Tips For Choosing The Right IoT Connectivity Platform
The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to transform the way people live, and connectivity between handheld devices, vehicles, home appliances, and other electronic items can make almost everything more convenient. For businesses, IoT can automate tasks, analyze real-time data, and provide new insights into how products and services are used and allow for more efficient operations.
But with so many different IoT options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the best fit for your company's needs. Below, we take a look at IoT basics and what to consider when choosing an IoT connectivity platform.
IoT 101
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of electronics around the world that are connected to the internet, all of which are collecting and sharing data about their surroundings. This includes everything from cell phones and computers to smart home appliances and cars.
Then, this data is transmitted over the internet to be analyzed and used for various purposes, like providing insights into consumer behavior, optimizing energy usage, or improving public safety.
Individuals also benefit from IoT in their everyday lives. For example, smart thermostats can be used to automatically adjust the temperature in your home based on your work schedule, while GPS tracking can give you data on real-time traffic conditions before commuting.
How Businesses Use IoT
Companies worldwide are turning to IoT to increase efficiency and reduce overhead costs. Here’s how some industries are using the internet to streamline operations:
Asset Tracking
IoT asset tracking provides real-time visibility on the location of assets and can be used to collect and store data on asset utilization, temperature, humidity, and other relevant metrics. With this information, businesses can make better decisions on how to manage and utilize their critical resources. IoT technology can also help businesses prevent asset loss, theft, and misuse, and tracking solutions can be tailored to meet the needs of a variety of industries, from retail and logistics to manufacturing and healthcare.
Fleet Tracking
IoT software and connected devices are a cost-effective way to manage a fleet by tracking vehicle location and providing the potential for companies to optimize their operations, fuel costs, and safety. This technology can also be used to capture and analyze data related to the performance of the fleet, like maintenance and repair records, driver behavior, and vehicle utilization. This data can then be used to make informed decisions regarding the management of the fleet and ensure that vehicles are being operated efficiently.
Parking
Another important use for IoT connectivity is the remote management of parking lots and garages. By using smart, IoT-enabled sensors, the system can be used to detect where vehicles are parked and which spots are available. License plate recognition (LPR) technology can also be integrated to allow management systems to calculate how long a vehicle was parked, so the total owed can be displayed at the gate. This helps to ensure that all available spots are used efficiently and parking fees are collected accurately.
Selecting A Good IoT Connectivity Platform
To choose the right IoT platform for your business, you first need to understand your company's needs. Do you need a platform that can support a large number of devices or one that's highly secure? Once you have a clear understanding of the unique needs of your business, you can start evaluating different platforms and their features. Some factors to consider include:
Cost
Cost is always an important consideration when choosing any type of technology for your business. With IoT platforms, you will typically pay either a monthly subscription fee or a per-device fee. Make sure to compare the costs of different IoT platforms before making your final decision.
Ease of Use
Ease of use is another important factor to think about when choosing an IoT platform. Some platforms are more user-friendly than others, so if you or your team are not familiar with connectivity technology, you might want to choose an IoT platform that has a user-friendly dashboard and a dedicated customer service line.
IoT Connectivity Is Easier Than Ever With EPIC iO
EPIC iO is a leading provider of IoT connectivity solutions. We offer a wide range of products that are designed to meet the needs of different businesses in various industries, and our products are easy to use and install.
Contact us today to learn more or to speak with one of our IoT connectivity experts who can help you assess your specific needs and choose the right solution for your business. Or, click here to schedule a live demo of our software.
