Smart technology has changed how we interact with our daily devices. This has led to the rise of Internet of Things (IoT) apps, which enable us to interact with smart technology on our mobile and desktop devices. Here is what IoT app development is and how it can help your business grow.
Content Map
More chaptersIoT (Internet of Things) app development is the process of developing a web or mobile application, one that users can interact with in order to view data collected by an IoT device and modify its functionality.
Developing an IoT app requires a deep understanding of not just web or mobile app development but also other technologies like cloud computing, networking, front-end and back-end development, and data science.
Due to the multifaceted nature of IoT app development, many companies outsource this service to a third-party software development team. They may augment the capabilities of the company’s existing in-house team, or they may assume responsibility for the entire development project.
In this article, we will discuss what IoT development is, how it works, the different IoT app development platforms, and the benefits of partnering with a software development team.
Key Takeaways:
IoT app development is the process of developing an app that can interact with IoT devices. These apps can be developed for web or mobile platforms, or a combination of both. Mobile IoT apps are favored for their portability and ease of use, while web-based IoT apps can be accessed through a web browser – without requiring the user to download any software.
IoT apps can be used to interact with all kinds of IoT devices. These are otherwise known as ‘smart’ devices, which are devices enhanced with sensors and internet functionality. Smart devices can send and receive data from other smart devices and IoT apps.
Being able to develop an IoT app involves ensuring the app is user-friendly, able to derive valuable insights from raw data, streamline or automate specific functions, and protect sensitive data from internal and external threats.
The number of connected consumer IoT devices is expected to reach 24 billion devices by 2034. Sectors like retail and wholesale, electricity, gas, steam and A/C, and agriculture, quarrying, and fishing make up the bulk of connected devices.
There are many advantages to developing an IoT app for your business. It can help streamline and automate manual processes to boost productivity and reduce unnecessary manual labor. IoT apps can also derive valuable insights from raw data in real-time, making it easier to make informed decisions at a rapid pace.
Here are just some of the other advantages of IoT app development:
An IoT app development platform is a PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) that allows users to build, deploy, and manage their IoT apps and devices. Internet of Things platforms are usually cloud-based, have a drag-and-drop interface, and feature a range of built-in tools and components. Such tools include frameworks, automated workflows, testing tools, and API integrations.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the different IoT app development platforms that developers use today.
Microsoft Azure IoT is a cloud-based suite of capabilities that lets users to connect and manage their IoT assets. From a centralized dashboard, users can perform all kinds of functions, such as asset tracking and predictive maintenance.
Some of the most important features include the Azure IoT Hub, IoT Edge, and Digital Twins components. The Azure IoT Hub lets users establish a secure and reliable connection between IoT devices and apps.
Meanwhile, the IoT Edge extends cloud intelligence to edge devices, reducing latency and bandwidth usage for IoT devices. Digital Twins create digital copies of physical environments, allowing for the testing and fine-tuning of complex IoT environments without the risk.
Oracle IoT Cloud Service is another IoT app development platform that offers a range of cloud-based solutions. It allows users to connect and manage their smart assets, derive valuable insights from the collected data, and integrate with other Oracle Products. For companies that already use Oracle products, the Oracle IoT Cloud Service is a smart investment.
The Oracle Business Intelligence Service is just one of the many Oracle products that can be integrated with the Oracle IoT Cloud Service. For example, users can automatically synchronize data streams with the Oracle Business Intelligence Service. However, integrating with non-Oracle products can be difficult.
PTC Thingworx is a leading provider of cloud-based IoT solutions. It helps businesses connect disparate IoT devices, apps, and data sources together, providing a central truth source to facilitate informed decision-making. Its key capabilities include remote monitoring, operational intelligence, automation workflow, and digital twin simulation.
PTC Thingworx is particularly suited to the Industry sector, with capabilities dedicated to asset inventory and management utilization. This helps businesses remotely manage their on-site assets, determining their installation location and operating status.
Mobile app development has had a significant impact on the development of IoT apps. Mobile is the platform of choice for most IoT apps.
Mobile IoT apps allow users to remotely manage their IoT assets from the comfort of their mobile device, as long as there is a secure, reliable internet connection. Businesses also gain brand recognition by releasing their IoT app on marketplaces like Apple and the Google Play Store.
Internet of Things security issues also play a role in the rise of mobile solutions. Mobile IoT apps must also meet strict security requirements to be released on official app stores. This gives users the confidence that what they are downloading is safe to use and from a reputable service provider.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what an IoT app is and how it works, let’s discuss how to develop one. We’ll also discuss how the right software development team can make life easier when developing an IoT app.
