Technology, at its best, enables us to live more efficient, creative, and innovative lives. The next wave of technology is the Internet of Things. It’s often described as a futuristic concept, but in practice, it’s already here. The IoT will be a particular boon to small business owners and start-up entrepreneurs. It allows business owners to make more informed decisions, while streamlining manufacturing and operations to open up time for creativity. Small business will benefit from this agility, and new start-ups can potentially thrive in this highly connected environment. Here are five ways that the IoT will benefit start-ups in particular.

1. Devices are becoming more intuitive.

At its heart, the Internet of Things revolves around the things themselves. It’s defined by these devices, which are outfitted with sensors and connected to the internet. This allows vast quantities of real-time data to be transmitted and shared, which opens up new doors for intuitive innovation. For those would-be entrepreneurs in search of the next big thing, the influx of data could inspire new ideas.

2. Free up time with an optimized work environment.

Business great and small will benefit from a streamlined work environment. It’s possible to spend less time on tasks that can now be automated. For example, production equipment can be equipped with sensors to monitor the manufacturing environment. If there are any subtle changes in temperature, humidity, or other factors which could influence the final product, alerts can be sent immediately which allow you to tweak this environment without losing time. Enhanced productivity frees up start-ups, allowing employees to become more productive. You’ll have access to detailed data and analysis at every step of the supply chain.

3. Become more attuned to the self.

On an individual level, another big benefit of the IoT is that these devices let you improve your own personal mental and physical health. You may already use devices like a smart watch to track your heart rate, sleep schedules, or water consumption. As your personal devices grow smarter and more involved, you can streamline your own life and clear your mind to reach new levels of inspiration. For start-ups, good health is an essential component of success.

4. Fine tune your niche market.

One of the biggest hurdles for start-up owners to overcome is finding a way to stand out from competitors. Internet of Things innovation from Nokia Networks and other providers is now showcasing new niche markets. Whether you work in tech or are just looking for ways to reach a target audience on a more meaningful level, these connected devices can be used in multiple situations.

5. Unleash more highly targeted advertising.

With constant feedback from your own products or services, you can gain new insights about consumers. How are your customers interacting with your products? It may not be in the way you’d initially envisioned, and you could devise new marketing campaigns based on this accurate, real-time insight. Businesses will be able to better anticipate consumer needs, and adjust their operations accordingly.

The IoT offers far more than just new products to consume. From a business perspective, it frees start-ups to dream bigger than before, with access to precise data. This could open up new modes of operation for your business in the future.