Source: Slon Pics/Pixabay

In our continuation about of successful IoT projects, further examples from our 1NCE reference customers are used to illustrate the two remaining building blocks application - the figurehead of any project - and the clever implementation of IoT connectivity.

In the first part of "Successful IoT Projects" , we explained two of the four key building blocks of each IoT project, the sensors and the platform, using real examples from our customer base. Here we continue with the application and IoT connectivity.

Application

While the application of you IoT project is your products figurehead, we see that it is sometimes not treated with the necessary care. Particularly in terms of UX-design. Keep in mind: This is what your customers will work with every day. This is what they will see of your product, how they identify your product. Make sure you take enough effort in creating an easy-to-use piece of software that not only delivers the necessary data, but also offers an appealing usability. Develop for commonly used systems such as web, Android and iPhone straight away.

A user friendly GUI and a freemium model are making the xFarm solution attractive
xFarm, an Italian/Swiss start-up made a clever approach : Our 1nce reference customer developed a management application by farmers for farmers, accessible via web-browser or smartphones. Their speciality: Besides putting much effort on UX-design and making sure the user gets all information he needs straight away in an easy accessible manner, many functions of the xFarm Application such as field management, warehouse logistics or machinery management are even free to use, and users can start right away.
Additional premium features such as weather forecasts, precision farming with satellite support and the integration of IoT based sensors are completing the offer.

IoT connectivity

Let’s focus now on a very essential issue, when planning an IoT project: The question of choosing the most viable connectivity option for your solution. How do you plan to connect your machines with the internet? Also, here the rule applies: Make it as simple as possible. Well, almost: Never ever forget about security as well.

Equipped with a SIM card, the rodent trap from Futura GmbH can communicate autonomously
For a lot of M2M IoT solutions cellular radio communication via 2G, 3G, 4G has proven to be an easy way to connect a device with the outer world. It is a worldwide accepted and proven standard, it is safe, and coverage is given almost everywhere. Since costs for cellular connectivity are now affordable you can design sour IoT solution without gateways and combination of communication technology. Nowadays you can easily connect even the tiniest device directly at cost of less than 10 EUR for 10 years.

A very good example is the German-based specialist for professional pest control, Futura GmbH . The company connects their devices via integrated M2M SIM cards. They have developed the emitter technology, independent rodent traps and bait stations that are connected via cellular radio using the 1NCE IoT Lifetime Flat . Thanks to direct connectivity of each device the traps of our 1nce reference customer can be placed everywhere without any additional installation of routers, gateways or likewise.

Connectivity made simple

1NCE has removed the main obstacle for mobile connectivity in the IoT world: The complex tariff jungle and obscure recurring costs that endanger every business model that relies on a reliable and flexible connectivity. In over 100 countries worldwide 1NCE already connects devices for no more than 10 Euros over a period of 10 years.

Simplicity is key to make IoT projects successful that otherwise wouldn’t be profitable.