January 05, 2024
The path to integrating an optimal IoT strategy
- The Internet of Things refers to a system in which physical objects are interconnected through the network
- Establishing an integration plan with a comprehensive approach is vital to properly implement IoT
- Robust security measures must be implemented, such as end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, as more devices are interconnected
- Periodic evaluations of everything a company has set up regarding IoT are absolutely essential to prevent an active and secure environment from becoming outdated
Strategic planning for IoT in companies
One of the most interesting manifestations of technological advancement in the 21st century is the incorporation of new network functionalities into objects of all kinds. In a home, for example, we can find speakers, appliances, thermostats, lights, and security cameras connected to each other through the internet. In this way, they store and share data and can be operated remotely from the same control device. This system in which physical entities have interconnection technology is called Internet of Things or IoT, for its acronym in English (Internet of Things). The application of this, as expected, is also taking root in the business field.
Integrating a successful IoT strategy in a company is a process that deserves attention and various considerations. Before choosing devices or establishing connections, it is essential to clearly define the objectives that you want to achieve with the implementation of the system. This may include enhancing operational efficiency, reducing costs, improving the customer experience, or developing new business models. Therefore, the first keyword in the process is planning, as those brands that do not plan are exposed to avoidable risks, such as experiencing disruptive operations or being exposed to security threats. What needs to be avoided in this sense is that the entity becomes overwhelmed by the complexity of IoT integration.
A good step to anticipate loss of control and implement an efficient plan is the creation of a Center of Excellence or COE within the organization. This way, there is a centralized unit capable of formulating a strategy tailored to the specific needs of the company. From then on, it is reasonable to focus on evaluating and selecting IoT services that make sense according to the activity being carried out. The key characteristics to focus on are: sensor accuracy, energy consumption, and compatibility with existing systems (Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, among others).
It is worth noting that an IoT integration must always be done through a comprehensive approach, that is, taking into account the set of operations of a company without treating them as isolated activities. After all, talking about the Internet of Things is also talking about interconnectivity at a conceptual level. A company with a solid and holistic technical architecture will not only implement the system more successfully, but will also achieve greater agility and responsiveness in managing new technologies.
Security and Data Management in the IoT Era
As the adoption of IoT intensifies in a company, issues related to security will become more relevant. The more interconnected devices there are, the attack surface for potential cyber threats will expand proportionally. Therefore, each affected device and connection point must be reviewed to protect both the data it stores and the integrity of the network it is part of. Implementing robust security measures, such as end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular security updates, becomes a virtually mandatory process.
On the other hand, safeguarding the large amount of data generated by the IoT system also requires efficient management commensurate with the information it handles. Consequently, companies must establish strategies for data storage, processing, and data analysis. Cloud storage solutions, advanced data analytics, and artificial intelligence tools can help companies extract valuable insights from IoT data, which can drive informed decision-making. To avoid compatibility issues, a company must ensure that the chosen devices and platforms comply with recognized standards.
All of these aforementioned keys require an essential addition in the digital age: continuous updating. Periodic evaluations of everything a company has deployed in terms of IoT are absolutely essential to prevent an active and secure environment from becoming outdated. To reinforce them, employees themselves must be up to date on the interconnected nature of their own organization and how exactly devices with connectivity functions operate. The Center of Excellence should be able to monitor the status of areas impacted by IoT innovations to understand their current state and, if necessary, apply the relevant corrections.
Although the prospect of adopting an IoT model may seem challenging, the truth is that any company has much to gain from doing so. It is not just a matter of boosting efficiency and productivity, but also of transforming the way an entity operates and interacts with its environment, paving the way towards a smarter and more connected business future.
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