Businesses grappling with slow network connectivity, high latency, real-time data processing demands, strict security requirements, or geographically distributed operations can find efficient solutions in edge computing.
By processing data closer to the source, edge computing minimizes downtime caused by unreliable networks, reduces delays for time-sensitive tasks, and ensures seamless real-time analytics. It enhances data security by limiting transfers and aligning with compliance standards, all while improving performance across global operations through distributed processing power.
What is edge computing?
Edge computing is a distributed IT framework that brings data processing closer to the source of data generation—for example, IoT devices, sensors, or user applications—rather than relying solely on centralized cloud data centres. By processing data “at the edge” of the network, businesses benefit from reduced latency, improved reliability, and enhanced security—a game-changer in industries that need real-time insights.
For businesses, edge computing does more than enhance technology. It revolutionizes service delivery, customer experiences, and operational efficiency. With customer-demand for faster responses and more personalized experiences increasing, edge computing offers a winning strategy for both B2B and B2C businesses.
The growth of edge computing
The adoption of edge computing is a natural response to the evolving challenges faced by businesses navigating the digital era. From the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) to the explosive growth of big data analytics, edge computing is becoming indispensable.
Stats that Speak Volumes:
- A Gartner report predicts that in 2025, 75% of enterprise data will be processed outside traditional centralised data centres, up from 10% in 2018.
- The global edge computing market is expected to reach $61.14 billion by 2028, growing at an astonishing CAGR of 38.4%.
From improving connectivity to facilitating time-critical decisions in industries such as manufacturing or retail, edge computing is helping businesses keep pace with growing demands.
5 signs your business needs edge computing
Could edge computing benefit your business? Let’s explore five key indicators.
1. Slow or unreliable network connectivity
Do your systems sometimes fail during peak operational hours due to network lags? When data has to travel from endpoint devices to distant cloud servers, unreliable connectivity leads to downtime, hindering productivity and providing a negative experience for employees and customers.
Solution: Edge computing reduces dependency on centralized servers by processing data closer to the user, ensuring seamless continuity, even in remote or poorly connected locations.
2. High latency affecting operations
Latency—although measured in milliseconds—can have a major impact on user experience or time-critical operations. For example, a manufacturing robot sending and receiving actions via the cloud may be unproductive with even slight delays.
Solution: With edge computing, latency issues are mitigated by processing close to the data source, enabling real-time interventions critical in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
3. Increasing demand for real-time data processing
If your business operations rely on accurate, real-time data (e.g., tracking warehouse stock intelligently or analyzing customer behaviour patterns on the fly), cloud-based computing alone may fall short.
Solution: Benefit from real-time analytics that empower informed decisions by adopting an edge infrastructure designed to handle time-sensitive data.
4. Need for enhanced security and privacy
Handling sensitive customer data or complying with strict regulations requires robust security measures. Transmitting data to and from centralized servers increases exposure to cyberattacks and breaches.
Solution: Edge computing minimizes security vulnerabilities by processing and storing data locally while aligning with regulatory compliance like GDPR by limiting unnecessary data transfers.
5. Geographically distributed operations or customer base
Does your company operate across multiple locations or serve customers based in diverse geographies? Centralized computing could introduce bottlenecks to your workflows, especially when distance becomes a factor.
Solution: Edge computing distributes processing power evenly across geographic nodes, allowing for enhanced performance and a more reliable user experience anywhere in the world.
Real-world examples of edge computing benefits
Hellometer make restaurants more efficient by measuring every customer’s experience.
AI-powered analytics meets cutting-edge hardware to reach a whole new level of efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Hellometer provides cameras that allow restaurants to track each customer’s experience. Providing detailed analysis to the restaurants allows them to see where and when they are losing revenue and identifies the opportunities to fix this.
The analysis comes from anywhere between 2 to 7 cameras and edge compute allows the data to be processed at its source (the restaurant).
Working with Simply NUC, Hellometer are able to offer their restaurant customers a solution that is:
- 50% more reliable uptime
- 1/8th the size in terms of form factor for better space efficiency
- 40% cheaper than previous hardware solutions
What does this mean for restaurants? Improvement in service levels. To the extent that some clients report a reduction in the average customer wait time of over a minute.
How to implement edge computing in your business
Thinking of integrating edge computing into your workflow? Start with these four steps:
- Assess your business needs
Analyze which aspects of your business suffer due to latency, security gaps, or distributed operations. This will clarify the primary goals edge computing can address. - Choose the right edge computing solution
Whether it’s an IoT-focused system or AI-driven data processing hubs, select a solution that aligns with your organization’s size and objectives. - Plan for seamless integration
Work with IT specialists to connect edge infrastructure with your current systems while ensuring data synchronization and compatibility. - Futureproof your setup
Scalability and flexibility are crucial in a constantly evolving technological landscape.
Future trends in edge computing
Looking ahead, here’s where edge computing is heading:
- AI at the edge
AI technologies integrated into edge devices will further enhance real-time predictive analytics. - Energy efficiency
Edge infrastructure will increasingly adopt greener, energy-efficient solutions to meet sustainability goals. - Edge-cloud synergy
Hybrid solutions combining edge and cloud ecosystems will dominate, offering businesses the best of both worlds.
Staying agile and adaptable while investing strategically will ensure your business remains future-ready as these trends evolve.
Leverage edge computing for a competitive edge
Edge computing is redefining how businesses process and use data to improve efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and gain a competitive advantage. If your business is experiencing any of the five key signs discussed today, now may be the time to act.
By adopting edge computing, you’ll not only resolve infrastructural issues but also position your business as forward-thinking and resilient in the face of digital transformation.
Start assessing your edge computing needs today—your future success depends on it.
