APC Forum: Extending Business Values through Wearables

When physical objects are connected to the Internet, they can identify themselves to other devices and exchange data automatically and seamlessly. When people adopt emerging wearable devices that are connected to the Internet, opportunities are created for organizations and individuals that can surpass the impact of even the most significant technologies of the Industrial Revolution and its aftermath. We term this convergence of connected people and devices the Internet of Everything (IoE). For example, firms can eliminate residual operational risks through new types of data flows and can overcome performance bottlenecks by extending naturally degrading organizational capacities through wearable technology. By equipping workers with such technology, firms can elevate competencies and capabilities beyond what is currently possible and can improve organizational performance. In this report we present three decision frameworks that IS executives can use to explore opportunities for leveraging wearables in their organizations. These frameworks integrate connected devices and people into the Internet of Everything.