It’s always difficult for a company to choose new software platforms and especially IoT. From concerns over learning curve to ROI to security to integration within an IT structure, most companies dread the process. With so much at risk in terms of investment dollars and business efficiency, the choice isn’t easy. Many companies are now facing this struggle in selecting an IoT solution for their organization. Having decided to embark on an IoT deployment, they are discovering that the challenge in selection may be more difficult than before.

Why selecting the right IoT solution is more daunting than selecting other software?
#1 First, it is still a new and developing technology by comparison to other technologies and the age of businesses supplying IoT platforms is relatively young compared to other software systems. And since most companies view their IoT project as a long-term venture, the age issue makes it more difficult to validate a provider’s product through case studies for previous deployments and through engagement with other product users. The IoT platform space is currently growing at an annual growth rate of 40% and many providers have only been in business for a few years.

#2Second, many companies do not possess the developer skills to fully vet an IoT platform with in-house staff. As an emerging technology, many IT professionals have found themselves on a very steep learning curve. And in small to medium companies, where IT may be outsourced, the skillsets to understand and provide feedback to upper management for the purchase of a system are non-existent.

#3 Finally, while IoT platforms have many common elements such as cloud-based storage and processing, APIs, scalability, and others, it is unique in that full end to end platform providers also offer the sale, installation, and service of the devices themselves. This is a deeper integration than many types of software platforms where the product is displayed through user screens and doesn’t venture into the equipment and machinery that drives the production side of the business. Here, the platform extends directly to and is integrated within the production equipment. As such, that unique service offering makes the evaluation process more difficult.

Things to Check Before Partnering with a IoT Solution Provider
To address the above concerns, there are a few things to consider before making a purchase:

1.Decide What is Needed: A company considering IoT deployment should define the reason for the need before beginning a search for a solution. Mapping out those needs can provide guidance on what type of system and the capabilities needed in a provider. A Proof of Concept (POC) should be drafted as the narrowing process continues to specifically identify business use and targeted areas for improvement. Companies should also decide what type of system they need.

2.End-to-End Systems: End to end systems provide everything for an implementation including hardware, software, connectivity, devices, security, and device management. It also provides the managed integrations required as well.

3.Connectivity Management Platforms: These platforms offer cheaper connectivity management using Wi-Fi and cell technology.

4.Cloud Platforms: For companies without an in-house network, cloud platforms can offer backend management to monitor devices and track data.

5.Determine a Budget: IoT solutions are major investments and with the level of service, software, device purchase and installation, this purchase will be a capital expense for most companies and one that will compete with other corporate projects as well. As solution providers are engaged, an understanding of what the budget is will help providers craft a solution that fits.

6.Validate the System Security: With data breaches in the news weekly, many companies are concerned about security risks with further integration online. A recent research from studies showing that executives were willing to pay over 20% more for devices with better security. Also, alarming is that only a third of IoT security solutions are provided by IoT vendors. Those looking for a solution should dig deeply into the security issue.

Wrap Up!
It is important that any company seeking a solution provider for their IoT needs should dig deeply into the entire ecosystem of the provider to understand what they have to offer and how, or if, those offerings fit the needs of the company. So, choose such like Rattle Tech, the most trusted IoT solution provider for any business needs. We have a team of IoT experts can help you develop your idea, and architect an innovative solution for your customers. Also, we are well-versed in the latest Mobile, Cloud ERP technologies, and has delivered many products successfully.

We are expert at building IoT solutions for the smart home, building, and city. we can develop your “thing’s” embedded software or build gateway and cloud solutions to help you collect, manage, and analyze the data from these ‘things’, as well as configure & control them. Book a Free Demo!!!