It goes without saying that technology plays a major role in small business development in modern times. No matter what the nature of your company may be, embracing the latest technology is absolutely essential for keeping pace with the competition and meeting the expectations of customers. But sometimes, particularly with regard to new tools and systems, this is easier said than done.

One area in which small business owners are only now beginning to understand the need to adjust is with regard to the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT has expanded rapidly in the past year or two, and it seems that new applications for connected and “smart” devices are being churned out so quickly that it’s difficult to keep track of their various utilities. But how might a small business owner be able to take advantage of some of these applications to get a leg up on the competition? That depends a great deal on the nature of each individual business, but here are a few general suggestions.

Streamlining Manufacturing

To begin with, the manufacturing process can be greatly simplified by IoT technologies. Manufacturing has been put forth as one area in which small businesses can “cash in” on the Internet of Things. This is expected to be one of the most advanced branches of the IoT in another five years or so, and as such it provides a great deal of opportunity for savvy businesses big or small to get ahead. It’s the idea of tracking manufacturing progress and monitoring processes that may be most exciting. WiFi systems and advanced sensors can give you a comprehensive picture of how the design and creation process of any goods or materials you’re hoping to sell is going. You can then make quick or even automated adjustments to optimize the process and ensure that materials are produced efficiently and in proper condition.

Optimizing The Shipping Process

Another area in which the IoT can help small business owners to get ahead is through a similar optimization of the shipping process. Shipping may not be a concern to many small business owners. However, if you’re doing your own manufacturing and depending on deliveries of product (either to your own location or to a handful of stores you may have opened), it’s important to use technology to make the shipping process run smoothly. This may sound like a foreign concept to a lot of business owners, but there’s actually a lot of IoT-related functionality to take advantage of in this area. Nowadays, by integrating WiFi into company vehicles, owners and fleet managers can gain a full summary of driving activity and conduct analysis accordingly. WiFi systems can work with GPS to automatically report on a driver’s performance, routing information, road and vehicle conditions, etc., and that information can be used to maximize efficiency, minimize fuel waste, and keep drivers safe. All of this can minimize hassles and expenses, and make product as readily available as possible to a small business.

Improving The Retail Experience

And finally, the IoT can make a significant impact in your actual place of business as well, particularly if you operate a store of some kind. Much has been made of the fact that the IoT provides enhanced capabilities to measure engagement among marketers and brand advertisers. However, the same concepts can be taken advantage of by business owners as well. For instance, some stores are beginning to place IoT-enabled sensors along store shelves at strategic points. These sensors can interact with customers through Bluetooth and mobile apps to get an idea of what those customers are looking for and even access their purchasing history. Tools like these effectively make for a new form of outreach and engagement with customers, and can make any business more effective when it comes to meeting needs.

These are just a few of the ways in which this exciting new wave of smart technologies can be beneficial for small business owners. As stated, the specifics depend on an individual business’s practices and capabilities. But the prevailing point is that by taking advantage of the IoT, business owners can optimize internal practices and create a better experience for customers.

This article was contributed by Amanda Cole.  Amanda Cole is a freelance writer based out of Austin, TX. She enjoys reading and writing about business and technology in addition to playing soccer, cooking, and finding the best tacos in Austin.