The Internet of Things (IoT) is revolutionizing the way people live and work. From smart thermostats that learn your habits to connected industrial machines that optimize production, IoT is rapidly transforming entire industries. In fact, the most recent record of IoT devices is 15.9 billion, which is expected to double by 2030. (1)
However, for many businesses, the whole idea of IoT may seem overwhelming. This is where IoT consulting comes in. An IoT consultant acts as your guide through the intricate process of implementing IoT solutions in your business, which is why many organizations are partnering with their services. In fact, the demand dramatically has grown so much that the IoT professional service market is now valued at USD$ 151.58 billion. (2)
But what exactly does this process entail? What can you expect when partnering with an IoT consulting firm? Read on.
Table of Contents
Discovery and assessment
The first step is all about understanding your business, its goals, and its challenges. Think of it as laying the foundation for your IoT project. The consultant will work closely with you to uncover areas where IoT can make a real difference. This might involve workshops where you brainstorm ideas, interviews to be more in-depth with your operations, and analyzing the data you already have.
For example, you’re a manufacturer looking to streamline your production process. The consultant might ask questions about your current machinery, downtime occurrences, and energy consumption. By analyzing this data, they can identify opportunities for using IoT sensors to monitor machine health, predict maintenance needs, and optimize energy usage.
Identifying and prioritizing use cases
With a clear picture of your business needs, the consultant will help you identify specific applications, or ‘use cases,’ for IoT. These could be anything that can benefit from having internet-connected devices collecting and sharing data.
Going back to the example earlier, a use case could be installing sensors on key machinery to monitor vibration and temperature. This data can then be used to predict equipment failures before they happen, preventing costly downtime. The consultant will likely present you with a range of potential use cases.
However, not all of them are equal.
Here comes the prioritization stage, where the consultant helps you weigh the potential benefits of each option. They’ll consider factors like the impact on your bottom line, the feasibility of implementation, and, of course, the costs involved.
Strategy development and roadmap creation
Now that you have a prioritized list of use cases, it’s time to develop a strategy. This acts as your roadmap, outlining the specific technologies, resources, and budget needed to bring your IoT project to life.
The consultant will work with you to choose the right hardware components – the devices that will collect and transmit data. These could involve anything from simple sensors to complex cameras, depending on your use case. They’ll also help you select the appropriate communication protocols, which are essentially the language your devices will use to ‘talk’ to each other and the central system.
A perfect example is a smart thermostat. It uses sensors to detect temperature and communicates this data wirelessly to a central hub using a specific protocol. This hub then interprets the data and adjusts the temperature accordingly.
An essential part of the strategy is also choosing an IoT platform. It acts as the brain of your operation, collecting data from your devices, storing it securely, and providing tools for analyzing and visualizing the information.
Solution design and development
With a clear strategy in place, it’s time to get technical! This stage involves designing and developing the specific solution that will address your chosen use cases. The IoT consulting services will study the specifics of your chosen hardware, communication protocols, and the IoT platform.
Let’s revisit the manufacturing example. Here, IoT consulting companies might help you design a system where sensors on your machines transmit data to an IoT platform. It will then analyze the data and send alerts to maintenance personnel when potential problems are identified. The consultant might even help develop a custom application that allows you to visualize machine health data in real time, giving you valuable insights into your production process.
Implementation and testing
This is where the consultant oversees the deployment of your IoT solution. They’ll ensure that all the hardware is installed correctly, the communication protocols are functioning smoothly, and the chosen platform is configured to your specific needs.
Just like any new system, thorough testing is crucial. The consultant will conduct rigorous assessments to identify and address any bugs or security vulnerabilities. This ensures that your IoT solution functions as intended and protects your valuable data from unauthorized access.
Ongoing support and security
According to a study, 70% of the widely used IoT devices are susceptible to threats. Therefore, security is essential when integrating IoT. With countless devices collecting and transmitting data, it’s essential to have robust security measures in place. The consultant will advise you on best practices for securing your IoT system and help you implement measures to safeguard your devices and data. (3)
But the journey doesn’t end there. The consultant can also offer ongoing support services. This might involve monitoring your IoT system for any anomalies, addressing any issues that arise, and even providing training for your staff on how to use the implemented system effectively.
Final thoughts
By partnering with IoT consultants, you can navigate the exciting yet complex world of IoT with confidence. Their expertise will guide you through every stage of the process, from uncovering potential applications to ensuring a secure and functional IoT solution that transforms your business. So, are you ready to unlock the power of IoT and take your business to the next level?