The term “Internet of Things” has been around for over a decade, but the conversation between SAS Vice President of IoT Jason Mann and Quasar CEO Edouard Alligand shows that the real transformation is only just beginning.
The two explored how IoT is moving beyond reactive monitoring toward predictive analytics and how partnerships like SAS and Quasar are helping manufacturers navigate that shift.
IoT is moving from reactive to predictive
“Right now, we’re starting to switch from reacting to predicting and avoiding unnecessary loss and waste,” Alligand said. The idea is simple: sensors capture data in real time, but the next step is forecasting. Just as meteorologists predict weather by analyzing historical data and current conditions, IoT systems can anticipate potential bottlenecks, equipment failures, or resource inefficiencies in factories.
Predictive insights enable manufacturers to make informed decisions before problems arise, rather than scrambling to fix them after the fact.
Partnerships accelerate AI adoption
SAS and Quasar have been collaborating for five years, combining their strengths to help customers tackle complex AI projects. “SAS brings this amazing 50 years of deep expertise across many domains … and we delete all the data engineering pain,” Alligand explained.
The result is a smoother path for companies moving from traditional IoT deployments to AI-driven operations.
Legacy systems won’t hold back progress
“Manufacturers, once they get something working, it stays in place,” Mann said. Historian systems and OPC data have been in place for decades, and change can be slow. However, the shift to AI-enabled operations is inevitable. “The future is going to happen whether you want it or not,” Alligand said.
The importance of foresight
According to these two, the future of IoT is all about foresight. With predictive analytics and partnerships like those with SAS and Quasar, manufacturers can make smarter decisions, reduce waste and stay ahead in a competitive market.
