The Internet of Things or IoT has grown exponentially in the last decades, radically changing how people interact with objects and our environment. IoT application development involves designing, creating and deploying applications that allow connected devices to collect, transmit, analyse and exchange information. These applications can perform functions ranging from monitoring industrial machinery to controlling smart household appliances. With the growing number of connected devices, there is an increase in demand for reliable and secure IoT applications.
IoT applications have revolutionised major industries, including cars, healthcare, household appliances and manufacturing. Every business is now planning to use IoT to streamline their operations.
According to Statista, the number of connected IoT devices is expected to increase to 15.14 billion units by 2023 and reach 32.1 billion by 2030. The data shows a growing demand for IoT apps and devices, which means businesses will concentrate on IoT application development. IoT technology is having a massive impact not just on the individual but also on businesses and society as a whole and demand for IoT application development will only continue to grow.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to develop IoT applications.
What Is IoT Application Development?
IoT application development refers to the process of creating software applications that use technology like the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to increase the user experience and functionality of IoT devices. Apps can be connected to devices via sensors and internet connections to provide functions like remote monitoring of battery status, updates on battery levels and predictive maintenance notifications. In developing IoT applications, we will increase their effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and users.
Many devices and items that have sensors integrated are connected to IoT platforms. These connect all relevant data from multiple devices. They employ analytics to exchange important information using apps tailored to specific needs. These sophisticated but advanced IoT systems precisely determine what information is crucial and what data isn’t. Data retrieved can help identify weaknesses, offer suggestions and detect patterns.
Benefits Of IoT Mobile App Development
Mobile IoT applications offer a variety of business advantages that allow businesses to remain competitive in a constantly changing market. Look over several advantages of IoT applications here:
Increased Work Efficiency
The main motive behind the development of IoT mobile applications is to automate the business process and enhance its efficiency. IoT-connected applications can accomplish a variety of tasks with no human involvement, such as sending, receiving and gathering data, which will improve overall work efficiency.
More Insight Into Consumer Behavior
Being aware of your customers’ behaviors, preferences and needs can help you make educated decisions. This knowledge will also help you adjust your business and marketing strategies by anticipating their reactions.
Improved Security
The IoT environment comprises multiple connected devices with connections and operating systems. This ensures greater security using stringent encryption policies and security protocols that control user-specific information. Mobile custom IoT solutions employ secure codes and store data on the cloud, preventing hackers and data theft.
Business Innovation
IoT-based technology helps businesses address problems related to customer service and operations, transparency and much more. With a greater understanding of external and internal influences on business operations C-suite, executives create innovative solutions to their most pressing challenges.
Location Independence
Mobile apps are an excellent complement to IoT technology, allowing you to manage the whole IoT ecosystem anytime and anywhere. For instance, the camera in your smart home’s central opening can send notifications via your mobile device that runs on IoT anytime. In the same way, managers can monitor warehouses remotely by using IoT mobile apps. The IoT mobile app benefits various sectors in various ways.
Steps To Develop An IoT App
The IoT app development process is far more than creating a consumer-facing mobile app. It comes with a distinct method that ranges from choosing devices to their deployment. In this section, we will provide you with the steps to develop an IoT app.
Preparation Stage
At this point, develop the idea as the basis for an IoT application and create the initial draft of desired capabilities. The initial draft does not have to be extremely specific; an overview of the functionality will suffice. The process is handled by experienced business analysts later.
It’s recommended, although not a requirement, that the client select the appropriate hardware (device/sensor) to connect with the application. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to have the protocol specifications prepared. This includes knowing what the hardware and software will be able to communicate to each other, whether that’s WiFi, Bluetooth or any other protocol.
It’s perfectly fine not to be prepared for everything, as the group of specialists who develop IoT applications frequently can fill in the gaps with the help of clients. One possible drawback of this is that it will make the next stage more lengthy and demanding.
Discovery Stage
The discovery stage occurs when clients and the development team conduct a series of sessions to ensure that the team’s needs for building an IoT application and system are well established. The primary deliverable from the discovery phase is a precise technical specification.
The specification describes the application’s layout and architecture and the connection protocol. At this point, the hardware type will also be established. The team provides an estimate and a timetable—although they’re not definitive and could be altered during development, they aren’t expected to change significantly.
