What exactly is an IoT Platform? Simply put, it’s the glue that holds the system together — a software platform for system integration.

In a previous article, we defined the Internet of Things as a network of “things” connected by remote sensors, digital communication networks, and software to gather raw data and transform it into concrete intelligence for decision-makers in the organization.

Within this broad definition, one of the aspects of an IoT system that we mentioned was the importance of an IoT “platform”. Now, we want to spend more time explaining platforms in regards to an IoT ecosystem.

Here, we’ll break down the components of an IoT platform, explain common IoT platform functionality and share considerations for when an IoT platform is necessary.

 

What Exactly is an IoT Platform?

In its most general sense, an IoT platform is the glue that holds the system together. Depending on the software, this means that the platform will handle data collection and analysis, device communication, situational awareness, intelligence, and more. More importantly, a good platform will ensure that you and your staff connect and collect the right data so that you can act quickly and effectively within the context of your business.

 

 

The IoT Value Chain

Central to the notion of an IoT platform is the concept of the Value Chain. In simple terms, the value chain is the bottom-to-top progression of interests in an IoT system. These include:

Remote Sensors collecting data from objects or processes

Gateways for the transmission of data between points in the network (like a central cloud or fog computing services),

A wireless and/or wired communication network over which data can travel reliably (and including security and storage features),

A software platform that processes data, stores it, or feeds it to operators and technicians, and

The apps and interfaces that provide access for users.

 

 

Within the value chain, there are numerous technologies in place that help gather, move, and interpret data based on your needs. An IoT platform functions ostensibly as a software interface between users and devices, which means that it affects everything from device management, analytics, and human interface.

 

Software Platform for Process Integration

In logistical terms, platforms are toolkits that manage your remote devices, manage the movement of data, and manage the context in which that data is processed and visualized.

An IoT Platform is composed of the following technology functions:

Device Management: The platform is a contact between you and your devices, providing you with tools to manage their operation based on gathered data. And, if your IoT network is going to rely on low-latency, on-site intelligence from your smart objects, then a platform can also coordinate fog and edge computing closer to those objects.

Integration: Data needs to get from your remote devices to cloud processing servers, typically over multiple wired and wireless communication and security protocols. IoT platforms facilitate this by making data transport protocol-agnostic.

Data Management: IoT projects result in an abundance of data. IoT platforms ingest, store, track, analyze and visualize data from devices, IT systems, external resources, and user inputs.

Application Development: This includes software to enable business applications that utilize and communicate data to accomplish common or specific business functions.

 

 

Platform Features & Flexibility

You might question whether an out of the box platform could fit your specific business needs. It is important that an IoT platform has the flexibility to adapt to your operational needs while also providing a robust set of common features.

Here are several common features to look for in a platform:

Manage remote devices, sensors, and network connections,

Provide connection-agnostic transportation between sensors, devices, and cloud computation servers,

Provide variable data analytics and visualization,

Ensure end-to-end security,

Integrate with popular or custom cloud storage and computation platforms,

Integrate smoothly with existing workflows and workforces,

Provide flexible and timely data processing at the edge of the system with edge or fog computing, and

Implement microservices that connect multiple, larger segments of the network like scheduling, geospatial mapping, and mobile messaging.

 

Consider the following qualities when evaluating IoT platforms specifically:

Flexibility and extensibility through robust and secure integration with enterprise IT and outside systems,

Acceptance of third-party, real-time data,

Ability to manage large amounts of data at a high velocity,

Process and analyze data at the edge to reduce latency, and

Ensure consistency and reliability through device management and failure recovery.

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Conclusion

An IoT platform allows data-driven industries to collect and connect users, systems, and data. These platforms greatly benefit industries transitioning into digital businesses by improving the availability and production of data within the organization and with external business partners.

When evaluating IoT platforms, it is essential to find a platform flexible enough to adapt to your specific business workflow and goals. A solid platform will allow you to frame collected data in a context that makes sense for your business, that helps you and your team better understand the challenges of your business operation.

 

 

At the end of the day, the number one criteria for a suitable IoT platform is how it allows you to collect relevant data that you can act upon. Outlining your goals and understanding the kind of data you’ll need to accomplish those goals will highlight the kind of actionable intelligence that your platform should provide. It’s at that point that you can make a clear assessment of the platform that will fit your IoT project.