| | FEBRUARY 20208CIOReviewNo one will dispute that technologies associated with Internet of things (IoT)have infiltrated every aspect of our lives, from home life to work. All ages are embracing the constant feedback on everything from health to location to security. It is a win for all and will only grow in the years ahead.In our personal lives, we make decisions quickly, especially around the holidays, as I am sure you all have just experienced. The price points are just perfect to fill that last wish list item. In business however, the price tag is a bit higher and (should) take more forethought.In this article I would like to focus on understanding the "why" of IoT.Let's start with safety. Better yet, let's make it more personal by addressing food safety, which impacts all of us. Foodborne outbreaks in the U.S. cause innocent people to become seriously ill every year. From lettuce to meats to medicines, hardly a month goes by when one of these are not on a recall list. Switching gears, think of a manufacturing plant filled with machinery to produce your favorite products. If not closely monitored, the risk can be great for workers in those plants who could suffer from accidental injuries linked to malfunctioning equipment.Another scenario surrounding safety, consider the huge task of moving products safely from distribution centers to stores. If not closely monitored, this effort could be filled with risks for truck drivers traveling alone who face hazardous conditions alongfar-flung routes.Across logistics, manufacturing, retail and many other industries, IoT offers the potential to prevent illness, injury and loss. Connected things can bring truck drivers and plant workers home safely to their families, while also protecting loved ones from the devastating effects of food contamination.IoT's evolving capabilities are quickly becoming mission critical to food service industry companies like mine. Golden State Foods (GSF), one of the largest diversified suppliers to the quick service restaurant and retail industries, and our family of companies provide manufacturing and distribution services to more than 125,000 restaurants from 45 locations on five continents.Across the globe, millions of consumers like you and I count on GSF to maintain the highest standards in food quality and safety every day. That's why safety is one of our core values at GSF.IoT technologies promise to transform numerous aspects of GSF's core businesses, which include processing and distribution of liquid products, meat products, produce, dairy, and other services, providing a variety of networked solutions for the total supply chain spectrum. Key to leveraging IoT, we must first understand the business case and its ability to scale in this growing industry.IOT: By Carol Fawcett, Chief Information Officer, Golden State FoodsNOT JUST SMARTER, BUT SAFERIN MY OPINION
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