and receive instructions. IoT on the other hand refers to a broader concept and is not limited to telco networks.
IoT is a system of interrelated computing devices, objects, mechanical and digital machines or people that have the ability to transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-computer or human-to-human interaction. There are unique identifiers in IoT that enable the system to do online data gathering, process automation, and remote control.
IoT centres on connecting applications and devices. Autonomous data, personal devices, app generated events, server or cloud processing can all be interlinked under the IoT.
Considering the data sharing aspect, M2M with Internet protocols qualifies as a subset of IoT.
Simply put, machine-to-machine communication involves the transfer of information between machines and remote application infrastructure aimed at monitoring and controlling the machine itself or the surrounding environment, with the use of network resources. The IoT on the other hand is all about the potential interconnection of smart objects and the means by which we interact with the digital machines and use them in the physical world.
The state of M2M technologies today
IoT has enabled companies to provide better services and reduce costs, ultimately improving the quality of life.
It has evolved from the convergence of wireless technologies, micro services, MEMS or micro-electromechanical systems and the internet into something greater and interconnected. IoT is still evolving. Good thing It has allowed unstructured data generated by machines to be analysed for insights that can drive major improvements.
The concept came up after the co-founder and executive director of The MIT Auto-ID Kevin Ashton first mentioned it in his 1999 presentation to Procter & Gamble.
Its subset, M2M system has components that include sensors, a Wi-Fi or cellular communications link, RFID and autonomic computing software that are programmed to help a networked device interpret chunks of data and make decisions – just as Kevin Ashton envisioned when he first talked about IoT in 1999.
Today, the most popular type of M2M communication is telemetry. This refers to the recording and transmission the readings of an implement; which has been in use for decades to transmit operational data.
Telemetry now uses the internet moving from telephone lines and radio waves.
Aspects of machine to machine communication can now be found in products like home heating units, Internet-connected household appliances and electric meters. Products with built-in M2M capabilities are commonly labelled as ‘smart’ products while being marketed to end users.
M2M communication is currently built as task- or device-specific systems without a standardised connected device platform.
Application of M2M communication
The full potential of M2M communication is yet to be realised.
Common components of M2M systems such as Wi-Fi, cellular communication links, autonomic computing, RFID, sensors and programming software are things that we interact with or use daily. These are all elements that help a networked device interpret data independently and come up with the right decisions.
How many products do you know that are labelled as smart? These smart devices are all laced with the IoT technology, evidencing the vast importance of M2M communication to both individuals and businesses.
At OneSimCard, we have a range of solutions designed to make it easier to automate your business processes and expansion, cut costs, increase productivity and improve customer service as well as the quality of life.
Here are some of the main application areas where our M2M services come handy:
Asset Management
Machine to machine communication has become crucial in the automotive industry.
You can use our services in managing and tracking your fleet and other high value assets. Other forms of M2M asset management applications include monitoring of fuel consumption, maintenance reporting, collection of field data, telematics and prevention of fraud.
Services Management
Our IoT packages can help you save energy on your appliances, both at the household and business level.
We can also help you with job site connectivity, maintenance scheduling and preventive maintenance.
Remote monitoring
You can make it easier to manage your security and other services through building automation. We can also help you remotely get your meter readings, and check your digital signs & billboards.
Let us know how we can help you with the huge range of M2M services we offer.
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