IoT Failure to Success: A New Approach

Back in 2011, Cisco forecasted that by 2020, there would be 50 billion IoT devices connected globally. However, the reality was starkly different, with only 11 billion devices coming online. This shortfall is not just a statistical discrepancy but a reflection of the broader challenges faced by IoT deployments. Gartner’s analysis that 80% of all IoT projects fail sheds light on the underlying issues that have hampered widespread adoption. The pressing question remains: Why hasn’t IoT reached mass adoption, and what can be done to reverse this trend?

To better understand the barriers to IoT success, Eseye partnered with Kaleido Intelligence to survey over 750 companies. The findings were clear—poor device design and engineering are the most significant obstacles, with 84% of respondents citing this as their primary challenge. This insight underscores the importance of getting the fundamentals right in IoT device design, as failure in this area can lead to project delays, increased costs, and even complete failure.

If you don’t get the device right, no matter how good the network and the connectivity management platform, your deployment may be at risk of failure.

It’s easy to get the hardware wrong

Firmware developers with the expertise to design, build, troubleshoot and certify devices are in very short supply. It is difficult for firms to compete for talent with high-profile companies like TESLA who offer more lucrative compensation packages. If you can find quality engineers, they’re likely to be an expensive hire; and they may well still need to upskill to acquire the specific connectivity expertise needed to complete the project.

Another prohibitive challenge is the time – and costs – involved in developing and debugging a product, then taking it to market.

Supply chain issues created by the pandemic and geopolitical events such as the war in Ukraine often exacerbates the situation driving the need for much more flexibility and modularity insourcing components.

84% struggle with IoT device design."

The Global Connectivity Puzzle

IoT device connectivity needs to be flexible

One of the most significant challenges in IoT is achieving global connectivity. As IoT initiatives expand, enterprises have more options for connectivity, including cellular, LoRaWAN, Wi-Fi, and satellite. This diversity offers the potential for more reliable and cost-effective solutions. However, designing and certifying devices that can seamlessly switch between these different Radio Access Types (RATs) is a complex task.

Permanent roaming

Permanent roaming presents another challenge, particularly as more countries impose restrictions to protect domestic network capacity. Regions like Brazil and Turkey have specific regulatory hurdles that complicate IoT deployments. Additionally, the behavior of mobile network operators can be unpredictable, with recent changes in roaming access charges driving up costs. Enterprises often find themselves juggling multiple contracts and relationships with different connectivity providers, which complicates the deployment process and hinders scaling.

IoT connectivity management platforms

To achieve the coverage they require for their IoT deployment, enterprises are forced to integrate with multiple mobile network operators – and their diverse connectivity platforms. Behaviour varies greatly between network operators, and the landscape is unpredictable. The recent introduction of roaming access charges to maximise data revenue and margins, for example, has driven prices higher. The potential for regulatory changes and operator disputes also presents risk to service.

Managing relationships with connectivity providers and network operators can be complex, as enterprises must handle multiple contracts. This challenge complicates obtaining a single SKU for global deployments, often necessitating new SKUs for each deployment, which strains production and hinders scalability.

Getting the design and engineering of an IoT device right off the starting blocks is the key factor in enabling robust global connectivity,

This offers more modes of connectivity for enterprises…"

Permanent Roaming Quick definition: Permanent roaming refers to the continuous use of a mobile device on a foreign network outside its home country, without returning to its home network. This can lead to regulatory and operational challenges as it bypasses the intended short-term nature of roaming agreements.

Eseye’s Solution: AnyNet SMARTconnect™

To navigate connectivity and software challenges, Eseye has developed AnyNet SMARTconnect™, a solution that integrates intelligent connectivity software with global network access. This approach ensures that IoT devices are not only connected but also optimized for performance and cost-efficiency. Through agreements with major operators in 190 countries, AnyNet SMARTconnect™ provides access to over 700 cellular networks, offering enterprises the flexibility to switch networks automatically if connectivity drops.

AnyNet SMARTconnect™ also addresses the need for future-proofing. As the IoT landscape evolves, this solution allows new networks and operators to be easily integrated, ensuring that devices remain connected and operational over time. This capability is particularly important as IoT deployments are expected to last for decades, during which the connectivity landscape will inevitably change.

Harnessing the Power of Intelligent Software

The effectiveness of AnyNet SMARTconnect™ lies not just in its global coverage but also in its intelligent software that can detect and select the best available networks. This connectivity intelligence ensures that devices can operate efficiently in different environments, optimizing network selection and protocols to meet the specific requirements of each use case.

However, embedding connectivity intelligence into IoT devices is only part of the solution. Enterprises also need comprehensive oversight and control of their device estates, which is where Eseye’s Infinity IoT Platform™ comes into play. This platform acts as a single ‘pane of glass’ through which enterprises can manage the entire lifecycle of their IoT devices. From over-the-air updates to introducing new features and enhancing security, the Infinity IoT Platform™ ensures that devices remain functional and secure throughout their lifecycle.

AnyNet SMARTconnect maximises availability."

Working with Eseye, our new system is orders of magnitude more reliable than Wi-Fi or the other cell system we previously offered."

Casey Harris, Chief Technology Officer, PharmaWatch

Designing the hardware for success

To reverse the trend of failed IoT projects, the device needs to be flexibly designed using the appropriate hardware components. Enterprises must dedicate sufficient time and skilled resource to designing, enabling and optimising the device from the very early stages to ensure resilience is built into the system, and that connectivity is built in correctly from the start.

As a general rule, the IoT device design through deployment processes should include the following stages:

Reversing IoT Failure Trends

AnyNet SMARTconnect™ is designed to reverse the trend of failed IoT projects by providing the building blocks for reliable and flexible connectivity. By supporting multiple RATs, including cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, and satellite, this solution allows devices to select and optimize the best connectivity options based on various constraints, such as bandwidth and power. This flexibility in device design ensures that IoT projects are set up for success from the start.

Smart connectivity, installed.

AnyNet SMARTconnect™ is designed to reverse the trend of failed IoT projects by providing the building blocks for reliable and flexible connectivity. By supporting multiple RATs, including cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, LoRaWAN, and satellite, this solution allows devices to select and optimize the best connectivity options based on various constraints, such as bandwidth and power. This flexibility in device design ensures that IoT projects are set up for success from the start.

Cut development time and costs when you build connectivity intelligence and optimisation straight into your devices.

Summary: Build connectivity intelligence in from the start

Working with the right design partner, and embedding a software library that introduces on-device connectivity intelligence, will help enterprises to get their IoT devices right first time – beating that costly 80% failure rate for IoT projects. They can expect a range of positive outcomes as a result, including accelerated time to market, lower device development and resourcing costs, and optimised service performance for their customers. Developers will also be freed up to focus their energy on the higher layer applications and data that deliver real business value.

Looking at the bigger picture, as more IoT projects succeed, and more connected devices come online to make up the shortfall in Cisco’s prediction, the full potential of IoT applications will be captured and the technology will – at last – fulfil its promise.

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…beating that costly 80% failure rate for IoT projects.”