Have you ever wondered if there will be a day when consumers choose sustainable products or packaging over low-priced goods? Recent research on consumer behavior indicates a growing interest and readiness among consumers to spend extra on products that are produced in an eco-friendly and sustainable manner. With the manufacturing industry leading the global pollution chart, there is an urgent call among world leaders to tackle the carbon footprint. The integration of IoT is a significant accelerating factor in achieving a socially responsible manufacturing environment. From collecting data through its sensors to monitoring the raw material sources, IoT-enabled devices serve as the primary lever in adherence to sustainability, proving the IoT analytics report on IoT-based connections to be around 29 million by 2027.

With the circular economy gaining momentum for its reuse and recycle concept, IoT connections are likely to support manufacturers in the long run, from tracking resource usage to facilitating timely recycling to monitoring waste bin levels for the correct accumulation of waste. It also lets consumers know about the entire history of the material and how to recycle or return products at the end of their lives. This part of IoT is a small application in the whole manufacturing unit.

This blog post navigates you through the intricacies of IoT architecture layers and their significance in advancing sustainable manufacturing. Delve in to recognize the potential roadblocks to integrating IoT-driven connections and devices. Alongside the challenges, we’ve discussed solutions to pave the way for a smooth transition to smart manufacturing with the guidance of Indium Software, which excels at building an agile and resilient business.

Understanding IoT architecture in sustainable manufacturing

The IoT architecture has multiple layers responsible for various functions, each with significance. Let’s explore the four prominent layers and how they assist each department of manufacturing with a sustainable approach.

Perception layer (Sensing layer) 

Function: The layer that houses IoT devices like sensors, actuators, and other embedded systems is the primary source for data acquisition. From monitoring waste in the production line to detecting defects in the assembly line to tracking the conditions of materials in the supply chain to supervising asset health and optimizing the logistic route, the significance of the perception layer is unmatched.

Network layer (Transport layer) 

Function: Responsible for transmission of data from the sensing layer to the processing unit; this layer embodies communication protocols, gateways, and network infrastructure. Its application is visible in the whole manufacturing sector wherever it senses a deviation or variation; the network layer ensures it carries the data immediately for processing.

Processing layer (Middleware layer) 

Function: The layer that processes the data from the network layer for actionable insights comprises servers, storage solutions, and data processing tools. Its application is carried out at all divisions of the manufacturing unit that generate data related to energy, materials, and assets.

Application layer 

Function: The layer where actionable tasks are performed with the help of user-end applications and interfaces. The application layer immediately acts on the derived insights by giving alerts or signaling the manufacturer with the detected deviation.

The challenges in implementing IoT connectivity 

1.Technological integration

Manufacturers in power since the dawn of Industry 1.0 through their antiquated systems and devices find it challenging to come to terms with Industry 4.0, where machine-to-machine communication is functional. The legacy systems that are in operation today were not built for IoT sensors or any other embedded systems, thus having an entirely different interface and architecture from modern devices. This hinders the manufacturing unit from upscaling its sustainable operations, as IoT connections are imperative in achieving an efficient and optimized manufacturing process.

2. Data overload

Known for their massive data generation, IoT-based devices generate data every second, from sensors on machinery to wearable tech for workers. The data flow is inevitable as its storage, where data needs to be processed and analyzed in real time to gain insights into machine operations, energy consumption, and waste management. For example, if a machine is drawing more power than usual intake, it needs to be rectified immediately, for which data is imperative. Also, storing data helps in historical prediction pattern recognition for machine learning to predict future mishaps if detected. Thus, on the road to sustainability, data plays a major role that must be carefully stored and analyzed for erroneous or half-stored data, leading to wrong decisions.

3. Security concerns:

With the transformative potential for eco-friendly measures, the utilization of IoT devices is welcomed in large numbers. However, lacking robust security features can wreak havoc on the whole manufacturing environment, leading to malware functions or unauthorized access and compromising sustainable goals. As the IoT sensors are sourced from various manufacturers, the security standard imbibed in each differs owing to a potential data breach attack. As data transfers from the edge to the centralized server wirelessly, end-to-end encryption is essential for data to escape from ransomware attacks. Any compromise on the IoT sensors will surely disrupt the manufacturing process, which might not accurately detect mishaps or inefficiencies.

4. Infrastructure and connectivity 

For an effective transfer of data and analysis, the IT environment in the manufacturing unit should have high connectivity, for it influences sustainability performance. Imagine a factory operating under solar energy for its operations in a remote location. IoT sensors are essential to monitor the solar panel’s efficiency and streamline its energy distribution  to record the necessary parameters that support optimizing solar operations. What if the sensor fails to monitor the ambiance temperature panel health or other necessary criteria? The whole manufacturing process will halt, disturbing the entire cycle. Thus, a high connectivity infrastructure that supports IoT-based devices with an uninterrupted data flow and processing supply is a challenging requirement.

Bridging the IoT gap: Practical solutions for modern challenges 

Pilot projects: A prior feasibility study on a sustainable approach in the manufacturing unit will assist in ascertaining specific areas where sustainable measures can be implemented, and the result generated can be recorded for further enhancement. Thus, a phased approach allows companies to refine their sustainability initiatives regarding cost, performance, and benefit.

Bosch’s integration of IoT in its production line is the best example of phased implementation, where it started a pilot project that utilized IoT for real-time analysis of machine performance to reduce unplanned downtime. Thus, the IoT-based sensors assisted the company in predictive maintenance that monitored the machinery for an advanced maintenance schedule to cut down on unexpected service charges and disruptions to production. The integration of IoT further improved Bosch’s sustainability goals by supervising energy optimization. The company further developed an IoT suite for other companies to assist them in improving their operational efficiency.

Training and skill development: Investing in curricula programs or collaborative partnerships with academic institutions assists manufacturers in learning new technologies or tools that are a significant add-on toward their sustainability goals. They can invite industry experts to the manufacturing facility to conduct workshops and other programs that serve as a two-way opportunity. Besides organizing workshops, continuous in-house training for employees and certification programs can be conducted to foster their innovation in upskilling sustainability practices that adhere well to breakthrough technologies.

Events like “The Greener Manufacturing Show and Plastic Waste Free World Europe” are excellent examples of international conferences that welcome industry experts from various industries and locations. Citing its two previous edition successes, Mike Robinson, CEO of Trans-Global Events, shared his anticipation for the forthcoming event, saying, “We are thrilled to announce the return of The Greener Manufacturing Show and Plastic Waste Free Europe in 2023. As we progress, we aim  to develop an even more vibrant platform that promotes dialogue, highlights innovative solutions, and catalyzes meaningful change.” The show is expected to be an incredible opportunity where like-minded individuals share their insights, trends, and updates on the circular economy, recycling practices in the manufacturing sector, and other latest trends.

Robust data management: The importance of data and its role in sustainable measures cannot be overstated, as they are the driving force of IoT-based devices. Data collected from various sensors for analysis and readability assists in energy optimization, performance streamlining, material management, and other efficient alternatives. Thus implying the significance of the data governance framework for a data-driven sustainable manufacturing unit.

General Electric shines brightly with its manufacturing facility, recognizing the importance of IoT connectivity. The company collected data from its manufacturing unit’s production line, assembly line, and environmental factors through IoT sensors that assisted in optimizing its gas production and distribution processes. This helped them save 10% of gas consumption and $70 million annually.

