IoT

Why do You Need to Switch The IoT Mobile App Development

Why do You Need to Switch The IoT Mobile App Development?

Today, when time has become the most precious thing than ever, everyone is searching for the most efficient and smart solutions. Just assume present life without internet. There would have been no way to connect and use kitchen appliances, TV sets and baby monitors etc. remotely. Life would have been hard. Thankfully we are existing in an era where our physical world is beautifully synchronizing with the digital world. It is expected that by 2025, we have more connected devices than Earth’s inhabitants.

Do you know how all this is possible? The only way to make all this possible is through the Internet of Things. We can simply define it as IoT refers to an ecosystem which includes physical objects accessed by the internet.

But why do you need to integrate your mobile application with IoT? Integrating IoT with a mobile application can provide a competitive edge to your business to thrive in any dynamic market.

For example, heart monitoring devices have built-in sensors with an IP address and can collect and transmit data over the network. They are built to monitor, understand and analyze the ambience as per human needs.

Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistance is already serving as a connecting link between human and network of interconnected devices and have been in user from a long time. The transformation in technology shows that IoT has become one of the most critical technologies of today’s century. Businesses belonging to different domains are employing the latest technology to sustain in tech competition.

How IoT and Mobile App Development is interdependent:

Today, millions of IoT connected devices are already part of the earth. No doubt with the time the number will increase as internet connectivity is now a standard feature for devices which are used in factories, households, businesses and other sectors.

The preferred platform which has pushed the usage of IoT and IoT based devices is Mobile. The mobile app is easy to develop and for transmitting data. Using a single mobile application, you can quickly and efficiently manage IoT devices like Smart home or wearables.

In fact, you can set thermostats, brew your coffee and peep inside your house using the camera from the remote place through mobile phones. So, life has become very comfortables through IoT.

Why do you need to develop a Custom Mobile App using IoT?

1) Flexible Accessibility:

Today people are addicted to easy accessibility; therefore, integration of IoT and mobile app provides this facility, i.e. to access any interconnected physical object from any location through a single touch on a smartphone. Your reliable and proficient IoT app development company can provide you IoT-enabled mobile app, which can compute with IoT platforms’ enhanced functionality and can boost network usage of the customers.

2) Valuable Insights:

The Internet of Things can be defined as a network of interconnected devices, sensors, digital items and servers that collectively access and store sensitive and personal data of the users. These data can be used to make accurate decisions related to consumer behaviours and activities and shopping patterns in real-time, ultimately improving business operations.

For example, you can execute an essential change in inventory and improve your offerings’ marketing strategy. By using data, you can provide highly customized and excellent customer experience.

3) Market Entry:

We all know that IoT provides innumerable benefits, but unfortunately, many businesses and organizations are not in favour of adopting IoT as well as new technologies. They are unaware of IoT potentials and how a custom mobile app with IoT can provide a competitive edge to their business and address the niche market that has adopted IoT-based mobile apps.

How IoT helps in Mobile App Development Process?

1) Reduces the Cost of Mobile App Development:

IoT being dynamic in nature allows IoT app development company to combine multiple components within the app to make it innovative as well as interactive. This feature saves a lot of money without any compromise with the result.

2) Easy Integration:

IoT technology can be integrated with emerging technologies like AR, ML and VR. This means that it allows you to deploy the same capabilities in mobile apps. But, in order to get the best result, one has to implement IoT correctly.

3) Need for Higher Security:

We all know that user’s data is stored on the cloud and IoT application developers provide extreme device interconnectivity which certainly attracts high possibilities of cyberattacks and account hacks. Thus mobile app development service providers must ensure high-security protocols and encryption policies in all IoT integrated mobile apps.

4) Promotes Interactive Mobile App:

Technology has opened the gateway to personalization option, and obviously, IoT has made the mobile app more interactive and efficient. This concludes that a mobile app can stay-up-to-date with functionalities of IoT to stay competitive. This latest technology also facilitates simple customization options for mobile enterprise apps as today many businesses wish to reap the leverages provided by IoT. Many organization have connected devices for various operations like ordering supplies or in-office repairs regularly.

Businesses can even make their work process smooth for their staff by reducing downtime of office equipment by regular maintenance and prompt repair services.

5) Location Independence:

Most of the mobile users are using IoT-based mobile apps. Users can control the IoT ecosystem, including all devices, internet connections, hardware deployed through IoT-based mobile apps from anywhere and anytime. Thus we can say that IoT facilitates location independence.

For example, iPhone’s Home App provides useful automation for home accessories like a thermostat, lights, bathroom, wifi system. Homekit cameras and videos can even inform you through notification if any friend arrives at your doorstep. Thus you are free to operate your devices from any location using your mobile app.

6) Greater Convenience:

Today 52% of the world are mobile internet users, and one can easily manage entire IoT network from office, home or anywhere. One can even integrate social networks and notifications in the IoT mobile application. IoT has made life easy and simple, not just for users but also for IoT service providers. Today, application developers are not required to invest a lot of time, money and resources to make a mobile app and devices intuitive and interactive.

What are the challenges in IoT enabled Mobile App Development?

1) Data Collection and Processing:

IoT application needs a massive amount of data so IoT app development company must collect, store & process data on the cloud, in full agreement with platform terms. Companies need assistance for fetching insights from the customers’ data, so they have to hire data experts, analytic engineers and machine learning resources to analyze the data quality and its usefulness.

2) Security and Privacy:

Well, IoT has been in controversies for network security and data security. IoT app developers need to ensure full data privacy and security. They should provide data encryption protocol while developing a mobile app because IoT devices can be easily tampered and hacked by hackers. Therefore IoT app developers must guarantee that both data and devices are safe and hold required access and support skills.

3) Hardware and Software Compatibility:

It is essential to know that IoT and mobile app development needs a balance of software function and hardware. It is obvious to concentrate on designing the device, but software functions also require attention as it can create problems during regular updates. Both aspects together provide optimal performance. Thus it is vital to thrive a balance between both hardware and software. Suppose if your device does not allow regular updates like bug-fixing, it will hammer the device’s performance. Thus IoT app development company would not be able to deliver the most favourable results.

Conclusion

Integration of IoT with a mobile app can upheave your business and provide a greater view of the current market trend. If you wish to deliver outstanding customer service, boost engagement with your buyers, and attract more significant sales on the mobile app without extending your budget or compromising with the technological abilities, IoT is the best solution. Connect reliable and experienced IoT app service providers and explore the best possibilities.

