Glossary

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of physical objects – such as appliances, vehicles, industrial machinery and wearable devices – embedded with sensors, software and connectivity that allow them to exchange data and interact with their environment. When applied to manufacturing and industrial settings, this ecosystem is often referred to as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

Description

IoT represents the bridge between the physical and digital worlds. It transforms everyday objects into "smart" devices capable of collecting real-time data, triggering automated actions and delivering information to users exactly when they need it. However, for IoT to be truly effective, devices must do more than just transmit data; they must also be able to display intelligible, relevant content – such as error codes, maintenance instructions or status updates.

This creates a massive content challenge. Because IoT devices vary wildly in screen size, format and interface (or may have no screen at all, relying on voice), traditional document-based content cannot scale. Organizations must adopt structured content strategies, breaking information down into modular content that can be processed by machines. By using a headless CMS, companies can push the right information to any device via APIs, ensuring that a smart fridge, a connected car and a field technician’s tablet all display consistent, accurate data derived from a single source of truth.

Example use cases

  • Smart home: Delivering user manuals and alerts directly to connected appliances.
  • Industrial: Enabling predictive maintenance by having machines trigger specific troubleshooting guides.
  • Healthcare: Streaming patient data from wearable monitors to medical records.
  • Automotive: Providing real-time navigation updates and vehicle status alerts.
  • Retail: Using Bluetooth beacons to push personalized offers or product details.

Key benefits

Efficiency
Automates data exchange and reporting without manual intervention.
Consistency
Ensures the same technical information is available across all connected interfaces.
Scalability
Prepares content infrastructure to support future devices and channels without re-authoring.
Insight
Generates actionable data on device usage and performance.
Insight
Shifts maintenance from reactive repairs to predictive, data-driven interventions.

RWS perspective

RWS helps organizations master the content complexity of the IoT era through Tridion. Our intelligent content platform serves as a centralized hub that manages structured information and delivers it dynamically to any connected device.

By combining structured content authoring with headless CMS delivery, RWS enables machines to "read" and present complex information correctly. This Human + Technology approach ensures that while AI and sensors handle the data flow, the content reaching the end-user remains accurate, compliant and helpful – whether it's displayed on a smartwatch or an industrial control panel.