Local SMEs embrace the ‘The Internet of Things’

Adrian Weckler, broadcaster and technology editor of Independent newspapers, was keynote guest speaker to an audience of over 80 local business owners on Thursday 10th March, at the Parkview Hotel, Newtownmountkennedy.  The Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wicklow was delighted to welcome Ireland’s most recognised commentator on emerging technologies, who addressed the audience of SME owners on the hot topic of ‘The Internet of Things’.


IoT photo 1The seminar took place from 2pm – 5pm, during which the speakers clearly explained the concept of ‘The Internet of Things’ (IoT), and described how local businesses could explore the concept for their commercial benefit.  Using tangible examples, such as smart fridges, farming applications, the ‘Nest’ home heating control system and management of van fleets, Adrian Weckler brought the notion of IoT to life for business owners, and really ignited their imaginations as to the possibilities out there.

In addition to Adrian’s presentation, local business owner Paul Geoghegan of Bray based Xetec Ltd, demonstrated a model factory with the ‘Internet of Things’ in action, and described how it has improved his business prospects and offering.  A short break was followed by Greystones local, and Vice President of Marketing for the international software company, Asavie, Hugh Carroll, who brought updates from their recent attendance at the World Mobile Congress in Barcelona, and the ‘IoT to Business’ solution they developed for Eir.

Delighted with the high level of interest in the topic, Sheelagh Daly, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office Wicklow, commended the attendees on their broad minded approach to business, saying ‘No doubt we will see IoT in action, increasing the competitiveness of our County Wicklow based SMEs in the very near future.  It is fantastic to see local businesses getting ahead of the curve and showing an interest in technology as a business driver’.

Internet of Things - photo 2