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Implementing IoT

Home > What we do > Sensing, imaging, IoT > Internet of Things (IoT) > Implementing IoT

Ask yourself where an IoT solution will provide a benefit

The most successful solutions begin by focusing on the problem to be solved or opportunity to be realised, rather than on technology.

Look for areas in an organisation where an IoT solution will provide a benefit over the existing process. Perhaps manual monitoring could be automated? Or, if maintenance needs could be predicted, costly down time could be prevented.

More information in a specific area of a business could improve a process or service. With the right information, processes can often be improved, efficiencies implemented, and business decisions made easier.

There are three parts to developing an IoT system. The more bespoke a system is, the more complex and expensive the development.

Click on the diagram to enlarge

1
Hardware

Off the shelf hardware – dedicated solutions. Buy it, install it

Development boards, giving you flexibility to adapt interfaces and functionality to your needs

Custom design – tailored solutions requiring engineering development

2
Networks

Use existing networks – Wi-Fi, Cellular, LPWAN, Hardwired (ethernet)

Setup own network – manage network software and network hardware

3
Software

Database storage – Can be as simple as viewing data collected in a spreadsheet

Dashboard information – web app to display data

Custom dashboard development – customised web application or software interface

Finding IoT expertise

If you have an idea for a product or service that could bring value to your business and your customers, there are a number of organisations who could support your plans.

If you contact CENSIS in the first instance, we can signpost you to a suitable organisation for your needs, or we may be able to provide advice, technical support and the resources you need to create a full solution.

At CENSIS we see most IoT projects starting off as small-scale pilots to test the functionality with off-the-shelf components or modular electronics. This allows users to explore what information is useful to gather and if the system will be suitable for their requirements. A smaller pilot also allows all the stakeholders to test, play, and understand the potential impact of a larger scale rollout.

Your first prototype

It’s easier than ever to find ‘out of the box’, turnkey solutions that you can buy off the shelf to let you create a first prototype and test your IoT solution.

CENSIS has created a flexible IoT development kit that can help you get up and running with IoT quickly and without the need for deep technical knowledge. This has a range of popular sensors, communication and power options and is flexible to allow the user to measure and send data easily. It allows users to explore IoT concepts without having to code or configure networks themselves.

Joining the IoT community in Scotland

There are many organisations setting out on their IoT journey and finding value in sharing thoughts and challenges.

With our experience across a huge range of market sectors and our knowledge of enabling technologies, CENSIS has strong relationships with Scottish companies, public sector organisations, university research groups and hardware and software suppliers.

As part of our CENSIS community, you can join in with our regular IoT meetups to discuss ideas with like-minded people, take part in one of our hands-on technical workshops or come along to one of our Future Tech events to solve market sector problems in an open forum.

The highlight of our year is the annual CENSIS Technology Summit and Conference, where we hear from challenge providers, meet exhibitors who are showcasing new technologies, and network and connect with the sensors, imaging and IoT community.

Take a look at organisations we have worked with

If you would like to find out more about our work with businesses of all sizes, public sector bodies and universities, we have highlighted some of the challenges we have faced together with our clients.

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