How is IoT Contributing to Reshaping Factories Worldwide

How is IoT Contributing to Reshaping Factories Worldwide?

Nowadays, when everything is moving towards automation, then automated factories are no new surprise. Even the smallest operations in factories contribute to success or failure, profit or loss, and productivity.

As business owners are looking for the most efficient, cost-saving technologies, factories have become a new testbed for innovation.

Factory automation leads to the generation of valuable data around processes and allows IoT systems to improve operations smartly and sustainably. This clears that IoT, i.e. Internet of Things holds a great scope in factory automation and provides an unbeatable application to enhance operations, ultimately providing better results. These useful applications showcase a subset of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) use cases. Powerful IoT starts with reliable data collection and its storage.

Collecting Data and Unlocking Use Cases:

Thre are several use cases for well-employed IoT technology in a factory setting. Here is the list of few templates:

  • Asset Tracking
  • Cold chain management
  • Patient Safety and health tracking
  • Remote monitoring of system health
  • Process/Machine lifecycle tracking

In every use case, the process initiates with data collection and storage. IoT usage begins with one end in mind and extends to other applications. After installing sensors in the factory and collecting data, new opportunities and possibilities arise for what and how to use it for producing optimal outcomes.

Other than utilizing basic tracking and monitoring capabilities, using machine learning and other analytics approaches to handle the information communicated by the sensors potentially can boost the business.

Improved Performance and Productivity:

The most important and talked topic for IoT in the factory is how it improves efficiency and productivity. The improved and increased mechanization and automation of physical operations help organizations produce more high-quality speedily.

For instance, IoT allows the remote access and operation of devices that manage materials in an assembly line. IoT systems can employ advanced robotics technology to accelerate assembly line operations, standardize component creation, decrease product waste, reduce product errors and automate QA processes.

Enhancing Inventory Management:

Using remote monitoring of factory equipment and operations can generate data which allows more profound insights into procurement and planning. By managing fill-level tracking of a given material, an IoT system notifies the employees when he has to replenish it. Thus, it can monitor supply over months to analyze how many times the material has to be filled under different factors. It can proactively signal to employees for the supply orders, which ultimately reduces extra expenses and optimize inventory procurement.

Suppose, if there is equipment to be shared within a facility or between the facility, an IoT system can analyze data to recommend where and when the equipment should be transit.

If the particular department experiences a heavy utilization of single equipment on a specific day, say Tuesday, IoT system `will analyze different factors and recommend the quantity and type of equipment to be redistributed on Monday afternoon to optimize inventory usage and assure availability.

Thus, the IoT system can recommend when equipment needs to be preventatively maintained based on collected data on individual equipment usage pattern. Proper integration of IoT with the equipment enables IoT to detect the errors or upcoming maintenance issues. It even informs about the source of errors. This feature saves time and ensures the equipment’s potential use and enhances the equipment operator’s safety.

Enhancing Maintenance of Factory Facilities:

Most of the times, facility maintenance remains one of the underrated areas for factory improvement. An IoT system monitors the ambience and occurring changes. It controls temperature, humidity, and power usage of the factory facility’s HVAC systems, saving cost and energy. It can diagnose irregularities and standard maintenance requirements to help facilities. It can also add security measures into its monitoring to guarantee peace of mind for facility operators.

Increasing Employee Safety:

The reduction in equipment faultiness, product error, and more effective process management are few things offered by IoT systems, ensuring human safety in the factory. Suppose, if any accident happens like fire in a particular section, then the IoT system can transmit critical system information and other supporting data to confirm that employees are informed and safe.

Today, the havoc of COVID-19 has covered the globe. In this critical time, taking proper measures to assure the employee’s good health is the utmost priority. IoT systems can flag COVID concerns by tagging employees to detect when they are close to each other, check their health condition, and map anonymized employee data through more considerable contact tracing efforts. In fact, IoT can also send alerts if there are many people presents in an enclosed place.

Factory automation undoubtedly raises some questions like fewer jobs in the factory, decreased human requirement etc. Factory automation will not snatch the job but free the employees from tedious, repetitive and tiring tasks and shift jobs into process management or system administration. Employees will supervise the systems doing a repetitive job. This will improve employee safety and satisfaction.

Meeting Compliance Measure:

Remote monitoring of factory facilities ensures that compliance KPIs are visible and accessible. By sharing KPIs, automating reports and standard issues early and regularly, IoT integrated system can also help in satisfaction of compliance measures.

IoT just not offers better productivity, inventory optimization, reduced maintenance expense and better employees’ safety but it also supports compliance on different fronts, allowing an organization to create new KPIs that were just a dream earlier.

These unskippable IoT features help reduce financial, material, temporal, legal, and social costs.

Factory automation and involvement of IoT in it can attract immense growth and profits. It provides everything needed for business growth without compromising with the product’s quality or quantity or employees’ health. In fact, it adds much more than you can think of.

Adding IoT in your current your business is not a challenging task; you just need to contact reliable and experienced IoT service providers. The rest process will be like magic. Hence, we can conclude that the depth of possibilities and opportunities with IoT lies in one’s imagination and execution.

How is IoT Helping Smart Solar Farms for Improving Asset Management?

Today businesses are looking for more efficient and durable resources to improve efficiency and increase productivity. No, doubt IoT has already contributed a lot in the development of new technologies and making progress in the organizations. However, the potential of IoT visible today is hopefully way less than what IoT holds within it. The exploration of IoT will definitely turn into ecstasy for every human and organizations.

However, today, IoT is assisting many businesses and organizations and delivering successful and noticeable results. There are a plethora of IoT service providers present in the market to help businesses in improving their process and productivity.

Nowadays, energy production from the traditional way is becoming challenging due to limited resources and pollution caused by using it. So, Solar farms are the new and smart fashion where energy production companies are willingly investing for energy production. To enhance cost-effectiveness, organizations involved in the solar energy industry are looking for improved and effective asset management and monitoring.

So, to end management and monitoring related issues, energy production companies are adopting the Internet of Things.

IoT allows businesses to directly manage the solar panel installed on the farm and helps to detect the faulty devices. Along with the IoT technology, sensors are embedded in the panels for making automated workflow and get enhanced asset monitoring.

