How Edge AI & IoT Are Transforming Industries with Smarter Spaces

For years, IT and operational technology (OT) have operated in separate worlds. IT managed the enterprise system — like data, servers and business applications — while OT controlled physical machinery and processes in production environments. Driven by digital transformation initiatives, these two domains have now converged, creating a unified technological ecosystem.

This IT-OT convergence is paving the way for smarter, more connected production environments. No longer just a vision of the future, “smart spaces” are transforming the way we live, work, shop and move. By leveraging edge computing, AI and IoT technology to create smarter, safer and more sustainable environments, smart spaces are already having a transformative impact across manufacturing, corporate, retail and transportation industries.

Leveraging real-time data to optimize every aspect of the way these spaces function, intelligent environments enable features like:

• Real-time safety monitoring. Together with intelligent video surveillance systems, IoT sensors and video analytics, video intelligence solutions can monitor any environment for danger and act in real time. Whether it’s an AI-powered camera detecting unauthorized entry or a workplace hazard, the system can issue an immediate alert, preventing accidents before they happen.
  
  
• Predictive maintenance. Instead of servicing machinery on a fixed schedule, sensors can monitor the health and performance of equipment continuously. This data is processed at the edge as AI algorithms analyze this data to predict when a component is likely to fail. Maintenance can then be scheduled precisely when needed, minimizing unplanned downtime and extending the lifespan of valuable machinery.
  
  
• Intelligent occupancy management. In large facilities or even cities, managing the movement of people can be a complex challenge. Smart sensors can track the location and flow of people, vehicles and materials throughout area, allowing for intelligent scheduling and route optimization.

Watch our on-demand webinar where CDW experts provide even more practical examples for business leaders, operations managers and technology professionals looking to innovate and optimize their spaces.