How can you control IoT devices deployed in the field where IoT gateways are not feasible,
and an IoT device does not have a capability to directly connect to a remote cloud server?
A mobile application that can connect to an IoT device via a Bluetooth may be the answer.
Using a smartphone application, you can configure an IoT device, change settings, and download collected data and measurements.
A smartphone can also serve as a gateway, allowing for the upload of the accumulated data from the IoT device to the cloud server.
What Are IoT Devices And How To Control Them
Internet of Things (IoT) devices are electronic devices that can communicate to each other and / or to the software systems. A software
can reside on a remote cloud server, on the local computer network or
on the smartphones / tablets.
IoT devices can be deployed in various conditions - in the smart building and homes,
in the factories, on the parking lots, and in the field. Regardless of the deployment, each IoT device should
be able to exchange information with other network devices, a gateway or a cloud software,
and be controlled via the graphical user interface, from the computer, tablet or a smartphone.
As a rule, IoT devices cannot connect to the internet independently - an electronics that will allow it will make these devices
prohobitively expensive. Instead, devices which are deployed in the locations with the electricity and wifi or cellular connection (smart buildings, factories, warehouses)
communicate to the cloud software via IoT gateways. One IoT gateway can service multiple devices, providing
communication in both directions.
However, it is often not feasible to utilize gateways for the IoT devices deployed in the field,
where no electricity or wifi connection is available, and there can be just one or a few IoT devices reachable by a gateway.
Field IoT devices could be sensors measuring conditions in the remote locations, such as mines or drilling sites. It can also be field
equipment that utilizes IoT communication instead of the physical control panel.
In this situation, an employee with a smartphone can play a role of a gateway, providing a communication link between a field IoT device
and a cloud software on the remote server. A mobile application can communicate to the IoT device via Bluetooth, and to the
cloud software on a remote server via the cellular connection. If a cellular connection is not available in the field location,
a smartphone can save data internally and send them to the server when the connection become available.
Using a mobile application, you can:
- Set up and change various IoT device configuration parameters.
- Use a mobile application as a flexible and easily changeable control panel for the IoT device.
- Download data and measurements, and send them to the backend cloud software for processing.
- Control IoT device, such as change a position of a solar panel.
- and more...
IoT Device Management Mobile Application - What We Can Do
We will work with you to create a custom mobile application and / or cloud software solution that fits your needs, budget and a time frame.
It can be:
- A stand alone mobile application for the management of the IoT devices deployed in the field or in the small networks, where
having gateways and / or internet connection is not practical or feasible.
- A combination of the IoT device management cloud software and a mobile application.
- A stand alone cloud software for managing and controlling of the IoT devices and networks.
- A software for the local IoT network not connected to the cloud.
- A device management system integrated with an existing IoT cloud platform, such as AWS, Azure, etc.
We will discuss and implement optimal functionality for the mobile application and / or cloud software to achieve your project goals
and the best performance.
IoT Device Management Mobile Application (Android and iOS)
Use a mobile device (smartphone, tablet or a mobile computer running iOS or Android) to manage IoT devices on site via Bluetooth low energy (BLE) connection.
Setup, configure and control IoT devices, download data and send over to the backend cloud software.
When A Mobile Application Is Best Suited For The IoT Device Management
You can control IoT devices via the cloud software web interface, via the mobile application or a combination of both methods.
Mobile application is best suited for the following scenarios:
- Management of the IoT devices deployed in the field, where gateways and possibly internet connection are not available.
- Management of the small-scale IoT devices deployments where gateways and monthly subscription to the cloud services are not feasible.
- For the on site operations that require a direct interaction with the IoT device and observing the device behaviour. These operations may include
initial installation, adjustment of the IoT network parameters, re-grouping of the network devices, etc.
A mobile application / cloud software combo can be used, with mobile application serving as a gateway between the IoT device network and the cloud. In the situations when
the internet connection is not available a mobile application can store data locally on a smartphone and sync data with the cloud database
when connection is available.
What Can You Do Using An IoT Device Management Mobile Application
- IoT device setup and configuration. Configure and change configuration parameters for the IoT device in the mobile application,
and send the parameters
to the device via bluetooth connection.
- IoT device control. Use a mobile application as a control panel for the IoT devices, which can be easily updated and adjusted as needed.
- Setting pre-determined profiles and scenes.Rather then applying each setting individually, you can create profiles that combine
multiple settings, and apply the profile
to the individual IoT devices or device groups.
- Adding new devices to the network (provisioning). On site installers use a mobile application to discover available
unprovisioned devices and add them to the network.
- IoT device grouping. Combine network devices into groups, and specify how these groups should interact.
- Setting schedules. Set a schedule to perform certain actions automatically without human participation.
- Receiving notifications.Receive push notifications on your phone on the IoT network events that require immediate attention.
IoT Cloud Software / IoT Software For the Local Computer Network
An IoT software running on the computers is best suited for the large scale deployments that do not require on site presence.
A cloud based IoT device management software system is best suited for the following scenarios:
- A large-scale deployment in the building or on the sites with the electricity and internet connection.
- Management of the dispersed IoT device networks from one central point.
- In the situations where data aggregation, processing and reporting is required.
A cloud software / mobile application combo can be used, where a mobile application is used for the tasks that require on site communication with the IoT device,
and a cloud interface is used for the networks management and reviewing reports.
What Can You Do Using An IoT Device Management Cloud Software
- Networks Management.If you need a simple IoT system for the home or a small business with a single IoT network,
the network can be managed from a stand alone mobile application. However, for the bigger companies
with multiple IoT installation sites the management of the IoT networks from a central point is essential.
A cloud software provides a secure interface that allows system users with the administrative access to manage IoT networks:
add, update, delete, review network devices status and performance.
- Networks configuration. A web-based IoT software can provide a graphical drag-and-drop or map-based interface
to group IoT devices and define the groups interaction.
The task of configuring multiple networks can be greatly simplified by using templates. A template can be applied to the newly created network,
with the option to change individual parameters.
The configuration created via the cloud software web interface can be applied to the newly installed devices on site via the mobile application,
or remotely from the web interface via the gateway.
- Management of the software users and privileges.Manage software users, their access to the projects / IoT networks and privileges via the web interface.
- IoT devices provisioning and control. Normally the tasks of the IoT devices provisioning and initial configuration are better suited for a
mobile application. However, depending on the exact situation / requirements, this task can also be accomplished remotely
or on site using a computer and a web interface.
- Events scheduling. Use the web interface to create and change schedules to automate IoT network operation.
Apply the pre-determined schedule via the web interface, or on site using a mobile application.
- Monitoring IoT devices performance.Review reports on the IoT network devices status and performance.
Set alerts for
anything that is a deviation from the normal operating conditions, and requires a warning or immediate attention.
Receive alerts in the e-mail, or in the mobile application via push notifications.
- Storing, processing and analyzing data collected from the IoT devices. IoT devices produce a lot of useful data.
You can receive data on
buildings occupancy patterns, energy usage, machinery operations, temperature or humidity variations, etc., etc.
A cloud software is responsible for receiving the data from the IoT gateway,
storing and analyzing data, and producing reports. Data analysis helps you make informed decisions and optimize business operations.