Partnering with IoT vendors: Collaboration with the experts offers the manufacturers tailored solutions that address their needs directly, helping them tightly adhere to their sustainable goals. Harnessing practical methodologies related to IoT-connected devices is easy and effective for implementation and integration with various departments of the manufacturing sector. Directly dealing with IoT-based vendors fosters rigid energy, material, asset, and logistics management planning.

Audi’s partnership with Cisco showcased the power of IoT in manufacturing, as the company witnessed resilient and scalable production. Audi developed the Edge Cloud for Production (EC4P) platform, which aims to virtualize production assets to manage and optimize its production assets, leading to more efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes.

IoT’s role in driving sustainability in manufacturing

Energy efficiency: As a primary application, IoT devices are significant in real-time monitoring and assist manufacturers with alerts for spikes in voltage or more energy consumption. It also helps regulate the power of equipment based on its performance. For example, the IoT device automatically sets to low-power mode if the machine is idle, contributing to a greener environment.

Predictive maintenance: The unplanned downtime is reduced significantly with the utilization of IoT-based connections, which specialize in predictive maintenance. Continuous monitoring of assets’ health provides a comprehensive view for future analysis. Incorporating advanced algorithms helps analyze the data from sensors, historical data, and other patterns to predict the repair in advance, thereby optimizing resource allocation and enhancing safety measures.

Supply chain optimization: The disruption from sourcing to delivery is combated with IoT sensors that help track inventory management levels and optimize logistics routes. A visible approach in the supply chain is mandatory in the manufacturing unit to avoid last-minute delays in stocks, energy, or other deviations. Blockchain technology integration and IoT devices provide a tamper-proof record of every transaction and movement in the supply chain, ensuring product transparency, trust, and authenticity.

Water management: The integral part of the manufacturing unit needs meticulous attention in allocating and utilizing water; low availability will halt the entire production process. IoT deployment is successful as it detects water usage in real-time, ranging from quality to any production or assembly line leakage. It is also believed that IoT-based water meters are accurate in measuring water consumption, assisting manufacturers with monthly bills. The sensors can track wastewater management’s final destination, preventing penalties and other environmental harm.

Harness IoT solutions with Indium Software’s expertise

Partner with Indium Software for a strategic transformation encompassing the seamless integration of IoT connections and sensors. The diverse team of seasoned professionals at Indium Software is dedicated to transforming your manufacturing facility into a data-centric powerhouse, underpinning the shift toward sustainable manufacturing. With their deep domain knowledge, the experts craft innovative solutions, ensuring optimal utilization of technology. Step forward into the era of Industry 4.0 and intelligent manufacturing, promising increased revenue, augmented productivity, refined resource management, and amplified operational efficiency.

Conclusion 

Adopting agile solutions through IoT-based devices proves to be an imperative and innovative factor for manufacturing sectors whose main concern is sustainability. From optimizing energy efficiency to waste reduction to streamlining operations, the manufacturing industry can reap amazing benefits that add value to the business and help focus the company towards an environmentally friendly landscape. Furthermore, as technology continues to evolve, the synergy between IoT and other emerging technologies, such as blockchain and artificial intelligence, will further amplify the benefits, driving innovation, transparency, and sustainability in manufacturing operations. Thus, IoT is a transformative tool bridging the gap between traditional manufacturing practices and the future’s sustainable, efficient, and responsive manufacturing processes. Start your sustainable evolution with Indium Software, which designs tech solutions aligned with your business’s long-term vision.

The post Challenges and Solutions in Scaling Sustainable Manufacturing with IoT appeared first on Indium.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of linked devices that interact with one another to carry out specific functions. Everything from smart home appliances to industrial machinery may be part of this network. The IoT has the potential to revolutionize industries and open up new business opportunities by utilizing the power of big data. As with any new technology, there are substantial obstacles that need to be overcome.

One of the biggest opportunities that big data and the IoT present is the ability to make data-driven decisions in real-time. For example, in the manufacturing industry, sensors on machinery can provide real-time data on performance, allowing for predictive maintenance and reducing downtime. Similarly, in healthcare, IoT devices can monitor patients and provide data to healthcare professionals, allowing for more personalized care.

However, with the amount of data generated by the IoT, there are also significant challenges in terms of managing, processing, and analyzing this data. Traditional data management tools and techniques are often not sufficient to handle the sheer volume of data generated by the IoT. Additionally, there are concerns around data privacy and security, as the IoT often involves sensitive data being transmitted over networks.

Here are few insights from Gartner or Forrester

According to a Gartner report, the combination of big data and the IoT presents significant opportunities for businesses, particularly in areas such as supply chain management, predictive maintenance, and customer engagement. However, the report also highlights the challenges associated with managing and analyzing the large volume of data generated by the IoT, as well as the need for businesses to ensure data security and privacy.

Similarly, a Forrester report emphasizes the potential of the IoT and big data to drive digital transformation in various industries. The report notes that businesses that effectively leverage these technologies can gain a competitive advantage by improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and delivering better customer experiences. However, the report also warns that businesses must address challenges such as data management and security to realize the full potential of the IoT and big data.

Here are a few challenges and opportunities we should be aware of.

Opportunities:

Real-time data-driven decisions: The ability to collect and analyze real-time data from IoT devices can enable businesses to make data-driven decisions quickly and efficiently.

Increased efficiency and productivity: By using IoT devices to monitor and optimize processes, businesses can increase efficiency and productivity, leading to cost savings and increased revenue.

Improved customer experience: The IoT can be used to collect data on customer behavior and preferences, allowing businesses to offer personalized experiences and improve customer satisfaction.

New revenue streams: The IoT can open up new revenue streams for businesses by enabling them to offer new products and services, such as subscription-based models or pay-per-use models.

Challenges:

Data management: The sheer volume of data generated by IoT devices can be overwhelming for businesses, and traditional data management techniques may not be sufficient to handle it.

Data security and privacy: The IoT involves the transmission of sensitive data over networks, raising concerns around data security and privacy.

Interoperability: As the IoT involves devices from different manufacturers, there can be challenges in ensuring that these devices can communicate and work together seamlessly.

Skill gaps: As the IoT is a relatively new technology, there may be skill gaps in the workforce, making it challenging for businesses to effectively leverage it.

Use Cases:

One use case for big data and the IoT is in the transportation industry. By using IoT devices to collect data on traffic patterns and road conditions, transportation companies can optimize routes and reduce congestion. In agriculture, IoT devices can monitor soil conditions and weather patterns to optimize crop yields. In the energy industry, IoT devices can monitor power usage and detect inefficiencies, leading to cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.

How Indium Software can address

Indium Software has extensive experience in developing and implementing solutions for big data and IoT use cases. For example, our team can develop customized algorithms and machine learning models to analyze IoT data and provide real-time insights. We can also help ensure data privacy and security by implementing robust encryption and access control measures. In addition, our team can develop and deploy custom dashboards and visualizations to make it easy for businesses to understand and act on IoT data.

Here are a few real-time scenarios that illustrate how the combination of big data and the IoT is being used to drive innovation and growth across various industries:

Smart Manufacturing: A manufacturing company has implemented an IoT system to monitor and optimize its production processes in real-time. The system collects data from sensors embedded in manufacturing equipment and uses big data analytics to identify patterns and optimize production. By leveraging this technology, the company has been able to reduce downtime, increase productivity, and improve product quality.

Predictive Maintenance: A transportation company has deployed IoT sensors on its fleet of vehicles to monitor their performance and detect potential maintenance issues before they become major problems. The system collects data on factors such as engine performance, fuel consumption, and tire pressure, and uses big data analytics to identify patterns and predict maintenance needs. By leveraging this technology, the company has been able to reduce maintenance costs, increase vehicle uptime, and improve customer satisfaction.

