Discover how pragmatic, cost-effective IoT solutions are transforming hospital management, one button or sensor at a time.

When we think about the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare, our minds often race to science fiction scenarios, such as autonomous surgical robots, AI-based predictive diagnostics, implantable sensors monitoring every vital parameter. But the real revolution is happening much more quietly and pragmatically, through simple solutions that optimize the daily processes of hospitals.

The reality is that the most effective innovation doesn't always require cutting-edge technology. Sometimes, something as simple as a button is enough to generate a significant impact on the lives of patients and healthcare professionals.

The Silent Revolution of Hospital IoT

Akenza.io is an IoT platform that enables organizations to connect, manage, and scale their IoT solutions effortlessly, without needing extensive coding or infrastructure. By simplifying the complex layers of IoT architecture, akenza.io empowers companies to focus on creating value from their data.

During Jonas Smidht’s, CEO of akenza.io, presentation at the IoT Sparks 2024 event, surprising data emerged: the most effective application of IoT in healthcare doesn't concern the operating rooms, nor involve high-tech components, but the optimization of "housekeeping" operations - those support activities that represent a significant portion of hospital maintenance, staff time management, and operational costs.

Swiss hospitals are proving that simple solutions can dramatically improve operational efficiency. Here are 3 ways how IoT is contributing right now:

Case Study 1: The Button That Transformed Linen Management

The Problem: Hospital staff spend countless hours walking, searching for, collecting, and delivering linen supplies when bed linen needs to be changed, often arriving at empty shelves and checking multiple locations.

The Solution: A simple button panel connected to the LoRaWAN network. When fresh linen is needed, staff press a button and the housekeeping team instantly receives a notification through their central management platform.

The Result: No more unnecessary walking trips, faster response time, and happier staff. A low-tech solution delivering high-value results.

Case Study 2: Smart Management of Dangerous Waste

The Problem: Managing infectious and pharmaceutical waste poses serious safety challenges for hospitals and its patients. Previously, staff had to manually call waste-collection services whenever containers filled up, often creating dangerous delays.

The Innovation: Color-coded button panels installed beside specialized waste containers. 

Red button for expired medication. Yellow - for infectious waste.

Each action automatically triggers a priority collection request.

This shift from reactive to proactive waste management ensures that hazardous materials never accumulate in sensitive hospital areas.

Case Study 3: Self-Monitoring Spaces

LoRaWAN motion sensors are transforming how hospitals manage their physical spaces and cleaning activities. Installed in exam rooms, offices, and break areas, these devices track actual room usage patterns.

The benefits are substantial:

Smart Cleaning: Only rooms that have been used get cleaned, saving time and resources

Intelligent Space Planning: Real occupancy data drives better decisions about space allocation

Predictive Maintenance: Maintenance schedules follow actual usage patterns instead of fixed timelines

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From small innovation to large impact:

Lower Operating Costs: Eliminating unnecessary inspection tours, calls, and interventions lowers housekeeping expenses.

Better Efficiency: Service request response time got decreased, creating smoother workflows and boosting staff productivity.

Smarter Resource Use: Data-driven decisions reduced waste while maintaining resource availability when needed.

Why LoRaWAN Is the Winning Choice

LoRaWAN technology emerged as the perfect fit for these hospital projects:

Ultra-Low Power: Devices run for years on a single battery

Extended Range: Complete hospital coverage using just a few antennas

Cost-Effective: Minimal upfront investment and ongoing operational costs

Rock-Solid Reliability: Consistent communication even through concrete walls and complex building layouts

Lessons Learned: The Art of Pragmatism

These success stories reveal a fundamental truth: the most powerful innovation is often the simplest. Why reinvent the wheel when you can just make it work better?

The winning formula includes:

• Identifying real, everyday operational pain points
• Deploying simple, bulletproof technology solutions
• Rolling out changes incrementally with clear metrics
• Prioritizing immediate ROI over flashy tech features

The Future Is Already Here

Healthcare IoT has moved beyond the experimental stage. It's now a proven operational reality transforming how hospitals function day-to-day. While we keep dreaming about surgical robots and AI diagnostics, the real transformation is happening in hallways, laundry rooms, and supply closets.

These Swiss Proof of Concepts prove that breakthrough healthcare innovation often comes from truly understanding everyday operational challenges and solving them practically. You don't always need million-dollar advanced technology investments. Sometimes the right button in the right place changes everything.

Healthcare's digital transformation is progressing one improvement, one sensor, and one smart solution at a time. The results speak for themselves: greater efficiency, lower costs, and most crucially, more time and resources available for what matters most - patient care.

This article is based on case studies presented during Jonas Schmid’s keynote at the IoT Sparks 2024 event, which collected best practices for IoT implementation in Swiss hospitals.

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Jonas Schmid defines and leads the vision of akenza, together with Co-CEO Simon Rieser. Thanks to its low-code IoT application enablement platform, akenza is making IoT more accessible for corporates globally. Jonas Schmid has a Master of Business Administration from the University of Geneva and experience in international project management for different companies such as Siemens and ABB.

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