IoT Connectivity Strategy Best Practices

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technology trend that promises to transform industries and improve people's lives. But it's still in its infancy. So far, most businesses haven't even begun to think about leveraging IoT technologies. Many experts believe that we're just scratching the surface of what IoT can do.

But there's another side to the story. While IoT has been hyped up as the next big thing, there's a real opportunity for those who embrace it now to take advantage of the momentum and ride the wave of success.

McKinsey surveyed over 2,500 executives responsible for IoT implementation across five major sectors – automotive, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and utilities – to find out why some organisations are already reaping the benefits of IoT while others lag.

What they found reveals three key reasons why IoT leaders are winning the adoption game:

1. They are more likely to adopt IoT solutions
2. They are more likely to implement IoT applications
3. They are more likely to deploy advanced IoT endpoints like smart cars and wearables

In addition, IoT leaders are changing existing business processes to capitalise on IoT opportunities. This includes developing new products, acquiring new customers, improving customer satisfaction, and increasing revenue.

IoT leaders are more likely to make R&D investments, develop partnerships, and acquire new skills. These actions help them better understand how IoT works, build confidence in their ability to deliver on IoT projects, and increase their chances of succeeding.

Finally, the McKinsey survey highlighted that IoT leaders are more open to adopting new technologies and working with partners. And they are more likely to see IoT as a competitive differentiator rather than simply a cost reduction initiative.

These insights into why IoT leaders win the adoption battle provide practical guidance for anyone looking to accelerate their IoT journey.

Now let's look at some IoT fundamentals and what it takes to create a good?IoT connectivity strategy.

What is connectivity in IoT?

Connectivity is a crucial element of IoT and its success. Connectivity in IoT refers to the ability of devices and sensors to connect and communicate with each other. This allows for data to be collected and shared, which can then be used to make better decisions and improve efficiency.

IoT devices require a connection to function correctly. They use networks to communicate with gateways, applications, servers, routers, and other IoT devices. This communication allows data to be transmitted and received, allowing the IoT device to carry out its intended purpose.

As businesses continue investing in the internet of things (IoT), you must plan how you connect your devices. Here are Seven best practices to help you get started.

Define your goals & objectives

Defining your goals and objectives is essential when planning an IoT connectivity strategy. This will help you determine what type of connectivity you need, how you will achieve your goals, and which technologies best fit your needs.

Additionally, it is vital to assess the current state of your network and identify any gaps or weaknesses that need to be addressed. Once you clearly understand what you want and how you plan to achieve it, the next step is to select the right technologies and implement them strategically.

Evaluate your current situation

When it comes to IoT, there are a few things that you need to take into account before starting any connectivity projects.

The first is to evaluate your current situation and see what needs are being met. Once you understand what needs are being met, you can start looking at ways to improve the connectivity in those areas.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your IoT projects are coordinated with other departments within your company so that everyone is working towards the same goal.

Choose the right connectivity solution & partner.

There are various IoT connectivity solutions and many more connectivity providers, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs.

Some of the most common Connectivity solutions are:

• Cellular (3G/4G/5G)
• Unlicensed Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs)Lora, Sigfox
• Licensed Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWANs) NB-IoT, LTE-M
• Zigbee and Other Mesh Protocols.
• Bluetooth and BLE.
• Wi-Fi.
• RFID.

It's also important to consider how you will use the connectivity solution and who will be responsible for implementing and maintaining it.

Research and select the right IoT platform for your needs

IoT platforms offer a variety of capabilities, so it's important to select the one that best meets your needs. For example, if you need a platform that can handle large amounts of data, you'll want to research platforms that are designed for scalability. If you need a platform with specific security features, you'll want to research platforms that offer those features. By taking the time to research and select the right IoT platform for your needs, you'll ensure that your IoT project is successful.

Configure your devices for maximum effectiveness and security

To ensure a successful IoT deployment, it is essential to configure your devices for maximum efficiency and security.

Some tips to follow include:

• Ensure that all devices are updated to the latest firmware and software versions.
• Configure your devices to use strong passwords and security measures, such as two-factor authentication.
• Install anti-virus software on all devices and keep up to date with the latest virus signatures.
• Keep all devices connected to the internet at all times, using a secure connection.
• Configure your devices to use the best available networking protocols.
• Use secure networking protocols and configurations.
• Use whitelisting and blacklisting techniques to restrict specific devices or network access.

Test and pilot your IoT solution before implementation

Before implementing an IoT solution, it is important to test and pilot the solution to ensure that it works as intended. This can help to avoid unexpected issues or problems during implementation. Testing and piloting can also help to identify any potential improvements that could be made to the solution before it is deployed more broadly.

Test and optimise your IoT strategy regularly

IoT connectivity is critical for the success of your IoT strategy. However, it's not enough to connect devices. It would be best to ensure those devices could communicate with each other and access the right resources.

• Plan For Interoperability: Make sure your devices can communicate with each other and access the right resources. This means planning for interoperability and testing your devices to make sure they're compatible.
• Choose Appropriate Protocols: Make sure your devices use the proper protocols, depending on the data type they share. For example, Bluetooth is a good choice for connecting low-power sensors.

Conclusion

When you deploy an IoT solution, it's critically important to have domain expertise on your team. That way, you can identify opportunities and challenges specific to your industry and business. By following these seven practices, you'll be well on your way to building an effective IoT connectivity strategy for your business.

This article was first published on my blog here.