The decision to implement an Internet of Things (IoT) platform in your organisation can significantly affect its future competitiveness and efficiency, determine the way that your customers adopt Industry 4.0 technology and custom applications, or all of the above.
Picking the right IoT platform is a nuanced process, and it's paramount that you consider several critical factors...
Key thing to look for in an IoT platform:
- Understand Your Needs - The first step in the selection process should always be a thorough understanding of your organisation's needs. IoT is a broad field, with applications spanning from predictive maintenance to supply chain monitoring. Define your specific requirements, as well as the capabilities that you'll need now and into the future, before starting your search.
- Scalability - A crucial aspect of any IoT platform is its scalability. As your business grows, so will your IoT needs. The platform you choose should be able to handle a growing number of connected devices and the accompanying increase in data volumes without sacrificing performance.
- Interoperability - In the world of IoT, not all devices speak the same language. Hence, the IoT platform you choose should be able to 'talk' to a wide array of devices, protocols, and applications. Interoperability is critical to ensure seamless data flow and functioning across your IoT ecosystem.
- Security - IoT platforms create numerous connection points, each of which can be a potential vulnerability. Therefore, security should be a top priority when choosing an IoT platform. It should include features like encryption, access controls, and regular updates to guard against the latest threats.
- Data Management + Analytics - Data is the lifeblood of IoT. Look for a platform that offers robust data management features, including data cleansing and normalisation. Moreover, the platform should provide advanced analytics capabilities, turning raw data into actionable insights to drive better decision-making.
- Ease of Integration - The IoT platform should easily integrate with your existing systems and infrastructure. Avoid platforms that could result in siloed operations, as seamless integration will save you time, resources, and potential headaches in both the short and long run.
- Support + Training - As the technology landscape continually evolves, so does the learning curve associated with it. Choose an IoT platform provider that offers comprehensive support and training. This will ensure you can effectively manage the platform and maximise its benefits.
- Cost Considerations - Consider the platform's total cost of ownership, including the upfront cost, subscription fees, integration costs, and potential upgrade costs. It's important to find a solution that offers value for money without compromising on essential features.
- Reliability - The platform should have robust fault-tolerance mechanisms and uptime guarantees. After all, in a connected environment, any downtime can lead to significant operational disruptions, safety risks, as well as financial losses.
- Customisability - Each business has its own unique needs and workflows, and your IoT platform should be able to accommodate these. Look for a platform that offers high levels of customisation, allowing you to tailor the platform to your specific operational needs. This could include custom dashboards, data visualisations, and specific workflow automation options.
- End-to-End Solutions - While it can be tempting to choose an IoT platform that only manages the devices and connectivity, a platform offering end-to-end solutions can simplify the overall IoT deployment process. These platforms provide everything from device management, data collection, to data analytics and, critically, application development. This one-stop solution not only reduces complexity but also ensures all elements of your IoT implementation work seamlessly together.
- Vendor’s Reputation - The IoT platform you choose will be a significant part of your IT infrastructure. Hence, you should ensure the vendor has a solid reputation in the industry. Assess customer reviews, case studies, and news about the vendor to ensure that they will be a reliable partner in the long term.
Choosing the right IoT platform is a crucial decision that requires careful thought and consideration. By focusing on the factors mentioned above, you will be well-equipped to select a platform that aligns with your business goals and paves the way for a future-proof, connected future for you and/or your customers.
Rayven's platform is a complete end-to-end integrated data, AI + IoT platform that's designed to make creating highly-customised industrial applications involving automation, machine learning and AI incredibly simple. Find out more or speak to us today to discover what can be achieved, simply.