Smart Agriculture: A farming company has implemented an IoT system to monitor and optimize its crop production processes. The system collects data from sensors embedded in soil and crop fields, as well as weather data and other environmental factors, and uses big data analytics to identify patterns and optimize crop production. By leveraging this technology, the company has been able to increase crop yields, reduce water and fertilizer usage, and improve overall farm productivity.

Wrapping Up

The potential of big data and the IoT is enormous, and businesses that can effectively leverage these technologies will have a significant advantage in the marketplace. However, it is crucial to address the challenges associated with managing and analyzing the data generated by the IoT. Indium Software has the expertise and experience to help businesses overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of big data and the IoT.

The post Big Data’s Impact on IoT: Opportunities and Challenges in Analytics appeared first on Indium.

Introduction:

AMQP stands for Advanced Message Queuing Protocol, and it is an open standard application layer protocol. AMQP Message Protocol also deals with publishers and subscribers for the consumer.

One of the key features of AMQP is the message broker, which acts as an intermediary between sender and receiver. The broker receives messages from senders, stores them, and delivers them to their intended recipients based on predefined routing rules. The broker provides a range of features such as message persistence, message acknowledgment, and message prioritisation to ensure reliable and efficient message delivery. 

Several industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and financial services, use AMQP. It has been widely adopted as a messaging protocol due to its reliability, interoperability, and flexibility.

Now there are four different exchange types:

• Direct Exchange
• Fan Out Exchange
• Topic Exchange and
• Header Exchange

Direct Exchange:

A direct exchange works by matching the routing key, when there is a match, the message is delivered to the queue. Each message sent to a direct exchange must have a routing key. 

If the routing key match, the message can be forwarded to the queue of the message.

For example, suppose there are three nodes named node A, node B, and node C, and a direct exchange named X. If node A is connected to X with a routing key of “key 1”, node B is connected to X with a routing key of “key 2”, and node C is connected to X with a routing key of “key 3”, then when a message is sent to X with a routing key of “key 2”, the message will be routed to node B.

Fan Out Exchange:

A fanout exchange works by sending messages to all of its bound queues. When a message is sent to a fanout exchange, the exchange simply copies it and sends it to all the currently bound queues.

For example, A real-time example of a Fanout Exchange can be a social media platform where a user posts a message that needs to be sent to all the users.

Topic Exchange:

When a message is sent to a topic exchange, the exchange will forward the message to all the queues. If queues have a binding key that matches the routing key, the message is routed to that queue, and finally each customer will receive the message from the queue.

Header Exchange:

A header exchange works by allowing the sender to attach a set of header attributes to each message. The header exchange looks at the headers and compares them to the header values specified in the bindings of each queue. If there is a match between the header of the message and the bindings of a queue, the message is delivered to that queue.       

Also read: Internet of Things in the Automotive Industry Blog.

Advantages of AMQP:

Message orientation, queuing, routing (including publish and subscribe and point-to-point), dependability, and security are the characteristics that set AMQP apart.

It employs techniques to ensure the secure transmission of critical data.

Flexibility:

AMQP includes publisher and subscriber request responses among the many message patterns it supports and point-to-point messaging, which makes it suitable for a variety of business use cases.

These services are provided using AMQP:

Healthcare services:

AMQP can be used to transmit medical data from wearable and implantable devices to healthcare providers, enabling remote monitoring and personalised treatment. It can be used to transmit patient data, test results, and other medical information securely and in real time. By using AMQP, healthcare providers can establish a reliable and secure communication channel to exchange data and messages between different services. The transfer of patient information among various healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and laboratories

Financial services:

AMQP can be used to build reliable and secure messaging systems for financial institutions, including stock exchanges, banks, and trading platforms. It can be used to transmit market data, trade orders, and other financial information securely and efficiently. By using AMQP, financial services providers can improve the speed and efficiency of their communication systems and reduce the risk of delays or errors.

Internet of Things (IoT) services:

the AMQP protocol is designed for reliable, interoperable, and secure communication between different components of distributed applications, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Device-to-cloud communication:

The AMQP protocol enables IoT devices to transmit messages to cloud services for further processing and analysis. For instance, a temperature sensor can utilise AMQP to transmit temperature readings to a cloud-based analytics service.

Overall, AMQP provides a flexible and scalable messaging infrastructure that can support various IoT services, from simple device-to-cloud communication to complex event processing and analytics.

Security:

AMQP provides a range of security features, such as authentication and encryption, to protect messages and prevent unauthorised access.

Conclusion

AMQP is a powerful messaging protocol that enables different applications to communicate with each other reliably, securely, and flexibly. With its client-server architecture and components such as a broker, exchange, queue, producer, and consumer, AMQP provides a robust framework for message-oriented middleware.

The post Seamless Communication: Exploring the Advanced Message Queuing Protocol (AMQP) appeared first on Indium.

From IoT sensing to cloud

The IoT sensing architecture consists of three main components: sensors, gateways, and cloud platforms.

Sensors are physical devices that capture data from the environment. They can be wired or wireless and come in various forms, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, and motion sensors. Sensors also can include cameras, microphones, and other types of sensors that capture data in different formats.

Gateways are the intermediate devices that receive data from sensors and transmit that data to a cloud platform for processing and analysis. Gateways can perform data filtering and aggregation, as well as provide security and connectivity to different types of networks.

Cloud platforms are the central systems that receive and process data from sensors and gateways. Cloud platforms can store data, run analytics, and provide dashboards and visualizations for end-users. Cloud platforms can also integrate with other systems, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) or customer relationship management (CRM) systems

Here are a few examples of IoT sensing protocols

• MQTT – One commonly used protocol for IoT sensing is the MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) protocol. MQTT is a lightweight, publish-subscribe messaging protocol designed for IoT applications with low bandwidth, high latency, or unreliable networks.

• CoAP – It can be used for IoT sensing CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol), which is designed for constrained devices and networks. CoAP uses a client-server model, where the client sends requests to the server and the server responds with data.

An example of using CoAP for IoT sensing could be in a smart agriculture system. Let’s say we have a soil moisture sensor in a field that sends data to an IoT platform using CoAP. The sensor would send a request to the CoAP server on the platform, asking for the current soil moisture level. The server would initially respond with the data, which the platform could use to determine if the crops need watering.

There are many other protocols that can be used for IoT sensing, including HTTP, WebSocket, and AMQP. The choice of protocol depends on the specific requirements of the application, such as the level of security needed, the amount of data being transmitted, and the network environment.

Also read: IoT Testing Approach on Devices

IoT Sensing Use Cases

IoT can be used in a variety of applications, such as Smart Homes and buildings, Industrial Automation and Healthcare.

• In smart homes and buildings, IoT sensing can be used to control heating, lighting, and ventilation system based on environmental conditions. For example, a temperature sensor can be used to adjust the heating system based on the current temperature, while a light sensor can be used to adjust the lighting system based on the amount of natural light.

• In healthcare, IoT sensing can be used to monitor patients and improve patient outcomes. For example, a wearable sensor can be used to monitor a patient’s heart rate and transmit that data to a cloud platform for analysis. The cloud platform can then alert healthcare professionals if the patient’s heart rate exceeds a certain threshold.

IoT Sensing and Predictive Maintenance

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized predictive maintenance by enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of equipment and systems. By deploying IoT sensors, organizations can collect data on various factors, including temperature, vibration, energy consumption, and more. This data is analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify patterns and anomalies that can predict equipment failure.

