The Industrial IoT is experiencing explosive growth. As of 2021, the market was valued at a staggering USD 263 billion, and it’s projected to reach a colossal USD 1.11 trillion by 2028. This growth is fueled by organizations across the globe embracing IIoT to gain a competitive edge.
While Industrial IoT has become more accessible, even for smaller players, implementing a successful solution isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
Here’s where IoT system integrators enter the scene. They play a critical role in bringing together different platforms and solutions to create a cohesive and valuable system tailored to your specific needs.
What are IoT System Integrators and How Do They Contribute to Your IoT Deployment?
IoT system integrators act as the bridge between multiple systems, solutions, and platforms. They leverage a combination of hardware, software, and cloud-based solutions to design and deploy bespoke IoT solutions.
The current IoT landscape is a complex ecosystem encompassing a vast array of hardware manufacturers, IoT platforms, cloud solutions, and sometimes even end-to-end IoT solutions.
In the consumer IoT space, customers typically receive a single, integrated product that includes sensors, software, a mobile application, and a cloud solution.
However, the enterprise segment presents a different challenge. While some companies offer pre-packaged, ready-to-go solutions, most organizations require a custom approach. This is because enterprises have unique use cases and goals, and a one-size-fits-all solution rarely delivers optimal results. Additionally, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often develop solutions specific to their devices or equipment. Integrating these solutions with an enterprise’s existing software ecosystem can be a significant hurdle.
Compounding this challenge is the scarcity of in-house IoT expertise within many organizations. According to Microsoft’s 2019 IoT Signals report, a staggering 47% of organizations with active IoT initiatives struggle with a lack of skilled workers.
IoT system integrators possess the specialized skills required to develop bespoke IoT solutions by leveraging both off-the-shelf and proprietary hardware and software components. The IoT integration process involves meticulously integrating products and services from various vendors to construct a complete end-to-end IoT solution. They bring the necessary talent and expertise to the table, ensuring seamless collaboration with diverse hardware and software components to deliver a solution perfectly tailored to your requirements. Some system integrators even offer their own IoT platform to unify all the disparate components.
For instance, consider a company that manufactures electrical enclosures and desires to implement remote monitoring capabilities within its production facility. Instead of building an in-house IoT team and developing a solution from scratch, they can partner with an IoT system integrator.
IoT integration companies possess the expertise to select and integrate various components, ranging from sensors and IoT gateways to cloud providers and applications for data visualization and equipment control. While most system integrators develop their web and mobile applications and have their own IoT integration platform, they often source the remaining components from third-party vendors.
The Advantages of Partnering with an IoT System Integrator
Most companies lack the in-house expertise or resources to develop their own IoT solutions from the ground up. While building an internal team is certainly an option, it’s a time-consuming and resource-intensive endeavor that can lead to significant overhead costs. IoT system integrators streamline this process, offering a multitude of benefits:
- Reduced Resource Consumption: Building an IoT solution in-house requires a significant investment of time and resources. IoT system integrators expedite the process, minimizing resource allocation on your end, both in the short and long term.
- Enhanced Expertise: Enterprise system integrators possess a wealth of experience within your industry and can leverage this knowledge to identify your specific pain points. This allows them to rapidly determine what solutions will be most effective, saving you from costly trial-and-error processes.
- Vendor Agnosticism: IoT integration teams have extensive experience working with a diverse range of vendors. This expertise enables them to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various components. For example, they can determine whether AWS, Microsoft Azure, or an on-premises solution is the most suitable cloud platform for your specific needs.
- Bridging the Skill Gap: The lack of internal IoT expertise within organizations often impedes or slows down IoT project implementation. Industrial IoT integration teams bridge this skill gap, ensuring your project progresses smoothly and efficiently.
- Unified Data Management: By creating a single, cohesive system, IoT system integrators help you eliminate the issue of disparate data silos. This allows you to seamlessly access and analyze all your data in one centralized location.
In essence, IoT integration services not only reduce the initial resource investment required for building an IoT solution but also ensure you end up with a more robust and cost-effective solution that aligns perfectly with your business objectives.
The Future of IoT System Integration
The IoT integration landscape is constantly evolving, driven by advancements in technology and the growing complexity of IoT projects. Here are a few key trends to watch:
- Increased Focus on Security: As the number of connected devices explodes, so do security concerns. IoT system integrators will play a critical role in ensuring robust security measures are implemented throughout the entire IoT ecosystem.
- Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): The convergence of IoT and AI/ML will unlock a new wave of innovation. IoT integrators will need to adapt and incorporate these technologies into their solutions to deliver enhanced predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and automated decision-making capabilities.
- Rise of Industry-Specific Solutions: The needs of a manufacturing facility differ significantly from those of a smart city. We’ll see a growing demand for IoT system integrators with specialized expertise in specific industries, allowing them to deliver industry-tailored solutions that address unique challenges.
Bridgera: Your Perfect Choice for a Successful IoT Deployment
Bridgera, a leading IoT development company, offers extensive experience in IoT integration projects, having collaborated with organizations across the globe. We leverage our expertise in IoT solutions to help you achieve and surpass your IoT goals by providing seamless IoT integrated solutions.
Contact us today and see how Bridgera’s IoT solutions can transform your business.
About Bridgera: Bridgera effortlessly combines innovation and expertise to deliver cutting-edge solutions using connected intelligence. We engineer experiences that go beyond expectations, equipping our clients with the tools they need to excel in an increasingly interconnected world. Since our establishment in 2015, Bridgera, headquartered in Raleigh, NC, has specialized in crafting and managing tailored SaaS solutions for web, mobile, and IoT applications across North America.
About Author: Joydeep Misra is the Senior Vice President of Technology at Bridgera LLC, specializing in IoT and SaaS. He played a pivotal role in establishing and leading Bridgera’s IoT division, showcasing a dedication to innovation and excellence in the tech field. Additionally, he is an accomplished author and sought-after public speaker.
Search Our Blog
Most Recent
- Transforming Asset Management with Industrial IoT Remote Monitoring Solutions
- IoMT Implementation: A Complete Guide and Tips for IoMT Success
- A Guide to IoT Device Lifecycle Management: Maximizing the Value of Your Connected Devices
- Connected Healthcare: Exploring the Impact of IoT on Medical Devices
- The Role of Connected Equipment in Smart Manufacturing