The first step is to define your target audience, the pain points that they face, and the outcomes that you aim to help them achieve. This involves performing thorough market research, determining if the demand for such a solution exists and, if so, figuring out how much the audience is willing to pay for in order to use it. It also involves gathering insight into the target audience’s habits and behavioral patterns, such as the frequency with which they engage with this type of app.
The next step is to determine the IoT app’s functional and non-functional requirements. Functional requirements describe what the app does, while the non-functional requirements determine the standards that the software must reach in terms of performance, security, and device compatibility. A trusted software development team can help determine what functional and non-functional requirements your app must have in order to succeed.
The next step is to determine the tech stack of your proposed IoT app. In most cases, a minimum viable product (MVP) is the best choice for businesses. This allows the business in question to test the viability of their idea before committing to the development of the final product.
When it comes to determining the tech stack of your IoT app, that means choosing the following components:
Once the IoT app’s goals, functional and non-functional requirements, and technology stack have been established, the next step is to define the user interface (UI) and user experience (UX). This means defining the visual elements and layout that the user will interact with, and the journey they will go on using your app.
The UI/UX design team will begin with a wireframe, which will serve as a basic representation of the final digital interface. This helps clients understand what the final layout and functionalities will be before getting into details like colors, font, and graphics. After approving the wireframe, the design team will create a UI that is both visually appealing and consistent with your brand.
From there, a UX expert will help define the user experience. They will help define how the user will interact with not just the app but also other devices and apps under the one IoT ecosystem. They’ll ensure your app is easy to navigate and able to convey complex information in a minimalist design.
Next, the team will carry out the front and back-end development of the project. For the front-end, they will use frameworks to help speed up development and ensure the app meets the UI/UX requirements.
For back-end development, the team will most likely use tools compatible with those used for the front-end, too. This means choosing a compatible cloud platform, along with the appropriate programming language and database management system.
At Orient Software, we have years of front and back-end development experience. Our team is highly skilled in developing web and mobile IoT apps that are visually appealing, easy to use, and compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems.
Moreover, we are intimately familiar with the technologies used for API integrations. This way, your IoT app will integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack and workflows.
Before deployment, the team will thoroughly test your IoT app for bugs and errors, performance issues, and security vulnerabilities. They will then flag these issues to the rest of the team so that they can be resolved before the app is launched.
The team will also put in place measures to gather feedback from users, making it easy to identify and address any concerns quickly.
Once the IoT app is deployed, the team will monitor its status. They will ensure the app is easily accessible and operating as intended. They will also respond to direct feedback from users and prioritize addressing issues based on their severity.
Ideally, the team that developed the app should also be maintaining it. This can help you save time and hassle when finding another team to manage it for you. You will also avoid the risk of letting a team unfamiliar with the source code make decisions that compromise the app’s functionality and appeal.
At Orient Software, we offer post-release maintenance services to keep your IoT app in great shape. We evolve with your business as the needs of your IoT apps grow. Do you need to add new features or decommission unused ones? Address urgent security vulnerabilities? Or overhaul the UI to align with a new brand or merger and acquisition? Either way, we can help ensure the long-form success of your IoT app.
A good technology partner will work with you to create an IoT app that meets your unique requirements. This is especially true if you lack the in-house capabilities to produce one on your own. By outsourcing your IoT app development needs to a company like Orient Software, they can provide a solution that is:
Incorporating an IoT app into your business can be an effective way to reach more customers, boost productivity, and anticipate future outcomes. However, developing an IoT app requires deep expertise in many fields and a strong understanding of your business goals.
For an IoT solution that helps your business grow in meaningful ways, contact us today. Our team will be happy to listen, share their expertise, and propose a viable custom solution that works for you.
Writer
Writer
We’d love to connect with you and figure out how we can contribute to your success. Get started with an efficient, streamlined process:
Schedule a Meeting
Discuss your needs and goals, and learn how we can realize your ideas.
Schedule a Consultation Call
Discuss your needs and goals, and learn how we can realize your ideas.
Examine solutions, clarify requirements, and onboard the ideal team for your needs.
Explore Solutions and Team Setup
Examine solutions, clarify requirements, and onboard the ideal team for your needs.
Our team springs into action, keeping you informed and adjusting when necessary.
Kick Off and Monitor the Project
Our team springs into action, keeping you informed and adjusting when necessary.
Drop us a message, and we'll get back to you within three business days.
20
Years in operation
100
Global clients
Full Name
Company
Tell us about your project
*By submitting this form, you have read and agreed to Orient Software's Term of Use and Privacy Statement
