Today, the Internet doesn’t only connect laptops, smartphones, and desktop computers. Humanity has entered a new era of communication and information exchange — an era of the Internet of Things. In this article, we will discuss what IoT is and how to create an IoT app for your business. What is IoT? The Internet of Things, or IoT, is an ecosystem of devices and appliances connected to the World Wide Web. Today, those can look like anything—from smart watches and toothbrushes to irrigation systems capable of supplying an entire field with water. But how do those devices work? One crucial characteristic of IoT gadgets is their sensitive devices that can track even the slightest environmental changes. Once a sensor has gathered information about the outside world, it can be sent to a different device or system using Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other networks. To do that, they use firmware, a software specifically designed for the IoT technology. After that, the information collected by sensors will be handled by data-processing software and presented in a way that is easy for users to grasp. {{ "title": "Write ChilliCode", "description": "To help you acknowledge your business needs and decide whether IT services will work for you, I’ve sorted out a list of cases.", "buttonText": "Contact us" }} It is easy to imagine that such qualities would make this technology highly beneficial for almost any existing industry. Here are some examples of areas that are already actively implementing IoT applications. IoT Technology: Where can you find it? Healthcare IoT technology is widely used in healthcare. Even a specific term has appeared — the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). One of the main ways in which the IoT can help improve healthcare processes is through optimization. It can significantly reduce the cost of medical services since it allows doctors to control their patients' condition offline, in some cases where hospitalization is unnecessary. For example, Dexcom, a company that creates and distributes systems for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), makes an IoT mobile app that can help patients track their sugar levels all day. In addition, IoT healthcare mobile apps can quickly and efficiently collect all the necessary data and send it to doctors, who then make a fully informed decision. Taking the load off of the medical personnel can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the diagnostic and treatment process and our quality of life overall. Manufacturing IoT technology is also widely used in the manufacturing industry. Thanks to its sensitivity, it can accurately monitor the entire manufacturing process, from production to distribution. Since artificial intelligence is often a crucial part of IoT, it can also help spot mistakes in the manufacturing process and improve already established systems. The IoT helps significantly decrease the chance of errors, improve the quality of products, and improve worker productivity. With the popularization of IoT, it has become easier to automate specific crucial processes. For example, predictive maintenance software, in combination with industrial equipment, can monitor maintenance in real-time and alert workers about any issues that need to be fixed. Agriculture Farming can be a problematic area to succeed in for many different reasons. Certain conditions that can influence a farm's success are impossible to control, such as unexpected changes in weather. However, one can prepare for the challenge by predicting it in advance. This is where the IoT can be beneficial due to its ability to calculate the outcome depending on existing factors. Automatic irrigation systems are one of the most common applications of IoT technology in agriculture. By simply pressing a button, entire fields can be watered without any need for manual labor. Another great invention, IoT-based crop monitoring, has helped farmers now keep track of any changes, good or bad, occurring to their crops. Logistics Logistics is a massive industry encompassing numerous areas, from manufacturing and procurement to warehousing and distribution. Very few businesses can function without some logistical support. IoT assists logistics companies in supply chain and storage management, route tracking, and many other areas. It also allows for a more transparent relationship with customers. For example, thanks to IoT delivery apps, people can track their packages and immediately receive information about status changes. As you can see, the Internet of Things has made complex processes much easier to control and manage. Travel Tourism is another industry that benefits from utilizing IoT technology. IoT in travel goes far beyond simply tracking luggage, although that is undeniably important. Cities incorporating IoT devices into their landscape can ensure a more seamless traveling experience for their visitors, making them a more popular travel destination. Smart cities can collect travelers' data using sensors and analyze it later to help companies and governments make more informed decisions. The Main Components of IoT Technology To create an IoT app, one needs to fully understand the technology. Here are the main components that all IoT apps require to function properly. Hardware and firmware Well-maintained hardware is essential for IoT devices. One prominent example of IoT hardware is sensors. Firmware is software that runs on IoT hardware, enabling it to collect and transport information and perform