Boosting productivity and sustainability with IoT and AI

Boosting productivity & sustainability with IoT and AI: A synergy for the future

The combination of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) is increasingly becoming a driving force behind operational efficiency, productivity gains, and sustainability across industries. As businesses face mounting pressure to adopt smarter solutions, the convergence of these technologies is not only transforming operational models but is also helping organisations achieve their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.

Let’s explore how these technologies are driving change, with a particular focus on their impact on productivity and sustainability.

AI, a game-changer for business

Artificial Intelligence has made tremendous strides in recent years, evolving from a futuristic concept to a core component of the digital transformation process. McKinsey’s 2022 State of AI report  revealed that 50% of businesses have adopted AI in at least one business function, with AI adoption increasing across all sectors, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and logistics. This surge is driven by the ability of AI to process large volumes of data, make real-time decisions, and automate processes that were previously manual and labour-intensive.

AI, particularly machine learning (ML) and deep learning, allows systems to learn from data patterns and adapt their outputs over time, improving efficiency and accuracy. Coupled with the growth of IoT, which involves connecting everyday devices to the internet to collect and share data, AI has the potential to revolutionise industries by enabling smarter, more autonomous operations. In fact, AI is seen as one of the key enablers of IoT’s full potential, as it can handle and analyse the large quantities of data generated by IoT devices.

How do we use IoT & AI for good business?

As AI remains a hot topic for the foreseeable future, many businesses ask; “How can AI help with sustainability?” And IoT is regarded with “How does IoT increase productivity?” But these questions only tell half the story… the real value is in leveraging the two to drive both sustainability and productivity improvements.

At their core, IoT and AI create value by streamlining operations and supporting better, faster decisions. IoT devices continuously gather data from various sources, such as sensors, machines, and vehicles, creating a wealth of actionable insights. However, without AI, this data would remain underutilised. It’s the ability to analyse and interpret this data that turns it into actionable insights. 

IoT + AI = better productivity & sustainability

1.    Up to 50% reduced downtime

IoT-enabled sensors coupled with AI-driven predictive maintenance are changing how businesses manage operations. Instead of rigid schedules for equipment maintenance, AI analyses data from IoT sensors to predict when intervention is needed, reducing downtime and optimising performance. 

For instance, McKinsey estimates that predictive maintenance cuts unplanned downtime by up to 50% while boosting labour productivity by almost 30%. This same approach is being applied in sectors like utilities, agriculture, and logistics to enhance efficiency and allocate resources strategically.

2.    Real-time decision making

IoT and AI enable smarter, on-the-spot decisions by pulling real-time data from connected devices. AI processes continuous streams of IoT data, identifying anomalies or patterns that require instantaneous action.

In logistics, for example, real-time data from connected vehicles, warehouses, and inventory systems can be fed into AI algorithms that optimise supply chain management. The AI can predict delays, recommend alternative routes for shipments, or automatically restock inventory when it reaches predefined thresholds, significantly improving overall operational efficiency.

3.    Achieve ESG & sustainability goals

The global emphasis on sustainability adds another compelling layer to the IoT and AI partnership. Applications using these technologies are rapidly expanding, including smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, industrial digital twins, smart cities, and managing renewable energy generation and storage. IoT enables advanced monitoring systems to track resource consumption across facilities, from electricity to water use, capturing inefficiencies. Coupled with AI, these systems propose actionable ways to reduce waste—a crucial mechanism for organisations looking to fulfil Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.

In real life: IoT + AI-powered automation for productivity

A compelling example of how AI and IoT integration can drive productivity and sustainability is the partnership between Siram Veolia, a global leader in environmental services,  UiPath , a leading automation company and their design and implementation partner Avvale . Facing slow, manual processes for managing service requests and operations, Veolia worked with Avvale to implement robotic process automation (RPA) and AI solutions. The results speak for themselves.

Here’s what they did:

1. Streamlined repetitive tasks

• Veolia automated customer service requests and supplier email handling, saving time and cutting errors.
• These improvements freed employees to focus on tasks that add more value.

2. Introduced advanced tools

• With Avvale’s help, Veolia deployed “RAF,” a bot that manages supplier invoice queries based on the UiPath platform. RAF collects data from internal systems and responds quickly, reducing delays and email back-and-forth.
• They also automated financial processes, such as retrieving pricing data from government sites, improving accuracy and speeding up workflows.

3. Expanded automation efforts

• Veolia extended automation to areas like employee time sheet processing, saving resources and enhancing efficiency.
• These initiatives aligned with their ecological goals and laid the foundation for broader innovation.

The results? Simplified processes, more engaged employees, and better alignment with sustainability goals. UiPath and Siram Veolia’s approach proves that a step-by-step strategy, combined with employee involvement, can transform both productivity and resource efficiency.

What’s the next step for your business?

For B2B sectors, especially IT resellers and vendors, integrating AI-powered IoT solutions can open up exciting opportunities. Resellers can champion these technologies to their customers, positioning themselves as forward-thinking problem-solvers who deliver measurable value.

Yet, challenges remain. Businesses need to adopt these technologies thoughtfully, focusing on security and governance. Integration often requires initial investments in infrastructure and training, and success depends on a clear strategy that aligns with business goals. This means working with a partner that can help you find the best-fit IoT solutions provider , like Westcon.

Westcon’s IoT services offer the infrastructure and expertise to help businesses overcome these hurdles. By supporting partners with tailored solutions and guidance, Westcon makes it easier to integrate AI and IoT into daily operations, empowering organisations to achieve their business objectives with confidence.