Choose an IoT Platform
The platform is the basis for your application and provides the devices for collecting data for processing, analysis and storage. Various factors must be considered, including scalability, security, interoperability and ease of use. A few of the most popular IoT platforms are AWS IoT, Microsoft Azure IoT, Google Cloud IoT and IBM Watson IoT.
Developing and deploying your IoT app on these platforms is easier as they have many features, including managing devices, data storage and analytics. Your application’s objectives and requirements must be compatible with your IoT platform. It is also essential to ensure that the platform chosen is compatible with the hardware components and network standards used in your IoT devices. If you select the appropriate IoT framework, you’ll be able to streamline the process of developing your app and reduce the cost to ensure your IoT application.
Get The Correct Hardware Components
The microcontrollers, sensors and actuators needed to run the IoT application must be picked based on the purpose and requirements. These must be compatible with the platform and protocol. After you’ve identified the necessary hardware components, select a reputable supplier. Choose a supplier with an excellent reputation, outstanding customer service and an established record of offering high-quality parts.
Before you integrate the components into the app, run tests to verify that they work properly. This can help avoid problems with compatibility or unanticipated behaviors when connecting them to your IoT platform. Also, make sure that your hardware is compatible with the IoT platform and the communication protocols. This will guarantee that the devices connect to each other and that the app functions in the way you want it to.
Choose The Network Protocol
Pick a network protocol such as MQTT, CoAP, HTTP or Zigbee suitable for the purpose you are using it for. Network protocols allow connectivity between IoT devices and applications and have many aspects to consider when choosing the best protocol. These factors include size, bandwidth, consumption, security and interoperability between the protocols. A few of the most well-known IoT protocols are Wi-Fi Bluetooth and LoRaWAN.
Wi-Fi offers excellent bandwidth as well as range. This makes it the ideal choice for IoT devices requiring fast data transmission. However, Bluetooth is suited for devices running low power and with limited range requirements. LoRaWAN offers long-range and low-power connectivity. Choosing the best networking protocol will ensure that your IoT application is functioning efficiently without consuming a lot of power and with the highest level of security.
Develop The Software
Making a software component for an IoT application involves following specific procedures to guarantee performance and effectiveness. IoT app development company select the appropriate programming language to create the software component. Some of the most popular choices include Python, C++ and Java.
After that, data processing and analysis software must be designed to gather, filter, arrange and analyse data collected by IoT devices. Then, it’s time to create an interface that allows users to use the application, see information and even control IoT devices. The appropriate security measures, such as encryption, authentication and authorisation, are required to ensure that data and devices are secure.
Furthermore, it is essential to test your software in order to confirm its compatibility with IoT devices and the network protocol. After confirming its capabilities, install the software in the desired environment, which may include cloud-based platforms or a local server.
Connect The Hardware and Software
Creating an IoT application involves linking all of the parts to ensure that hardware and software can work efficiently. Hardware devices gather data, while software processes and analyses the information to provide information and allow control over the IoT devices.
- Install the hardware components by installing the required software and settings that allow connection to the component software.
- Incorporate a communication protocol like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to connect the hardware device and the software component. Set up device management, such as remote firmware updates and device diagnostics, to ensure that your hardware devices work properly.
- Check the connectivity between the component’s hardware and software to verify that they communicate effectively.
- Set up alerting and monitoring mechanisms to identify and address problems the interconnection between the software and hardware components could cause.
Test The App
First, you must define the test scope, including the functionalities and features that need evaluation. It is then necessary to design test cases covering every aspect of the app, both functional and non-functional tests. Once you have developed them, test the test cases to discover any bugs or errors that may be present in the app.
Note and document all problems found during the testing process and ensure these issues are fixed before the app’s release. Test compatibility on various platforms and devices to ensure that the application functions in a way expected across all platforms. Also, user acceptance tests are performed to ensure that the app is in line with the requirements and needs of the end-users.
Launch The IoT App
After you have tested and concluded whether “everything is in order,” it is time to launch your app for public use on your chosen platform. However, it’s essential to establish a straightforward program and execution plan.
