| X-axis label | 2021 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing sector | 37 |
| Construction sector | 28 |
| Selected services sector | 34 |
| All sectors | 34 |
The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to interconnected devices or systems, often referred to as "smart" devices or systems. They collect and exchange data and can be monitored or remotely controlled via the internet. Alarm systems, smoke detectors, cameras, sensors, lights and cars are some examples of appliances that can be connected to the IoT. In 2021, more than a third (34%) of enterprises indicated that they use IoT in some capacity. In the Manufacturing sector, 37% of businesses use these interconnected devices while 34% and 28% of firms in Services and Construction use IoT devices respectively. See Figure 4.1a and Table 4.1.
| X-axis label | 2021 |
|---|---|
| for Energy consumption management | 7 |
| for Premises' security | 23 |
| for Production processes | 4 |
| for Logistics management | 7 |
| for Condition-based maintenance needs of machines or vehicles | 5 |
| for Customer service | 6 |
| for Other purposes | 9 |
The most common use of IoT devices in 2021 was for the security of the enterprise's premises. Almost a quarter (23%) of firms use IoT devices for premises' security. A higher proportion of Manufacturing (26%) and Services (24%) enterprises use IoT devices for security than Construction (12%) firms.
Among enterprises in Ireland, 7% indicated they use IoT devices for energy consumption management. IoT use for this purpose was higher among Manufacturing enterprises (11%) compared to 7% of Construction firms and 6% of businesses in Services.
Similarly, 7% of enterprises use interconnected devices for logistics management with more Manufacturing (11%) firms making use of IoT for this purpose than Construction (8%) and Services (6%).
While only 4% of firms use IoT in their production processes, one in ten Manufacturing enterprises reported doing so compared to 4% of Services and 2% of Construction companies. Meanwhile 7% of Services firms use IoT devices for customer service while only 3% and 2% do so in Manufacturing and Construction respectively. See Figure 4.1b and Table 4.1.
| Table 4.1 Enterprise use of Internet of Things by sector, 2021 | ||||
| % | ||||
| Manufacturing sector | Construction sector | Selected services sector | Total | |
| Use any interconnected devices or systems that can be monitored or remotely controlled via the internet | 37 | 28 | 34 | 34 |
| for Energy consumption management | 11 | 7 | 6 | 7 |
| for Premises' security | 26 | 12 | 24 | 23 |
| for Production processes | 10 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| for Logistics management | 11 | 8 | 6 | 7 |
| for Condition-based maintenance needs of machines or vehicles | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5 |
| for Customer service | 3 | 2 | 7 | 6 |
| for Other purposes | 8 | 14 | 9 | 9 |
| Enterprises can use more than one source, hence the sum of the different types does not equal the total figure. | ||||
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