other functions. Cloud services Cloud services are the backbone of IoT applications. They help IoTs process, manage, and exchange vast amounts of data. Transmission Protocols A vital element of any information technology, protocols help correct any mistakes during transmission. Machine Learning Machine learning is essential to many IoT applications because it helps make accurate predictions based on the data it gathers. Database Since IoT devices can generate massive volumes of data, IoT databases must be able to store it. Their main difference from regular databases is that they are specifically designed to store and analyze unstructured data. What to Consider Before Developing an IoT Application Since there are numerous areas in which IoT could be beneficial, developers always have a supply of orders. However, when considering developing an IoT app, one must keep in mind some limitations it might have. A developer must first consider the differences between IoT and more traditional technology. For example, a developer might know how to create a smartphone or PC application but must learn how to make an IoT app. In addition, IoT devices usually have less storage space and computing power, which will directly influence the application's performance. Moreover, just like when developing any device that connects to the Internet and can store information, one has to pay attention to security. If developers do not take the necessary security measures, such as utilizing encryption protocols and access authorization systems, they risk a user's data information's safety. Finally, an application can only exist with a user interface. An application not created with users in mind will be less popular and can harm your business's revenue. How to Create An IoT App In 6 Steps So, you have decided that you also want to reap the benefits of using IoT technology in your business. If you are wondering how to create an IoT app, you have come to the right place. After reading this article, you will understand what IoT apps can be used for and their development process. Step 1: Define the app’s requirements Before starting any project, it is crucial to define its scope. In the case of an IoT application, your goals will directly influence the development process. What do you want to achieve with your web or mobile app IoT? Is it: Tracking movement or changes in location? Monitoring changes in the environment and alerting users of them? Optimizing one or several processes to improve production efficiency? Once you understand your objectives, you can decide which features you want your application to have. Some of the possible features could be: Dashboarding Device-to-device communication Remote control Over-the-air (OTA) system updates Data visualization Step 2: Choose the IoT platform An IoT platform is a service that provides all of the necessary tools for IoT development and management. These platforms are incredibly powerful and can support numerous device connections simultaneously. An IoT development platform makes business owners' day-to-day lives easier by handling the challenges that might come with managing this complex technology. In addition, many platforms are Open-Source, meaning you will not have to break the bank to use one. There are many IoT platforms out there, so choosing one might seem overwhelming. For example, edge-to-cloud platforms combine every component required for IoT development into one compact package. Meanwhile, some data platforms focus more on the data-processing side of the IoT device rather than other elements. How do you decide which option will suit your situation best? While there is no straightforward answer, we suggest you try answering these questions before settling on an IoT platform: How long has the platform been in the market? Market longevity is an essential characteristic of any business that can tell you whether you should trust it. While the IoT has not been around for long, you can still compare various platforms and see which ones have been around for at least a few years. In addition, check if they have worked with any big clients you have already heard of. Opting for an IoT platform that other businesses have already tested before you is a way to ensure you get the exact results you seek. Does the platform provide hardware? You can only create an IoT application with hardware. The main feature of the Internet of Things ecosystem is that it consists of just that — things and the Internet. Thus, your IoT hardware and the platform you manage must perfectly align. Otherwise, your device will not be able to function correctly or at all. Some IoT platforms provide hardware; others do not. While you may be able to get a perfect match from two separate vendors, it is much easier and less resource-consuming to opt for an option that includes both an IoT platform and hardware. Which regions does the platform cover? If you plan on expanding your business globally, you must ensure that the IoT platform of your choice covers that range. The platform's connectivity protocols will be crucial in making your IoT product accessible to as many people as possible. Look for platforms that offer global coverage. Does the platform provide tools for remote management? While that should be a given, comparing different service providers and choosing the one offering the full scope of services you might need is still a good idea. For example, you should be able to connect devices to the Internet, update them remotely, and run remote diagnostics tests. What is the