Predictive maintenance in IoT sensing has numerous benefits, including

• Reduced Downtime: By predicting equipment failures before they occur, maintenance can be scheduled during planned downtime, and reduce the impact on operations.
• Lower Maintenance Costs: Predictive maintenance allows organizations to replace or repair equipment before it fails and reduce the need for emergency repairs and overall maintenance costs.
• Increased Efficiency: By monitoring equipment in real-time, organizations can identify inefficiencies and optimize operations to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency.
• Improved Safety: Predictive maintenance can identify potential safety issues before they become a hazard, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries

For example, consider a fleet of trucks used for transporting goods. Each truck is equipped with IoT sensors that collect data on factors such as speed, fuel consumption, and engine performance. This data is analysed using predictive maintenance algorithms to identify when maintenance is required. For example, if the algorithm detects a decrease in fuel efficiency, it may predict that the engine needs to be serviced. The maintenance team can then schedule a service appointment before the engine fails, minimizing the risk of costly breakdowns and repairs.

Condition Monitoring and prognostics Algorithms

It is used in a variety of industries to evaluate the efficiency and state of machinery and systems. Condition monitoring is the process of keeping an eye on the health of machinery or other equipment to spot any changes that could indicate a potential problem. Prognostics, on the other hand, is the process of determining an equipment’s or system’s future health using the data gathered during condition monitoring.

Algorithms for condition monitoring and prognostics are generally required to maintain the effectiveness and functionality of equipment and systems. By utilising these algorithms, organisations can reduce the risk of equipment malfunction or damage, reduce downtime, and boost productivity.

Conclusion

IoT sensing, to sum up, is a rapidly expanding field that uses sensors and other smart devices to gather and transmit information about the physical world to the internet or other computing systems. Organisations and individuals can make better decisions and achieve better results by using the data collected by these sensors to provide insights into a variety of processes and environments

The post The Ultimate Guide to Understanding IoT Sensing: Everything You Need to Know appeared first on Indium.

One of the biggest challenges facing the IoT industry is the need to recall faulty devices, which can cost companies billions of dollars in lost revenue and reputation. To avoid this, it’s crucial to conduct thorough and extensive IoT testing to ensure that devices are ready to operate in the market. But testing IoT devices is easier said than done. Due to the complex nature of IoT systems and their interactions with various devices, networks, and cloud services, testing IoT devices poses unique challenges.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 IoT testing challenges and their corresponding solutions, to help you release market-ready IoT devices. From interoperability issues to security concerns, we’ll delve into the complexities of IoT testing and provide practical solutions to overcome these challenges. With the right approach and a thorough understanding of the testing landscape, you can ensure that your IoT devices meet the highest standards of quality and reliability, setting the stage for success in the rapidly evolving world of IoT.

Top 5 IoT Testing Challenges

1. Diverse Communication Protocols

In the world of IoT, communication is key. With a wide variety of devices communicating with one another and with central servers, ensuring that the communication protocols used are reliable and secure is of utmost importance. However, testing these protocols can be a major challenge for IoT testers.

IoT devices rely on various communication protocols to interact with controllers and other devices, such as Constrained Application Protocol (CAP), Extensible Messaging and Presence Protocol (XMPP), and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT). These protocols play a crucial role in building a connection between servers and devices, enabling data exchange and enabling devices to perform their intended functions. However, testing these protocols is complex, as they must be tested under real-world conditions to ensure they function as intended. To overcome this challenge, IoT testers must employ a range of testing methods and tools to validate communication protocols, ensuring the reliability and security of the IoT devices they test.

2. Interoperability Issues

One of the biggest challenges in testing IoT devices is the wide variety of hardware and software configurations used by different manufacturers. In a smart home, for example, there may be countless combinations of hardware, software, operating systems, and firmware for IoT devices to be tested, leading to potential interoperability issues. Given the vast number of possible combinations, it’s difficult to test every scenario, making it challenging to ensure compatibility between devices. To overcome this challenge, IoT testers must employ a range of testing techniques, including the use of simulation tools and emulation environments, to validate the functionality and compatibility of IoT devices under various scenarios.

3. Device Diversity

Testing an IoT app is a complex challenge due to the wide variety of devices with varying shapes, screen sizes, and operating systems, each with unique hardware and software specifications. Ensuring that an IoT app runs seamlessly across all these devices and combinations is challenging because each device may have different requirements and capabilities.

Additionally, IoT devices often receive version updates, firmware updates, and software updates, making it difficult to test them effectively each time an update is made. This demands robust testing capabilities and a focus on continuously testing and validating IoT devices to ensure they function as intended.

4. Security Concerns

IoT devices are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their lack of robust built-in security features. This makes them a prime target for hackers looking to exploit sensitive data collected and processed by these devices. The dynamic nature of security threats and the fact that most IoT device users believe it’s the manufacturers’ responsibility to secure the devices makes the situation even worse. Additionally, the wireless nature of these devices puts them at a higher risk than those connected via a wired system, making it even more critical to secure them against cyber threats.

To overcome these challenges, IoT testers must continuously develop new tools and techniques to effectively test and validate IoT devices and ensure that they remain secure from potential cyber threats.

Also Read : IoT and Fire Hazards: How Quality Testing Niche Govt Apps can Save Lives

5. NetworkConnectivity Problems

The performance of an IoT device is significantly impacted by network connectivity, which must be seamless, rapid, and consistent to ensure that the device operates effectively. However, this poses a significant challenge for IoT testers, given that various devices are connected to different networks that have varying levels of security and reliability.

Network configurations can also be unstable, and channels may be hindered, making it hard to test IoT devices in all possible network conditions. As a result, IoT testers must devise innovative techniques and tools to assess the device’s performance under different network conditions and ensure that it works effectively, regardless of the connectivity issues.

Solutions to IoT Testing Challenges

What are the solutions to overcome these distinct challenges faced in IoT testing? Let’s explore the proposed solutions to each of the identified obstacles:

1. Test the Communication Protocols

Communication protocols are crucial to establishing a connection between servers and devices. Therefore, you can’t afford to ignore the diversity of communication protocols. You need to ensure that the technology or tools used by the IoT testing team support the key communication protocols used by various IoT devices. Also, IoT testers should use application programming interfaces (APIs) and protocols for automated tests. Note that the test design should depend on the protocols and APIs used.

2. Critically Test the IoT System’s Interoperability

The IoT automation team should perform a thorough investigation to determine the system’s interoperability. This will ensure various IoT devices can seamlessly work together. To do so, the testers can collect information from end users to assess the software versions and devices they are using. Doing so will help them identify the most common combinations. This allows them to select the most reasonable subset that can be effectively tested.

Evaluating the performance and behaviour of the IoT system under various hardware and software versions can be done by your team using simulation and emulation tools, as well.

3. Test the Device Compatibility of the IoT Device

You must comprehend the limitations and capabilities of IoT devices because they come in a variety of sizes and shapes in order to test them properly. As a result, you need a solid test approach to determine the device’s architecture and determine whether it depends on outside services. This is so that tests won’t always pass if a third-party service is changed. Continuous automated tests can aid in identifying changes to third-party services in this situation. Alternatively, use device simulation tools to test the performance of each IoT device under different scenarios.

4. Security Testing

Performing thorough security testing is crucial to ensuring the IoT system is protected. This will help prevent potential threats and cyberattacks. As an IoT tester, you should use strategies, such as vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, to identify and mitigate security risks in the system.