The launch plan includes your target market, methods to promote the app and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for measuring your success. Optimise the app store’s presence by developing a unique list of apps with captivating descriptions, images and videos that demonstrate your app’s capabilities and features.
Following that, you can use social and influencer-based marketing, as well as other methods, to help spread awareness about the app and encourage users to download it. Consider monitoring the app’s performance and user feedback to fix any issues that may be encountered after launch. Finally, gather and analyse information to evaluate how well the app performs against its KPIs and find opportunities to optimise.
Manage and Track The Application
Monitor the app to ensure its correct functioning and implement any required changes. Ensure that the user’s data is secured by safeguards. The final stage refers to an ongoing monitoring process for the app’s performance, maintaining it and improving the app’s performance once the app has launched.
This involves analysing various indicators related to app usage and performance, analysing the user’s feedback and behavior, implementing security and update procedures and ensuring that the application continues to fulfill the expectations and needs of its customers. All of this is to ensure it is always up-to-date, secure and efficient. It provides users an effortless and pleasurable experience while creating revenue for developers.
Tips For Building IoT Apps
Here, we’ve listed some useful suggestions for developers and product owners to build the perfect and efficient IoT application.
- Developers must choose the right platform to use for IoT app development. Yes, you should be aware that the selected platform must be capable of supporting IoT apps and components. There’s a wide range of pre-built IoT platforms that can help developers develop their applications more efficiently.
- Recently, IoT has spread across sectors and doesn’t offer limitations on offerings. The scope of its applications has expanded and increased quite a bit. Before beginning IoT development, mobile apps must consider the business first. Many industries are connected, including manufacturing, healthcare and more.
- In the current phase of IoT app development, it is vital to differentiate services with APIs. You might wonder why this is. An app needs to function smoothly on both the web and mobile devices. This aids in the development of easy Internet of Things projects. Making arrangements for IoT applications helps deliver greater possibilities.
- It’s the main duty of an app developer and IoT app development firm to ensure a secure and safe environment for IoT data in order to safeguard it from unauthorised theft and hackers. Data security is essential, particularly for banking apps and GPS networks.
- The IoT is always connected to sensors and devices. Unlike other web-based and mobile applications, it continues to communicate through networks. Hardware is vulnerable to various security issues, particularly within the firmware. Therefore, it is essential to regularly update the firmware. This should be authenticated and adequately signed before any updates.
- When developing an IoT-powered app, developers need to be aware of certain aspects. Developers must not sacrifice speed or quality in any way, price or terms. The focus should be on understanding concepts in their real-world context and creating a reliable functioning prototype.
Conclusion
The growth of Internet of Things applications is an ever-changing and rapidly growing area. This allows companies to seamlessly connect to various smart devices and the cloud, further transforming their business and opening up new opportunities. Developing an IoT application requires a well-planned approach based on the business goals and the needs of your users and requirements.
This includes determining the right IoT technology and programming languages, designing an intuitive interface and installing efficient security measures. An integrated approach which combines the knowledge of software, hardware and user-experience design is essential to achieving IoT application development. With the right group and equipment, anybody could create a practical IoT application to transform businesses and enhance people’s lives.
FAQs
How does an IoT app work?
Connecting various devices to one platform to analyse and collect information allows IoT applications to work, which can aid in automating different procedures or creating new products and services. Items, including sensors, actuators and other devices, come with internet connectivity and can collect and transmit data into the IoT platform. The information is analysed in the IoT platform to enable automatic decision-making, insights or even real-time making. It involves data collecting, transmission, visualisation and various degrees of automation.
How much does IoT application development cost?
IoT applications development cost depends on multiple factors like app complexity, type of app, number of API integration, UI/UX design and many more. On an average IoT app development cost ranges anywhere from £20,000 to £150,000 or more. An effective way of bringing costs down is by selecting the IoT platform that speeds through this process and also cuts expenses.
What is the time frame for developing an IoT app?
The average development time for an IoT application may take 12 months to 2 years. It can take longer if the process is not optimised or the appropriate devices aren’t employed. However, a reliable IoT platform can reduce the duration.
Which programming languages are used in IoT app development?
The most popular programming languages for IoT application development are Java, C++, Python and JavaScript.
