Sometimes companies are so eager to jump into the exciting world of IoT that they make mistakes. Fortunately, the most common mistakes are usually avoidable.
By 2030, there will be an estimated 25.4 billion IoT devices around the globe.
Crossing the boundaries of industries and business types, the Internet of Things has become an integral part of our everyday lives – so much so that many organizations are eager to enter the market.
But while IoT and associated devices can bring a host of benefits, sometimes companies are so eager to enter the exciting world of IoT that they make mistakes. Fortunately, the most common ones (including the following 8 mistakes) are usually avoidable – as long as you're aware of them.
1. Failure to understand the business value of IoT
Technology is at its peak. An abundance of organizations are in the midst of digital transformations and overhauls. But not every innovation is necessarily ideal for your specific business.
Before trying to adopt IoT and add it to your pipeline, consider the real business value and benefits for your specific organization. You should be able to list the tangible benefits that IoT will bring. Think about whether the cost of this type of initiative is worth it in the long term – because these measures are expensive. Also consider the amount of time it will take to integrate it.
That doesn't mean it's all or nothing. Maybe you should just start on a small scale. Be aware of the possibilities and costs of IoT related to your business.
2. Trying to do too much at once
Casting too wide a net isn't just a mistake companies make with IoT – it's something that happens with many technology projects.
Instead of trying to solve many challenges or problems with a single product, focus on a single issue, at least in the beginning. Hone in on a detailed plan to solve this problem from all angles. This way, you will become the go-to resource for your niche. Once you become an established presence in the market, you can begin to branch out into other areas.
3. Weak Security
IoT has completely revolutionized our lives, offering convenience, time savings and much more. However, some IoT connections and devices lack sufficient security, and this is a problem that the developing company must resolve, especially considering the amount of sensitive data that IoT generates and has access to.
Some potential issues with implementing IoT include lack of privacy and cloud-related vulnerabilities. It is absolutely imperative that organizations address these and other security concerns through extensive troubleshooting and testing before launch. Consider security from multiple angles, considering networks, devices, and more. This will mean greater security for users and companies.
4. Undefined scope
Modern IoT development is complex. But not defining the scope of the project can make the process even more complicated.
A project as involving as this requires specificity. You must identify the problem to be solved, the resources required, the specific skills required to complete it, and other parameters. Narrowing the scope also involves predicting a range of outcomes. Consider possible setbacks and failures along the way, as they can also interfere with the scope of the project.
5. Lack of sufficient research
The IoT market is one entity, but it encompasses countless subsections, services, platforms and devices. It’s not enough to say: “I’m going to develop an IoT product”. It’s crucial to do your due diligence to find your niche. Conduct technical and market research to determine your position in this broad field. The area you settle in must align with your mission and brand.
Hire experts to help you sharpen your vision and find the best market segment for you – the one that makes the most sense for your business. Be careful not to cast too wide a net. The more niche you are, the greater your chances of meeting an unmet need in your target audience.
6. Not counting updates
IoT projects are not one and done. This technology, like other innovations, requires constant maintenance. It's a mistake to assume that once you've built the product and shipped it to market, you're done with the project. Whether you are using IoT devices or creating them, be aware that updates are normal.
From the beginning, have a solid plan for how you will keep your IoT devices up to date and in a timely manner.
7. Inadequate skills
Successful IoT conceptualization and implementation requires specific technical and interpersonal skills, skills that may not currently exist within your internal team. Your plan requires the expertise of professionals equipped with IoT experience and skill sets aligned with what you are trying to accomplish.
This could very well mean that you will need to look outside your organization, perhaps to an outsourcing company or a freelance team, for help with your IoT projects.
8. Unrealistic timelines
When you develop a complex technology solution, you can't expect it to happen overnight. It's important to be realistic about the amount of time and effort IoT initiatives require. If you underestimate this type of project, you will inevitably be disappointed when the turnaround time is further away than you would like.
Have a frank discussion with your developers about the project timeline. They will be honest about how long it will take and perhaps temper their expectations so that there are no surprises in the future. In the long run, this is better for you, your team, and your project.
When companies embrace IoT, they are leveraging an invaluable resource that can transform their business digitally and in other ways. But it is absolutely imperative that organizations consider all aspects of the IoT process, crafting their expectations, thinking through the challenges, and examining potential projects from all angles. This will limit the potential for errors to derail your progress.
If you liked this, be sure to check out our other IoT articles.
- The Impact of the Internet of Things on Web Design and Development
- Internet of Behavior: Understanding the Next Digital Frontier
- How the Internet of Things is revolutionizing healthcare
- How IoT, AI and Blockchain Lead the Way to a Smarter Energy Sector
- Internet of Things and Edge Computing: What's the difference?
Source: BairesDev
