Umbrellas can do more than just keep you dry

Every time it rains I am reminded of one of my best friends, João Gustavo Santos (rest in peace). Come lunch time he always asked, ”Can someone lend me an umbrella?”  It turned out that he was unable to keep one for more than a couple rainy days. The reason? The umbrella would get wet, he would set it aside and forget where he left it. Today João wouldn’t lose his umbrellas; he could have a smart, connected one.

The umbrella could have a beacon (Bluetooth LE) sensor that could react once the distance between it and its owner (or its owner’s smartphone) was more than 10 meters. These sensors are precise, small and have a battery life of 2-3 years (no need for an internet connection). It´s a cheap solution that adds value by providing an additional, broader service that's not really related to the product itself: intelligent anticipation that preserves product ownership and investment, even a small one. How much would your customer pay for this added value? How relevant would it be? Are you ahead of your competition or do they have a more "automated umbrella" that not only warns when it´s about to be left behind but also sends a warning early in the morning when the weather forecast calls for rain?

The roadmap to transform your products is not simple. It actually goes through the current challenges that the Internet of Things (IoT) is facing such as standards and platforms, sensors, communications and hardware - similar to what the internet went through in the early 90´s. Prior to the internet, the only way to communicate was to build proprietary networks. Banks and other large companies hosted their own IT systems that needed to be integrated or accessed remotely but were not physically connected. The internet ended up as a common communication infrastructure. It took some time for banks to adopt it until it was considered sufficiently secure.

Is the same going to happen with IoT? There are alternatives if you can´t wait or if you rely on a common infrastructure, but it probably will increase the cost of your product. In the case of the umbrella, it’s important to remember it is still being purchased primarily to stay dry in the rain, not because of the latest technology embedded into it. Be careful to avoid transforming the main objective of your product into a showcase for new technology that could increase its price and thus cost you marketshare.

This is a real situation where technology can transform millennial products and add value to them via connectivity. Look for inexpensive, available sensors. Connect via existing networks or use Bluetooth LE. Rely on already powered devices (umbrellas don’t come with a power source). Look for quick wins that can earn you the reputation as a connected company. Look for what your customers have to say about your product in regard to their expectations. Bet on what is already working, unless you are aware of the risks, and really want to take them.

In short, if your customers are still losing their umbrellas, get smart; get connected!