Glossary Definition: Internet of Things

IoT stands for the internet of things (IoT). This refers to a system of interconnected computing devices that can exchange data via the internet.

The internet of things (IoT) is a system of interconnected systems including equipment sensors, machines, and digital and computing devices that allow for an instantaneous exchange of information.

Internet of things examples include:

• Smartphones/watches
• Smart appliances
• Smart door locks/security systems
• Medical sensors
• Fitness trackers 

If you’ve been asking yourself questions such as…

• What is IoT?
• What is the meaning of IoT?
• What is the internet of things?
• What does IoT mean?

… you aren’t alone! Every day thousands of people ask themselves these same questions. And you’re in luck because we have an answer for you.

According to Google’s Oxford Languages dictionary, the internet of things definition is, “the interconnection via the internet of computing devices embedded in everyday objects, enabling them to send and receive data.”

By streamlining data transfer, the IoT supports both data analytics and data science. This allows organizations to better track and analyze their data. In this way, the IOT makes it easier to predict failures, improve processes, and optimize their operations.

Depending on the industry and organization, IoT may also be known by the following terms:

• Fourth Industrial Revolution
• Industry 4.0
• Intelligent systems
• Industrial IoT
• Machine to machine communication
• Smart system
• Web of Things
• Internet of things devices

IoT security, also known as Internet of Things security, refers to the specific practices that keep your systems safe from outside threats.

The management of IoT security involves monitoring device updates, enforcing password changes, and disabling remote access to certain devices.

The internet of things in pharma (also known as IoT in pharma) is synonymous with Pharma 4.0, which is transforming the way life science teams work, interact with their environments, share data, and execute processes with the end goal of increasing speed to market.

This “smart manufacturing” model allows pharma companies to:

By linking machines and systems together, intelligent networks are created that control each other and can trigger automatic processes as needed. For example, because IoT devices are equipped with sensors, they can measure the temperature, rotor speed, vibration, clarity of the water, and beyond which allows for manufacturing to be streamlined, and also reduces the likelihood of errors.

IoT is used in pharma to aid in asset performance management, such as managing a device’s temperature to ensure it’s within a safe range for manufacturing purposes. This way, drug production companies are able to predict an equipment failure before it can impact a batch run, letting them stop the batch run before something dangerous happens.

It’s also used by medical professionals and patients to monitor health conditions. For example, IoT smart devices (such as glucose reading devices, ingestible sensors, and remote heart rate monitoring) can track patient activity outside of traditional clinical settings. Leveraging IoT in healthcare reduces patient risk, and allows people to be proactive when it comes to seeking healthcare or addressing issues.

The IoT is important in pharma because it connects systems and devices together, which allows them to more easily capture and share information. This deep insight helps pharma companies make more informed manufacturing decisions, such as when to service equipment, or whether a batch is being manufactured correctly.

Most importantly, IoT accelerates speed to market, meaning more critical products get to the people who need them the most.