M2M SIMs are similar to the little pieces of sophisticated plastic we all have in our phones, but serve a different purpose. A clue is in the name. M2M stands for Machine to Machine, and M2M SIMs are specifically designed to allow for automatic communication between end devices.
M2M SIMs effectively allow machines to talk to each other, which is why they’re central to the increasing spread of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. They’re also key to tech-centric visions of the future. A world of driverless cars is only possible if IoT sensors in vehicles communicate to each other in minute detail, using M2M SIMs.
For now, M2M SIMs are being used in business and industry to make entire sectors smarter and more efficient. In this guide, we’ll explore the uses and benefits of M2M technology, and ask why some SIMS are better than others.
M2M SIMs: the basics
As we’ve seen, M2M SIMs are designed to allow two or more machines to communicate, without human interference. By taking an obvious bottleneck out of the equation (i.e. people), M2M SIMs make machine communication faster, more efficient and more accurate.
Why is that important? Machines can connect in other ways, through power lines or fixed line internet. But wireless technology lets more devices access the network without the expense associated with building more physical infrastructure.
The flexibility and efficiency of M2M SIMs that connect machines through the mobile network is driving the IoT revolution. Here are some obvious use cases:
Logistics
Manufacturing
Retail
Telemedicine
Security
The benefits of M2M SIMs
As we’ve discovered, M2M SIMs let machines communicate with each other, bringing efficiency and cost savings in a number of areas.
But unlike the SIMs in our smartphones, M2M SIMs have been designed with business and industry specifically in mind, and come with a range of benefits:
Scalability
Low cost
Network agnostic
Fixed IP
Easy monitoring and management
A question of data
Like your smartphone SIM, M2M SIMs rely on mobile data to pass information between devices and machines on a wireless network. And as with your smartphone, data can be a significant expense.
As we’ve seen, SIM management platforms let you monitor and to some extent control the data each SIM in your estate uses. One problem for business is data caps. Smaller businesses in particular are often persuaded to invest in standard carrier SIMs with data limits, such as 500MB or 1GB.
The issue here is that if any of your devices breach their data limit in any month, you end up paying significant overage charges for extra data. One way many organisations minimise that possibility is to buy far more data than they need in the first place, much of which is invariably wasted.
That’s why good, business-focused M2M SIM suppliers will also offer the option of data pools. Data pools let you bulk buy data cheaply for M2M devices, and share it among a network of SIMs.
How does this work in practice? Well, instead of overbuying data for each device, firms can buy one pool of data that SIMs dip into throughout the month. Some SIMs invariably consume more data than others, but the data pool covers the entirety of your data requirement. It means you don’t end up buying more data than you need, and you’re also much less likely to breach a single all-encompassing data limit than numerous smaller individual ones.
In a nutshell, data pools are the very best way to equip M2M SIM estates, reducing both cost and data wastage.
M2M for security businesses
All of this makes M2M SIMs appealing to a wide range of sectors, and the physical security sector is certainly one of them.
Thanks to pandemic lockdowns, business closures and hybrid working models, more business premises are standing empty for longer, making them a magnet for criminals and vandals. Security and facilities management firms have their work cut out to keep them all safe.
Mobile data is the perfect way to fire up the devices that security firms need to protect offices, workshops and warehouses. M2M SIMs mean security systems based around alarms and CCTV can talk to each other and share information instantly with a centralised portal or platform. New devices can be up and online in a matter of minutes.
But security is a low margin sector, so it’s hugely important that firms invest in the right SIMs and the right data plans. Multi-network M2M SIMs linked to a shared data pool is the most robust and cost-effective solution for any business tasked with keeping buildings and premises safe.
If you’re not sure what’s right for you, we’re here to help. Pooled data packages from Everything Voice can greatly reduce your mobile data spend, while ensuring your security network always has the bandwidth it needs. By utilising multi-network M2M E-SIMs, we add an extra layer of reliability, because your CCTV and alarm systems aren’t relying on a single mobile network for connectivity.
We also combine pooled data and SD-Internet, calibrating your security infrastructure so the right bandwidth is always available for the devices that need it most.
It all makes for a comprehensive and cost-effective mobile solution for security and facilities management professionals. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to talk you through the options available to your business and calculate the best pooled data solution for your budget.
Why Everything Voice?
If you don’t know which data type is right for you – perhaps you have more complex needs – talk to Everything Voice. We’ll be happy to talk you through the options available to your business.