Top IoT implementation mistakes that businesses do (but you don’t have to)

Internet of Things (IoT) is a common sight in offices and homes nowadays. Users employ IoT devices and tech for various applications, like – turning on the lights, controlling ambient temperatures, place online grocery orders, etc. The most efficient use of IoT is in the area of supply chain operations and management. IoT makes the best use of available technologies, bringing them together to render all stakeholders an integrated solution.

For the supply chain, as data on Statista for the year 2017 and 2018, supply chains’ most significant issue was visibility. Additionally, the number of IoT devices used across the world has already exceeded by 23 Billion. Visibility in a supply chain means that the stakeholders are able to control the supply chain from a vantage point. Its tower technology solution works on data being generated at various points. Therefore, it leads to the creation of meaningful insights. This allows the operators to have an extensive view of the overall supply chain and enable them to take suitable actions.

While IoT is essential, its proper implementation holds high value equally. Any performance-related errors in IoT can cause entire business systems to come to a halt. The issue may originate from device management, data flow throughout the business operations, partnerships with stakeholders involved, etc. The critical factors for success depend on security, scalability, cost-effectiveness, and complexity of the system.

Here are few IoT implementation mistakes that businesses do but don’t have to.

1.Unclear scope of works – Defining the scope of any implementation should be the first step. As any change within the organization will affect other related processes, it is important to have a clear process in place. When you define the scope as “everything”, you are writing a recipe for failure. You just cannot turn up at the supermarket shelf and get everything because you are sure the product you want is in there somewhere.

Internet of Things is a new technology that needs to be understood before being implemented. Ideally, you should run the system on a pilot or a small section of your works. Watch the benefits and outcomes. Once convinced, it is time to broaden the scope and educate all the stakeholders involved. Although the tech is new and does come with a users’ manual, it is imperative to define projects’ scope. Teams should work to develop a detailed outline. Scoping is a critical aspect of a successful IoT implementation.

2.Security for Technology implementation – Surveys conducted worldwide show that 80% of senior execs across industries suggest that IoT implementation is crucial for positive business outcomes. So the technology in question IoT, is well accepted. The next step is to ensure that the implemented technology does not expose the company to vulnerabilities. As high-precision IoT devices are deployed and connected over the wireless and wired networks, they require access restrictions to avoid any malpractices. IoT framework of a business organization has to be entirely secure. Some of the concerns related to system security are mentioned as follows:

• Privacy concerns – first and foremost, the privacy of specific actions and right needs to be in place
• Insecure Web Interface – As most devices do not have their controls on them, they can be controlled and calibrated using a dashboard, which connects over the network. Hence the connection or the web interface needs to be secure.
• Cloud security – As the data collected from across different device sensors lands up on the cloud, cloud security is of pinnacle importance.
• Security for – Mobile Interface, in-network Services, encryption concerns – This multitude of concerns must be secured before critical operations are undertaken.
• Software Or Firmware patch and update Issues – The over-the-air updates help the system to function appropriately and utilize the available resources to the max.

Unsecure IoT devices and software make the IoT system prone to cyber-attacks. Hence you need to ensure end-to-end security for any IoT deployment.

3. Managing the critical Data flows – When you do not forecast the future data flow properly, it leads to one of the significant mistakes in IoT implementation of devices and applications. Data growth is exponential with IoT devices. As businesses want to have more control on operations, the frequency of data transfers goes up exponentially.

A widespread misunderstanding is that the more data (higher frequency) businesses received from their IoT devices, the better it is for their business. This misconception needs to be addressed. Excess data leads to swelling on the part of data flowrates throughout the network as well as leads to unstructured data. Data that can not be analyzed to gain meaningful insights does not help at all.

4.Implementation in a hurry – The feeling of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a bad thing to have when planning for implementation of IoT network. The urgent desire to get on board the IoT bandwagon needs to be planned out properly. Yes, IoT does address specific issues and even can automate several tasks for you. However it is not a ‘cure-all’ solution.

GPS tracking based on IoT devices helps plan for driver estimated arrival times. This helps everyone in the chain to get in line. Real-time updates allow driver positions to be shared with their supervisor, supplier as well as end customers. Drop and hook (trailer behind another, shipper running behind, etc.) is preferably a quicker method to get the employee driver back on the road. The more he stays on the street, driving the vehicle, the more he earns for the logistics company.

5. Cost involved in IoT implementation – Another important factor while implementing IoT is to consider Cost to benefits ratios. Cost savings, in fact, are the major IoT adoption criteria for almost half of businesses. Also, sticking to just the cost factor while deciding to implement IoT might not turn out to be a wise decision. The cost for IoT implementations depends on several factors. These decisions vary depending on the type of technology implemented, number of connections to the device, type, and features of the application to be loaded, etc.

Hardware involves the most significant amount of investment for IoT implementation. And most certainly, the cost of IoT application is directly proportional to the number of devices used in the connection. The next big cost is from the infrastructure that supports the IoT implementation. This could be a WiFi network, Bluetooth, RFID, etc.

6.Upskilling of stakeholders for better operation – This aspect involves the stakeholders, who are actually going to work hand in hand with IoT implementation going forward. Companies who are successful with their IoT implementations are the ones that upskill their existing workforce. As it is undeniable that IoT helps to outsource much of work to those who are making a focal point of it as a business model. Once the implementation is in place, it is going to be your responsibility to keep it working properly.

7. Plans to upgrade and replace IoT devices – You need to have a proper IoT device management plan, which is critical to ensure the IoT platform’s core compatibility. The IoT devices are at the core of running a reliable implementation. The most important requirement is to make sure that you have an enterprise-ready platform. When we discuss device management, it also involves network, power states, device geolocation, etc.

As your hardworking IoT devices continue to collect enormous volumes of data, transfer it, store it, and utilize it, they can begin to malfunction. The solution to the pressing concern of planning can be solved through regular, physical, or virtual monitoring, diagnostics, software patching and updates, and maintenance. Luckily, as most IoT devices have wireless connectivity, software and firmware updates can be pushed over the wireless networks. Performing frequent OTA (Over-The-Air) updates helps the IoT platform in monitoring. It also helps maintain the device software, fix bugs, manage firmware, and customize the connected devices.