Depending where in the world you are, October sees the start or end of Daylight Saving Time (DST) for many. Although it means an extra hour in bed for those in the northern hemisphere, the changing of clocks can have an impact on routines, energy consumption and daily schedules.
The IoT helps businesses and individuals optimise processes to adapt to the change in time.
This blog explores how IoT enhances the transition and helps businesses maximise the benefits.
Effortless time adjustments with IoT
When DST ends, IoT-enabled devices automatically adjust the time settings to reflect the new hour. Whether it’s your smart thermostat, security system, or lighting, these devices sync with internet time servers, ensuring that schedules remain accurate. This removes the hassle of manually updating multiple devices and eliminates potential errors from forgetting to change clocks.
Optimised energy efficiency as the days get shorter
With shorter days, IoT devices can help optimise energy usage by automatically adapting to the reduced daylight ours. Smart lighting systems can detect ambient light levels and turn on earlier in the afternoon, so businesses won’t waste energy. Similarly, thermostats and heating systems can adjust to the cooler temperatures.
Avoid business disruption with smarter scheduling
Turning the clocks back can affect schedules, especially as we transition into shorter, colder days. IoT systems help automate and optimise this shift, making sure that routines are adjusted without disruption. Whether it’s an agricultural operation adjusting irrigation times or a smart building adjusting its heating schedule, IoT ensures smooth transitions during DST changes.
Ensure accurate data and synchronisation
For industries that rely on accurate timekeeping, such as logistics, healthcare, and finance, the end of DST can create challenges in maintaining synchronized operations. IoT devices help ensure that time-sensitive data logs and schedules are updated correctly, preventing confusion or errors caused by the time change.
Keeping systems secure from cyber threats
While IoT offers many benefits in automating DST, securing applications should not be overlooked. Weak security on connected devices can expose vulnerabilities that might be exploited by cyberattacks. Cybersecurity is critical to protect IoT systems from potential attacks, especially time sensitive systems such as those controlling energy, security and production could be targets during a disruption. Safeguarding practices such as updating firmware, using strong passwords, and encrypting data—are essential for protecting IoT systems during this time change.
When DST ends and businesses and individuals turn their clocks back, IoT systems make the transition seamless by automating time adjustments, optimising energy use and improving scheduling. However, as the reliance on IoT systems increase, securing these systems becomes critical to protecting operations – with secure time synchronisation, encryption, strong access
