M2M, or machine-to-machine communication, is an automated process through which information gets exchanged among devices. M2M communication has various applications like controlling and monitoring machines and search engines indexing websites.
There is no direct manual interaction in this inter-device communication, meaning these machines exchange data within a network from one point to another without human intervention.
It can also coordinate and carry out tasks on its own. There are many benefits, applications and functionalities that the M2M communication model provides. Take a look at all the advantages of deploying such a communication model for your business needs.
eSIM Technology – Revolutionising M2M Technology:
An embedded SIM card is a chip with eUICC technology integrated within a cellular electronic device’s circuit board. Users can download virtual SIM cards or mobile operator profiles onto an eSIM via the internet. One eSIM card can store multiple operator profiles and allows users to switch operators to connect to whichever network is functional in their vicinity.
There are currently two different eSIM communication models which the GSMA has standardised that differ based on their applications. The first use is for IoT-enabled (Internet of things) devices, which follows the M2M eSIM model of communication. The second one is designed for the end consumer and consumer devices.Â
In both cases, the difference lies in who controls the eSIM and who chooses the mobile network profile the eUICC should store. In the consumer eSIM model, an individual user decides the network operator stored in their eSIM card. These profiles are then used to connect mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets etc. In the M2M model, the focus lies on limiting or eliminating any interaction between a device and a human operator. Under this model, mobile network profiles are downloaded directly from mobile networks as M2M devices don’t usually have an interactive interface.
Benefits of Using the M2M Model:
1. Improvement in operational efficiency:
An M2M device improves operational efficiency in many ways. Consider the example of the manufacturing domain. In this sector, M2M devices perform functions like monitoring different machines along the production line. If any machine displays unusual behaviour like excessive heating, the M2M device sounds like a warning. This gives the technicians enough time to carry out any operations before any damage is inflicted or the machine breaks. This directly reduces downtime and improves the production line’s operational efficiency.
Another M2M eSIM application is vending machines. These are fitted with M2M sensors that help in monitoring stock levels. Employees no longer need to monitor and check the stock of products in the machine as this gets tracked automatically. This automation has helped improve the efficiency of the restocking process within the industry.
2. Improvement in quality of services and products:
Automating services and production processes using M2M directly enhances the quality of service and product offerings. One important application of M2M communication is in contactless payments. This speeds up the payment process significantly and allows businesses to process payments faster and improve the customer experience.
There are also indirect benefits of M2M communication on the quality of service and product offerings. Automating processes via M2M frees up resources’ time and allows these resources to focus on other impactful areas of business. This helps increase profitability and business offerings.
3. Improvement in decision-making processes:
An M2M device continuously collects data and transmits it to other devices or servers in real-time. Businesses operating in environmental monitoring, manufacturing or other industries where this data is critical can make more informed decisions by deploying an M2M model.
An M2M device is also a significant part of the process of data gathering, which builds up Big Data. Once data is collected, it is further analysed for patterns and trends to provide businesses with fundamental information that drives better decision-making. Consider an organisation that ships temperature-sensitive products within a container. Any sudden or gradual increase in temperature in such a case could be catastrophic. An M2M communication model allows data to be shared with those in charge and force them to check on any issues. This helps in confirming the problem beforehand and finding a way to mitigate it before any real damage is done.
4. Improvement in ROI and cost efficiency:
By increasing business process efficiency overall, M2M communication helps businesses to cut down operation costs and increase their ROI (return on investment). Consider a situation where earlier, IT companies had to send individuals or teams to collect data from remote devices and perform software updates. Now, M2M technology allows businesses to collect this data and update devices remotely. This reduces the time and costs that are involved in the process.
5. Higher scalability potential:
M2M communication models help scale operations according to the growth rate of a business. For example, shipping companies generally expand business by acquiring larger fleets of vehicles. They can equip these fleets with all M2M devices and technology very easily. This makes for easy integration and allows unlimited scalability potential.
For any business looking to scale up and improve operations and profitability, an M2M eSIM model of communication can help achieve these goals.
