Today’s modern world contains tons of valuable data, and the internet of things (IoT) helps collect it. However, successfully deploying an IoT system to gather useful data is a tricky process. That said, there is no doubt that IoT technology will shape the future of every industry, be it the automotive, manufacturing, or healthcare industry. Like cloud computing, the internet, and the personal computer before it, IoT has the potential to start a massive turnaround in the corporate world. However, organizations that deploy IoT technology need to worry about the system’s manageability, robustness, longevity, and security. Considering the complexity of the system, listed below are five tips to make the deployment process more straightforward and less tedious.
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Utilize an effective database management system
An advanced DBMS (database management system) is an absolute requirement to manage large data sets that IoT devices usually generate. A few examples of an IoT-based DBMS include NoSQL-based systems such as MongoDB, Apache Spark, and Apache Cassandra. In contrast, SQL-based systems include Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2, and Oracle Database.
The kind of DBMS you decide to opt for depends on what you want to accomplish. That said, these databases offer tremendous flexibility and impenetrable security to keep data generated by IoT devices secure and drastically enhance your IoT technology deployment. So, conduct a security analysis and choose a DBMS that fulfills your business needs. It is usually the job of an information security analyst to do so. Still, you can read up tips on how to become an information security analyst, upskill, and conduct the analysis yourself.
Ensure you have proper connectivity
Even if you are deploying an IoT system at a location where technicians ensure 24/7 internet connectivity, you might not have access to it right away. This can happen because;
- The person responsible for providing internet connectivity might not be available
- She or he might not allow you access to the internet
- There might be restrictions on the internet service
- The person who ensured internet connectivity might not know of these restrictions
Luckily, some optionsenable you to bring your own internet connection when deploying your IoT system. Several internet providers have various mobile data subscriptions at highly competitive rates that might be suitable for your IoT system. Choose wisely!
Purchase the best internet connection you can afford
Internet connectivity is necessary for IoT devices and the people who install the IoT system itself. And just like the lack of connectivity for IoT devices, internet access might not be available to deployment personnel. Furthermore, your business might be in a location that the people responsible for installation are unfamiliar with, and your regular 3g or 4g connectivity might not be up to the mark.
Purchasing a good internet connection is a worthwhile investment to enhance your IoT deployment. The connection can be an optic fiber-based internet connection or a 3g or 4g mobile data package. However, the former will last longer and provide better connectivity.
Install more than you require
Once you finish your IoT deployment, it will be difficult to make any changes afterward. So, it will pay off dividends if you asked the deployment guys to install more equipment than you require. If your business needs a single wireless access point with a single modem, ask the professionals to install two of each. They will come in handy when you want to add more devices to the system.
For instance, there will always be a possibility that the wireless access point might inadvertently power down. This can happen if someone trips over the power cord or the wireless router fails to function. When such a thing occurs, you can easily switch from one access point to the other and continue operations without waiting for technicians to come over and resolve the issue. And if your IoT system is robust, the additional equipment will improve your deployment and the entire system’s performance tenfold.
Develop an app
Unlike the steps mentioned above, this step isn’t simple at all. However, it will pay off if you develop an app to assist the deployment process. After all, IoT deployment is a labor-intensive task and involves installing thousands of access points, wireless sensors, devices, and extenders.
Furthermore, there may be a high chance that a team of people unfamiliar with the IoT system might carry out the deployment job, which can make matters worse. A custom-made application for the deployment process allows you to check every step involved in the installation process. It also provides access to all users involved to ensure every device is installed correctly. An app also ensures that the installation process is measurable- a crucial step to evaluate and monitor any missed actions along the deployment process.
Conclusion
IoT systems have remarkable potential if you deploy them properly. This article went over a few tips to make the installation process more straightforward. These include using an effective DBMS, ensuring proper connectivity, purchasing a good internet connection, and building an app. By following these tips, business owners can ensureadequate data transfer, storage, and safetyacross the workplace to make operations more efficient.