A Qualitative Investigation of IoT Adoption for Operational Efficiency and Process Innovation

This study explores the adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) as a transformative tool for enhancing operational efficiency and driving process innovation within organizations. By employing a qualitative research methodology, the study captures the experiences, perceptions, and insights of managers, engineers, and operational specialists involved in IoT implementation across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and energy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and supplemented with relevant organizational documents to provide a comprehensive understanding of the adoption process. The findings reveal that IoT adoption fundamentally reshaped operational practices by providing real-time visibility, enabling proactive decision-making, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and supporting continuous process improvements. Participants highlighted that the integration of IoT facilitated predictive and evidence-based decision-making, reduced operational uncertainties, and enhanced coordination among previously siloed departments. Moreover, IoT acted as a catalyst for process innovation, encouraging organizations to experiment with workflows, redesign processes, and embed flexibility into operations. The study also identifies challenges associated with IoT adoption, including data overload, system integration complexities, resistance to change, and the need for new skills and organizational capabilities. Success in IoT adoption was found to be closely linked to human and organizational factors, such as leadership support, learning culture, workforce competence, and strategic alignment. Overall, the study underscores that IoT adoption is not merely a technological upgrade but a socio-technical transformation requiring sustained effort, adaptation, and alignment with organizational objectives. The insights from this research provide valuable guidance for practitioners seeking to leverage IoT for operational excellence and innovation, highlighting the interplay between technology, people, and processes in achieving meaningful organizational outcomes.