Today, many experts predict the Internet of Things (the “IoT”) will soon revolutionize daily life for millions of people. Businesses that maintain busy mail processing centers will likely experience these changes soon. If your firm attends mail equipment sales, how will the development of increasingly automated “smart” equipment impact your enterprise?
Reach Technologies focuses upon providing practical office solutions. We remain vigilant to discover new ways to assist our customers in improving their efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As the Internet of Things grows increasingly important, we continue to track new developments in our field with interest!
Rapid Changes
Some startling statistics suggest managers should begin planning for “smart” mail rooms now. For example, between 2006 and 2020, the high tech firm Intel reportedly projected a significant increase in devices capable of accessing the Internet. Analysts foresaw a rise in the number of these units worldwide from 2 billion to a figure estimated at around 200 billion. If accurate, already numerous machines in a typical company routinely obtain and exchange data online.
Busy mail processing centers today usually maintain Internet connectivity. This process assists companies in tracking incoming and outgoing mailings in real time. Yet as the IoT expands, the capabilities of mail processing machines may well increase even further. Enhanced automation may lead to around-the-clock operational schedules. Unlike human employees, robotic mail processing equipment won’t stop working at the close of a business day. This new generation of sophisticated machinery will likely give some firms a competitive productivity edge.
Two Key Priorities
However, the advent of highly automated mail processing centers also remains fraught with potential pitfalls. Many experts anticipate businesses will need to pay particular attention to maintaining privacy and security as they grow increasingly Internet-dependent. The use of highly automated systems will also likely still require some level of human supervision to address problems like hacking, malware, and backup failures.
By preparing for greater automation now, firms may find themselves in a much better position to implement vital security protocols in the future. For instance, managers currently enjoy a wonderful opportunity to test possible innovations before implementing them on a large scale. Many firms will discover advantages in working closely with innovative mailroom equipment vendors. These technologically proficient companies offer vital assistance helping businesses implement automation in a scalable way as the Internet of Things becomes a reality.