Solar Farm Asset Management

Earlier, businesses used to opt the traditional way of managing assets which was indeed time eating as well as less efficient. The asset management required more human interference, simultaneously inviting more errors. Thus, the need for asset management is growing stronger as the world is currently installing 70,000 solar panels per hour, as reported by IEA.

In a smart solar farm, IoT sensors are embedded in every asset to keep a track on assets’ health actively. These smart sensors send crucial information like current location, running status, health and predicts the possible malfunctions of assets in an automated process. This reduces human interference and the need to check and maintain each asset regularly. It even enables connected devices to communicate with each other more effectively and automatically and send information to the requires place.

Leverages offered by IoT-

1) Cost:

By adopting IoT and making the whole process automatic helps in lowering the energy bills and reducing the carbon footprint, which ultimately saves a lot of time and money in the long run. In fact, maintenance cost also slashes down with connected assets.

The introduction of IoT in asset management also provides better uptime of systems. Not just this, businesses can also update their compliance as per the new regulations introduced in the industry. Using effective asset management also reduces the risk of fines and penalties for non-compliance drop.

2) Real-time updates:

IoT integrated sensors embedded in the panels facilitate businesses to get real-time updates. The smart sensors observe vital parameters like temperature, energy output, cardinal direction and tilt angle. The energy-producing companies receive a visual overview of the panels’ output through location and colour. Using visual granularity, businesses are capable of accessing status updates and resolve the issues in real-time.

3) Maintenance:

Maintenance is one of the essential aspects of any business. In a solar farm, where panels have IoT sensors and provide real-time updates of the panels, the maintenance process becomes relatively easy and money-saving. Through real-time updates, administrators know which panel has issues and requires quick fixing. Businesses can detect the particular issue which causes downfall in the farm’s overall performance, say incorrect tilt angle or low energy output or any other problem. Real-time updates also help the maintenance team in taking preventive measures to avoid significant failures and downtime occurrences.

4) Predictive Analytics:

IoT-enabled monitoring utilizes past data to forecast energy output and predict the most efficient way to manage solar farms effectively. Thus, solar energy companies predict the amount of solar energy that would be present on a particular day. Companies can also envision the best way to adjust other energy resource inputs for better demand-supply balance.

5) Enhanced Worker Productivity:

IoT helps solar farm owners by assuring the productivity of workers as it promptly identifies and troubleshoots error sources. The supervisor does not have to check all the panels manually as the automatic system sends a notification to maintenance teams about the faulty panel. This decreases field trips, and technicians are free to do more critical tasks.

6) Theft Prevention:

Smart farms located in a rural area can be safer and secure from vandalism, and theft attempts as solar panels have an IoT-based monitoring system included to protect solar panels. Every solar panel is embedded with a sensor that can detect any unusual activity. The IoT enabled sensors can also detect if the solar panel is removed from its place and sends a notification to the operators in real-time.

IoT Implementation and Challenges

We all know that the Internet of Things is only possible through the connectivity of networks of a physical object with sensors and software to exchange data. IoT implementation can be a big deal for businesses adopting it for the very first time. Basically, IoT implementation depends on five components, i.e. sensors, standards, networks, intelligent analysis followed by intelligent actions.

Well, there is no doubt that IoT helps smart farms by automating things to reduce time consumption and cost, there are few points to be taken care before integrating smart farm with IoT.

1) Security:

The biggest concern is of security. Most of the users are concerned for the safety as in IoT all the devices are connected to the internet, making it vulnerable to security threats. This particular reason limits the performance of the systems.

2) Revenue and Affordability:

The second challenge faced by first-time IoT users is that they cost a lot. High cost becomes hindrances for an organization with a low budget. Due to low margins, small companies do not prefer to invest in this expensive technology, whereas large-scale companies welcome it with full potential.

3) Power Consumption:

Wireless devices consume more power and have limited battery life; thus, there is a requirement to develop IoT systems with low energy consuming sensors to decrease electric bill.

4) Network Issues:

One of the significant challenges in panels powered by IoT is that it may fail anytime due to low network in the area. Thus the IoT system is highly dependent on network and it may cause massive loss at times.

Conclusion

It is evident that IoT is providing a lot more than expected in smart solar farms to manage assets. IoT holds a great future in solar farms, and with the decrease in sensor costs along with better connectivity, companies will include IoT at different levels for more efficient results. In fact, data gathered by IoT can also support in taking a right and effective decisions to enhance the productivity of the solar farms.

Adding Operations Performance Management in IoT

Internet of Things is the new sensation in the technology market. Business owners and technology lovers are embracing the presence of new technologies and endeavouring to get the best output from it. Today, most of businesses intend to make their business smart and more organized. We all know that the Internet of Things has limitless potential to revolutionize everyday life and environment we are living. Unknowingly, we are already utilizing technologies in our daily life, and no doubt, the number of connected devices and services is growing exponentially day by day.

In 2015, the total number of connected devices was 15.4 billion, and as per IHS, this number would extend up to 30.7 billion in 2020 and 75.4 billion by 2025. No matter how accurate these predictions are, here we are talking about billions of devices at any rate.

However, to acquire the true potential of IoT, one requires operationalizing of the data generated from devices in context with operational workflows. No, doubt operationalizing data from different types of connected devices, OT, and IT systems is not an easy task. Secondly, the accumulation of data and delivering it to users in real-time and in connection with their operational workflow is more challenging.

Operationalizing IoT Systems Is Challenging

Coming to a very important and one of the hard things in IoT, i.e. operationalization IoT system. Though big data and advanced analytics have assisted us a lot to learn about the dynamic nature of constructed environments; however it has remained a challenge to operationalize the information in the daily work that happens in smart environments (smart towns, smart home, smart hospitals, etc.)

The fragmentation of workflows across multiple systems and the challenges of understanding how people are acknowledging the built environments and massive data flow restricts the meaningful transformation of these aforementioned smart spaces.

Organizations aiming to intertwine people, process and things are required to create a smarter way of working within the built environment. Thus, this situation drags in need of having Operations Performance Management (OPM).

Any idea about Operations Performance Management (OPM)?

Operations Performance Management (OPM) is an essential complement to an IoT deployment. It allows operationalizing and draws continuous business value from IoT systems. We can simply say that it sets power in the hands of the people, enables workers to take action on the basis of context-rich and real-time information about their smart environment.

OPM allows the real-time organization of people, systems and things that explores and initiates the real growth potential of IoT.

