The Overlooked Foundation: Effective Device Management for IoT Success
Bart Schouw
When embarking on an IoT initiative, it’s easy to get caught up in the grand vision of the data-driven, automated, and innovative future it promises. But many organizations often underestimate the critical role that robust device management plays in the IoT success of their projects.
Without well-defined processes and a reliable platform for onboarding, configuring, monitoring, securing, and managing connected devices, IoT deployments fail to get off the ground. The costs and risks associated with poor device management only compound as projects expand across the enterprise. It’s like trying to build a skyscraper on shaky ground. So, why does this critical capability often receive insufficient attention?
For years, Beecham Research has investigated the reasons why IoT projects fail. While unclear business objectives are a factor, technical challenges like software development and scalability play a major role. Companies embarking on their first IoT project, in particular, face significant struggles because they rely solely on in-house expertise rather than proven solutions for device management and deployment scalability.
One significant reason behind this is companies want to build their own customized device management tools from scratch, driven by a preference for maintaining full control over their infrastructure. However, these fragmented, homegrown solutions struggle to handle the intricacies of enterprise-scale IoT. This approach also consumes precious developer resources that could be better employed in innovating core products.
Moreover, basic device management might seem manageable when overseeing just a handful of devices on a local network. But this manual process becomes exceedingly intricate as deployments scale. Device numbers can easily soar into the thousands or even millions, spreading across facilities and regions, making ad hoc administration impractical.
Many organizations are drawn to IoT primarily for its data analytics potential rather than infrastructure considerations. They thirst for insights that can optimize operations, reduce costs, improve products, and more. However, analytics are meaningless if devices are not properly onboarded, configured, authenticated, and secured. Robust device management forms the foundation of a reliable data pipeline.
Monitoring and troubleshooting a myriad of devices 24/7 also becomes resource-intensive without automated management tools. Most companies underestimate the demands of continuous device administration at scale, and the costs of manual upkeep accumulate steadily over time.
Legacy mindsets may further downplay the significance of device management. Traditional IT infrastructure focused on servers, desktops, and on-premises routers. IoT, on the other hand, operates globally across dynamic cloud networks, necessitating a fresh approach to device administration for IoT success.
So, why do so many IoT adopters skimp on building this foundation? Part of the issue lies in underestimating the resources required to manage thousands of remote assets. What may seem simple initially becomes exponentially complex as the project expands. Another factor is the allure of customized solutions versus leveraging proven platforms. But fragmented tools quickly become unscalable and divert valuable developer talent.
These misconceptions can doom IoT initiatives to cost overruns and failure. But organizations that prioritize robust device management are poised for success. The key lies in adopting platforms that automate the entire device lifecycle—from registration to decommissioning—at enterprise scale. With strong foundations in place, companies can maximize their ROI from transformative IoT use cases instead of wrestling with device housekeeping.
To conclude, while infrastructure and device management may not be as glamorous as ground-breaking IoT use cases, they are the bedrock upon which success is built. Companies that conquer robust device management, often by leveraging cloud platforms, gain a competitive advantage. They can focus on innovating with IoT data rather than being bogged down by device housekeeping.
The key takeaway is that device management, while unglamorous, is the linchpin of successful IoT adoption. Companies that recognize and prioritize device management as a strategic priority will reap the benefits of a competitive edge. They can focus resources on harnessing IoT insights, rather than grappling with infrastructure challenges. Remember, the foundation determines the height of the house and, in the end, your IoT success.