After two lackluster years of launching IoT-related transformation projects, 2019 seems to be the year of fruition. In a market where IoT platforms are overwhelmingly available, the temptation to opt for a single platform may appear to be a rational choice. However, this is often not the most appropriate solution.
IoT projects are seen as growth drivers and technological accelerators for the transformation of companies’ lines of business. These lines represent an important diversity of uses that can be adapted to technological needs, security and business models. All of these elements require us not to reconsider the choice of the IoT platform as a single component, but rather to deal with a range of solutions that are consistent with the lines of business.
The IoT Platform, an essential component of the connected services value chain
The objectives of IoT platforms can be very different depending on whether you represent IT or business populations. From an IT perspective, an IoT platform can be defined as all the technical services used to control devices, collect and analyze data, and secure exchanges from the device to the information system (see diagram). Meanwhile, from a business perspective, the IoT platform is a vector of innovation through which new services can be offered to customers (internal or external), thereby creating value or improving performance. With its CVMP1 platform, the automotive manufacturer PSA is able to provide connected navigation, preventative maintenance and concierge services to its customers, thus enabling it to transform and generate new revenues.
A difficult market to navigate due to the abundance of offers
Use cases, a key factor when choosing an IoT Platform
Before embarking on the choice of a solution, it is essential to define the use cases that will be implemented as connected services. These use cases provide an essential constraint to better target market players during the consultation phase, by considering both generalist and specialized platforms. In addition, the use cases identified are often spread over several domains (e.g. fleet management, industry, smart building, etc.), yet there is currently no IoT platform covering all requirements.
Beyond business use cases, what criteria should be taken into account to guide decision-making ?
Technological context
The business model
Cyber risk management
The life cycle of devices
We have seen that the choice of an IoT platform should not be limited to a purely technical decision. Business use cases, security needs and business models have such an impact that it becomes impossible to factor all these elements through one platform. While the choice of a single player that allows for the diversification of platforms might seem facilitative, it is important to bear in mind that this will make the implementation of use cases more complex and will therefore require a deep appropriation of the platform. In contrast, other players have chosen specialization through the integration of advanced off-the-shelf business functions based on artificial intelligence. These new functions will be important differentiators. Publishers have well understood that it is crucial to appeal to the different business lines, as the choice of platform and the success of IoT projects cannot be done without them.
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