5. Test for Network Configuration Issues

To verify that IoT devices can interact with one another and the cloud without any issues, thoroughly evaluate the network settings. To ascertain how the IoT system will behave under various network configurations, use network simulation tools. By doing this, you’ll be prepared for any sudden changes in the network settings.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, IoT testing is a critical aspect of the development and deployment of IoT systems. It presents unique challenges that must be addressed to avoid severe consequences such as security breaches and product recalls. A comprehensive approach to testing that includes the use of appropriate tools, methodologies, and best practices is essential to ensure the reliability and security of IoT systems, as well as their ability to deliver the desired outcomes. As IoT systems continue to expand and evolve, the importance of thorough testing will only continue to grow. By embracing a comprehensive approach to IoT testing, organizations can confidently deliver high-quality IoT products that meet the needs of their customers and are safe for use in the market.

The post IoT Testing Challenges and Solutions: Overcoming the Unique Obstacles of IoT Testing appeared first on Indium.

The era of the Metaverse, when virtual worlds resemble our real world more than ever before, has replaced the times when having a computer was a luxury. Technology for virtual worlds has advanced recently, particularly Facebook. To increase its influence in emerging industries, it was rebranded as Meta Platforms, and it quickly gained a lot of popularity. With the active involvement of international business units, metaverse technology has developed into a full-fledged business domain. In the metaverse, tech experts have discovered their favourite hub for experimentation. They are looking into novel approaches to capitalise on the metaverse’s potential as a source of industrial innovation. But this growth cannot be achieved alone, and the Internet of Things assumes a fourfold greater significance.

The Internet of Things (IoT) as we define it is a resilient digital network of interconnected physical devices that we use every day. Use the connection between the physical world and the technical realm. In IoT, billions of technological devices are connected through wired or wireless channels to exchange information, interact, and access data resources.

IoT is a key pillar of the metaverse infrastructure that relies on the former to unlock its full potential. The combination of IoT and the Metaverse could open up new opportunities for growth and development in the technology space. This article provides insight into how the integration of IoT and the Metaverse brings the real world closer to the rapidly shifting virtual world.

About Metaverse Technology

The Metaverse, to put it simply, is a virtual world where you can get away from the stress of the real world. This refers to a network of digitally replicated real-world environments where users can interact, engage in work, play, and earn money. The use of blockchain technology, which offers much-needed decentralised capabilities, enhances the power of the Metaverse. The Metaverse blockchain cluster ensures top-notch security, transparency, and immutability while preventing interference from centralised authorities.

This technology uses virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence to blur the lines between the virtual and real worlds. Immerse yourself in the realm of the Metaverse with special gear like VR-AR assist headsets, smart glasses, and remote-control grips. Neil Stevenson created the idea of ​​virtual space in his popular novel Snow Crash.

Consider it a high-tech, advanced version of the current internet. Without being confined to a computer screen like in the present situation, you can browse the Internet. All you must do is let your fantasy horse loose by unbuckling it. The Metaverse immerses users in a virtual world where technology further enhances the realism and interactivity of the setting.

For example, playing a Metaverse game allows you to sit on your favourite couch and really feel the fun of a real battlefield.

As a result, the metaverse community will be able to interact more freely. The beauty of one of the Seven Wonders of the World can be admired while a user is playing games, watching movies, shopping, chatting or visiting the mall. Users can travel the globe from the convenience of their own homes with the aid of the Metaverse. With cutting-edge VR and AR capabilities, it provides a 3D representation of what you see for an improved experience. The Metaverse is made more interesting by the use of digital avatars. In the metaverse, these digital IDs stand for actual people. With the introduction of these virtual characters, video games have become incredibly popular. To ensure a secure Metaverse experience, users can use his wallet solution.

What is the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of connected computers, digital machines, objects, things, and people that was first introduced in 1999. A unique identifier (UID) code assigned to each participant enables data transmission over the network without the need for human or machine interaction. The ecosystem includes web-based intelligent devices that gather information, wire it, and react to it using integrated tools like sensors, processors, and communication resources.

The concept of a network of intelligent devices was first conceived when a Coca-Cola vending machine at Carnegie Mellon University was unveiled as his first ARPANET-enabled device in 1982. However, Kevin Ashton at his P&G used the phrase,,Internet of Things” for the first time in 1999, despite referring to it as an industrial sector.

Participating device shares sensor data by connecting to a gateway or another IoT device. Most of the work in the cluster is done without human intervention. However, humans can interact with the device to give instructions and access data from the device. IoT helps companies easily extend their functional capabilities around the world. The technology is also helping several industries revolutionize their work paradigm. Sending data from one source to another has become more secure, transparent, and trustworthy with the expansion of the IoT.

Metaverse + IoT: The Future We Are Heading To

Judging by the speculation of the experts and the rumours circulating in the market, the Metaverse and he can affirm that the IoT will forever reshape the tech space. Integrating the Metaverse and IoT opens new possibilities for industrial sectors, individual needs, and societal demands. The scope of this partnership will help Metaverse overcome its limitations and extend its usefulness into more diverse areas. IoT enables virtual spaces to seamlessly interact and access the real world. Metaverse technology, on the other hand, provides the 3D user interface needed for IoT device clusters. This gives users a user-centric IoT and Metaverse experience. This combination enables optimized data flow to support data-driven decision making with minimal training and effort.

The Importance of IoT in the Metaverse

The Internet of Things will play a key role in combating one of the darkest challenges hanging over the Metaverse realm. Namely, the metaverse’s ability to extract data from the physical world and inject it into the virtual world. To achieve desired results, it is critical that data mapped from real-world environments is accurate, planned, secure, relevant, and real-time. IoT has been doing business with thousands of cameras, sensors, and technology in clusters for many years, so it’s a good time to introduce the Metaverse.

Your most valuable possessions, if they were gems and precious stones, are now data. Our vulnerability to the outside world has been increased by the “new gold,” as we refer to it, particularly given our growing enthusiasm for social existence. Your most valuable resource is data because it provides colour. The success of the metaverse will therefore depend on its capacity to extract real data and incorporate it into virtual ecosystems. IoT-Device-Flows are also involved in most of the data ingestion. It’s critical to maintain user security and accessibility while presenting this data in the metaverse as meaningful patterns. Businesses are spending a lot of money on metaverse projects that use data intelligence solutions.

IoT’s primary objective is to establish the necessary links between the physical world and the digital realm. It is crucial to develop a more sophisticated IoT infrastructure that can easily handle the growing complexity of the digital environment to power the metaverse. People can easily transition between the two worlds thanks to IoT. The IoT ecosystem’s use of digital avatars will contribute to reimagining what the next-generation internet will look like.

How will IoT connect the real world and the Metaverse?

IoT and the Metaverse are similar twin technologies that have the potential to revolutionise how we communicate, connect, and make money. They picture making it possible for users to access the Internet actively rather than passively.

IoT and Cloud Technology

The hints given here clarify how IoT links the physical world to the metaverse. Cloud service providers encourage innovation that gives industries access to cutting-edge capabilities. The structural infrastructure that developers aim to build considers scalability, resilience, and seamless functionality. The best data services are available to developers and businesses on well-known cloud platforms like Amazon’s AWS and Microsoft’s Azure.

Data flow is hampered by a lack of robust cloud computing, which subsequently affect cluster workforce. This affects how much processing power is necessary to link data gathered from IoT systems to the Metaverse group in real time. The conception of cutting-edge solutions that solve actual problems is accomplished by improved interoperability between AR VR devices and IoT data supplied by cloud services.

