From Telit: "How to Boost ROI with a Single-Provider Approach to IoT Data Plans"

IoT technologies allow everyday devices to connect to their users in innovative and unprecedented ways, creating augmented efficiency and ease in every facet of modern living. From wearable health trackers designed to alert loved ones to potential issues, to smart buildings capable of adjusting internal temperatures and access settings through a phone-accessed app, IoT technologies are opening up previously unheard-of possibilities that can improve quality of life for individuals across a variety of global locales.

But if you’re looking to market your IoT-enabled device to multiple global markets, you may find yourself facing logistical and financial hurdles that deplete ROI – no matter how great your concept may be.

Multi-national IoT deployments are complex before even factoring in the additional headache of managing two or more separate cellular data carriers with various rates and rules. Managing multiple M2M/ IoT connectivity services that each come with their own carriers, bills, and agreement terms can quickly cannibalize valuable company resources and stall operations.

In fact, a recent study finds that over half of all IoT projects don’t make it past the proof of concept phase because of such hurdles. For businesses and corporations depending on a global reach to boost ROI, having an easy way to manage all cellular solutions through a single vendor is crucial to a successful IoT deployment strategy.

Potential IoT Deployment Hurdles

Global IoT network solutions are gaining momentum every day. Experts suggest starting small with any IoT solutions and planning for the future in a deployment strategy. The more devices that are connected to a network, the more data is collected. Finding the right solution starts with a scalable IoT data plan. Dropped calls, roaming charges, bad connectivity, and limited plan management hours can grind daily operations to a halt.

Other key issues that plague any IoT deployment campaign include:

Poor device management scalability – Well thought-out deployments keep a company’s ongoing device needs top-of-mind. Unfortunately, companies often rush to deploy without thinking through whether they have efficient and secure ways to onboard, organize, monitor, and manage new devices at scale.

Lack of IoT security – Do you trust your IoT provider(s)? Experienced vendors will have a track record of successes, effective security protocols, and administration assurances so that any business team can effectively manage their assets hassle-free.

Inadequate data integration and management – Many companies just aren’t ready or staffed with the right team to join the digital cloud revolution. How far a business or institution can reach is dependent on how well prepared they are to integrate emerging technologies.

Always available and knowledgeable support – Most IoT networks are connecting to things that won’t sleep at night – think of security sensors and industrial machines. That means that you need 24/7 support for your IoT connectivity services globally, and you need support personnel that understand the nuances of what is at the end of the connection to help diagnose any issues.

As a company expands and needs to track and control assets across a wider distribution network, they will need:

• better coverage
• comprehensive data management software
• IoT platforms that are versatile and adaptable
• low-cost and low-energy modules
• better mobility
• multiple IoT connectivity options
• comprehensive, 24/7 support

Smart cities can change building thermostat temperatures, automate parking meters, and control lighting grids easily and simply from a cell phone. Distribution companies can monitor their fleet, track weather conditions, and find the best routes from a single touchpoint. Farmers can view the health of their livestock, keep track of the moisture in the soil, and automatically order feed stock while visiting another country with the right IoT solutions.

The right solution means simplifying operations through a single data source with experience and a global focus.

Simplified Solutions: Stick with a Single IoT Connectivity Service Provider

It’s a hassle to have to negotiate terms based on region, especially between multiple providers across several cellular devices. Looking to a single vendor with optimal IoT connectivity options simplifies operations.

To boost your ROI, find a provider that can connect all your ‘things’ seamlessly, regardless of your global footprint, provide easy access to monitor your service and provide a single bill and point of contact 24/7.

Telit, a global pioneer in IoT solutions, offers the industry’s broadest portfolio of integrated products and services for end-to-end IoT deployments. Telit’s IoT connectivity plans and services are operated through a single portal, making it easy to use from anywhere in the world. Telit addresses the challenges of managing multiple carriers with varying pricing rules and agreement terms with their M2M SIM cards and IoT connectivity services.

Telit’s interchangeable M2M SIM cards and custom data plans reduce risk, time to market, and complexity and costs for asset tracking; allow for 24/7 remote monitoring and control; and much more across vertical markets worldwide – all while providing reliable RF performance. They also include roaming across different regions and networks through multiple satellite connectivity. Custom plans mean that you sign only one agreement with simple terms and a fixed price with no hidden fees.

For more information on how Telit IoT solutions can help you connect to the world with zero hassle, contact Telit today to the get help finding the right data plan for your needs.

Source: https://www.telit.com/blog/iot-at-scale-evolving-beyond-hardware-solutions/