As technology like cloud computing and even the internet of things (IoT) continues to grow at an amazing pace, businesses are running into a whole new set of challenges. A primary concern is how organizations are supposed to process the data in real time.
For data analysts, this can be a question leaving them lying awake at night. Okay, this may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it's still a concern. However, edge AI may be the answer. Here are some common examples of Edge AI use in business and how the technology is helping improve operations.
How Edge AI is Changing How Businesses Operate
If you're not sure if edge technology is something you need to pay attention to, here's a look at how it's already changing the future of business.
Make Decisions in Real Time
Chances are the majority, if not all, of your organization's devices are connected. This means data is flowing back and forth between the devices. Sometimes, data can get bogged down. Yes, even the internet can become congested. Think of a traffic jam, and you get an idea of what happens when too many devices are sending data at the same time.
However, edge computing can help resolve this issue by keeping data closer to the point of origin. No, this doesn't mean the cloud will be obsolete, only that businesses have more options when it comes to where their data is located. Since latency speeds are reduced, your devices can make decisions in real time.
An example of how the technology can be used is with self-driving vehicles. The last thing you want sharing the road with you is a self-driving car that can't make speedy decisions. After all, do you really want to drive next to an indecisive vehicle? You know, one that can't decide to go at a green light.
Boost Efficiency
Something almost every business pushes for is improved efficiency. When everything is running smoothly and efficiently, profit margins typically increase. You may believe your organization is operating at peak efficiency, but chances are there are a few gaps.
Using edge AI, you can boost the performance of your IoT applications. You can reduce the amount of data you need to store in the cloud, and this can make it easier for staff to access. With improved data access, productivity typically increases. You also get a better user experience, and this is something your employees will appreciate.
Improve Security
Okay, improving security doesn't mean employing additional armed guards. Even banks have limits on how much manual security is necessary to keep everyone safe. Improving security refers to your online protocols, and your organization should have robust practices in place.
If you're dealing with personal or protected information, data security is a legal requirement. The laws can vary by state and industry. Even different countries have various legal standards. For example, HIPAA applies to the healthcare industry, and Europe rigidly enforces its cyber security act.
Businesses that are out of compliance can face regulatory penalties. These penalties can include stiff fines and even suspension of operations. Edge AI can help limit your exposure to online security breaches by limiting the amount of data sent over the internet. Remember, edge technology keeps data closer to the source, which automatically reduces potential risks.
Reduce Operating Expenses
When it comes to finding ways to reduce operating expenses, pretty much every business is going to be on board. Cutting spending is often a top priority every time budget proposals come around. While organizations can take steps to reduce overhead, like transitioning to energy-efficient lighting, the overall savings often only amount to a tiny portion of the operating budget.
A large portion of an organization's budget is often taken up by the IT department. Transitioning to the cloud does reduce some of the costs, but you can take it a step further. Implementing edge computing can reduce the need for expensive cloud technology services. Since edge technology keeps data close to the source, you can forego some of your cloud storage costs.
If your business has a lot of IoT devices, edge technology can make a noticeable difference in your operating expenses.
Boost Scalability
Edge technology spreads tasks across your devices, giving you an architecture that's more easily scalable. Edge technology can handle a sudden increase in the number of connected devices without straining your existing system. You can easily add and remove edge devices as workloads increase or decrease.
Think of Edge AI as being a type of plug-and-play technology. Even though users may need to make a few adjustments as devices are added, it's noticeably less than if they're relying solely on cloud computing.
Reduce Latency Speeds
A low latency speed isn't something only gamers look for, real-time processing can also be critical for devices and applications. An example is wearable devices. Whether the user is checking their number of steps or monitoring heart rate, they want to see their data in real-time. In other words, they want to know what their current heart rate is and not what it was five minutes ago.
Latency speed also ties into efficiency and productivity. When staff are waiting for data results, it costs businesses money. Lowering latency speeds boosts consumers' experiences, and this is good news for companies' bottom lines.
Unlock New Applications
Even cloud models can run into problems processing huge or intricate chunks of data. This can limit your ability to create new applications. The AV/VR field is an example. The amount of data necessary to create an immersive user experience is immense. Often more than cloud models can handle. Edge AI can provide the support your team needs to create and sustain new apps.
The Future Includes Edge AI Technology
While you may not be ready to jump on edge computing, it's something you'll want to consider. Edge AI is the future of business, and chances are, this will affect the way your organization interacts with data. With all of the potential benefits, it often makes sense to start embracing the technology.