platform’s privacy policy? Regarding privacy and security, one has to consider multitudes of things. Like any computer, an IoT device can be hacked, putting your business and customers at risk. The IoT platform of your choice must implement the latest security protocols, encryption, two-factor authentication, and access control. In addition, security systems must be updated and maintained regularly. Step 3: Choose the hardware If you have already chosen an IoT platform that handles both the firmware and the hardware of the future device, you do not have to worry about this step. However, in many cases, you might need to purchase the hardware additionally. Once you have your app's requirements down, choosing suitable hardware becomes much more accessible. Different types of hardware accomplish other goals. Sensors are a necessity if you need your IoT device to respond to changes in its environment, such as tracking temperature and humidity levels. On the other hand, if your project is targeted at logistics companies, GPS trackers are the solution for you. This does not mean that one IoT device can have only one kind of hardware. The complexity of your device’s hardware architecture should respond to the specific needs of your business. Step 4: Design the architecture of the app This is where all the fun begins. Designing IoT application architecture is a multi-level process. It involves considering the specific features of the device hardware, network connectivity, data storage, analytics, and, finally, the user interface. Different architecture types combine these essential segments in various ways. Perception Once the device's hardware is decided on, it becomes the driving force of the entire app development project. We already addressed the importance of choosing the right hardware in advance, long before the app design is even discussed. The hardware portion of the IoT solution handles the perception of information coming from external sources. Network The network layer plays a pivotal role in IoT development. It comprises various communication technologies and acts as a connecting link between the hardware and the other parts of the IoT app architecture. Here is a brief overview of communication technologies most commonly used in IoT solution development today. Name Pros Cons Application examples Wi-Fi Has a high throughput, can transfer data very quickly Limited scalability, high energy consumption Local connectivity Cellular networks (e.g., 5G) Broadband communication, a common option for IoT solutions Do not work well with battery-powered devices, high operational costs Logistics, Healthcare LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) Designed for large-scale IoT, optimal scalability, energy-efficient, relatively inexpensive Can only transmit small amounts of data at a limited speed Agriculture, logistics, smart cities Bluetooth Low power consumption, device compatibility, faster data transfer Only suitable for short-range communication Healthcare (wearables), smart home appliances ZigBee Slower data transfer, low power consumption, scalability, security, ability to handle large networks Only suitable for short- or medium-range communication Industrial, smart home appliances Data The data processing layer of IoT architecture is where information transmitted through networks is stored, processed, and analyzed. IoT systems can collect large inflows of unstructured data. In this form, it is unusable and difficult to parse. For a business to be able to draw on insights from the data its devices collect, all information should go through a process of filtering and formatting. Only then can it be utilized for business management purposes. User interface The success of an IoT application heavily depends on how enjoyable it is to use. This is where the user interface and experience design stage comes in. No matter how revolutionary your solution is, it is worth nothing if it is inaccessible to most consumers. During this step, you must ensure that the IoT data collected and analyzed is clearly displayed to the users. This is also when you decide what kind of data you want your users to have access to. For example, for IoT-enabled sports wearables like smartwatches, you would like to display variables like heart rate, pace, speed, location, etc. Step 5: Test the app Testing an IoT solution presents several unique challenges. Since IoT systems are often composed of completely original software and hardware combinations, there are no universal solutions for testing their feasibility. This means that developers must create a custom testing plan from scratch. Apart from running basic, first-level tests (also known as “smoke testing”) to check for obvious mistakes, an application should be evaluated based on function, performance, usability, security, compatibility, etc. Finally, any bugs the developers missed during the beta testing stage are uncovered. By letting a few users try out the application before its launch, they can watch it perform in real-life situations without causing any losses for the business. Step 6: Launch the app Once you have ensured that your IoT app functions as intended, it is time to release it into the world. However, this step is more complex than it might seem. First, it is essential to devise a launch strategy before the app goes live for the first time. This includes deciding which promotion channels you will use and which performance indicators you will pay attention to. Moreover, how your application will be displayed on distribution