Operations Performance Management for the Internet of Things systems facilitates focused view into distant built environments. Not just this, it also allows smart building and hospital operators to analyze the data insights with valuable operational intelligence deeply.

Using OPM, operators can perform predictive modelling and execute self-tuning operations for their real-estate assets and in-building processes. This helps in getting better results for businesses and provides helpful experience for the tenants living and working within buildings. It even assures that all the business units working within organizations are integrated and working together to accomplish core business objectives.

OPM allows IoT system managers to achieve clear links between operation key performance indicators and significant business metrics. Therefore, it is clear that OPM initiates 360-degree view into an organization to help decision-makers in evaluating, assessing, planning, preparing, predicting and eventually saving operational costs as well as maintenance costs.

It’s just not about the platform; applications are designed specifically to acknowledge the big issues faced by smart hospitals and smart building. It enables meaningful digital transformation in hospitals and buildings. For example, in a hospital, OPM has authorized one leading hospital network to decrease code blues by 61 per cent. This has helped another hospital to realize an annual saving up to $2.7 million and a yearly ROI of around 900%.

Operations Performance Management is transforming the way of interactions existing between people and the environment. It provides real-time and context-aware insights into the working of the built environment. Now, health professionals, admins and building operators can answer to patients or tenant’s experience and get suggestions for further improvement in real or near-real-time.

It is now clear that generating connections between people through smart devices can produce a more beneficial outcome for building owners and their operators.

OPM is also helpful for people living, working and receiving care withing built environment.

Thus, it is pretty easy to conclude that OPM help business in realizing their IoT deployment model’s real potentials and it charters a better path for connected smart cities. If you are looking for an IoT service or planning to operationalize the IoT system, then contact us. We’ll guide you and provide the best services to you for the elevation of your business. Together we can create smarter cities, automated and efficient buildings, safer hospitals and workplaces.

8 Ways The Internet of Things (IoT) Can Help Grow Your Business

We live in a golden era where every device we use is connected to the internet in one way or another. The network of these connected devices is what we can call the Internet of Things.

IoT impacts the way we live our lives and make various aspects of our life smarter and more efficient. With smart technology being cheaper, we are now seeing more devices built with wireless connectivity embedded. Modern-day IT companies can use IoT technology to make their business operations more streamlined and improve efficiency in ways that were not possible earlier. Here are a few ways how IoT can grow your business today:

1) Improved business insights and customer behavior

Connected equipment in manufacturing, aviation, agriculture, healthcare, supply chain, and many other industries create more data streams and analytics potential. This means that companies are now gaining much greater insights about their day-to-day business operations and learning more about how their customers use their products or services.

In many of the cases, this has been enabled by cloud platforms provided by Microsoft Azure, IBM, AWS, and Google. But there is also a shift towards edge computing in some industries to reduce latency introduced by relying on third-party data centers.

2) Improved inventory management

The use of IoT will dramatically improve small businesses’ ability to monitor and manage their inventory process. Smart devices and IoT are now making it possible to automatically track and collect items and make overall inventory management and logistics more efficient. This whole comprehensive method is more productive than the cumbersome and expensive task where warehouse workers manually do the scanning and tracking of inventory piece one at a time

3) Personalized information and actions

IoT also brings together personal data so that they can deliver a more personalized experience to their customers.

In this way, E-Commerce retailers can leverage the analytics collected based on the customer’s behavior to offer more personalized information and actions. A good example fo this is where there is a car connected, and the driver receives offers that are tailored specifically to him or her. Alternatively, a family with a smart refrigerator can also receive the same tailored experience based on their personal preferences.

4) Efficiency and productivity gains

By connecting a business’s key processes, leaders can easily identify ways to boost efficiency and increase productivity. Thanks to these gains, companies expect that the revenues may get a boost by up to $154 million due to industrial IoT development, according to a recent report by Inmarsat.

Employees at Ford in Spain use a special suit equipped with Ford’s body tracking technology in partnership with Instituto Biomecanica de Valencia. The experiment involves 70 employees in 24 working departments.

The technology works similarly to motion taking systems that record how athletes sprint on turn or actors move and speak. Ford has been using the same technology to design a less physically stressful workstation to boost its manufacturing processes.

By accurately tracking the workers’ movement, it enables data-driven changes to its vehicle production processes, making them safer and more efficient.

5) Asset tracking and waste reduction

Closely linked to efficiency and productivity are the drives to reduce waste for which IoT tracking is integral. The growing use of IoT, with smart devices and sensors, can reduce unnecessary expenses that occur due to operational inefficiencies in the dress collection process. The urban waste collection process is also quite complex and time-consuming as well as resource-consuming

Therefore, using route optimization where municipalities or waste management companies work together and use smart dumpsters can transmit real-time data to waste collectors. The data then can be processed by the IoT company, which can select the best routes for waste collectors with areas that need a cleanup on priority. This results in an efficient pickup process that is more productive so that it can save fuel and workforce costs.

6) Remote working

Remote working is undoubtedly a trend that is becoming more and more popular as the days go by. For almost a decade, the possibility of working from home is more feasible for workers everywhere, and all the credit goes to development in the IoT.

IoT brings efficiency and accessibility on a level that was never seen before, and this has allowed remote working to be a popular option in today’s modern society. With IoT performing many different aspects of standard work practices, it is no surprise that remote working opportunities are flourishing.

7) Improved business security

IoT technology can be used to boost the security of your commercial office building in multiple ways. For example, wireless CCTV systems can be installed everywhere on your business premises and provide you with 24/7 live feed direct to your mobile devices. Many research data suggests that security cameras can be a handy tool against criminals. Security cameras can also come in handy to monetize star performance, and also it lowers the risk of employee theft.

Wireless alarm systems are also another affordable way to improve your business security and protect your equipment. An added benefit of installing IoT based security devices is that they may reduce the cost of your business liability insurance. Today, all the companies should take advantage of IoT devices that can monitor their buildings, boost their workplace security, and can negotiate lower insurance premiums.

8) New business models

While most of the use cases for IoT lies mainly inefficient productivity and process monitoring, and many companies recognized the scope for it to provide them with information about their customers in how they use their products.

We already have been saying internet-connected cars, coffee machines, trains, and all manner of other smart things that can feed used data back to the manufacturers and operators to build services around those products.