Digital replicas and simulations to create real-world experiences

The digital avatars of the Metaverse are powered by a robust connected IoT architecture and data analytics developed on cloud technology. IoT provides improved simulations of these digital human counterparts. For instance, when a user plays an online game, the avatar’s breathing and heart rate might speed up, giving the experience a more realistic feel.

Engineers will be able to produce digital twins or replicas thanks to the Metaverse and the Internet of Things. Through virtual people and digital replicas, the Internet of Things (IoT) offers immersive use cases and experiences for the metaverse. They are essential to the Metaverse’s ability to offer users such lifelike virtual experiences. IoT serves as a catalyst for the metaverse industry by giving users easy-to-use virtual shopping, real estate, and gaming experiences, among other things. Through metaverse training programmes, students can develop cutting-edge projects for users that are powered by IoT and other technologies.

To replicate smart cities in the Metaverse and build a virtual ecosystem for testing vehicles with virtual avatars rather than actual humans, businesses are investing in R&D. Simulators and virtual models are used to accomplish this, and the Internet of Things is crucial in generating user-interesting experiences.

Conclusion

The intersection of IoT and the Metaverse allows technology professionals to uncover creative thinking that would be unobtrusive in traditional setups. Since the metaverse is in a growing stage, it is not possible to clearly define its possibilities and assign them specific tags. On the other hand, IoT has been around for years, so a collaboration between the two concepts would be very useful. While the Metaverse can seek deeper penetration through collaboration, the IoT can unlock new working capabilities from it. Despite all this, we should remain vigilant against cyber threats that could deepen the vulnerability of the Metaverse ecosystem. Users should take advantage of growth and explore Metaverse-IoT to explore new opportunities within the sector.

The post The Role of IoT in Metaverse appeared first on Indium.

Sensors and gateways fetch real-time data from multiple entities, including people, vehicles, machines, and drones. With the gateway failing to capture data, data is lost forever. So, robust gateway testing capabilities are paramount in south bound for the proper functioning of gateway.

The importance of gateway testing lies in ensuring that the data is not lost and the gateway devices do not go into a dead state. Also, it helps to ensure that all the possible exceptional cases accounting for the loss of the internet connectivity to the cloud and the data from sensor are considered.

We will go in-depth into the technicalities of gateway testing. Before that, let’s glimpse different types of sensors and the importance of gateways in the IoT.

What are different sensors used across industries?

Embedded devices (sensors) are different for different domains, as we see below:

• Healthcare: Health monitors from pressure, airflow, oxygen, pulse oximetry, temperature, and barcode sensing
• Agriculture: Soil temperature sensors, location sensors, optical sensors, electro-chemical sensors, mechanical sensors, dielectric soil moisture sensors and airflow sensors.
• Logistics: Temperature sensors, humidity sensors, infrared sensors, radar meters, road condition sensors, and visibility sensors.
• Energy: Smart grid, EB reader, current & voltage sensors, position sensors, wind speed sensors, absolute motion and direction sensors, non-contract harsh position sensors
• Mining: Intrusion detector, quality sensors, vibration sensors, temperature sensors, and magnetostrictive and inductive sensors.

Each embedded device is a data source, and there will be data either from a single source or from a large field. This data must be gathered and harnessed without any loss and sent to the cloud by Gateways devices. The information is then used in performing analysis. Hence, Gateways are the heart of the IoT system.

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Gateway devices and their importance

Gateway devices are the central hubs for IoT devices, where data is collected at the edge device locally before sending it to the cloud. Gateways interconnect devices within the IoT. These are important bridges that connect the IoT sensor network and cloud. Reasons why gateway devices are key:

• The data from the source needs to be collected, i.e., without any loss.
• Irrespective of any kind of protocol or means of transport like wired or wireless.
• Data comes from a single source or multiple sources.
• Data can come from a closer location or a distant one.
• Data from a sensor, or another control unit will be collected.

How to test gateway in the IoT?

Some gateways require a lot of synchronization, scheduling, and buffering mechanisms, mostly when huge data is collected. On the other hand, a few require nothing but a simple microcontroller unit with a GSM connection to send data. What is important is how the gateway firmware is managed to run all the time without losing any data. Gateways are different for different domains. Here we will go into the details of gateway testing by understanding different scenarios.

The sole purpose of gateway testing in IoT is to address as many worst cases as possible. Let’s take the example of cellular tower testing.

In the event of AC power loss, the diesel engine source will give power to the tower so that data is not lost. The gateway will monitor the sensor data from the AC power source, which will be collected continuously. Whenever there is no data from the source of AC, the possible scenarios are:

• The sensor is faulty
• The sensor collecting data, lost its connectivity to the gateway
• There is an intrusion.
• The sensor is removed.
• There is no current passing through the sensor.

Let’s look at in detail:

• Faulty sensor: In case of sensor fault, the alert for that fault is raised from the gateway to the cloud. The scenarios that needs to looked for are, it is not supposed to turn on the diesel engine source or should wait for the fault to be resolved as it is a critical alert and run-in diesel engine till then.
• Gateway loses connectivity to the sensor: The controller is supposed to give exact information. The possibilities are that while the gateway was performing other data processing of high priority, it might have lost its regular listening, and so the gateway is supposed to try again to receive the latest data from the sensor. In such cases, there should be a business architecture that states the number of times the gateway can attempt to connect to the sensor and then declare that the communication to sensor is lost, following which the diesel engine turning on or waiting.
• Intrusion: Intrusion occurs when it shows the diesel engine running, but in reality, it’s AC source. These activities take place at a lower field level to steal diesel. Testing becomes a high priority in such a case and is essential to prevent manual turning on of diesel engines. With a good testing procedure, the system sends a notification to the authorized person about possible manual intrusion and prevents unauthorized access.
• Sensor removal: The sensor should be removed/replaced only by an authorized person, and the sensor must have a similar configuration as validated by the business. So, those things should be allowed only for limited users, and the information must be recorded in reports.
• Other field cases: According to the climatic conditions, the sensor’s data collection might differ, which might require configuring accordingly. And there are certain temperature conditions where the sensor will enter a sleep state, maybe due to very cold or hot conditions. So, testing must consider these possibilities prior to designing or customer acceptance planning. The environment in which the sensor will be placed must be considered.

The above-described scenarios are mostly functional and related to data validation. So, the testing of the above involves functional validation and verification. There will be many test cases here in which a suitable automated tool to simulate all kinds of sensor data can be used to ensure smooth functionality.

Testing Gateway for IoT: Some facts to consider

Lately, the testing of IoT is test-driven on live data. There are specific tools used for simulating data as expected from the field and verifying the results and effects the data can cause to the existing system. There might be legacy systems where IoT sensor integration would have been done for value addition. For such cases, these tools shall help for testing and analyzing the results without disturbing the legacy system and live data. These are similar to a replica of the field environment which are also helpful for OEM.

In any case of data loss, the gateway must be intelligent enough to detect the exact reason and raise an alert accordingly. When thousands of data sources are there, the data handling capacity of the system can be ascertained by testing. Testing will be crucial in getting an idea about the maximum number of sensors the gateway can handle.

Apart from regular testing of sending message notifications from the SIM on the device, there are cases where the field person might install a SIM, which also allows for incoming data messages. The SIM will be receiving incoming messages, and the memory will be loaded on the SIM; and hence the actual functionality to send the data notification might not be possible. Such cases require boundary analysis and exploratory testing.