platforms is crucial to how it will be received. To win potential users' trust, ensure your app listing is well-structured, well-written, and accurate. You will want to include descriptions of the app's services and main features. Add screenshots and videos to help users envision what it will be like to interact with your application. In addition, you can promote your application on social media. Establishing a solid online presence before the app launch can help earn user trust, brand recognition, and awareness. Maintaining and updating an IoT app Your journey with the IoT application continues after its launch. To ensure user satisfaction and accurate data collection, you must constantly monitor the app. This includes tracking its performance, addressing user feedback, and updating security systems when needed. IoT app development: The main challenges IoT app development has many challenges. Here are some of them. Security When it comes to IoT solutions, security breaches are not uncommon. However, security is not a concern for encryptions, protocols, and other measures. Scalability It has been established that IoT apps handle massive amounts of data. This means that developers need to figure out how to provide adequately sized storage and have a data recovery strategy ready. Interoperability IoT uses many communication protocols and data formats. Therefore, developers must ensure that these devices can communicate seamlessly with apps and other devices. User experience Creating an application that showcases data in a way that is accessible to regular users can be challenging. IoT App Development in 2024: Is It Worth It? You already know how vast the field of IoT solutions is. These highly responsive and reliable systems can be found anywhere you look nowadays. From tracking your heart rate to ensuring that you get your package on time, IoT applications have become an essential part of our everyday life. The applications of IoT technology continue beyond there. Each year, the number of IoT devices grows. In fact, over 15 million IoT devices are used globally in 2024. And the number is only increasing: by 2023, experts predict there will be twice as many active IoT devices. With all that in mind, IoT app development in 2024 can be a bountiful trajectory for your business. IoT App Development Cost Considering all of the trials and tribulations of IoT app development, how much would it approximately cost to create one? What affects the cost? When calculating an approximate IoT app development cost, one must consider several factors. The IoT architecture complexity This is one of the first variables influencing the cost of IoT application development. How complicated are the IoT hardware and firmware for building? How much data do you want your application to process? Answering these questions will help you understand how the final cost will be formed. Features Depending on the number and kind of features you want your app to have, development costs will vary. Development team How experienced is the IoT app developer team you are working with will affect the cost of development. Contact the IoT app development company of your choice to find out their rates. Timeline The less time you give your developers to complete a project, the more their work will cost. Those are some of the main factors you need to keep in mind when planning your budget. How much will your app cost? The cost of IoT application development should be calculated only based on your specific requirements. However, one sure way to regulate costs and even significantly reduce them is to outsource the development to a third-party company that provides IoT app development services. That way, you do not have to bear the costs of supporting an in-house team. Outsourcing the job: Hiring A Professional App Developer Team Outsourcing IoT app development services is an extremely common practice. Not only is it cost-effective, but it can also help you save time on building an entire team of developers from scratch. An IoT app development company can provide you with a team of seasoned experts who have worked together for years and already have a well-oiled workflow process that works for them. For example, here at CHILLICODE, our team consists of experienced web developers, a team lead, a QA engineer, and a project manager, who work in close collaboration to ensure efficient communication and process transparency. Our agile development methodology allows us to take on projects of any complexity. We also use trailblazing stack technology to ensure we can always meet and exceed your expectations. Rest assured that our support will remain with you even after the development is over. Not only do we make sure to keep detailed documentation to help you manage and debug your IoT app in the future, but we also can provide you with technical support and help maintain it. sub Are you looking for a trustworthy and experienced team that provides top-notch IoT mobile app development services? Look no further than CHILLICODE. With almost a decade of experience in the industry, we have no doubts that we know precisely how to make an IoT app customized to meet your needs. Final Thoughts In this article, we have addressed how to create an IoT app for your business needs. IoT technology is constantly developing, with new implementations emerging every year. If you find that this route is the one for you, we would love nothing more than to assist you on your journey toward success.
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