Building Reliable Firmware: Why Quality Matters More Than Development Time

Developing firmware for embedded platforms often comes with numerous constraints, but taking shortcuts shouldn't be one of them. In the business world, there's always a delicate balance between cost, timelines, quality, and functionality. However, when this balance tips too far towards reducing cost and getting things done as quickly as possible, it can lead to significant issues down the road. Investing in well-made firmware solutions is crucial for ensuring long-term success and reliability, preventing costly fixes and operational disruptions in the future.

Here are a some of the issues that occur when developing firmware poorly:

Lack of deep understanding of the platform

Some developers or agencies may be capable of developing firmware; however, they may not have the relevant experience or specialist knowledge to do the job properly. A full understanding of the specifications, capabilities, and limitations of the applicable hardware is needed.

Inadequate memory control

With a lot of devices being very memory-constrained, it's very important to make sure this is managed correctly, especially with the expected uptime of the devices, as otherwise you could be faced with a hard-to-track-down bug.

Lack of modularity

If firmware is written correctly, it has the possibility of being relevant for decades, this could mean that many developers will have to work on it over time. Therefore the code should be written in a way that is easy to maintain and test, to ensure any future tasks are done in a timely manner and not just working through existing technical debt.

Power management

With some devices needing to run for years off of battery power, power management should always be utilised where applicable. If it is not, the device batteries could end up lasting nowhere near as long as needed or as expected by the consumer. Causing both inconveniences for the customer but also unnecessary e-waste.

Lack of thorough testing

The code needs to be tested, but so does the hardware, which needs to be put through all of the functions to ensure everything is working correctly

Lack of security?

For IoT devices it is now more important than ever that devices are secure, due to other devices not being designed with security as a priority. IoT devices are now commonly compromised for a variety of nefarious reasons.

With plenty of issues to consider, it’s important to make sure you enlist the help of a developer or development agency with the appropriate skills to anticipate these and deal with them before they arise. Developers with specific experience in developing high-quality firmware are advisable because they already have experience and expertise in the area. This might be a higher outlay of funds to begin with, but it will pay dividends in other ways, which we have listed below.

Here’s 5 reasons why getting your firmware developed competently can greatly benefit your business.

1 - Cheaper in the long run?

Developing firmware properly the first time around can save significant time and costs compared to opting for a cheaper, lower-quality solution. High-quality firmware reduces the likelihood of bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues. This approach prevents costly downtime and improves user satisfaction, leading to greater long-term savings and a stronger reputation for reliability.

2 - Better user experience

Well designed firmware can greatly enhance customer satisfaction by ensuring devices run smoothly, securely, and efficiently, leading to an excellent user experience. High-quality firmware provides a seamless and intuitive interaction with the device. It also enables new features and updates, keeping devices up-to-date and relevant. This reliability and ongoing improvement build trust and loyalty, resulting in happier, more satisfied customers who are likely to remain loyal to the brand.

3 - More sustainable

Efficient firmware can be more sustainable by extending the lifespan of devices and reducing the need for frequent replacements. High-quality firmware ensures efficient operation, keeps energy consumption as low as possible, and supports ongoing updates and improvements, which keeps devices functional and relevant for longer periods. As well as power,? when you are more efficient with firmware you need less resources which in turn helps reduce your BOM (Build Of Materials). This reduces electronic waste and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing new devices, promoting a more sustainable approach to technology consumption.

4 - AI/Machine learning

Well-made firmware can seamlessly integrate machine learning and AI through a modular approach, enhancing device functionality and user experience. Robust and reliable firmware provides a stable foundation for these advanced technologies, enabling features like predictive maintenance, personalised settings, and real-time performance optimisation. By supporting AI and machine learning, high-quality firmware allows devices to become smarter and more efficient, offering users a cutting-edge experience and staying ahead in technological innovation.

5 - Repeat custom and less returns

Building robust firmware for a product can encourage repeat custom from users by ensuring a reliable and enjoyable experience of the product they have purchased, leading to increased customer loyalty. High-quality firmware minimises bugs and performance issues, reducing the likelihood of returns and replacements due to faulty products. This not only helps control costs for the company but also keeps customers happy by providing a dependable product, fostering trust and satisfaction that encourage repeat purchases and keeping those product reviews positive.

Are you about to embark on a journey that requires firmware? As a company that holds many industrial accreditations with the top embedded platform providers, Coderus has the required expertise to provide you a great solution from start to finish. Employing the Agile methodology we ensure you are part of the discussions throughout the project. We can also work directly with your hardware supplier. Our internal teams are able to not only provide a great solution but also to test the solution with our in-house QA team.

If you’d like to discuss how Coderus can help work with you to bring your app ideas to life then get in touch - We’d love to hear from you.