When we explain to our family and friends that we are dedicated to creating an IoT platform, we often receive an enthusiastic “how nice!”, but then comes the inevitable question: what is that exactly?

We want to prevent you from finding yourself in the same situation, so we have created this article to explain in detail what an IoT platform is, its applications, and its key features.

What is an IoT Platform?

The term IoT or Internet of Things refers to the interconnection of devices through the network, allowing them to share data and perform coordinated actions. An IoT platform, therefore, is the infrastructure that facilitates this connection and collaboration between devices. It acts as an essential facilitator by providing an environment where data is collected, processed, and analyzed efficiently, enabling informed decision-making and intelligent automation.

The IoT platform is the supporting software that connects all elements in an IoT system. It facilitates communication, data flow, device management, and application functionality. With the diversity of hardware and different connectivity options, the IoT platform is crucial to making everything work together.

The IoT platform helps to:

• Connect hardware;
• Manage different communication protocols;
• Provide security and authentication for devices and users;
• Collect, visualize, and analyze data; and,
• Integrate with other web services.

Key Components of an IoT Platform

In the comprehensive design of an IoT platform, various elements collaborate to enable connectivity, data processing, and the effective implementation of solutions. Let’s delve into the essential components that form the core of an IoT platform.

Connected Devices:

Connected devices constitute the fundamental pillar of any IoT solution. Their physical presence is essential for the IoT platform to fulfill its mission. Although they are not part of the software itself, their role is indispensable.

• Sensors: These devices play a crucial role in collecting data from the environment. Sensors capture vital information, including variables such as temperature, humidity, location, and more.
• Actuators: In close collaboration with sensors, actuators come into play by executing physical actions in response to the collected data. Their function allows effective interaction with the environment, closing the feedback loop necessary for the optimal functioning of the IoT platform.

Connectivity:

• Communication Protocols: These protocols define how devices communicate with each other. Integrating an MQTT broker into our platform streamlines the efficient transmission of data. Specifically, MQTT stands out as an example that ensures robust and effective communication.
• Communication Network Management: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, LPWAN, and other network technologies are essential for establishing reliable and scalable connections. IoT platforms provide flexibility to select the most suitable network for communication with the device. In our case, we have integrated various LoRaWAN Network Servers, such as The Things Network, Actility, Helium, and Loriot, to further facilitate communications, providing options tailored to various needs and scenarios.

Management Module:

• Device Management: An IoT platform should provide tools that allow registering, monitoring, and managing devices centrally. This centralized approach ensures efficient control and a comprehensive view of the device ecosystem.
• Security: Security is a priority in the IoT platform. It incorporates specific features designed to strengthen security measures, ensuring data integrity and preventing unauthorized access. This proactive approach translates into a reliable and protected environment, crucial for the success and trust in any IoT solution.

Data Processing and Storage Module:

Data processing and storage are essential components in an IoT platform; in fact, without data, the IoT solution would be meaningless.

In our platform, we recognize the importance of this processing phase. We also facilitate data storage in the cloud or on third-party servers according to the needs of each industry.

Additionally, our rule engine module goes beyond basic storage and processing, allowing the execution of specific actions in response to patterns and conditions identified during data processing. This capability not only adds efficiency to processes but also adds a layer of adaptability and proactive response.

User Interface and Applications:

• IoT Dashboards and other tools: In any IoT solution, the need for a visual interface to monitor and manage real-time data is imperative. Our fully customizable dashboards are essential tools that enable this monitoring. Additionally, we offer a views tool that allows the creation of SCADA-type interfaces, floor plans, or process visualizations, providing flexibility and adaptability to specific needs. (No, not all IoT platforms have it.)
• Specific Applications: Designed to address particular needs, these applications leverage platform data to generate customized solutions. Notable examples include specific reports, our tank monitoring feature, and the implementation of machine learning solutions based on the obtained data. These specific applications enhance the platform’s functionality, allowing precise responses to particular challenges in various industries.

By understanding the interrelation of these components, a clearer vision is achieved of how an IoT platform establishes the technological foundation to build innovative solutions and improve efficiency in various sectors.

Benefits of Using IoT Platforms

The adoption of IoT platforms brings a series of benefits that transcend conventional boundaries, positively impacting operational efficiency, decision-making, and user experience. We will explore some key benefits of implementing these innovative platforms below.

• Improved Operational Efficiency: The ability to integrate sensors and actuators allows the automation of tasks, reducing human intervention in repetitive tasks and improving efficiency in business and operational processes.
• Resource Optimization: IoT platforms facilitate real-time monitoring of assets, leading to the optimization of their use and the extension of their lifespan. Also, the ability to manage energy devices enables a decrease in consumption and the optimization of energy efficiency in buildings and facilities.
• Enhanced User Experience: IoT platforms enable the creation of personalized experiences based on user data, improving customer satisfaction. They also facilitate constant connection between devices, improving interaction and providing smoother services.
• Informed Decision-Making: By collecting and analyzing extensive amounts of data, IoT platforms provide valuable information for strategic and operational decision-making. The ability to foresee problems and prevent failures not only perfects planning but also reduces downtime. Additionally, obtaining real-time data not only contributes to reducing accidents or disasters but also mitigates their consequences.
• Cost Reduction: The ability to perform predictive maintenance not only reduces costs associated with reactive maintenance but also extends the lifespan of equipment. Optimizing energy consumption not only contributes to environmental benefit but also cuts long-term operating costs.
• Continuous Innovation: IoT platforms enable the rapid implementation and updating of new features, driving continuous innovation in products and services. They also facilitate the integration of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to further enhance platform capabilities. In summary, the implementation of IoT platforms not only enhances efficiency and reduces costs but also establishes the groundwork for greater innovation, improving the quality of life by creating smarter and connected environments.

Examples of IoT Platform Applications

In this area, we stand out for our proven expertise, supported by a variety of concrete examples. Here are some of the most prominent implementations of our IoT platform:

• Smart Street Lighting in Buenos Aires: We have successfully implemented an intelligent lighting solution in the city of Buenos Aires, where over 100 luminaires are monitored through our IoT platform. The benefits obtained include a significant reduction in the time needed to resolve issues, a decrease in maintenance costs, significant energy savings, and an overall decrease in system problems.
• Early Fire Detection in Industries: In less than a month, a leader in providing thermographic cameras has built, with our IoT platform, an effective early fire detection solution in industrial environments. Currently, this solution is experiencing great success in the market, giving companies the ability to protect their remote facilities against fires more effectively than ever.
• Industry 4.0: One of our clients, a prominent Argentine yeast-producing industry, has integrated PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) into our platform for real-time monitoring of their yeast fermentation tanks. This advanced approach to implementing Industry 4.0 demonstrates how our platform facilitates digital transformation and process optimization in the manufacturing industry.