Hardwood Flooring February March 2018

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The questions we have to ask now are around how we plan for this technology to be implemented in our businesses. Just like any new idea, planning is critical to success. Here are three key points to consider: 1. Make sure to use and recommend devices from reputable companies. Those generally consider the larger impacts of IoT like securing and managing the data collected in accordance with laws and information best practices. 2. Employ devices that have the ability to transform the way you do business, not just sound fun. Shiny objects abound in this market, so the challenge is to answer “How does this help my bottom line?” or “Will this make my customer more satisfied with my work or product?” 3. Read reviews of other users and test devices on a small scale before employing widely throughout. Investing in technology can be expensive, so invest wisely. So what is next? You tell me. All the ideas I talk about are just to get you thinking. I’d love to hear what ideas you have for the industry. How can others embrace and stimulate this technology development? What smart products are your customers asking for? Visit us online at hardwoodfloorsmag.com and tell me. Jodi O’Toole is Director of IT and Web Development at the National Wood Flooring Association in St. Louis. She can be reached at jodi.otoole@nwfa.org.

Connected tools Yes, even tools can be connected. Just about any tool can be connected to the IoT with special asset tags that enable tracking of devices. With these tags, tools can be easily tracked for inventory and location purposes. Also, businesses can build maintenance schedules based on the planned usage time of the devices, which is recorded by the tags. Tools with built-in controls have location and device monitoring, and they also monitor and record usage statistics including battery life. Many tools also have advanced capabilities such as remote locking or mobile device charging. There is even a hand sander that measures vibration duration and intensity to help contractors avoid hand-arm vibration syndrome (dead finger). To tie it all together, manufacturers have apps that catalog all the tools you have tagged and also those with built-in controls. What is next? We have only begun to skim the surface of connected devices and uses for them. IoT professionals predict that there will be 20-50 billion “things” in the IoT by 2020. The hardwood flooring industry is poised to take advantage of the tools, monitoring equipment, and other devices that can help realize efficiencies, improve, and lengthen the life of hardwood floors.

the magazine of the national wood flooring association

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