How Companies Are Leveraging Microsoft Azure’s IoT Hub

Azure IoT Hub is a managed Internet of Things (IoT) service hosted on the cloud. Brought out by Microsoft’s cloud, this service enables a two-sided conversation between IoT applications and the devices they're connected to. Recently, Microsoft announced reduced subscription costs for Azure, making it easier for small businesses and large enterprises to adopt IoT technology. Best of all, as customers advance in their IoT journey, they can upgrade their subscriptions to perform more specialized capabilities.

We bring to you some real-world examples of how Azure’s IoT Hub is being used for improved efficiency and business benefits:

1. Thyssenkrupp Elevators

Wanting to get ahead of the competition, Thyssenkrupp Elevators decided to focus on making their elevator cabs much more efficient and reliable, giving customers something they truly need. They did this by leveraging the potential of IoT and Microsoft Azure’s capabilities. Data related to the elevator usage is transferred to the cloud using sensors and software systems. This information is converted to useful business intelligence. Using this information, ThyssenKrupp has been able to make vast improvements in their operations, take pre-emptive measures and make on-time maintenance checks for seamless use through the year.

Here’s a video of Azure at work for Thyssenkrupp elevators.

2. EcoLab’s Water Management System

Here are some interesting facts shared by Ecolab. While individual conservation of water is a big talking point, it’s important to look at the larger picture. It takes about 55 gallons of water to make the coffee you drink every day, and over 700 gallons of water to make your shirt. Ecolab is on their way to solving this problem by identifying ways to produce everyday items using much less water. Ecolab is using Microsoft’s cloud services to bring much-needed insights for their water management solution. Together, they have devised a solution that addresses the problem on a much larger scale and with much deeper impact. Microsoft’s solution helps convert customers in two ways: firstly, by gathering data related to the wastage of water, and secondly, by providing alternatives to factory processes that will make more business sense.

Watch this video made by EcoLab.

3. Oil and Gas Supply Chain Management by Rockwell Automation

It takes numerous machines, transport systems, and logistics teams who work seamlessly together in order to provide a constant supply of petroleum to those in need. Each of these processes is elaborate and requires the usage of expensive capital assets. Any glitch in the supply chain will lead to huge losses. Identifying this market gap, Rockwell Automation is using the capabilities of IoT to build new forms of intelligence and transform the petroleum supply chain process. Rockwell Automation has added sensors throughout the system in order to evaluate health and wellness in real-time. From collecting fuel from oil wells to smart gas pumps, Rockwell Automation is ensuring safety, automation, and control for the entire supply chain.

4. Johnson Control’s Greener Buildings

As temperatures rise and pollution increases, there’s an increased need to regulate air quality in apartments and housing complexes. Johnson Controls is one of the leading companies in the modern building automation and sustainability segment. As data points, sensors, and information grew, Johnson Controls decided to use the Azure IoT suite to manage their data sets. This was the best alternative to reduce costs and to improve performance, security, and core data infrastructure. Moving to IoT has helped building managers maximize operational efficiency and minimize expenses and energy costs, ensuring a more sustainable environment.

Written by Ashika Devi, and Independent Marketing Consultant.