When a gateway has been running for years without any problems and stops working due to the Wi-Fi process, it reboots itself. For such single process cases, the gateway should not restart itself, but the process which stopped alone shall restart softly and ensure that there is a seamless connection. Testing in such cases shall add value to the performance of the gateway.

There are performance conditions which shall lead to gateway crash, like when there is a huge request of data from the cloud, and in case the process fails to manage and send the full information as requested, those things can be simulated by tools and verified. Generally, the gateway functionality is tested by shell scripts and automating with the same.

With respect to configuring the firmware, what is important for the verification team is to ensure that only a valid configuration set is allowed while configuring and proper detailed guidance or information is given to complete the same. Here regression testing helps to verify all sets of configurations. Testing helps verify that the same configuration set has been configured on the cloud. So, there is smooth data transmission from the gateway to the cloud. These configuration sets are those which will help for the segregation of scheduled and alarm data from data sources. The historical data will help to build an AI-based predictive maintenance process. These are the actual IoT testing services which are of business value.

The value gateway testing brings to business

The testing of a gateway is like an endless ocean. But the key is approaching the test by categorizing its requirement according to the domain. However, the main tests are performed to give reports on failure (gateway down). As many exceptions and alerts due to gateway failure are known, it is required for us to reach the device remotely to fix the error. If the gateway runs on the filed for longer period, exceptions will keep adding as seen in the firmware updates.

Finally, what are the uses of reports and insights graphics if the data is not valid? Does invalid or lower performance data make sense to business? Instead of adding value, would it lead to a loss? Testing helps address all these questions. So, gateway in IoT requires robust testing.

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The main challenge which is faced in the testing of IoT is due to its vastness, integrating multiple devices, machines and sensors, like pulse-oximeter, electrocardiogram, a person with a heart monitor implant, a farm animal with a biochip transponder, an automobile that has built-in sensors to alert the driver when tire pressure is low, etc. These sensors and machines communicate in multiple protocols with an edge computing/gateway device which acts as a pipeline to collect the data from different sources. They send the collected information to the cloud, ensuring there is no loss of data, and the data is read in multiple ways by the user through phone/web interfaces etc.

In this article, we are going to discuss some of the common challenges in IoT that testers often encounter. We will also throw light on how to address them by offering an IoT testing approach before guiding you on how to select the right tools for IoT testing.

What are different IoT testing Challenges?

1.Devices/ Sensors: The data generated from a device/sensor doesn’t have intelligence on its own. The true challenge is to test data from ‘n’ number of devices that are sent at once. It can be wired/wireless, with a protocol that might differ as per business requirements. Hence, the verification of the data validation needs to be done in all these scenarios needs to be done to ensure only valid data flows in from the source. In the event of invalid data, there needs to be clarification of errors related to the same.

2. Edge computing/Gateway devices: Though this is a black box, the gateway devices are the heart of the IoT system. This has a complex configuration of the system, the schedulers, data processing and the business application firmware. The Gateway device needs to be verified to ensure that the device never goes offline. Even in case it goes offline, the reasons for failure need to be clear, and the data should not be lost but stored and then sent to the cloud as and when the device is On. The Gateway load needs to be verified to ensure that huge data transmission is not going to kill the memory of the device, but there is always a smooth transmission of data.

3.Data processing/Cloud: There are several cloud data processors available in the market. The verification of the cloud starts by ensuring that the configuration between the gateway device and the cloud is the  same and secured. Voluminous data can have the same or multiple protocol communication methods. The verification of valid data points is key so that no data loss becomes crucial in this layer. Failure scenarios are well possible in case of data loss, and so the cloud also needs to be tested.

4. User Interface (UI): There are again many user interfaces that can vary from smart devices (watches, health monitors etc.), mobile applications, web interfaces, desktop interfaces, Kiosk, TV to anything where a human can read the information. With businesses trying to provide a seamless omni-channel experience, the burden on testers is huge as there are endless software and hardware devices. Testers need to ensure that the application works seamlessly on the required software. For those that are not supported, proper information needs to be given.

5. Security: Data security is pivotal. With numerous devices connected through various networks, testing and fixing vulnerabilities that can pose a security risk for business is crucial. Let’s discuss the security aspect by considering the following example.

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In a mall, a fire sensor was replaced as it was not working. The sensor which was replaced is of the same brand but a different version type.  In such a situation, testers need to ensure that:

• Ensure the device cannot be configured during replacement.
• While removing the previous device, there should be a proper uninstallation process, or the past data should be recorded.
• While configuring the new device, appropriate information stating that the device does not support should be provided in the respective UI.
• Ensure the brand device of the same version is replaced and there is proper data transmission.
• From a UI perspective, only installers who have access can do the replacement
• Alarm messages are sent only to the configured users.

IoT Testing approaches to follow for perfectly addressing the challenges

From the above challenges, you must have understood that test scenarios are huge for functionality testing. But testers don’t always have time to test all the scenarios in an exploratory model, which may lead to delivery delays. So, it is important for testers to intelligently plan the test approach according to the product/project and minimize the time of test, and finish testing on time.

The following table gives an idea of what testing types will be applicable for the IoT layers.

The best practice to plan testing is to have a checklist or an acceptance criterion clearly defined for the whole product. This helps to set a clear boundary for the testing team and to avoid testing other scenarios. 

The following are a few samples questionaries that must be considered here:

1. 1. IoT testing services involves myriad end-users, and they are important. So, we need to address questions surrounding end users, business users, and actors (includes support/maintenance/installers). These questions include:
   1. a. Who are the end-users (includes specification of age group and family type)? It is good to start testing with a clear persona detail in hand.
   1. b. Who are the Actors (includes trained installers and field operation men)?
   1. c. Who are the business users (includes financial team, CEO, and OEMs)?

2. For Software and Hardware, it is good to start testing once the requirements are clear.  Points that need to be considered here are:

• If it is a mobile application, ensure to get clarity on the mobile OS types, resolution, and supported software.b. For the hardware, ensure that the manufacturer’s detailed version is known.

c. As for the cloud, ensure that there will always be upgrades, and those upgrades are captured in the system. The lower version support also needs to be known.

• 3. For Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT), it is the field which matters, and the final product should work in the field. So, it is always mandatory to understand all the environmental facts with respect to climatic conditions and the specifications and behavior of end devices, too, with respect to the environment. It is advisable to have compliance certification as per the geographical location.

How to choose the appropriate tools for IoT Testing?

Several open as well as paid tools are available in the market. Choosing the right tool depends on the design strategy of the IoT product, Saas, Paas or IaaS.

It is also difficult to have a single tool for a complete product and to design an automation framework for a product as a whole. So, it is good to split up testing according to the layers and use separate testing methods and automation tools.

However, among all the integration, testing will play a major role. While there are CI/CD pipeline models, integration testing brings in lots of possibilities and metadata and meaningful testing to the product. The Northbound of IoT (Cloud-> communication network ->UI) can be chosen to be automated separately. Whereas testing gateway and devices require apt tools according to the product/domain and architecture. As the investment in the hardware is quite high, choosing virtual simulators and emulators can prove helpful in generating the data points.

Another important aspect of IoT testing is pilot testing. In this, the product runs directly on the field post the verification runs are executed in the sophisticated lab environment with virtual simulations. Once the product is installed in the field, testing with the real data is very important. Only when this is done the reliability of the product is assured. In order to understand and collect the data, pilot testing ranging from 1 month to 6 months is advisable.