While few of these things were initially designed to be connected but added in IoT, there is a new value to them. These can also help improve the future design wire, the heaps of data gathered from real-world usage.

Companies that successfully can integrate IoT with their products have used benefits ahead in the future. It also allows the organization to shift the focus from conventional business models to new revenue streams. The data acquired from the IoT products hold much value. However, more significantly, customers can be given the option to purchase subscription-based services that offer customers a more personalized and tailored experience.

How can Edge Computing Change the Outlook of Manufacturing Industry?

IoT, cloud, AI, ML and Edge have been quite familiar terms for technology lovers. There has been a wrong idea or approach that Edge and Cloud are mutually independent. Though they may operate in different ways; leveraging one does not prevent the utilization of the other. In fact, they powerfully complement each other.

Edge Computing in Manufacturing

With the growth and penetration of the Internet of Things in different sectors, the edge computing framework is also findings its way in several sectors. Today, the most promising edge computing use cases are present in the manufacturing industry as it welcomes new technologies, and these advanced technologies effectively improve performance as well as productivity.

IoT is already providing its best for the optimal result in the manufacturing industry; manufacturers are looking for some platform to boost the responsiveness of their production systems. To accomplish this, companies are adopting smart manufacturing with edge computing as its leading enabler.

Smart manufacturing indicates a futuristic factory where equipment can make autonomous decisions based on operations going on the factory floor.

The new technology allows businesses to integrate all steps of the manufacturing process like design, manufacturing, supply chain, and operations. This provides better flexibility and reactivity at competitive markets. But no doubt, this whole vision requires a combination of related technologies like IoT, AI, ML and Edge computing.

One of the critical reason for gathering analytics at the edge of the network is that it enables us to analyze and execute on real-time data without bandwidth costs that come with sending data offsite for analysis.
We all are well-aware that manufacturing is time-sensitive in terms of avoiding the production of out-of-spec components, equipment downtime, worker injury, or death.

In fact, for more complex, longer-term tasks, data can be transferred to the cloud and coupled with other structured and unstructured forms of data. Thus, this supports that the application of these two different computing frameworks is not mutually exclusive but its a symbiotic relationship leveraging the benefits provided by each.

Why businesses need Edge for Manufacturing?

In the manufacturing sector, the purpose of edge computing is to process and analyze data near a machine that require prompt action in a time-sensitive manner. It demands a quick decision right away without any delay. In traditional IoT platform set up, data produced by a device is collected through an IoT device is sent back to the central network server (cloud).

In the cloud, all the collected data is processed in a centralized location, usually in a data centre. This implies that all the devices which need access to this data or use applications associated with it should be connected to the cloud. Thus everything is centralized, and the cloud is easy to secure and control even if it allows for reliable remote access to data. Well, data processing is completed in the cloud; it can be accessed through IoT platforms in several ways, i.e. via real-time visualization, diagnostic analytics, reporting to support better decision making based on real data.

Now, the question which triggers is that, if everything is quite favourable, then why do we need edge computing. The main problem is that the whole process takes time, and the situation turns complicated when there is a need to take prompt decision based on data.

In the traditional process, the data travels the distance from the edge device back to the cloud, and a slight delay can be critical for taking a specific decision like stopping a machine tool from avoiding breaking. In fact, these IoT connected machines produce a massive amount of data and all the data travelling back and forth between edge and cloud disrupts the communication bandwidth.

The only way to achieve real-time decision making is to adopt edge computing. Edge enabled machines to collect and process data in real-time at the edge of the machine that allows them to respond promptly and effectively.

Edge Use Cases in Manufacturing:

Let’s now check the practical reasons to add edge computing as a necessary thing in manufacturing. There are many business benefits to ensure that all networks are correctly connected to the cloud while providing on-time delivery of powerful computing resources at the edge.

1) Updated equipment uptime:

The adoption of edge computing in manufacturing predicts failure in a subsystem, component or impact of running in a degraded state in real-time. It regularly refines as more data is analyzed and is used to boost operational purposes and maintenance schedule.

2) Decreased sustenance costs:

Better analysis of data for required maintenance means that maintenance can be completed on first visits by providing mechanics detailed guidance about the cause of the problem, required action, what part requires extra attention which ultimately deduces repair cost.

3) Lower spare parts inventory:

Edge analytics models are business-friendly; they can be tailored as per the need of an individual device or system. This implies reading sensors directly associated with specific components/subsystems.

Thus, the edge model describes how the system should be optimally configured to accomplish the business goal, making spare parts inventory more efficient at a minimum cost.

4) Critical failure prevention:

By collecting, analyzing and monitoring data related to components, edge analytics detect a cause for future failure before it affects actualize. This enables early problem detection and prevention.

5) Condition-based monitoring:

The convergence of I.T. and O.T. has allowed manufacturers to access machine data to know the condition of their equipment on the factory floor; either it is new or legacy equipment.

6) New business models:

This is an essential point because edge analytics helps in shaping new business models to catch opportunities. Let’s check an example; edge analytics can enhance just-in-time parts management systems using self-monitoring analysis to predict machine component failure and provides parts replacement notification throughout the value chain. This affirms for a needed maintenance schedule to reduce downtime and parts inventory and ensures an efficient model.

In the CNC machine tool, in-cycle stoppages to the tool are edge decision, whereas end-of-cycles can be a cloud decision. The reason behind this is that in-cycle stoppages require a very low, near-zero, lag time whereas end-of-cycle stoppages have a more lenient lag time. Thus in the former scenario, the machine would have to leverage edge analytics when in-cycle to adapt and shut down the machine automatically to avoid potential costly downtime and maintenance.

Edge and cloud computing

As we already know that IIoT aims to apply the latest analytics to large quantities of machine data to reduce unplanned downtime, reduction in the overall cost of machine maintenance and potentially utilizing the machine learning capabilities. The cloud has been responsible for making this kind of massive data acquisition, transfer, and analysis.

So, if data speed is high and connectivity should be stable and then adopting edge solution is the best option. Therefore it is clear that edge computing will not replace cloud computing but it will complement each other for the optimal result. Thus, integration of edge computing with cloud computing capabilities can enhance efficiency and maximize the productivity of the business.

How is Artificial Intelligence Contributing to the IoT Revolution?

