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Theory

Time allocation: 10 min.

What an IoT button is for and how it works​

The button is one of the most basic and widely used devices at home, at school and at work. Buttons accompany us all day long, from silencing the alarm clock to turning off the TV with the remote control. Turning a button into an IoT device brings a number of benefits:

  • Every press gets a timestamp
  • It can be pressed from anywhere
  • Information about the press reaches other recipients faster

Uses of the IoT button in real life​

The IoT button is used in many fields and everyday situations:

Home​

  • Smart doorbell: e.g. our smartphone shows that someone is ringing at our door
  • Automatic reordering of frequently bought goods: e.g. a button next to the laundry detergent
  • Calling a household member: e.g. calling everyone to dinner
  • Device control: e.g. remote control of a door, gate or garage door

Work​

  • Reporting production status: e.g. the ANDON system
  • Reporting a request: e.g. calling maintenance to a workstation
  • Recording operations: e.g. logging defective products

School​

  • Reporting a request: e.g. calling the cleaners to the restrooms
  • Device control: e.g. remote control of the gym door