It has been a long time since technology started lending a helping hand to our needs, not just for household chores but at the workplace as well. But modern technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) have changed the whole prospective of how we are dealing with things at the moment.
IoT platforms for businesses
Before directly jumping on to the IoT bandwagon, it is very important to ensure that you have a favorable, open architecture in place. For businesses, a security breach and lack of connectivity can be critical flaws, which can be prevented by making a strategic approach for IoT initiatives. Choosing an appropriate IoT platform is an integral step in an IoT strategy, as it will facilitate monitoring as well as controlling different data points from a variety of sensors. It’s also important for building machine-to-machine (M2M) applications to meet digital business requirements.
Let’s take an example of a fleet management and asset tracking solution. This kind of solution demands open and centralized system architectures for greater connectivity options and real-time information sharing. Making prompt communication between technologies like GPS, RFID and OBD II will enable companies to track their fleets remotely and analyze various parameters related to trucks to generate deeper insights.
[Tweet “How an #IoTplatform can be a game-changer for your business”]
The core of IoT platforms
An IoT platform will connect access points and data networks to end-user applications, which allows companies to automate their processes and analyze data. In other words, IoT platforms act as middleware solutions that connect the data collected at the edge and the user-facing SaaS or mobile app. An IoT solution will involve many functions, which include:
- Sensors and controllers
- A gateway device to collect data and send them back to server
- A communication network to transmit data
- Data analytics and data visualization software
- The user facing application
Why IoT platforms are so important
The IoT is a characteristically complex networking environment. The need to make data computation seamless and connect the digital and the physical worlds has pushed many IoT platform providers into the market.
It is not easy to determine which kind of platform your company needs, because it depends on more than one factor. It depends on the need of specific hardware, real-time access, protocols, custom reports, and more. While some platforms will help companies save money, others will help them save time. Due to disparate devices and sensors from a range of vendors, the information remains discrete and as a result the IoT landscape looks fragmented. To make the most of available data and generate deep insights, businesses need to engage with different devices and applications. To handle such complexity, companies need to have a platform that will allow application development, device monitoring, and data management. IoT platforms enable companies to provide sensor based services, for example healthcare monitoring.
A final note
With so many smart devices rolled out, the world is getting smarter. Connected things on smart IoT platforms have potential to unlock opportunities like never before. By deploying the right IoT platforms, companies can automate their business processes and save a lot of time and money.
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-iot-platforms-can-game-changer-your-business-ripal-vyas