Today businesses around the world are extracting the potential outcome by deploying IoT in their business operations. They use it to create new and optimized business possibilities. The firm growth of IoT in various industries is spectacular, whereas AI and its influence on a professional and personal level are considered undervalued. However, combining IoT with rapidly improving AI technologies can design ‘smart machines’ that stimulate intelligent behaviours to make a precise decision without any human interference. Thus, AI-IoT together minimizes chances of error and ensures efficiency along with productivity.

How does AI help in the IoT revolution?

Artificial Intelligence performs smart tasks such as language translation, decision making, voice recognition, etc. and IoT involves a series of interconnected gadgets to transport information over a network. IoT gadgets depend on web connectivity to deliver a fair amount of relevant information about users such as user behaviour, users’ preferences, personal details, etc. It is absolutely wrong to overlook them as they contribute to improving the operations and user experience. However, many organizations have no idea about saving and processing of massive amounts of data which ultimately hinders the growth and potency of IoT.

In this critical situation, AI work as saviour as it helps to store the bulk of data processed by the IoT devices. It analyses and produces a sense of it. Thus, we can conclude that AI is a chief driver which promises to contribute to the exceptional growth of IoT.

Enabling evolving profits for businesses

Earlier, the AI framework was taking care of limited categories of the task. They were not scalable and required human interference. However, advancement in technology has created a successful transformation of AI by involving it into IoT concept. The collaboration of AI with IoT has introduced smart machines which require the least human intervention. The integration of two evolving technology will bring a dramatic change in different industries. Four significant changes that will emerge in businesses after integration of AI & IoT are:

Improved revenue:

Integration of IoT with AI will be profitable for many industries and sectors in terms of generating significant revenues and returns. IoT data providers, IoT gadget, manufactures and companies offering application services based on smart sensors will also enjoy the profits gained by the togetherness of these two highly effective technologies.

Better Safety Standards:

Un-interrupted and regular monitoring allows a business to take prompt decisions to restrict any failure. Up-to-date monitoring improves overall protection and security standards while enhancing productivity. The strict monitoring over different operations even reduces the possibility of harm to lives and assets.

Decreased Expenses:

Assessing the appliances by smart detectors, the sensor installed domestic devices and smart electricity meters cut the extra operational costs in businesses or household works.

Improved user experience:

Smart sensors offer a plethora of opportunities to improve the user experience. These detectors catch the user’s preferences and provide them with options accordingly. For example, smart ac sets the temperature as per the user’s need.

Positive influence on different industries

1) Manufacturing Industry:

Manufacturing sectors like aircraft, automobiles, mining, household appliances, etc. sync smart sensors with their machinery to get future analyses and improve efficiency along with productivity. Industries are endeavouring to develop a wholly autonomous and advanced industrial unit. The installed sensors will assist enterprises in detecting the areas with looming threats, informing about the future maintenance requirement to ensure least machinery falls.

2) Smart Homes:

IoT has introduced advancement in homes too. Today, smart home concepts have taken up speed. Smart homes concept means a house where all the gadgets are connected through a shared network. Integrating IoT with AI will enable devices to interpret the owner’s instruction and make smart decisions, respectively.

A smart home consists of technologies that aim to make lives comfortable by allowing the owner to regulate the device remotely, regardless of where she/he is currently present. It even ensures better safety and security. For example, an owner can pre-plan the time at which he/she wants coffee, or when TV should turn on to watch their favourite show.

3) Body sensors:

Smart detectors have made the lives of patients and doctors easy. These smart devices sense different activities to maintain good health. Today, pharmaceutical companies are investing in medical sensors that can assist patients in keeping a track on their health. In the covid-19 situation, most of the hospitals are offering virtual consultations to their regular patients. Smart sensors are tracking the health of patients and sending health alerts to the doctors if any changes appear. This technology has allowed everyone to follow social distancing to minimize the chances of Covid spread.

For example, sensors evaluate blood pressure, blood sugar levels, etc. and send a notification if any changes occur.

4) Airlines:

Sensors have also become part of the aircraft to monitor the looming risks and errors and to assure safety before any mishap occurs. These smart sensors predict probable errors and calculate the degree of severity to decrease aircraft downtime and ensure safety. Airline companies also use sensors to detect the maintenance issues that typically cause flight delay and cancellations.

5) Oil Rigs:

Oil industries have to spend a fair amount on obtaining oil drilling machinery. Oil companies can use smart sensors to get a timely notification for servicing and reduce the operational cost. Sensors attached to the machines provide the information about the condition of devices and send the alert for maintenance or servicing before any damage happens to a machine.

Wrapping Up:

IoT and AI are technologies which seem to complete each other through one or another way. This deadly combination will change the outlook of many businesses and industries. It will even improve our personal and professional lives in a very positive way. Thus, undoubtedly this ultimate combination is highly beneficial as it will open up new opportunities for growth and innovations—the addition of AI in IoT concept can ease the business processes, improve productivity and provides enhanced user-experience.

Plan Your IoT Real-Time Data Streaming Process

IoT is the new demand, or we can say the requirement of technology. The changes, disruptions, upgrading, business demands, customers’ demand, everything queues to urge for the adoption of IoT. However, the adoption of IoT isn’t profitable until you are not stirring the best out of it. Nowadays, the most discussed topic in IoT is IoT real-time data streaming process. IoT data streaming is essential as it provides real-time decision making that is significant to many operations. An organization should have tools to accumulate data from sensors and devices then process it and transfer it to the database for analysis and real-time results.

Data streaming enhances performance and saves from the upcoming mishap as it sends alerts that prompt interference. For example, in a refrigerated truck, if a sensor reads a decrease in the required temperature, then IoT real-time data streaming and AI models will provide alert that the needed temperature is disturbed and it might cause the spoilage of the product.

Why organizations need IoT data streaming?

Well, data streaming is required to attain smooth operations and to get prepared for future challenges. It allows organizations to take prompt decisions and actions.

In short, Organizations use IoT data streaming for:

  • Detecting illegal network access
  • Recognizing upcoming machine failure before it actually occurs
  • Monitor the changes happening in a patient’s health and notify the doctor for the same before any mishap happens

Not just this, real-time data streaming also improves the organization’s competitive position. Let’s check an example of a clothing store. Today, some of the clothing stores are installing smart mirrors in their shops to provide better customer experience. Through smart mirrors, potential customers can virtually try on different dresses or items or get a specific look without any hassle of physically trying them on.

As per the market researcher MarketsandMarkets, the streaming analytics market may grow from $12.5 billion in 2020 and extent to $38.6 billion by 2025 at a compound annual growth rate of 25.2%.

