IoT application is not just about connecting different devices, but it is about developing solutions to help businesses thrive and innovate. With the rapid proliferation of IoT solutions in the business world, it is critical to understand the importance and technology stack involved in IoT application development.
IoT Application Development solutions are made up of a group of technologies, some already existing and some entirely new. Each has its own way of development, and when they’re combined, they can create an environment that is complex and rapidly changing.
In the IT world, best practices are typically defined as procedures that are well-known and accepted to be the most effective. Today lack of industry best practices to help companies write code, manage life cycle of certain IoT-related hardware and software, and deal with different types of breaches that can occur, including intrusions that are initiated at the device level comes across as a main problem.
Integrating New Technologies into Existing Environments
In today’s age, different technologies are competing for market traction and in this scenario standardization remains elusive. As a result, relatively few homes, appliances and other consumer goods are actually IoT-enabled and connected.
Retrofitting is one of the most feasible ways to bring IoT capabilities to existing equipment. While not simple and assured, connecting legacy equipment and systems brings benefits and is an important way ahead in the IoT initiatives implementation.
Managing Complexity: Protocol Proliferation
Deployment of the IIoT across different protocols is a different challenge.
- BLE
- ZigBee
- Z-Wave
Wireless technologies using mesh networks to wirelessly connect and network IoT devices without involving a cellular or Wi-Fi signal. However, they use different frequencies. - We-Mo
We-Mo does not need Wi-Fi, removing the need for a hub or controller and allows devices to connect directly via the Internet. On the flip side, this system requires more power and processing capability than other, lower-energy options.
Best Practices in Evolving Areas of IoT
As the IoT continues to proliferate, there are bound to be growing pains. Hardware will continue to advance and improve. Software will become more sophisticated. New standards, protocols and connectivity options will gain more prominence. But enterprises need to remember and ensure that their new strengths and capabilities remain compatible with legacy systems and account for innovation.
With focus on innovation, companies are equipped to handle the speed of change that comes with the IoT and fully realize its benefits.
Bringing Data In From The Edge: Networking Challenges
Conflicting protocols and disparate hardware account for the networking challenges that must be addressed to make IoT-enabled devices a reality. It starts with connectivity. The move ahead is to ensure that data is flowing seamlessly and reliably. Security is equally critical, as IoT devices are more frequent and easy targets for hackers and cyberterrorists. Upon connection of devices, they must authenticate, data should be encrypted, and communicate about their presence and activity.
Power consumption and bandwidth present other unique challenges. Due to constant communication between thousands of devices with each other, frequent signaling and transmission can drain out battery-operated devices. As a result, minimal, efficient power usage is the key. In a scenario, where thousands of devices are communicating over wireless networks, bandwidth can become a concern, and costs can add up quickly. The final goal must be to keep IoT data streams as compact and efficient as possible.
IoT Implementation in Different Industries: Statistics
Retail/E-Commerce: Beacons that retailers use to send notifications to shoppers’ smartphones to swell from 96,000 in 2015 to 3.5 million in 2018.
- Digital signage that advertises sales
- Smart shelves monitor inventory
- Robots that stock shelves will become commonplace thanks to the IoT
Transportation: Connected cars are in the market and we expect 381 million such cars on the road by 2020, up from 36 million in 2015.
- Public transportation will start to have more smart features, which companies will be able to use to further enhance the travel experience.
- Link to smart cities, which will use data from connected cars to alleviate traffic and make parking easier.
Utilities: The International Energy Agency expects global energy demand to increase by 37% by 2040. IoT will help deal with the strain this will put on energy supplies.
- Smart meters allow utility companies to effectively manage energy flow into buildings.
- Smart water sensors track water quality, temperature, pressure, and consumption.
- Smart home devices to automatically conserve energy when they are not home.
Smart Cities:
- Cities must upgrade their infrastructures to deal with the influx of residents. And several cities are already doing this.
- Smart city that would help drivers to quickly find parking spaces and alleviate congestion.
Insurance:
- IoT will transform insurance by helping customers and insurance companies be proactive through the use of data collection, which would help identify and solve problems before they even occur.
- Wearable devices would help insurance companies keep track of patients’ health and reward them for staying healthy through exercise and diet.
Supply Chain:
- Internet of Things is helping logistics and shipping companies track inventory and products in efficient ways.
- Asset tracking solutions allow companies to find not just items in bulk, but specific items that belong to a specific customer to let him or her know precisely where the item is on the purchase journey.
Conclusion
IoT allows for a world of new opportunities and connections to take place. Its impact is unimaginable. The best way forward is that need to educate ourselves about what the IoT is and implement its best practices.