The primary objective of this case is to introduce the notion of why and how businesses are transforming by leveraging digital information technologies. Additionally, the case reinforces concepts typically covered in today's introductory information technology and systems (ITS) courses. The secondary objective of the case is to illustrate the importance of integrating information technology and operations to operate successfully in today's digital economy. Key IT concepts that can be examined using this case are: (1) the need for a business to leverage technology and transform to survive in today's digital world; (2) the role digital information technologies play in creating new business models; and (3) differentiating digitization and digital transformation in organizations. The supplemental operations management concept examined in this case is: process mapping and process analysis.

ShotSpotter, Inc. is a company that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to provide services to police departments. In 2022, ShotSpotter had over 20,000 sensors deployed in over 125 cities to alert customers when gunshots were detected. In addition, a tool known as Connect uses AI to analyze data and predict where crimes might occur during each patrol shift. The case presents the different products that ShotSpotter offers and describes the roles of data, AI, and IoT in developing the capabilities within the products. The case also presents the ethical dilemma in the use of AI and data-driven policing. The case asks students to assess ShotSpotter's capabilities in 2022 and determine what steps senior management should take to enable the continued growth of the company.

Beyond Wireless (BW) is an IoT remote temperature monitoring equipment and services company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. At the time of writing the case, Ian Lester, BW's CEO, is exploring approaches to growing the organization. The case demonstrates the strategic, operational, cultural, and technological challenges with scaling IoT businesses, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The case specifically examines: 1. The benefits and challenges of leveraging existing technology infrastructure to grow a business beyond a single offering 2. The expansion of IoT services to multiple industry verticals 3. The design of digital platforms to achieve demand-side economies of scale The case asks students to suggest strategies for growing BW considering the state of the company and its technologies, competitive challenges, and opportunities to transforming its business model and serving new market segments.

invisaWear is a start-up that used Internet of Things (IoT) technology to create a fashionable, single-purpose wearable for young females to provide them with peace of mind when faced with a dangerous situation. The smart product consisted of a charm attached to either a bracelet, necklace, or key chain which, when pressed, sent an SOS to the user's family, friends, and optionally, the police. The case study illustrates the entrepreneurial steps of identifying an opportunity, assembling a team, gathering resources, and then thinking big but starting small. In describing the invisaWear line of smart jewelry, the case provides a primer on IoT and it highlights the steps required to build smart, connected products.