Blue Sky Thinking: Get an IoT project started

You’ve got an idea that can solve a problem. How do you make it happen?

Whether it’s a smart irrigation system for farmers or a real-time asset tracker for logistics, the journey from concept to reality involves key stages. Let’s walk through what it takes to build a working IoT solution…

1. Feasibility Study: Can it be done?

Before you dive in, you need to figure out if your idea is achievable.

A feasibility study evaluates:

• Technical viability: Do the required devices and technologies exist?
• Financial feasibility: Can you build this within your budget?
• Market demand: Do you want the solution at this price point and at this scope?

Think of this as a “reality check” for your vision. For IoT, it also means considering connectivity options (Wi-Fi, LTE, LoRa) and device compatibility.

2. Requirements and Scope: What do you want to build?

This is where you define what the solution will do and how it will work.

Start by answering these questions:

• What problem are you solving?
• Who are the users?
• What are the expected outcomes?

Scope defines the boundaries: what the project will and won’t do. Overreaching here can lead to “scope creep.” Scope creep always costs money and time. Focus on priorities, refer back to the original problem.

Requirements break it down further:

• Hardware needs (sensors, gateways, devices).
• Software requirements (data visualization platforms, APIs).
• Connectivity (Wi-Fi, cellular, satellite).

3. Cost, Time, and Quality: The balancing act

This step involves aligning your resources:

• Cost: What’s your budget for hardware, software, and labor?
• Time: IoT projects typically take 6–18 months from start to finish, depending on complexity. What standards do you need to meet (e.g., IP67 for enclosures, data security)?

4. Testing: Ensuring it works

IoT solutions require rigorous testing because they involve multiple components working together:

• Functional testing: Do sensors report accurate data?
• Connectivity testing: Is the network stable?
• Environmental testing: Does the hardware survive in extreme conditions?
• Security testing: Can your system withstand hacking attempts?

Testing can take weeks to months, depending on the complexity and scale of the solution.

5. Deployment: Rolling it out

When everything is ready, the solution moves to deployment. This involves:

• Pilot phase: Launching in a limited environment to iron out issues.
• Full deployment: Scaling the solution across intended use cases.

Common challenges during deployment:

• Communication issues: Devices may lose connectivity in certain environments.
• Integration problems: Compatibility with existing systems can be tricky.
• User training: Ensuring people know how to use the solution effectively.

6. Key Issues

Building a smart solution comes with its share of hurdles. Here are some common ones:

• Power management: IoT devices need efficient energy use to last in the field.
• Data overload: Collecting too much data can make analysis overwhelming.
• Connectivity limitations: Certain areas may lack reliable network coverage.
• Security concerns: IoT solutions are only as strong as their weakest link.

Bringing it all together

Building an IoT solution isn’t just about technology—it’s about solving a problem in a way that’s efficient, reliable, and scalable. With the right planning, testing, deployment and communication strategy, your idea can change the world.

References

Prolim.com: How to build and industrial IoT business case?

Indeema.com: Starting an IoT project – a guide for business

Cloudcredential.org The ultimate guide to implementing IoT