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What You Should Consider When Building Your IoT App

By Jonathan Tarud
What you should consider when building your iot app
By Jonathan Tarud
HiTech
5 minutes read

If you don’t know how hot the Internet of Things (IoT) market is, it’s time you did. Global spending  broke $745 billion last year, increasing 15% from 2017, and is predicted to go past the $1 trillion mark by 2022, with double digit percentage  every year as per this report. The list of possible applications of connected devices and machinery continues to grow and expand, so the opportunity to develop one of the mobile apps that control and monitor these IoT devices has never been greater. So, while you’re ideating and strategizing your million dollar idea, there are certainly many trends and numbers you should be researching before you get started on your IoT app. 

IoT Sectors

Because of the diversity and variety of sectors that utilize the IoT, there are multiple directions to take your upcoming app. Somewhat predictably, the manufacturing sector is currently the biggest spender in the IoT market. Makes sense, though, as connectivity of a consecutive series of machines can clearly make a difference in these automated processes. Unless you’re already connected with these industries, it may be a difficult network to bust into, as most companies who make the devices or machines would also design the controlling app. That said, a good way to succeed in the app market is to improve on problematic issues with existing apps, so keep up on trends and reviews of current apps out there.

Somewhat behind manufacturing sectors in spending is the emerging consumer area. These are the IoT devices and appliances we’re all familiar with: security systems, home systems like climate, lighting, or music control, and connected appliances like dishwashers or washing machines. Here, the opportunity to innovate seems much more realistic, as almost all of us spend a lot of time in our homes, and see what needs connectivity or how existing IoT systems are falling short. It’s been suggested the outdoor home sector – like irrigation systems or pools – are emerging quickly, which is worth investigating.

The remaining sectors are still very accessible. Retail, transportation, and municipal/utility applications are all actively expanding, and spending is bound to increase. Everyday issues like meter reading and inventory present a myriad of problems in their respective fields, and automated devices that can report data remotely can save companies and municipal organizations a lot of time and money. There are websites and magazines that cover technology for every conceivable sector out there, so it’s a good idea to be familiar with those to stay up to date with what’s happening.

IoT Necessities

Keep in mind that there are a few essential elements of IoT apps and devices that should be addressed during development. If your idea hits the market when these capabilities are insufficient or underpowered, you’ll have trouble succeeding in this competitive field. Here’s a list of the basics.

  • Data Collection and Security: Because of the unique nature of IoT interconnected networks, the typical data transmission services don’t apply. Yet, your data still needs to be encrypted and protected to ensure your devices or machines keep their initial and customized settings. You’ll need to focus on these networks and the sensors that receive input to maintain a strong connection.
  • Cloud Based Solutions: IoT needs quick transfers of data to various devices, as well as a central repository to manage and organize it. Using a cloud-based solution is ideal, as it’s basically built for these tasks; it does not need conventional carrier networks, and is typically much more affordable, as well. Look for an app development partner that has experience with cloud-based technology.
  • High-end Data Streaming: Clearly, gigantic amounts of processed data need to be transferred to other devices and to the control device. These unique sensors and mechanisms operate differently than the usual packet-style transfers, so make sure you’re aware of the necessary hardware needed for this.
  • IoT Platform and Efficient Data Organization: Again, these very specialized systems require unique methods to organize, process, store and transmit data, both throughout the system and to the control device app.

Like we mentioned several times, the strategy and development of these IoT systems have singular features, both hardware and software. It’s unlikely that these certain methods will apply to any development outside the IoT parameters. 

Wrapping It All Up

The IoT needs to be thought of as sort of a biosphere, as it’s a unique and intertwined system where all independent parts rely on the smooth operation and connectivity of all the other parts for any of it to successfully thrive. As today’s world naturally advances technologically, so too does the infrastructure that can comfortably support and advance various IoT systems. Important factors like programming languages, hardware, and platforms continue to be refined for optimal growth, so successful app development partners also keep in step with all these essential advancements.

It could be said that the IoT sector is the most optimistic of all the sectors out there today. Considering all the money that is currently being invested in it, plus the enormous amount that is predicted to be spent, it’s certainly one of the best sectors to get in on early. Smart home technology, advanced medical devices, and automated transportation are just a few of the categories that are growing rapidly.

Clearly, it pays to do your research. Not just about the IoT, either; you’ll want to closely inspect any app development partner you may choose to work with. Look for agencies that have progressive and advanced development philosophies, like DevOps teams or full stack developers. It takes a team with extraordinary communication and coordination skills to properly develop complex apps like this, and utilizing the best methods and technologies to do so indicates an agency that’s up for the challenge. Now, let’s get connected!

Have any questions or comments about IoT apps? Find us on Twitter and let’s talk  @Koombea

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