By Michael Rivera, PhD
The internet of things (IoT) represents a huge commitment to many companies regarding time and resources. So, it’s understandable that you may want to test the waters with an IoT pilot project before making a comprehensive digital transformation.
Rather than investing in a full-scale solution from the get-go, a turnkey implementation can provide immediate benefits to a select group of customers. This helps the company define the product’s key functions before it’s put into production on a larger scale.
Ultimately, an IoT pilot helps manufacturers save costs and determine the viability and marketability of a product.
If you’re considering an IoT-focused digital transformation, here are three areas to consider for the pilot:
1. Speed
An IoT pilot shouldn’t take time. You’re starting with a small-scale implementation to determine its viability in the shortest time possible. It’s essential to identify the solution, implement the technology, and convince stakeholders of its benefits as quickly as possible.
Many pilots experience a time lapse between receiving approvals and delivering outcomes. This can make an IoT project get stuck in what’s known as pilot purgatory.
To avoid this, you must review the procedures involved in each stage, such as procuring materials, installation, and commissioning, and how the process may affect the solution. This can help you understand whether you should consider alternative arrangements.
2. Simplicity
An IoT pilot shouldn’t be difficult. The pilot’s goal is to track and measure a clear metric, such as energy consumption on the factory floor.
Hence, the focus should be on achieving that fundamental outcomes. It’s important not to complicate it with secondary benefits. You can improve the solution if customer feedback necessitates it or when it’s time to transition into full-scale implementation.
3. Scalability
Remember that an IoT pilot project isn’t the end goal. It’s a means to an end that allows you to test a solution on a group of users before deploying it to a large customer base. As such, the pilot must be scalable. It should be easy to scale from a small project to a comprehensive solution.
Rather than trying to achieve the ideal technical solution from the onset, ensure the design and deployment process prioritizes a scalable process. This also minimizes the costs and makes it less complex for users.
Conclusion
Implementing a small-scale IoT pilot is the most brilliant way to test the viability of the internet of things in your business without wasting resources or upsetting your customers.
This is why Thinaer provides easy-to-deploy IoT starter kits. These are turnkey solutions tailored to specific business and industry needs. It allows you to evaluate whether or not an IoT solution is necessary for your business operations. Our technicians and data analysts will guide you from conception to full-scale deployment. We’re happy to speak with you if you have any questions. Contact us now to start.