Embedded Files
Challenges
Challenges
What we've learned
What we've learned
So many things to get right
So many things to get right
IoT is very complex and many IoT projects fail to make it past their initial Proof of Concept. How do I get the solution I need and avoid the traps?
Think end-to-end from the beginning
Think end-to-end from the beginning
Articulating the business problem and defining the end to end solution are key. A structured approach to both requirements and design helps lay out what needs to be done and how the solution needs to hang together.
Articulating the business problem and defining the end to end solution are key. A structured approach to both requirements and design helps lay out what needs to be done and how the solution needs to hang together.
Component vs end-to-end thinking
Component vs end-to-end thinking
Picking out the best device and dashboard from a catalogue and getting them to connect is one approach to building a solution and will probably work for PoCs and pilots. But this approach often doesn’t scale.
You need an integrated solution
You need an integrated solution
Vertical integration (‘soup to nuts’) is probably a better way to create and operate an end to end solution allowing you to control, orchestrate and manage all aspects that will meet your requirements at scale.
Vertical integration (‘soup to nuts’) is probably a better way to create and operate an end to end solution allowing you to control, orchestrate and manage all aspects that will meet your requirements at scale.
Swiss Army Knife versus specialist tools
Swiss Army Knife versus specialist tools
Most off-the shelf IoT devices have been made to fulfil as many purposes as they can. A generic device might work in a PoC but if the process is to open ten thousand bottles an hour, you probably need a specialist bottle-opening tool, not a knife with a bottle opener, some small scissors and a pick for getting stones out of horses’ hooves!
Bespoke is key to scaling and benefits delivery
Bespoke is key to scaling and benefits delivery
We have used generic, generalist devices —- some we have designed and others are OTS. However, to scale, most problems need a customised or specialist device to meet the requirements effectively (cost and function). Rapid device prototyping, reusing core components with the ability to write firmware extensions from a source library reduces cost and time to field-testing while informing the long-term solution.
Working with multiple network servers
Working with multiple network servers
Supporting a solution across multiple networks and LNSs is a requirement for all solutions to scale. Ensuring coverage and signal strength optimisation is essential.
Managing hybrid networks needs to be made as easy as possible
Managing hybrid networks needs to be made as easy as possible
We have developed the LSC to support operation of multiple network servers to support a solution deployment operating in many regions or countries. Users can look across all networks and manage network coverage, performance, issue investigation from a single dashboard.
Where do you put the logic?
Where do you put the logic?
There are many competing factors in IoT solutions: where does the processing need to happen?, how much power can be used for this function?, what response time is needed? The answer varies from situation to situation.
Optimisation requires flexibility and control of all aspects of your solution
Optimisation requires flexibility and control of all aspects of your solution
The LSC platform works end to end (device hardware, firmware and back end processing) which allows you to develop the best solution for your situation and put the logic where it needs to go.
Understanding the business problem and operational parameters
Understanding the business problem and operational parameters
The solution that solves your business problem needs to be optimised to meet or better the available cost and operational parameters if it is to scale.
Minor tweaks can make a big difference
Minor tweaks can make a big difference
Having a robust design approach allows you to efficiently manage the device selection or manufacture, network configuration, systems development and operational requirements of the solution.
The impact of changing the design can then be understood in terms of changes to the cost, delivery and management of the production system.
Learning as you go (science)
Learning as you go (science)
Often you are creating new data and processes and need to learn and adapt from experience, tuning your solution as you go. Avoiding dead ends is critical.
You will only find out how your solution needs to evolve from real world experience
You will only find out how your solution needs to evolve from real world experience
Use a solution platform that can scale to many thousands of customers and devices, yet still have the ability to be adapted based on lessons from the field.
Integration with your operational systems
Integration with your operational systems
IoT is typically on the edge and needs to become a part of our enterprise operational processes and systems to deliver its true benefits.
Enterprise integration capability is key
Enterprise integration capability is key
We developed the LSC platform using industry standard, leading edge technology such as AWS, React, and APIs LSC-based solutions to connect to other systems, drawing on our decades of large system integration experience.
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