IoT applications and expansion of GPS and geographic information systems that are used to monitor, trace and map events in real-time is essential pillars of data streaming process.

Do you know how the data streaming process runs?

The data streaming process involves three components: software, an operational database and an analytics engine. The operational database runs in real-time, whereas analytics engine extracts the data to provide insights.

For first-time data stream deployment, organizations gather all the three crucial components, which need awareness with the process steps and understanding of the complexities of the tools which are used in each step of the operation.

The first step involves ingesting the IoT data using some message streaming software or message brokers like Amazon Amazon Kinesis Data Streams or Apache ActiveMQ.

Once the ingestion is completed, in the next step ETL tool, i.e., extract, transform and load tool prepares the data for import into an analytics database. This type of process is typically an operational database based on a SQL platform. Organizations must create real-time analytics and machine learning models and applications to obtain useful business insights from gathered data.

It is noticed that many IT departments adopt this methodology, but with the emergence of the latest technology, there are many automated methods and platforms. There are data streaming and analytics services or platforms which simplifies the architecture and mechanics like Splice Machine SQL database and Confluent Platform or machine learning models.

What are the four best data streaming practices?

Organizations that build their process from the start and are looking for an off-the-shelf offering should check the following four best data streaming practices.

  1. Opt narrow business cases: The first practice one should follow choosing business cases which are solely dedicated to IoT data streaming that provides efficiencies, customer satisfaction, cost-saving and increased revenues. For instance, use of IoT data to detect which machines require high priority maintenance and if not provided then will fail on any assembly line, monitor network endpoints to block unauthorized access/ attacks or to trace the positions of the shipment.
  2. Simplify the design: Organizations should simplify the data streaming architecture to accelerate the time from insight to streamed data and cut-off the excess manual-coding. There are tools like Apache Kinesis Data Streams that automates the data ingestion operation, automate the ETL transportation of data into databases and removes the dependency on IT to facilitate the above function through extra coding. Splice Machine database also simplifies the operations as it automatically stores test database sandboxes. Thus, a user has to issue a single command and does not need manually set up the test database by a data analyst.
  3. Clean the data: Everything is essential in the data streaming process. Clean data is equally critical as architecture. The data cleaning process occurs at the time of data ingestion and happens in the processing/working of an ETL tool. Well, if an organization desires to automate portions of these operations, then must contact and work with their vendors and vendor’s toolsets to promise that they are capable of meeting the cleaning needs.
  4. Acknowledge the near-real-time & batch process: It is not suggested to perform every analytical function in real-time. Some data processing are periodically performed, near-real-time intervals like after every half-an-hour. In batch processing that is delivered during the day or overnight is also significant. Before the implementation of the process, organizations should find out which process need real-time and set workflows accordingly.

Well, to churn profits from IoT, it is necessary to know how to efficiently use it. IoT, along with other technologies, allows you to get a clear vision through data. The useful data enables you to take prompt decisions, and actions to stop the looming loses and mishaps. The IoT data processing is the best way to enjoy the best of IoT and make business operations smooth and efficient. Connect reliable and proficient IoT service providers to know more about IoT, get idea and services for IoT data processing. Your business needs IoT touch; don’t waste your time anymore. Connect us.

How AWS IoT Things Graph Simplifies Hardware Integration Process?

Businesses are dependent on raw material; demand in the market and last but not the least, employees. Every operation, strategy, decision making and supervision, everything requires human interference. However, the sudden intrusion of Covid-19 and its ongoing havoc has disrupted regular lives, market and businesses. Business leaders are unable to take any decision without estimating the risk pandemic can cause for workers.

Every time an employee visits the workplace to do some manual task becomes vulnerable to COVID-19. The risk of getting affected by coronavirus has urged businesses to think about software and sensors to automate tasks which were previously operated by humans.

The inclination toward having an automated business process has led to the adoption of IoT. Still, most of the time business owners forget about the most crucial and complex aspect required for the transition, i.e. hardware integration.

No, doubt hardware integration remains one of the most painful processes needed to create customized IoT solutions. In this blog, we’ll check the challenges which emerge while having hardware integration. We’ll also learn about AWS IoT Things Graph and how it helps in making hardware integration easy and painless process.

What are the challenges which emerge during Hardware Integration?

Uninterrupted communication is a critical demand during hardware integration. To get a clear view, let us take an example of an orchestra group. Suppose you own an orchestra consisting of musician belonging to different countries, and all are preparing to play Mahler’s Fifth Symphony. But the catch in this concept is there is no conductor. Absence of conductor would not stop the musicians for performing the piece, but it would not sound great and appealing. Not just this, there would be interruption by hiccups, miscommunication and argument for how the music should be performed.

Well, for mind-blowing performance musicians need alignment, ability to community with each other efficiently, and management of complex interactions between different groups within the orchestra. This implies that the orchestra needs a conductor for a significant result.

Hardware integration encounters similar problems. Your business process consists of a ton of devices that has to work collectively to perform a specific task and get a particular outcome. Furthermore, each hardware vendor speaks in different protocols, so it becomes tough to understand, and you cannot use devices out of the box directly.

Thus, it is evident that the lack of usually shared standards in the industry or business creates confusion for developers.

In the end, developers have to opt for a time-consuming solution. They waste time in repeat integration works for several devices when the devices are fundamentally the same (LED light bulb of different brands). Hardware integration is challenging and complex because you need an expert to understand the working of different parts and how all of them joins to create a big picture.

Any idea about AWS IoT Things Graph and why should you use it for hardware integration?

The best way to define AWS IoT Things Graph is a conductor which IoT space requires to show its best version. AWS IoT Things Graph is a service developed to resolve challenges occurring in hardware integration and helps in faster development of IoT applications. It enables you to connect different devices and web services in a plug-and-play way to end business difficulties.

Getting back to orchestra example, conductor in an orchestra aligns musicians, administers the interpretation and controls the pace of the music, monitors critically and sets a single vision.

The four fundamental features of AWS IoT Things Graph are:

  1. Models
  2. Visual User Interface
  3. Work at the Edge
  4. Monitoring Flows

The model represents things, i.e. devices and web services. Models are an essential feature of AWS as it cuts the time of developers spend on worrying about underlying implementation and allow them to concentrate on using the model abilities. It is often observed that developers have to spend a lot of time ensuring that the messages between various model are communicating correctly or not.

