In the modern world, digital technologies are omnipresent. The Internet of Things (IoT) is connecting us as individuals and organisations in a way that has never been possible until now. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
But this newfound connectivity brings with it both opportunity and risk. In this article, we take a look at how combining IoT and\u00a0blockchain technology<\/a>\u00a0could help businesses realise untapped potential, build consumer trust and mitigate data security risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Globally spread reservoirs of behavioural and transactional user data contain insights that can help organisations\u2014from retail to logistics to healthcare\u2014develop better products and services that are tailored to the needs of the individual. But, at the same time, this information is vulnerable to misuse by bad actors. So how can organisations safeguard data security? Combining iot and blockchain technology can be the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, cybercrime aside, with the increasing adoption of AI across the spectrum of industries, how can consumers trust in the algorithmic recommendations being pushed their way\u2014particularly when it comes to things like healthcare?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits of blockchain are myriad. And, when combined with IoT devices, this technology can provide the added agility and security needed to enable smarter user experiences<\/a> and ensure successful digital transformations. The key benefits of blockchain and IoT are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We elaborate on these benefits in relation to specific blockchain and IoT applications<\/a> below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Effective supply chains<\/a> are built on information sharing and trust. But supply chains are now vast\u2014often global\u2014networks made up of many moving parts, and this presents a real challenge for businesses. Used in conjunction, IoT and blockchain can help industries overcome some of the key problems of ensuring the uninterrupted and verifiable supply of goods, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The integration of blockchain software and IoT technologies within manufacturing will help businesses implement multiple efficiency and profit-boosting value chains. A few key examples of smart manufacturing processes that blockchain and IoT can bring about are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Counterfeit drugs are a big problem for today\u2019s pharmaceutical industry. As far back as 2016, the value of counterfeit drugs traded globally was estimated to total US$4.4 billion<\/a>\u2014which doesn\u2019t include goods traded across domestic borders. This figure has undoubtedly risen since then, with up to 10% of all medicines reported to be fake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Illegitimate pharmaceuticals pose a great health risk to all, so ensuring drug provenance and supply chain transparency is paramount, particularly in the wake of a surge in black market vaccines prompted by COVID-19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By combining IoT technologies with the decentralised, incorruptible and fully auditable nature of blockchain, pharma firms can gain an end-to-end view of a drug\u2019s journey; from manufacture to distribution. The blockchain ledger cannot be muted or amended, which means that every data entry around a drug\u2019s production and transportation can be traced.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n When combined with IoT technologies, blockchain software has the power to revolutionise the insurance industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking car insurance as the first example; with blockchain, a vehicle\u2019s complete history, along with that of its driver, can be accessed by insurers to gain a holistic picture of the possible risk a driver\/vehicle poses. This, in turn, means that insurers can tailor their premiums and cover levels to more accurately reflect the customer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same is true of home and health insurance. The IoT\u2019s connected devices can give a complete picture of a person\u2019s home security measures or health factors, allowing insurance providers to tailor their services and premiums accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And this doesn\u2019t only favour the insurer. From the insured\u2019s point of view, the claims process is simplified because all of the data required to examine a claim is stored immutably on the blockchain, providing easy access for the insurer. Furthermore, good efforts\u2014i.e. safe driving, taking care of one\u2019s health and bolstering home security\u2014are rewarded with lower premiums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Interest in developing smart cities is growing, with a focus on establishing connected infrastructure which will enable new urban efficiencies and better public utilities and services, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, as with all aspects of a connected society, these possibilities bring with them concerns about the security and integrity of the vast body of highly sensitive data being collected through IoT devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBenefits of IoT and Blockchain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Five Key Applications of IoT and Blockchain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Supply chain and logistics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Smarter manufacturing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3. Pharmaceuticals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. Tailored insurance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5. Smart cities<\/h3>\n\n\n\n