5 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Your First IoT Project

An Internet of Things (IoT) project can be a baggage tracker, a facial recognition entrance or even a person with a heart monitor implant. The IoT involves the connection of devices, but not necessarily typical ones such as computers and smartphones, to the Internet. Cars, kitchen appliances, even heart monitors can all be connected through the IoT. With that in mind, here are 5 things you need to know before you get started with your own project in this niche:

1.Solve a problem that people care about

A recent Cisco survey revealed that nearly three quarters of IoT projects are not successful. That is why it is very important for you to make your project relevant by addressing a real need. Over the years, a big part of our lives has been affected by the IoT (in a good way), so solving real world problems such as security, temperature control and green living are a surefire way to attract investors for your business.

2. Choose your IoT development platform

Before you start, you will need a platform for the product development team. There are many ways to link IoT devices to applications, but one of the best is by using an IoT application enablement platform (AEP). An AEP can provide the entire foundation of your project: communication, data storage, management, application building and enablement, user interface security and analytics.

3.Teamwork

Given the fact that you are in your early stages as an IoT adopter, your organizational skills will be limited. You can work your way around this issue by using a team time tracking software. This kind of software offers tools that can help you see in real-time who is working on which task. This way you can improve team performance and efficiency, boost productivity and build your project in a healthy work environment.

4.Phase the project and be flexible

Break the project into manageable phases, taking into account that your first IoT projects will likely be a significant learning experience. For beginners, one big issue is that you know some things, but you don't exactly know what you don't know. Try to be flexible and adaptable to change. And most importantly, tell the people you work with to expect the occasional bump in the road.

5.Test often

Testing is always imperative when it comes to large technology projects, but unfortunately it is not always handled as it should be. The best way to solve this problem is by having a dedicated test team. Allocate time in your schedule for this essential activity. You don't want your project to be rejected by the users because you relegated the testing phase to an afterthought. In the end, user testing should be a high-level validation of the product when all is said and done.

The Internet of Things has been labeled as "the next Industrial Revolution", with reports estimating that there will be around 34 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020. Because it will change the way people live, work, entertain and travel, nearly $6 trillion will be spent on IoT solutions over the next five years. Taking into consideration everything you have learned from the list of things that we shared, you are ready to make a change and start your first IoT project at your earliest convenience.