How Small Business Start with Internet of Things

Competing in the industry, increasing productivity and efficiency, reducing costs, streamlining workflows, saving time, collecting valuable data, and making data-driven decisions are the primary reasons a business chooses to implement the internet of things (IoT).

IoT devices automatically collect data and monitor devices/systems in real-time. You can use IoT for predictive maintenance to increase machines’ productivity and reduce/avoid downtime.

According to Alan Safahi, an experienced entrepreneur who runs a successful startup company in San Francisco, businesses can leverage IoT technology to relieve their workers, teams, and departments from time-consuming and repetitive tasks.

At the same time, it is more productive when employees use their skills for more complex tasks and creative roles instead of manually collecting and monitoring data or systems. So, how do you start with IoT? Here is the step-by-step process. Read on!

Step 1: Problem Identification

Although finding solutions for problems is the ultimate goal of any organization, not recognizing the problem itself or implementing an irrelevant solution can waste resources and time.

Therefore, the first step when starting with IoT technology is identifying a problem. The purpose is to determine whether the IoT technology you have selected or want to purchase/implement can resolve the issue.

Step 2: Break the Project into Phases

According to Alan Safahi, breaking the project into phases is the best way to achieve your goals. For technological implementations, following the conventional project management technique with steps like “initiating,” “planning,” executing,” “controlling,” and “closing” can lead to success.

Step 3: Implement the Correct Infrastructure

Implementing an infrastructure requires focusing on two solutions: software and hardware—select reliable hardware for a solid infrastructure that perfectly aligns with the IoT and interconnected devices. Decide on the type of servers, storage solutions, and cloud platforms, and focus on the software and database you will use to streamline business processes.

Step 4: Create a Team of Qualified Professionals

Executing a technology project like IoT is complicated, daunting, challenging, and time-consuming. Because you need an integrative approach to multiple technologies, developing a tailored solution is complex.

So, picking a technically sound team with a project manager is a reliable way to handle IoT-related projects. The team must have people from the IT department, data analysts, workers, trainers, managers, and software developers.

In addition, Safahi recommends implementing proper testing protocols to determine whether the IoT integrated with the company’s system works optimally. Likewise, testing helps you determine whether the integration has loopholes and, if any, how the team can fix them quickly.

Step 5: Secure and Update the IoT infrastructure

IoT technology connects a wide range of devices for data storage and sharing. The information exchange may contain sensitive and confidential data, requiring a high-level security layer or encryption methods.

So, keep the devices secure during and after project completion to prevent data theft. According to Alan Safahi Orinda CA, IoT software changes because service providers add more advancements to the technology for optimal results. Therefore, updating the IoT technology from time to time is essential to streamlining your business operations and mitigating the risks of cyber threats.

Originally Posted: https://alansafahiorindaca.com/how-small-business-start-with-internet-of-things/