Conclusion

Even for a single IoT product, several components have to be tested. Hence it is always good to initiate testing in the design phase itself. Though exploratory testing takes a longer time compared to other testing methods, it is important in IoT as there are several users, and the same data is read by various users.

Remember that testing with requirements is never sufficient for the IoT, but exploring data and the reports and insights from the data source actually brings a great useful product in the end.

The post IOT Testing Challenges and Approach appeared first on Indium.

IoT sensors can be installed in parking spaces. These IoT sensors will be parallelly linked to the cloud servers. This will make sure that data from across the parking lot is collected to create a real-time map to help look for available spaces. The map can in turn help navigate the driver to the free spot where there can be an electronic transaction to finish the due process. To understand how this would be functional, let’s understand how different types of sensors work:

How Parking Sensors Work

There are three main kinds of sensors that modern vehicles and parking spaces have installed:

Ultrasonic Sensor: These proximity sensors emit high-frequency sound waves to the surrounding to detect obstacles. Ultrasonic sensors use sound pulses at frequencies that are inaudible to the human ear. There is a receiver attached to the sensor that helps it calculate the distance of the obstacles and the vehicle’s distance from it. There is an alarm circuit that it is plugged into- which helps to sound off to the driver when they are too close to an obstacle.

Electromagnetic Sensor: As opposed to an ultrasonic sensor, these sensors can identify more types of objects as they can recognize a wider range of wavelengths that fall under the electromagnetic spectrum. More often than not, there is also a camera that is linked to the vehicle’s infotainment system that helps give visual cues to the driver.

Infrared Sensor: These sensors are electronic devices that are used to sense a certain characteristic of its surrounding. It does this by emitting and detecting infrared radiation around it. Infrared sensors are also capable of measuring the heat that is being emitted by an object as well detecting motion.

Now let’s look at how these sensors can be put to use in a smart parking space to aid parking efficiency:

Are IoT Devices really going to help with Smart Parking Spaces?

There are numerous offerings that smart parking spaces can provide. A smart parking guidance system would include sensors picking up real-time information and use LED indicators to connect to individual drivers’ device. These indicators can help to direct the driver’s attention to empty lots.

Seamless inflow and outflow of traffic along with optimum usage of available parking spaces are the main objectives when adopting smart parking solutions. The following are some of the benefits that smart parking technologies can provide with:

Augmented Operational Capabilities: Remote control of entry and exit barriers to allow for smoother flow whilst emergency vehicles such as ambulances need to pass through. There is a better management of parking capacity as the database on the cloud gets constantly updated by sensors with real-time information. Registration of time and exit of vehicles using automatic plate recognition can help keep track of drivers and plates entering the parking premises on any given day.

App-Based Parking Solutions: There are usually both a web app and a mobile app. The web app is targeted for employees who will operate the parking facility, giving them detailed statistics about the parking spaces and the cars- which spaces are the busiest/ which car make and model are present/ what time of the day is the busiest etc. The mobile app for users can help search for parking with criteria (opening hours, least expensive, near a location), use it for directions, making a parking reservation and even getting parking tickets.

Significant Cost Savings: Serverless architecture on the cloud allows for an on-the-go strategy of paying and scaling as per business requirements. When smart parking solutions are applied in private areas such as malls, hotels and theme parks, there is a scope for dynamic pricing strategies based on the occupancy of the parking spaces.

A new age of parking is being brought to us with numerous advancements in parking technology and evolutions in IoT connected devices

Smart Parking Technologies for Smart Cities

Smart parking solutions inadvertently play a significant role in the smart city ecosystem. Smart parking systems are more connected and provide a more fluid experience to the end user through technologies such as Machine Learning, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Augmented Reality (AR).

Augmented Reality (AR) maps can function as an overlay on top of sensor gathered information. This can be presented to the user on their mobile application with real images that can make indoor and outdoor navigation a lot easier for drivers.

Smart parking applications have a positive impact on all investors involved. Parking officials would benefit from adopting smart parking capabilities as they will be able to monitor for parking breaches in areas with high volumes of traffic. Managers and parking lot owners can use their space and revenue in their facilities a lot more efficiently.

Urbanization and the future of smart cities lies in Internet of Things (IoT) web development. Smart parking applications are the future of digital smart cities, where the consumer’s experience can be remarkably improved.

The post Key IoT technologies that Accentuate Smart Parking Solutions appeared first on Indium.

The fire safety industry has faced challenges such as having little to no resources or information for managing situations. Although there have been many developments in the kind of equipment that is used, the greatest hurdles arrive when the firefighters are on scene. The number of variables at a fire incident is not something that the human brain can comprehend and be objective about.

The Internet of Things is a technological development that has evolved over the years to support different spheres of life. One such department where it has been seen to be beneficial includes the firefighting department. IoT devices and sensors help to monitor buildings in smart cities in order to determine where the fire is, helps in faster aid dispatch, and quicker suppression of fire with the help of smart sprinklers and effective spatial information so the fighters are aware of their surroundings.

Advantages of IoT in Fire Safety

Instantaneous Reactions: data-sensors that work in real-time, cameras, and other devices are used to support firefighters’ decision making to handle the situation, minimise risks, and deploy faster evacuations, reducing fatalities and damage.

Reduced cost for system installation: network cables can carry the electrical power equivalent of two cables within a single data line using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology.

Less operational & servicing costs: Maintenance of safety equipment is of foremost importance. IoT sensors can indicate timely and efficient maintenance of assets reducing human error related to manual checks. Monitoring remotely over the internet alongside the capability to send diagnostic information over the same line helps the technician to acquire parts and complete the servicing in less time.

Applications of IoT in Fire Safety

There are many ways that IoT can aid in the ease of handling fire hazards and accidents. Wireless cellular networks can help communicate a vast range of data from IoT sensors to help in fire prevention and response, Analytics Insight notes.

“Once a fire breaks out, IoT data can support firefighters’ strategic decisions on what equipment and approach would be most effective to battle it. Heat-proof sensors can communicate when the fire starts off, its intensity, nature and spreading patterns, as well as whether there are any occupants in the fire zone,” according to a blog post from BehrTech, a company that manufactures wireless connective platforms.

Koorsen Fire and Security states that tools in the future of fire safety may be even more data driven coupled with science-based tactics. They predict that devices will provide for better situational awareness and comprehensive data collection and communication after analysis can happen in real-time.

Multiple sources predict that robotic scouts or automated machine monitoring systems may come into action in the coming years with the drastic improvement in drone and AI technologies. Along with reduced response times and mapping technologies that human brains cannot possibly compute, these robotic drones are envisioned to carry oxygen supply canisters for both victims and fire fighters in burning structures.

Increasingly so, IoT is integrated with existing systems of alarms, personal fire safety devices and fire suit technology to make the process of firefighting easier for fire departments on a budget. Tracking technology helps keep the firefighters safe by reporting exactly where each member is to the shift commander. Lightweight RFID-based trackers are also being deployed on fire suits to communicate accurate locations on a linked team network. This helps the shift commander respond to threats quicker and be able to give quick and precise tactics for the team’s performance and movement in the field.

The Future of Safety

Fire safety and many other domains of living require a service partner that can provide end-to-end IoT solutions to meet short-term schedules in a fast-paced manner. A partner such as Indium Software can help companies experience a seamless digital transformation.

Our experts have experience in the industry for more than two decades, and with IoT, open frameworks, quality testing, and application development with cross-domain capabilities, we certainly have the experience to deliver your unique solutions. If you would like to get in touch to improve your organisation’s operational efficiency with IoT, contact us now.

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