Picking the right IoT platform for your business is difficult, opaque, and fraught with risk.
The market is proliferating, there are big name and niche providers, and there isn't a standard set of features and capabilities that you can guarantee to be included - even our platform is an all-in-one data, AI + IoT platform rolled into one, meaning comparing it with other providers' can be complex (we'll have the feature you need - it just might not be obvious at first!)
Of course the correct IoT platform for you and your business will depend on your needs, goals, and the individual foibles of your business; but there are some standard things you really should be looking for, so here's how to pick an IoT platform that's right for your business.
How to pick an IoT platform: the key features you should be looking for.
- Scalability - As your IoT project and needs grow, so too will the number of connected devices, users, and data. It is crucial to choose an IoT platform that can handle this growth without compromising performance. The platform should be able to process large volumes of data and offer flexible deployment options.
- Security - Data privacy and security are paramount in IoT deployments, particularly in the industrial sector where sensitive data is often involved. Look for a platform that provides robust security features, including encryption, secure communication, access control, and regular updates to protect against emerging vulnerabilities. You could also look for a platform that can be deployed within you Cloud infrastructure, helping you to apply business-wide standards, simply.
- Ease of use + development - A user-friendly platform can save your team time and resources, reducing the complexity of building IoT applications. Seek a platform that offers an intuitive interface, drag-and-drop functionality, and visual programming. Furthermore, support for popular programming languages and pre-built templates can streamline the development process, allowing your team to focus on innovation rather than navigating a steep learning curve.
- Interoperability + integration - A successful IoT deployment relies on seamless communication between various components of the ecosystem. Your chosen platform should be compatible with a wide range of devices, protocols, and standards, facilitating smooth integration with existing systems and future additions. This interoperability ensures that the IoT solutions you develop on your platform can adapt to new technologies as they emerge, safeguarding your investment and promoting long-term success.
- Data Analytics + AI - An IoT platform that incorporates advanced data analytics and AI capabilities can help your business derive valuable insights from the data generated by your connected devices. Features such as real-time data processing, machine learning algorithms, and predictive analytics can empower your team to make data-driven decisions, optimise processes, and improve overall operations. Evaluate the platform's analytics capabilities, and consider the potential impact on your business outcomes.
- Customisation + flexibility - Every industrial business has unique needs and requirements. A flexible IoT platform that allows for customisation can help you tailor your solution to your specific goals and challenges. Look for platforms that offer modular architecture, allowing you to choose the features and functionality that align with your objectives. Additionally, an open API structure can facilitate seamless integration with third-party applications, further enhancing your IoT solutions.
- Support + maintenance - The ongoing support and maintenance provided by the IoT platform vendor are crucial for the long-term success of your IoT deployment. A responsive and knowledgeable support team can help you troubleshoot issues, optimise performance, and ensure that your IoT solutions continue to deliver value. In addition, regular platform updates and maintenance can enhance security, improve functionality, and keep your IoT deployment aligned with industry advancements.
Where to start your search for an IoT platform:
- Industry research - Begin your search by conducting thorough research on the IoT market, focusing on industry trends, emerging technologies, and leading providers. Attending industry conferences and webinars can deepen your understanding of the IoT landscape and connect you with experts in the field.
- Identify your needs + objectives - Before diving into the selection process, it is essential to identify your specific needs and objectives. This involves a thorough assessment of your current systems, processes, and infrastructure, as well as a clear understanding of the problems you aim to solve with IoT technology. Establishing well-defined goals and requirements will enable you to narrow down your search and focus on platforms that align with your business needs.
- Create a shortlist of IoT platforms - Based on your research and identified needs, create a shortlist of IoT platforms that meet your criteria. Consider the key features discussed earlier, such as scalability, security, ease of use, and integration capabilities. Additionally, take into account factors such as pricing, support, and customer reviews to ensure that you choose a platform that offers the best value and aligns with your budget and resources.
- Request demos + consultations - Once you have a shortlist of potential IoT platforms, request demos and consultations with the vendors. This will allow you to gain hands-on experience with the platforms, enabling you to assess their usability, functionality, and overall fit for your business. During these sessions, engage with the vendor's team, ask questions, and discuss your specific needs and objectives to ensure that the platform can meet your requirements.
- Evaluate case studies + customer testimonials - Case studies and customer testimonials can provide valuable insights into the real-world performance of an IoT platform. Seek out examples of successful deployments within your industry or with similar use cases, and assess the impact of the IoT platform on these businesses' operations. This can help you gauge the potential benefits and return on investment (ROI) that the platform may deliver for your organisation.
- Conduct a Proof of Concept (PoC) - Before committing to a specific IoT platform, it is advisable to conduct a Proof of Concept (PoC) or pilot project. This involves implementing the platform on a small scale within your organisation, allowing you to evaluate its performance, identify any potential issues, and confirm its suitability for your needs. A successful PoC can provide the confidence you need to move forward with a full-scale deployment.
Selecting the right IoT platform is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your IoT deployment. By carefully considering the key features outlined in this guide and following a structured search process, you can ensure that you choose a platform that meets your needs and drives meaningful results for your business. Investing time and resources in researching, evaluating, and testing potential IoT platforms will pay off in the long run, helping you to unlock the full potential of IoT technology and transform your operations.
Rayven's integrated data, AI + IoT platform enables you to create a real-time, accurate single source of truth for all your data; gives you all-new ways to visualise and analyse it in real-time; as well as providing you with a set of easy-to-use tools that enable you to build your own industrial IoT solutions that improve performance, simply.