Transform research into reality with connected devices
Industry leaders from Lexmark, Microsoft, Forrester, and Big Ass Fans reveal how connected products drive efficiency, insights and revenue.
February 18, 2025
VIDEO [MP4 01:00:34]
From data to decisions — see how real businesses use IoT to gain insights, optimize operations, and stay ahead of the competition. Hear from industry experts and business practitioners as they share real-world examples of connected devices driving measurable results.
What if 85% of your business success depended on how effectively you use data from IoT-connected products? For many executives, this is the reality they face.
In our recent webinar, Connected Devices in Action: From Research to the Real World, hosted by Microsoft and Lexmark, Forrester experts and our real-world customer Big Ass Fans shared practical strategies for turning connected device data into a powerful asset. From enhancing product development cycles to minimizing downtime and personalizing customer experiences, here are the key takeaways to help you stay ahead of the competition.
Forrester’s insights on IoT impact and innovation
Paul Miller, VP and principal analyst at Forrester, shared Lexmark-commissioned research on how businesses leverage connected products and their data. He highlighted the complexities of transitioning from connectivity to measurable business value, emphasizing that while it’s easier than ever to connect products and collect data, companies still face key challenges:
- Turning data into actionable insights
- Converting insights into measurable business outcomes
- Collaborating with experts to fully realize the value of IoT
Why is IoT important for your business? According to Miller, using data from connected products helps you make faster and smarter decisions, giving your business an edge over competitors. Here's why IoT is a big deal:
- Offers personalized services that make customers happier
- Uncovers new opportunities and boosts performance with IoT data
- Encourages sustainability by managing energy use more efficiently
Even though IoT has huge potential, it needs specialized skills. Many companies don't have the in-house resources to develop, manage and maintain a connected product platform, so it's crucial to team up with reliable vendors. Working with pros makes implementation smoother and leads to better results. Interestingly, 58% of respondents said they didn't have the internal skills or resources to create a connected product platform on their own.
Big Ass Fans: Redefining comfort with connectivity
David Rose, global product manager at Big Ass Fans, discussed how their IoT-based automation solution, CommandSense, was developed in collaboration with Lexmark. This innovative system automatically improves facility conditions based on sensor data, offering several advanced features:
- AI and Machine Learning: Predicts and adapts to environmental changes for optimal comfort and energy efficiency.
- Preventive maintenance plans: IoT analytics predict equipment failures and schedule proactive maintenance, cutting downtime.
- Advanced sensors and telemetry: Collects real-time data on key parameters for indoor environment control.
Collaborating with Lexmark enabled Big Ass Fans to develop a more comprehensive and capable product for our end users. This partnership allowed us to achieve our goals faster and more cost-effectively than we could have on our own.
Big Ass Fans' partnership with Lexmark shows how IoT tech can change traditional industries. Working together, we've created a solution that boosts indoor comfort and helps save on energy costs.
Protecting data in an IoT-connected world
SSecurity is a top concern for businesses leveraging IoT-connected devices. As data moves across networks, organizations need to ensure protection, compliance, and reliability to maintain trust. That’s why customers aren’t just looking for partners — they’re looking for trusted partners who can provide end-to-end security and expert implementation.
Alice Bowen, senior portfolio manager of Connected Products at Lexmark, emphasized the importance of trustworthiness in connected solutions.
Trust is built on a foundation of robust security, compliance, and reliability. With Microsoft Azure’s trusted platform, businesses gain continuous monitoring, regular security assessments, and a highly secure cloud-to-edge infrastructure, all critical for turning data into actionable insights while keeping it protected.
Collaborating with experts like Lexmark enables businesses to navigate the intricacies of IoT security, improve infrastructure, and confidently bring connected solutions to market.
Ready to unlock the full potential of your connected products? Talk to a Lexmark expert today and take the next step toward smarter, data-driven business decisions.
Industry Trends/Challenges for Connected Device Strategies | Paul Miller, VP, Principal Analyst, Forrester
How Big Ass Fans is Driving Transformative Change with IoT | David Rose, Global Product Manager, Big Ass Fans
Panel Discussion | Hosted by Charles Arizmendi, Director GTM AI Industrial Transformation, Microsoft
Panelists:
- Paul Miller, VP and Principal Analyst, Forrester
- David Rose, Global Product Manager, Big Ass Fans
- Alice Bowen, Senior Portfolio Manager – Connected Products, Lexmark
- Guy Bursell, Director, Business Strategy, Microsoft
Audience Q&A and Closing | Charles Arizmendi, Director GTM AI Industrial Transformation, Microsoft
Don’t wait — discover how fellow manufacturers are connecting the dots with data and AI-driven insights to impact their business outcomes.
Recommended for you
VIDEO
Accelerate your IoT success with Lexmark’s Connected Products Solution
VIDEO
DEXIS: Generating value in 90 days with Optra IoT: Witness how DEXIS, a global medical equipment manufacturer, improves device uptime and service support at speed after successfully implementing its IoT initiative
VIDEO
Big Ass Fans: Achieving consistent comfort, savings, and sustainability with IoT solutions