Hardwood Flooring February March 2018

TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS BEST PRACTICES

By Jodi O’Toole

Internet of Things HOW THE MAY AFFECT OUR INDUSTRY

these conveniences are possible with the Internet of Things (IoT). Before we can begin to understand how this may impact our industry, it is helpful to first understand, in regular terms, what the Internet of Things is. Simply put, IoT is a network of “things” – devices that communicate

Imagine a world where we can tell our oven to begin cooking dinner as we wrap up our day on the job. Visualize seeing through the cameras in your river cabin from the comfort of your home, ensuring the spring rains didn’t bring floodwaters into the structure. This sounds like the future, but it is now. This technology exists, and

information (data) with each other and the internet. It’s helpful to note that there are several communication channels available for this information stream such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and others. However, in this article, we’ll take a look specifically at devices,

no matter how they communicate data.

such as Google Home, Amazon Echo, or Logitech Harmony, among others. These inexpensive control centers are a one-stop place to manage all connected devices easily, sometimes with voice control. Industry specific devices What about devices that can truly help the wood flooring industry? Frommonitoring systems to tools, it’s amazing what connected technology is enabling us to control. If having cameras throughout your home to monitor possible water issues seems creepy, there are other devices and sensors that help monitor humidity levels and even log the data over time. Alerts can be sent through text or email, and you can even receive daily confirmation emails that the device is on and working. These devices, known as data-loggers, are perfect for monitoring the relative humidity in the home where the wood resides, prior to, during, and after installation. During installation, these data-loggers can also be installed within the floor itself for long-termmonitoring. Envision how customers would appreciate a quick response time to moisture and temperature issues that would adversely affect their floor. Imagine how simple this would make the claims process if/when a floor fails due to extreme conditions.

Connected home Let’s start by reviewing what we know to be “smart home” devices. Not only can appliances and cameras be connected, but so can many other home automation devices including security systems, lights, outlets, and sprinkler systems. Looking further into home automation devices that can affect our industry, we find thermostats, smoke detectors, robot vacuums, window coverings, HVAC units, and even moisture control systems. We can use these connected systems independently, with each other, and through apps on our phone or more. With internet-connected thermostats, we can adjust the temperature either on a timing system or before we leave the job site or office if we don’t operate on a set schedule. Furthermore, automation apps like IFTTT (If This, Then That) enable devices to work together and use the internet for information. For example, I could use IFTTT to tell my blinds to rise with the sunset and lower with the sunrise so my hardwood floors aren’t impacted by the sun. Similarly, I can programmy HVAC system to adjust based on the outdoor temperature, not the indoor temperature. Savvy and technology-forward homeowners have several devices already connected to a central hub or control device

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