Originally published on LinkedIn in February 2021; reviewed and updated for this site.
The Internet of Things is growing rapidly, becoming a more common and essential part of a business's strategy every month. It is now a key part of the digital transformation that millions of companies are undertaking, spanning the full range of industry from retail to manufacturing. IoT platforms let a business connect devices and configure ecosystems using internal resources, without recruiting third-party developers. Whether you are deploying industrial IoT devices or customer-facing wearable applications, these solutions can put a smart ecosystem within reach faster and at lower cost.
In the early days of connected devices, the cost and complexity of the technology meant a fully realised IoT architecture was hard to achieve for smaller businesses, or for anyone without the right development resource. We are now at the point where platforms offer an end-to-end path that makes device connectivity practical for a wide range of use cases.
What you get from a platform
- Design and execute complex IoT and wearable projects using internal resources
- Establish communication protocols for connected hardware
- Determine which data is collected by sensors and which actions are carried out by devices
- Integrate business systems and software with connected devices, so data flows continuously
Who actually uses them
Depending on the size and structure of the organisation, different individuals or teams build out the network, maintain it and handle everything around it. When deciding on a platform it is worth being clear which employees or teams will do the initial work of enabling devices and establishing the framework — designated IoT specialists, product teams, or IT. Third-party development services are also common users, and may bring their own platform preference when a company outsources part or all of the design and implementation.
The features that distinguish one platform from another
Platform comparison is difficult, because each provider takes a different approach to design and deployment. These are the areas worth comparing directly.
Application development. The core function: syncing internet-enabled devices, connecting them to the cloud, generating and sharing data, triggering actions, sending alerts and automating tasks. Most platforms include a development interface for building applications with little or no advanced coding, with room for deeper modification where you need it.
Rules engines. Once an ecosystem is established and successfully connected to the cloud, you need a way to determine sets of rules for the devices to follow. These frameworks put a place to ensure each device performs its part in an IoT environment, from operational analytics to time-sensitive actions in response to events and observations. Using a platform, business teams can write and deploy these rule sets and assign different rules to distributed devices as needed. As efforts are launched and optimised over time, you can adjust the protocols for each device based on outcomes and changing business needs.
Permissions and access. When adopting an IoT strategy for a business, it is important to consider who will be granted access to the backend with regard to connecting new devices, management of devices and workflows, and handling of data. This is the required not only to ensure the successful deployment and utilisation of smart devices, but to prevent unwanted access or modifications. Platforms may provide various settings for controlling who has access, and to what extent they can make changes to an open IoT architecture. As new employees are assigned to IoT responsibilities or roles change within an organisation, administrators can update system permissions and the specific details of each user account.
Device management and analytics. Making the most of a network of IoT devices will entail a number of tasks, ranging from device audits and firmware updates to viewing and sorting of devices depending on the platform used; these efforts may require additional software applications or tools that come included on the IoT platform. When researching potential solutions for a business, look at the device management and data analytics features to determine which additional solutions users will need to consider. In situations where certain features are not included, IoT platforms will typically integrate with other applications that perform those functions and can work together to create a complete IoT stack.
The problems to plan for
Hardware issues. Getting an IoT project off the ground requires more than just software. It relies on the objects themselves, and the smart sensors used to enable their IoT connectivity. Deploying this fleet and maintaining its health can be a significant challenge. These various hardware issues can interrupt the work being done on an IoT platform, and force delays or changes related to an IoT application. It is important to keep this in mind and allocate the necessary resources to device enablement, testing, and troubleshooting when deploying an IoT fleet.
Network issues. In addition to the devices themselves, an IoT program is reliant on a high-powered, stable connection that unites devices to each other and the internet. With IoT, this typically requires specialised gateways, routers, modems and network plans. Despite the advanced capabilities of smart devices and the technology they contain, you are almost certain to experience network issues such as dropped signals and other disruptions, not to mention technical problems with deploying network devices on the ground. Network difficulties during or after the deployment of an IoT architecture can be a roadblock for those in charge of a company's IoT efforts. They might also create larger problems for the company as a whole, particularly with respect to time-sensitive operations. Any business considering an IoT investment should ensure that primary and edge networks are thoroughly tested in relation to the particular bandwidth and performance required of the IoT infrastructure, and upgraded as necessary for optimal strength and reliability.
What sits alongside the platform
A new IoT project is a significant undertaking for any business, involving a great deal of resources. There are a growing number of adjacent solutions in the IoT space, and if considering an IoT initiative, there are a variety of products and services users might consider.
Device management software takes over the management of devices once they are programmed and active within an IoT framework. It aids the platform with the design and deployment of the frameworks that bring those devices together. Device management tools are built around the devices themselves, with real-time information on the entirety of connected things. Through the use of these tools, companies can track performance metrics of these devices, push critical updates for software and firmware, and control access to devices as needed. Some platforms offer some device management capabilities, but in some cases you might need separate solutions to achieve the desired level of visibility and control.
Development tools are IoT development tools that are various developer-friendly solutions to assist with building and optimising IoT applications. Many platforms are often low- or no-code solutions for deploying a network of smart objects, and development tools are geared toward developers with experience writing code. A number of these solutions can be used to connect and control various smart devices, and may allow for greater customisation or complexity in an IoT application than IoT platforms. Depending on the size and scope of an IoT project, you may decide to work with third-party IoT developers or assign ongoing IoT development to an employee or team on staff. These individuals may use one or more IoT development tools to continue expanding, optimising and pushing the limits of an IoT infrastructure, or assist with other tasks related to IoT management.
Analytics software gives the potential to extract insights across an operation, on matters from equipment performance to customer behaviour. Analytics software is designed to simply reveal this information, consuming the large volumes of real-time data from device sensors and assisting with sorting, analysing and visualisation of the most relevant data and providing the desired actionable insight. Depending on the types of devices, as well as their placement and assigned functions, users may choose to focus on any number of data types. These can include environmental conditions, machine maintenance recommendations, and consumer product usage or interactions. In the case of wearable devices, it is also likely to include data specific to the individual's condition such as heart rate and respiration.
Security services. By connecting physical assets to an IoT network, a business is also creating new vulnerabilities for data theft, malware and other digital security threats. It is vital to take preventative measures with any IoT initiative, while being prepared for reactionary measures in the event of a data breach or another unwanted event. Third-party agencies that offer IoT security services may be able to help with security recommendations or timely assistance with protecting IoT devices and the network as a whole. Internal teams may also utilise some form of IoT security software to augment the security of smart devices and user tasks, from user authentication to alerts about interrupted communications. Several IoT platforms and device managers offer some form of IoT security, but when mapping an IoT strategy for a business, users should consider additional services and software tools to properly safeguard devices and the critical business data they will collect.
In summary
When IoT started to be available you had no choice but to develop all the components yourself. Selecting all the components, integrating them and coding the desired functionality yourself. Now that IoT has developed, platforms are able to provide a head start in building IoT systems by providing built-in tools and capabilities to make IoT easier and cheaper for businesses, developers, and users. Hopefully this look into IoT platforms will help you decide how to develop your own IoT or wearable solution.