Why IoT Matters
The Internet of Things (IoT) represents a significant challenge and opportunity. IoT devices and revenues are projected to double. This will occur over the next few years. Companies that develop IoT products. They are positioned to reap substantial benefits. However, IoT isn't a "get rich quick" scheme. Companies diving into IoT development without understanding best practices risk failed projects.
The good news is that with proper preparation, and education, you and your team are more likely to succeed. This guide on IoT Development Frameworks and Best Practices covers everything you need. To turn your product vision into reality.
What Is the Internet of Things?
The Internet of Things (IoT) is major technology buzzword. But what does it mean? How does it relate to other big terms. Terms like machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)?
IoT refers to the extensive network of devices that connect to the Internet to exchange real-time information. While it includes traditional computing devices like laptops and smartphones it is more frequently applied to hardware enhanced with Internet connectivity. Examples include cardiac monitors, industrial sensors and security cameras, smart home devices and self-driving cars. Any device that has an IP address and can send and receive data over a network is part of the IoT.
IoT, AI, and machine learning are deeply interconnected, enhancing each other. IoT gathers data through smart applications connected to physical assets, which machine learning uses to create better AI. Improved AI, in turn, enables IoT devices to perform more advanced tasks.
By integrating Internet connectivity into formerly "dumb" devices, IoT aims to simplify, ease, and enhance your life.
Developing IoT Products
IoT products have the potential to revolutionize your business, impacting operations, processes, customers, and outcomes. If you're aiming to improve customer experience, IoT devices offer numerous benefits:
Personalized attention, such as preparing your usual coffee order as you approach your favorite café.Automating tedious tasks like reordering groceries when supplies are low.Reducing time on customer support, such as a "smart car" contacting a mechanic when it detects an engine issue.
Even traditionally non-innovative industries like agriculture and construction benefit from IoT. For example, IoT-enabled tractors can receive location data from all vehicles in the fleet, ensuring efficient seeding or fertilizing.
However, a few important concerns must be addressed before starting IoT development:
Failure is common: According to a 2017 Cisco report, only 26% of companies reported at least one of their IoT initiatives as a complete success. Sixty percent of failed IoT projects stalled during the proof of concept stage. Observing IoT development best practices is crucial.
Security is crucial: Connecting an IoT product to the Internet exposes users to numerous security risks. Ensure your device meets IoT security and web development standards, and complies with privacy laws like GDPR.
Solving the right problem: Define your project clearly and ensure it solves an existing business problem with measurable KPIs. Choose the right technologies, such as integrating Bluetooth and iOS or creating a digital twin.
The Benefits of Agile IoT Development
Two main software development approaches are Agile and Waterfall. The Waterfall method follows a linear sequence for each stage of development. Agile, developed in response to Waterfall's rigidity, involves breaking work into smaller tasks and producing incremental value over time.
The Waterfall Development Model
In the Waterfall model development proceeds sequentially from one stage to the next. It moves to the next stage only when the current stage is complete. Stages include:
Requirements gatheringAnalysis and planningDesignDevelopmentTestingDeployment
The Waterfall model's structured approach can appear clear and organized, but it is inflexible and risky, as testing occurs late in the process and changes can necessitate starting over.
The Agile Development Model
In response to Waterfall's limitations, 17 software developers published the "Agile manifesto" in 2001, emphasizing:
People and interactions over processes and toolsWorking software over comprehensive documentationCollaborating with customers over contract negotiationsResponding to change over following a plan
Agile development, adopted by Etelligens, prioritizes flexibility, speed, cross-functional teamwork, and continual improvement through iterative development. Agile separates the process into sprints, typically lasting 1-4 weeks, with tasks assigned at the start and daily progress meetings.
Why Agile and IoT Are Perfect Together
Agile is the preferred development model for IoT products, especially for building a minimum viable product (MVP). Agile's iterative approach allows for faster product release cycles and adaptability to changes, crucial for IoT development.
The Agile development model is challenging to implement but worthwhile. The 10 key steps of an Agile IoT release include validations and constraints, product development roadmap, hardware de-risking, imitation, full prototype, micro-facturing run, first manufacturing run, real manufacturing run, go-to-market manufacturing run, and simulation with digital twin technology.
Using Elixir and Nerves in IoT Development
Choosing the right languages, frameworks, and libraries is critical for IoT development. Elixir and Nerves offer a robust solution.
The Elixir Programming Language
Elixir dynamic functional programming language built on Erlang, is ideal for scalable and maintainable applications. Benefits of Elixir include:
Data immutabilityConcise, testable codeProcess-based parallelismFault tolerance
The Nerves IoT Development Framework for Embedded Software
Nerves is an IoT development framework for building embedded software in Elixir, using web development principles and tools for secure communication and continuous delivery. NervesHub, a web service for managing wireless firmware updates, is a standout feature.
AWS IoT Core with Elixir and Nerves
AWS IoT Core manages devices, sends and receives secure messages, and scales effortlessly through the MQTT protocol, which is lightweight and efficient.
3 Examples of IoT Transforming Markets
1. Consumer IoT
We partnered with Koller Products to build the world’s first Internet-connected desktop aquarium. It allows remote monitoring and control through a mobile app.
2. Industrial IoT (IIoT)
Industry 4.0 and smart factories benefit from IIoT devices. One example is GE's Predix platform. It uses digital twin technology to predict behavior . It also schedules maintenance.
3. IoT and Customer Experience
IoT devices enhance customer experience by offering personalized options. They automate daily tasks improving both employee and customer satisfaction.
Working with an IoT Development Company
Choosing the right IoT development partner is crucial. Key traits to look for include:
Technical skillsCommunication stylesWorking patternsCulture of testingFlexibilityThe world of IoT development holds great promise for companies willing to innovate and adapt. Selecting the right partner can turn your IoT vision into a reality.