Verified Document

Technology Competitive Advantage Research Paper

Internet of things is a metaphor to describe the enhanced capabilities for data gathering and transmission that exist in the world today. Different products, many that have traditionally been viewed as static, have the ability to gather and communication information. The authors outline what they mean with this awkward metaphor. They refer to tracking capabilities, such as RFID tags -- Wal-Mart is a big proponent of these in its supply chain, enhanced situational awareness like security cameras and sensor-driven analytics such as advances in health care systems that provide decision-support information in real time. Other examples are process optimization, where data is used to enhance production, optimized resource consumption, seeking to enhance efficiency, and complex autonomous systems. The latter refers to machines that can read the external environment and react according to quasi-intelligent algorithms. I look forward to the day that my automated car steers me head-first into the tractor-trailer in order to avoid the dog that ran in front of me. Even though I knew I had to hit the dog in order not to get myself killed. Autonomous systems like robots to clean up oil spills or perform surgeries are perhaps a little bit less dangerous to one's health. The lesson with respect to the Internet of things is that these capabilities are being expanded, and the use of information is going to continue to drive business forward. This creates substantial opportunity for companies at the fore, and the authors...

Proprietary information has always been a source of competitive advantage, but the sheer volume of information that is being gathered now represents a processing challenge for most companies -- the company that can process publicly-available information better can also gain competitive advantage. Companies that master the use of data almost always gain competitive advantage. Wal-Mart's use of RFID helps to give it the most efficient distribution system possible, helping it to maintain a price advantage over its competitors. Amazon sells more to consumers, and enjoys better loyalty, because of its recommendations based on other purchases. There is tremendous power in leveraging data for competitive advantage.
Perhaps the most power lies with the information gatekeepers. Companies that gather information have been able to capitalize on having superior access to information, because companies seeking competitive advantage are willing to pay for superior information. Google is perhaps the best example of this, because it has more information than anybody, and makes billions as a result of that. Being an information gatekeeper, they profit from that intermediary role between sellers and buyers, by controlling the flow of information. But for firms…

Sources used in this document:
References

Chui, M., Loffler, M. & Roberts, R. (2010). The Internet of things. McKinsey Quarterly. Retrieved April 20, 2014 from http://www.mckinsey.com/insights/high_tech_telecoms_internet/the_internet_of_things
Cite this Document:
Copy Bibliography Citation

Related Documents

Competitive Advantage in Healthcare Through Competitive Pricing
Words: 3293 Length: 10 Document Type: Research Paper

Competitive Advantage in Healthcare Through Competitive Pricing The healthcare industry is just like any other service sector that needs uniqueness and control over costs to excel. Since the cost of conducting business is increasing, there is a need that the healthcare professionals should understand that cost plays a vital role in attracting physicians as well as the patients. The patients are increasingly getting control over the price than the provider. Organizations

Competitive Advantage Mnes New Organizational
Words: 2922 Length: 11 Document Type: Term Paper

Marks & Spencer further has quality food products that are perishables such as salads and vegetables. This is complex and requires accurate and fast delivery to the UK food stores. The work entitled: "Keeping Real Time Tabs on Fresh Food Supply Helps Guarantee the quality of Perishable Products" cites the statement of the Head of Supply Chain Logistics and it at Marks and Spencer who states that in order to

Competitive Advantage in Contemporary Times, Competition Is
Words: 3669 Length: 10 Document Type: Essay

Competitive Advantage In contemporary times, competition is getting tougher with the passage of time and therefore product leaders are propelled to present novel and unprecedented products, nevertheless, what is meant by 'best product'? And which type of product decisions do the product leaders make in this regard? Generally, when consumers purchase a product they comprehend that it gives them a superior level of satisfaction as compared to the other competing products

Competitive Advantage and Management
Words: 637 Length: 2 Document Type: Essay

Competitive advantage may be described as the development of an exceptional position of an organization relative to its competitors in consequence of its decisions concerning "the product-market scope of its operations and its pattern of resource allocations" (Gomes, 1988). It is a general assumption that such a position will make it possible for the organization to receive an elevated outcome on investment regardless of competitive stress and demands (Gomes, 1988). Activities

Competitive Advantage of Zero Motorcycle Zero Motorcycle
Words: 1710 Length: 6 Document Type: Essay

Competitive Advantage of Zero Motorcycle Zero Motorcycle has been the world's largest producer of high performance electric motor cycle. Zero motorcycle has competitive advantage of being highly innovative, customer friendly and good distribution channel. Moreover, some of the models like Zero DS could be used from street to mountains and has more power. Its competitor Brammo Inc. has not innovation as the Zero X has and more they are more focused

Competitive Advantages of Nike Is
Words: 1686 Length: 6 Document Type: Term Paper

In addition, it will be necessary for the company to continue to use technology to stay on the cutting edge of shoe innovation. References Adidas." MarketLine 2006. Datamonitor database. Datamonitor. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. November 28, 2006 http://dbic.datamonitor.com. Beckett, W. "Merging Performance and Fashion." Women's Wear Daily 192(39) 2006 Aug 24: 9. Business Source Complete. EBSCOHost. University of Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ. November 28, 2006 http://web.ebscohost.com. Binole, G. "Asian Market Forces Could Affect

Sign Up for Unlimited Study Help

Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.

Get Started Now