AWS IoT Things Graph simplifies the work of developers and enables comfortable working with devices and services. Additionally, models are like reusable building blocks that developers can share with each other and avoid repetitive integration efforts.

The AWS IoT Things Graph UI lets you determine interaction happening between various models through flow diagram connecting outputs & inputs. It empowers you to design how devices & services should communicate with each other and allows you to create multi-step workflows. So, this gives more time for developers to focus on business logic & functionality than repetitive integration.

In IoT, the biggest challenge is updating the legacy systems with new hardware. Earlier, your approach was limited to a specific ecosystem, but AWS provides you with the freedom to change hardware without rebuilding everything from the start. AWS provides you with flexibility and freedom to emphasis on your application promptly whenever customer demands the better resolution.

AWS IoT Things Graph permits your business to run at the edge with just a few clicks from the AWS IoT Things Graph console. The steps to take up are- define your perimeters, connect models with your real-world devices, schedule when to execute, and station applications to the cloud or AWS Green IoT Greengrass device. Thus, we can conclude that AWS IoT Things Graph charters a path which helps you moulding the concept into a product which is present in the market place.

AWS also allows you to monitor the present condition of the IoT application. This monitoring feature is highly advantageous as it informs you about where any flow or steps fail. You can fix the issue immediately without disturbing any other process. When connected with Amazon Cloudwatch, you can get access to log flow and execution time to check any disruption or steps failure. You can set the metrics which you are concerned about, and you’ll get notified when any changes occur.

Conclusion:

AWS IoT Things Graph is developed to assist application developers and help them in tackling the unique challenges that appear during hardware integration. The adoption of this service ends the long dispute existing between developers and hardware vendors on lack of the standard. It ends the repeated integration efforts and allows developers to concentrate on essential tasks like building features to overcome business issues. IoT is the most critical requirement of the time, but it is hard to implement in the business. AWS IoT Things Graph for hardware integration provides speed, simplicity and customization needed to build IoT application. The use of AWS IoT Things Graph can improve your business operations and assists you in making an idea into reality using IoT. Thus it is a smart decision to use AWS IoT Things Graph for painless hardware integration.

IoT-Enabled Smart Collar to Improve Cattle Management

The present COVID-19 situation has gripped the crowd-culture and demands for the minimalist culture, which means the least human-interaction, the more safety assurance. Corona-virus has limited the gathering at everyplace, either its an office or a shopping mall. In this situation, it has become a more challenging task for a rancher to keep a track on every cattle with least number of helpers.

Earlier, in the presence of labours, it was not easy to keep a track on a large herd because cattle management includes a lot more than you think. The day usually consists of feeding, cleaning, vaccination, health monitoring and anytime heat stress, anytime artificial insemination requirement and anytime calving. Farmers have to be all-time available to run a successful cattle farm.

Today, the Internet of Things has made many jobs easy in different sections. The need for time and the existing loopholes in cattle management has led to the innovation of IoT-enabled collars. The smart collar is the outcome of the collaboration of advanced technologies.

The IoT-based and cloud-connected collars monitor rumination, movement, activities, body temperature of the cattle. It collects the data and stores it on the cloud for analysis of pattern and behaviour.

How smart collar helps you in managing cattle remotely?

The GPS enabled cattle tracking collar provides the real-time location of your cattle. The collar sends the signal every 15 minutes at your livestock management dashboard. This process allows you to track the movement and location of your cattle at any time from anywhere. The IoT-enabled collar collects and stores the data on the cloud for future purposes. Farmers even install specific geofences and alerts to get the notification if cattle move out of a designated area.

If you own a large farm, then it would have become a more difficult task in this pandemic situation with less number of helper. Maintaining a record of each cattle becomes an arduous task. A bit of careless attitude might end up into a loss of 3,000-3,500 bucks per missed heat per animal. The sensor-enabled smart collar helps you to skip from all the undesired loss.

How IoT-enabled smart collar works?

  1. The smart wearable catches the movement and records the data. It predicts the estrus based on the change in behaviour, movement and activity pattern.
  2. The IoT-enable collar compares the daily activity of cattle and notifies if any change in pattern appears.
  3. The smart collar also compares the movement of each cow with the heard and alerts if any change shows.
  4. The IoT-enabled collar detects the patterns which only appears at the time of estrus and inform promptly.

Read More: Why is IoT Impossible Without an Open Ecosystem?

Smart collar curtails the undesired losses:

The reproduction cycle of a cow is very critical. For instance, missing the single heat stress of a cow can disturb a whole reproduction cycle and cause considerable loss. Suppose, if a farmer misses the heat stress many times or faces failure in artificial insemination, then, this situation might turn out to the worst result.

Therefore, this new data storing wearable tag eases the management work by notifying about the peak heat-stress period.

Usually, cattle management solutions include smart collars, receiver unit and antenna.

  1. It offers remote tracking of cattle and informs about its current location.
  2. It records and stores ambient temperature, rumination profile, cattle movements on the cloud.
  3. It alerts for oestrus period and animal health.
  4. It sends a timely alert for general health, lameness, oestrus, digestive health etc.

Reasons to have an IoT-enabled cattle management system:

The most straightforward reason is to minimize the loss of cattle, maintain good health and yield benefit. The other reasons are:

  • Cattle management solution can monitor ‘n’ number of cows.
  • It stores data and allows farmers to access it anytime from anywhere.
  • It reduces dependability on labour.
  • It provides a highly accurate result.
  • It alerts farmers if any cow is ill or lost.

Undeniable Advantages:

The inclusion of a cattle management solution can help farmers in all aspects. It improves farm management, increases the breeder’s efficiency and optimizes the input costs like labour, hormonal treatment, semen etc.

It lowers the dependency on human resources and assures for no human error. Farmers can access the data and can edit it as per the existing situation. The solution also helps the farmer in tracking and recovering stolen cows.

Conclusion:

The introduction of smart cattle management has solved the problem of poor breeding performance. The IoT-based cattle management solution is economical, robust and user-friendly. It has confirmed a positive impact on the growth of yield and health of cattle. It has reduced livestock theft and can count stock within a matter of minutes. The cattle management solution keeps a track on every individual cow and alerts the farmers if any change occurs. The adoption of revolutionary innovation in cattle management can change the outlook of livestock management. It contributes to saving money, efforts and time as well.ive