Machine to machine communications (M2M) is a term most people would think came straight out of a script from Transformers or a similar film. That this technology is firmly based in reality is apparent when looking at Beyond Wireless, a company that specialises in M2M communications and says it has a host of this technology in use across all sorts of industry sectors and companies in SA. One of its more recent roll-outs was at the South African National Blood Service (SANBS).

The SANBS collects around 3 000 units of blood every day. These units are analysed for diseases including HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis. The negative units are then stored in fridges in blood banks and hospitals throughout South Africa until needed.