The Raspberry Pi Foundation has won fans all over the world with its low-cost flexible microcomputers. Many of its users are either young people getting into coding or more advanced solo developers – but there are lots of creative ways to use a Raspberry Pi for business too.
In fact, the Raspberry Pi founder Eben Upton reported in 2019 that around half of their products are used in commercial and industrial markets. These nifty devices can connect to the outside world via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and offer sizeable memory with a powerful processor. From automation to equipment management and data collection, the possibilities are endless!
Accessible asking price and low power consumption are two more characteristics that enhance the Raspberry Pi’s appeal for businesses. Below we highlight five real-world applications that you might want to put these microcomputers to use for.
1. A simple server
The Pi is worth considering for any IT professional looking to set up a small server for light internal or web traffic. While it may admittedly struggle with larger network demands, its small form factor, low power usage, status lights and expansion capabilities make the device an attractive option for smaller projects.
2. A display system
Don’t want to blow your company’s tech budget on overpowered computers or expensive signage? Use an inexpensive Raspberry Pi instead to power a display system that shows photos, videos, documents and logos in waiting rooms or hallways.
Using a Pi for signage in a school or university building, for example, would be especially appropriate given its educational capabilities.
3. Computer troubleshooting
Other tech enthusiasts have identified how the Raspberry Pi can be a practical tool for testing computer components and resolving internet connectivity issues. You can check IP connectivity with a basic LCD touchscreen and battery or use other USB attachments to test the status of key components.
If paired with network-penetration software, a Pi could even help you identify weak spots in your organisation’s information security systems.
4. Equipment sensors
Does your business rely on electronic equipment and machinery? The Pi can be expanded with a range of sensors to read and record equipment conditions such as temperature. If the value recorded exceeds programmed limits, the Pi can then send alerts to a connected display.
A related example is using a Pi to manage plantations more efficiently. Tracking certain thresholds such as temperature or humidity can trigger watering, keeping crops healthy.
5. A security camera
Video-recording security cameras can expensive to buy and implement. But connected to motion and presence sensors and a high-quality camera, a Raspberry Pi can be programmed to automate recording only when it detects certain events.
Want to save company time too? The best part is that the code for many of these projects has already been created and shared online among the Raspberry Pi community!
